CN215331750U - Drain for above ground pool - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a drain for an above ground pool that includes a drain hole, a valve disposed within the drain hole, and a valve cap attached to the valve. The valve may include a flange on the inside of the sidewall. The valve may further include a stem abutting the flange. The first end of the rod may abut the flange. The valve may be transitioned from the first position to the second position by pushing on the second end of the stem to compress the spring against the neck, and thereby causing the stem to bear against the flange to push the flange away from the valve. By releasing the second end of the lever and deploying the spring away from the neck, the valve may be transitioned from the second position back to the first position, thereby returning the flange against the valve.

Description

Drain for above ground pool

Technical Field

Examples of the present disclosure relate generally to above ground pools and, more particularly, to drains for above ground pools.

Background

Briefly described, a pool is a water container for people to swim, wade, relax and entertain. In many of its forms, the pool may be an above ground pool extending upwardly from the ground or an underground pool extending downwardly into the ground. Above ground pools can sometimes be temporary, provide relaxation and enjoyment, and can be removed and stored after use. However, underground ponds are generally more permanent. There are many types of above ground pools. For example, some designs may be inflatable. Other designs may have metal frames and sidewalls or modular panels attached to each other. The above ground pool can have many different shapes and sizes. While above ground pools provide storage convenience and temporary flexibility, there is still a need to fill the pool with water prior to each use and then drain the water after each use prior to disassembly and storage of the pool.

Regardless of the design, shape or size of the above ground pool, all pools must undergo a draining process after use and before storage. This venting process is time consuming and may require user supervision. An improved method for pool draining and improving the user experience while maintaining the flexibility of an above ground pool is desirable.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method for above ground pool draining that maintains the modularity and storage convenience of the pool, while improving the ease of operation and time consumed in the draining process. Examples of the present disclosure address this need and other needs that will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

A collapsible container having an improved drain system is disclosed. In particular, in some examples, the present disclosure provides a collapsible swimming pool with improved draining equipment. The sink can include a drain including a drain hole, a valve disposed within the drain hole, and a valve cap attached to the valve. The drain opening may span a side wall of the basin. The valve may include a flange on an inner side of the sidewall and an outer surface on an outer side of the sidewall. A valve cover may be attached to the outer surface, and the flange may form a water-tight connection with the valve. The valve cover may have an inner surface facing the valve and an outer surface facing away from the valve.

The valve may further include a stem abutting the flange and spanning a width of the valve between the flange and the outer surface. The first end of the stem may abut the flange and the second end of the stem may contact the valve cover. The valve may further include a neck surrounding the stem. The neck may allow the rod to move freely past the neck.

In some examples, the valve may further include a spring disposed around the stem between the second end and the neck. The valve may have a first position in which the flange is closed and a second position in which the flange is open. The valve may be transitioned from the first position to the second position by pushing on the second end of the stem to compress the spring against the neck, and thereby causing the stem to abut the flange to push the flange away from the valve. The valve may be transitioned from the second position back to the first position by releasing the second end of the lever and deploying the spring away from the neck, thereby returning the flange against the valve.

In some examples, the stem may have a raised detent and the neck may have a guide slot corresponding to the raised detent. When the raised detent engages the guide slot, the neck may rotationally lock the stem in place. The raised detent may be engaged in the guide slot when the valve is in the first position. The raised detent may disengage from the guide slot when the valve is in the second position. The lever may be rotated at the second position such that the raised detent abuts the neck, thereby preventing the raised detent from engaging the guide slot.

In some examples, the first end of the rod may have a drive slot. The valve cover may have a protruding rib on an outer surface corresponding to the driving groove. The protrusion rib may be engaged with the driving groove to push and rotate the lever.

An above-ground pool for implementing the same is also disclosed.

These and other aspects of the disclosure are described in the following detailed description and drawings. Other aspects and features of examples of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific examples of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features of the disclosure may be discussed with respect to certain examples and figures, all examples of the disclosure may incorporate one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more examples may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various examples of the disclosure discussed herein. In a similar manner, while examples may be discussed below as device, system, or method examples, it should be understood that such examples may be implemented in different devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sink with a drain according to some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another sink with a drain and a bracket according to some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior of a sink having a frame and support members according to some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a closed drain for a sink according to some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an open drain for a sink according to some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a drain for a sink according to some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a valve for use in a drain for a sink according to some examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7B is another cross-sectional view of a valve for use in a drain for a sink according to some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a drain and valve cover for a sink according to some examples of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

As mentioned above, a problem with existing above ground pools is that all pools must undergo a draining process after use before being stored. This venting process is time consuming and may require user supervision. An improved method for pool draining and improving the user experience while maintaining the flexibility of an above ground pool is desirable.

A drain for a pool, such as an above ground pool or the like, is disclosed. The drain may be placed in a lower portion of the sidewall and may include a drain hole and a valve. The valve may have a closed position in which the valve forms a water tight seal over the drain hole, and an open position in which water may flow through the valve and through the drain hole. The valve may have a stem attached to the sealed end, passing through the discharge hole, and held in place by the neck. The opposite end of the rod is accessible from the outside of the pool. In this manner, the user can switch the valve from the closed position to the open position from outside the pool.

The valve may also have a spring wrapped around the stem. The spring may be compressed to move from a closed position to an open position, and the spring may expand to return the valve to the closed position. The stem may also have a raised detent and the neck may have a guide slot corresponding to the raised detent. The neck may rotatably lock the stem in place when the raised detent engages the guide slot in the closed position. The raised detent may be pushed out of the guide slot when the valve is in the open position. The lever may then be rotated at the open position such that the raised detent abuts the neck. In this way, the raised detent is prevented from sliding back into the guide slot, thereby preventing the valve from returning to the closed position. This may enable a user to open the valve, lock the valve in an open position, and drain the contents of the sink entirely from the exterior of the sink.

While certain examples of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other examples and applications are contemplated. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the disclosure be limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other examples of the disclosure can be practiced or carried out in different ways. Also, in describing the disclosed technology, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. As understood by those skilled in the art, each term is intended to encompass its broadest meaning and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

In this document, the use of terms such as "having," "has," "including," or "including," and the like, is open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning as terms such as "comprising" or "including," and the like, and does not exclude the presence of other structures, materials, or acts. Similarly, although the use of terms such as "may" or "may" is intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

"comprising" or "containing" or "including" means that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if other such compounds, materials, particles, method steps have the same function as indicated.

It should also be understood that reference to one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or method steps between those steps expressly identified.

The components described hereinafter as constituting the various elements of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that will perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Such other components not described herein may include, but are not limited to, similar components developed, for example, after developing the presently disclosed subject matter.

Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the disclosed technology, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The sink is generally formed by attaching a base to the upstanding side walls along the perimeter of the sink at or near one edge of the side walls. Along the edges of the side walls that are not connected to the base, an upward force providing member or a shape retaining member or a combination of both may be positioned. The upward force providing member or the shape retaining member generally has at least a portion coupled near an end of the sidewall that is not connected to the base (i.e., the top of the sidewall). The upward force providing member may comprise a variety of different elements that are capable of facilitating the transition of the collapsible container from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration by the upstanding sidewalls. For example, the upward force providing member may be a floating device that floats on liquid deposited in the container, causing the sidewall to rise as more liquid is deposited in the container. The upward force providing member may also be a ring attached to the sidewall and supported by the support member.

The support member and/or shape-retaining member can be formed from one or more support members having at least a portion coupled adjacent to a sidewall of the basin. For example, the vertical rib supports may serve as an upward force providing member, a shape retaining member, or both. Such vertical ribs may be formed from separate inflatable sections, or may be foam inserts, metal or polymer rods, or the like. According to some examples, such vertical ribs may be foldable, such vertical ribs being formed of foldable inflatable sections, foldable foam sections, or other suitable compositions.

According to an example of the present disclosure, fig. 1 shows a container or swimming pool including a side wall having a transparent portion. As shown in fig. 1, an above ground swimming pool (hereinafter referred to as "pool") 100 has a base 110, sidewalls 120, and a porthole 150.

Because the sink 100 is collapsible, the liquid in the sink 100 should be drainable. Preferably, the drain assembly 180 is integral with the sink 100. In some examples, drain assembly 180 is cork or similar device that can be removed from sink 100 such that water can be drained when cork or similar device is removed from sink 100. The drain assembly 180 can also be a valve that can control the draining of the sink 100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drain assembly 180 can be any number of devices that can easily drain the sink 100 safely and environmentally. The drain assembly 180 may also comprise a hard or soft plastic material and may be substantially disposed within a drain hole in the sidewall 120.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the sump 100 may include a drain assembly 180. The drain assembly 180 can be disposed on the sidewall 120 of the sink and can substantially surround a drain hole formed in the sidewall 120. In some examples, the drain assembly 180 can be disposed on the base 110 of the sink and/or the bottom 122 of the sidewall 120. In some examples, the drain assembly may be disposed on a region substantially between the sidewall 120 and the base 110.

Fig. 4 and 5 illustrate a drain 400 for the sink 100. In some examples, drain 400 and drain assembly 180 may be substantially interchangeable. As shown, the drain 400 may include a drain hole 410, a valve 420, and a valve cap 430. The valve cover 430 may be attached to an outer surface of the valve 420, such as the exterior of the sidewall 120, on the outside of the sink 100. The bonnet 430 may have an inner surface that seals to the valve 420 and an outer surface that faces away from the valve 420. In some examples, the inner surface of the valve cap 430 may have threads or other attachment mechanisms to removably attach the valve cap 430 to the valve 420. Other forms of attachment mechanisms may include, for example, press-fit, friction-fit, and other forms known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As further shown in FIG. 6, valve 420 can be disposed within drain hole 410, and valve 420 can have a flange 610 on the inside of sink 100. The flange 610 may form a water tight seal over the drain hole 410. In this manner, the valve 420 may have a first (e.g., closed) position when the flange 610 is sealed against the vent hole 410, and the valve 420 may have a second (e.g., open) position when the flange 610 is urged away from the vent hole 420. The valve 420 is shown and described in more detail in fig. 7A and 7B below.

As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the valve 420 may further include a stem 710 connected to and/or abutting the flange 610. The rod 710 can extend from the flange 610 inside the sink 100 and through the drain hole 410. The first end of the lever 710 may correspond to the flange 610, and the second end of the lever 710 may be on the outside of the discharge hole 410 corresponding to the valve cap. The rod 710 may be attached to the flange 610 (e.g., by lamination, RF welding, adhesives, etc.), or the rod 710 may removably contact the flange 610. The lever 710 may also actuate the flange 610. For example, pushing the lever 710 toward the interior of the sink 100 can push the flange 610 away from the drain hole 410 to break the water tight seal.

In some examples, the valve 420 may have a neck 720 disposed within the discharge bore 410 and surrounding the stem 710. In this manner, neck 720 may allow free vertical movement of rod 710, but not allow lateral movement of rod 710. In some examples, the valve 420 may also have a spring 730, the spring 730 being disposed around the stem 710 between the second (outer) end of the stem 710 and the neck 720. A spring 730 may be attached to the rod 710 at the second end such that the spring 730 remains in contact with the rod 710. The spring 730 may abut the neck 720 and/or be attached to the neck 720 to ensure that the spring 730 is held in place around the stem 710 between the neck 720 and the second end.

The spring 730 may expand back to a neutral state when compressed (e.g., no load or external force on the spring 730). Thus, the spring 730 may ensure that if the rod 710 compresses toward the neck 720 and pushes the flange 610 away from the drain hole 410, the rod 710 will expand by the spring 730 so that the flange 610 may return to form a water tight seal with the drain hole 410. In other words, the spring 730 may transition the valve 420 from the second position to the first position by actuating the lever 710 and thereby the flange 622. In this manner, a user of the sink 100 can push the second (outer) end of the lever 710 to compress the spring 730 against the neck 720, thereby moving the flange 610 away from the discharge aperture 410, all away from the outside of the sink 100. Then, when the lever 710 is released, the spring 730 may expand away from the neck 720, thereby returning the flange 610 into contact with the discharge aperture 410.

In some examples, the rod 710 may have a raised detent 715 on the outside of the rod 710. The raised detents 715 may correspond to guide slots 725 cut into the neck 720. Thus, when the raised detent 715 engages the guide slot 725, the neck 720 can rotatably lock the stem 710 in place. When the valve 420 is in the first position (e.g., the spring 730 is relaxed and the flange 610 seals the vent hole 410), the raised detent 715 may engage the guide slot 725. Upon transitioning the valve 420 to the second position (e.g., the spring 730 is compressed toward the neck 720 and the flange 610 is away from the discharge aperture 410), the raised detent 715 may be released from the guide slot 725 and the stem 710 may be free to rotate.

In some examples, the lever 710 may be rotated at the second position such that the raised detent 715 is retained by the neck 720 above the guide slot 725, as shown in fig. 7B. This also prevents the spring 730 from deploying by sealing the flange 610 from the vent hole 410 to transition the valve 420 back to the first position. In this manner, the user can push and twist the lever 710 to switch the valve 420 to the second position and hold the valve in the second position to drain the pool 100. When the lever 710 is rotated back to align the raised detent 715 with the guide slot 725, the free space of the guide slot 725 may allow the spring 730 to expand to return the flange 610 to the discharge aperture 410. Such a mechanism may allow a user to easily drain the sink 100 in a hands-free manner without having to enter the sink 100.

As shown in fig. 8, to facilitate rotation, the lever 710 can have (e.g., on the second end) a drive slot 810. The drive channel 810 is accessible from the outside of the sump 100, and the drive channel 810 may be covered by the valve cover 430 when not in use. As shown, the valve cover 430 may have a corresponding raised rib 820 on the outer surface of the valve cover 430. The raised rib 420 may engage the drive slot 810 to provide leverage to rotate the rod 710 (such as when using a flat head screwdriver, etc.). Accordingly, a user may remove the valve cap 430 and open the valve 420 by rotating the stem 710 with the valve cap 430.

In some examples, the outer surface of the valve 420 attached to the valve cap 430 may also have an attachment for a garden hose or other drain aid (such as a PVC pipe, etc.). After opening the valve 420, the user can attach a garden hose or other drain aid to the valve 420 to better direct the flow of water discharged from the sink 100. When the garden hose is attached to the valve 420 via the valve cap 430, the garden hose can be used to actuate the valve cap 430, which in turn can actuate the lever 710 to transition the valve 420 to the second position to allow the sink to drain. In other words, in one movement, the user can attach to the valve 420 with a garden hose, open the valve 420, and drain the sink through the garden hose. The use of garden hoses can ensure that the water discharged from the sink is kept away from the sink and the user has more control over the draining of the sink. This prevents damage to the lawn, house, structure and the pool itself.

Referring back to fig. 1-3, wherein the drain 400 may be used interchangeably with the drain assembly 180. The drain assembly 180 can be attached to a sidewall or base of the sink 100 using a weld. Weld 510 may attach the drain assembly to interior sidewall 126 or any other portion of sink 100 by any number of well-known suitable techniques, such as sewing, adhesives, bonding, lamination, RF welding, other suitable attachment techniques, and the like.

The drain assembly 180 may be made of any hard or soft plastic material including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene butadiene, polybutylene succinate, polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polylactic acid, polytetrafluoroethylene, or combinations thereof.

The sink 100 can be made in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, circular as shown in fig. 1 and 3, elliptical as shown in fig. 2, rectangular, square, rectangular, oval, elliptical, rectangular with rounded corners, and the like. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration of the sink 100 can be many shapes. Additionally, the sink 100 can be made in a variety of sizes. The different sizes and shapes of the sink 100 can result in the sink 100 having more than one side wall 120 forming the perimeter of the sink 100.

The sink 100 can be a framed sink as shown in fig. 3, or a pop-up sink as shown in fig. 1 and 2, both of which are collapsible in nature. The pop-up basin is adapted to rise with the amount of water poured into the basin. In some examples, as shown in fig. 2, the pop-up sink 100 may also be equipped with an external stand or frame 160 for additional support. The framed basins are typically prefabricated and include a plurality of external vertical braces or frames for supporting the framed basin above the ground. As shown in fig. 3, framed sink 100 may include an outer vertical support 310 and a top support 320. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other types of sinks may be used with the present invention.

As previously discussed, the sink 100 is formed from a base 110 and at least one sidewall 120. The base 110 and the sidewall 120 may be formed from a wide variety of materials. The base 110 and the sidewalls 120 may be formed of the same material or different materials, and in examples involving more than one sidewall 120, each sidewall 120 may be formed of the same material or different materials. For example, the base 110 and sidewalls 120 of the sink 100 can be formed of a natural textile (e.g., terry, jute, etc.) or a synthetic material (e.g., plastic, polyurethane, PVC, nylon, etc.). In some examples, the base 110 may be formed of a natural textile and the sidewall 120 may be formed of a synthetic material. Many materials (especially water permeable textiles, etc.) can be used to construct the pool; however, these materials should be treated to retain water. For example, such materials may be adhered, laminated, coated or bonded to a water impermeable material. According to the example shown in fig. 1, the base 110 may be formed from a nylon shell, which may be laminated or otherwise treated to contain water. For example, the nylon shell can be bonded to another material (such as polyurethane, PVC, vinyl, or other suitable impermeable liner, etc.) to provide the desired waterproof qualities and to provide a more pleasing tactile quality to the interior of the sink 100. Similarly, the walls 120 of the pool 100 can be constructed of these materials or other materials of similar suitable qualities. Many of the materials used may be selected for their durability.

For example, the base 110 can be formed of a more durable material than the side walls 120, as that section of the pool 100 can experience more wear than the side walls 120. Also, as described, the base 110 and the sidewall 120 can be formed from a combination of materials that can be adhered or bonded together. The materials used for the various parts of the sink 100, including, for example, the base 110 and the side walls 120, can be joined by a variety of well-known suitable techniques, such as sewing, adhesives, bonding, lamination, RF welding, other suitable joining techniques, and the like. The connection of the base 110 to the sidewall 120 may be along the bottom 122 of the sidewall 120. The base 110 includes a perimeter, wherein the sidewalls 120 can be connected around the perimeter of the base 110.

In some examples, the side wall 120 may include an inner wall 126 and an outer wall 128. The inner wall 126 may be sealed to the outer wall 128 by welding, adhesives, or the like. The sidewall 120 may be inflatable or non-inflatable. Further, the side wall 120 may be non-spring actuated. In some examples, the sidewall 120 may further include a discharge orifice. A discharge orifice may pass through the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128 to provide an outlet for fluid flow out of the container. In some examples, the base 110 may include a discharge orifice to provide an outlet for fluid to flow out of the container. In some examples, the discharge orifice may be cut from the area between the sidewall 120 and the base 110. In some examples, the bottom 122 of the sidewall 120 may include a drain orifice.

In some examples, a majority of the sidewall 120 may be transparent in nature. Such a portion would be larger than the porthole 150 and would comprise a portion or all of the sidewall 120 itself. In some examples, half of the sidewalls 120 may be substantially transparent. In some examples, the entire sidewall 120 may be transparent. These side walls 120 with a substantial portion that is transparent are more desirable to consumers because they enable a significantly larger viewing area to be achieved so that one can see into or out of the sink.

In some examples, the sidewall 120 having a transparent substantial portion may include a transparent window plate 500 attached between the transparent inner wall 126 and the transparent outer wall 128. In some examples, multiple transparent window plates 500 of sufficient size may be welded together to form a unified sidewall 120. In some examples, a single transparent window plate 500 of sufficient thickness may form a uniform sidewall 120. In some examples, a uniform sidewall 120 having a transparent substantial portion replaces the sidewall 120 having the porthole 150, with all other components of the sink 100 attached to the sidewall 120, as described elsewhere in this disclosure. In some examples, the sidewall 120 may include a plurality of sidewall segments (e.g., two or more sidewall segments). In some examples, a plurality of transparent window plates 500 of sufficient size may be welded together to form a sidewall section. In some examples, some sidewall sections may be transparent, while other sidewall sections may be solid. For example, the sidewall segments may alternate between transparent and solid or be arranged in any other pattern. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, such an example would provide greater transparency than having only a porthole, and provide another level of user customization to arrange the transparent sidewall sections as desired.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the pool 100 can include a porthole 150 or a plurality of portholes therein. These portholes 150 can be similar to windows that allow people to see into the sink 100 or out of the sink 100. These portholes 150 can further enable one to determine the level of liquid within the pool 100.

As also shown, for example, in fig. 1 and 2, the porthole 150 can have a particular shape. In some examples, the shape of the porthole 150 can be determined by the shape of the aperture cut into the walls 126, 128 of the basin 100. As shown in fig. 1, the porthole 150 may be elliptical or substantially elliptical in shape. As shown in fig. 2, in some examples, the shape of the porthole 150 may be circular or substantially circular. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the porthole 150 can be many shapes, such as square, rectangular, and the like. In some examples, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the portholes 150 may be evenly spaced around the sidewall 120.

The porthole 150 can include a generally transparent window plate attached to the sidewall 120 (or inner wall 126). The window plate may be attached to the sidewall 120 by welding the window plate to the sidewall 120 with one or more welds. In some examples, the welds may be made around the circumference of a hole cut into the sidewall 120 and may have substantially the same shape as the aperture. The weld may be a continuous weld, which may help prevent fluid in the pool 100 from leaking. The continuous weld may be concentric and further away from the center of the hole in the sidewall 120. In particular, there may be two welds, three welds, four welds, five welds, or more welds moving outward from the center of the aperture in the sidewall 120. The continuous weld may help to strengthen the porthole 150 to make it more durable than known portholes. That is, since there may be multiple welds, if one weld fails, the other welds can maintain the porthole 150 and thus the integrity of the pool 100.

Alternatively or additionally, the window plate may be attached to the sidewall 120 by using an adhesive substance.

The window plate may be substantially similar in shape to the aperture in the sidewall 120, but it may also have a different shape. If the window plate is a different shape than the aperture it covers, the window plate may still be attached by welding or adhesive, however the welds need not be concentric. For example, there may be a weld near the outer edge of the window plate and a second weld closer to and surrounding the aperture in the wall.

In some examples, the window panel is attached to the side wall 120 by securing the window panel between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128. In such an example, welding or adhesives may be used in a manner similar to that discussed above.

In some examples, the window panel may comprise a transparent flexible polymer, such as flexible PVC or the like. In some examples, the side wall 120 (or inner wall 126) may also be a flexible polymer, such as flexible PVC, or the like. The use of two similar materials may facilitate the attachment of the window panel to the side wall 120 and also increase the strength of the attachment. In particular, in some examples, such as those employing high frequency welding (or RF welding) to form the weld, it may be desirable to trial materials having similar melting points and chemistries to form a stronger weld and reduce the complexity of the welding process.

The porthole 150 can include a transparent window plate attached to the side wall 120 of the pool. In some examples, the window panel can be attached to an inner wall 126 or an outer wall 128 of the side wall 120 of the sink 100. Further, a window panel may be attached between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128. In other words, the window panel may be "sandwiched" to and between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128, and attached to both walls by conventional means (such as by welding, adhesives, etc.). Thus, in some examples, the shape of the porthole 150 may be determined by the shape of the aperture cut into the walls 126, 128.

The window panel may comprise a plastic material, such as PVC or the like. The window plate may further include a plasticizer material. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the addition of the plasticizer will reduce the brittleness of the neat PVC material and increase the overall material strength of the window panel. The addition of the plasticizer will increase the flexibility and durability of the window panel. Such examples may provide many advantages, such as materials that are flexible and easily foldable while maintaining structural integrity and resisting breakage, and the like. In other words, the window panel can be bent, bent and tensioned during storage and packaging, but will remain strong and structurally sound when the sink is filled and used.

In some examples, the porthole 150 can facilitate safety, as the porthole 150 can be capable of improving the view into the basin 100 through the sidewall 120. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, such examples would be improved provided that the window plates in these portholes are sufficiently strong to not require wire mesh or any reinforcing material. For example, the window plate in the porthole 150 may include a plastic material and a plasticizer to provide sufficient strength to eliminate the need for a mesh or reinforcing material. If the porthole 150 is removably designed by suitable means, the porthole 150 can also be used as a drain, enabling a quick evacuation of the basin 100. Thus, the porthole 150 may be integrally formed during the manufacturing of the sidewall 120, or may be removable, with the various sheets being removably attached via a waterproof and leak-proof method. However, the porthole 150 may also be attached via a non-removable method.

The pool 100 shown in FIG. 1 can also include a floatation device 130 formed in the shape of the pool 100 and attached to the top 124 of the side walls 120. According to the example shown in fig. 1, the floatation device 130 may be an inflatable ring. When inflated, the inflatable ring 130 may provide some rigidity at the top 124 of the sidewall 120 and may help maintain the overall shape of the pool 100. In addition, the inflatable ring 130 can provide a cushion for those entering and exiting the pool 100, and can also provide a way for the pool 100 to change from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration as added to the pool 100. Additionally, because the floatation device 130 may be buoyant, it may be made to rise with the water level within the pool 100, such that when water is deposited in the pool 100 and the floatation device 130 rises with the water level, the side walls 120 automatically stand upright when the pool 100 is filled.

The floatation device 130 may be made from a variety of materials. For example, the floatation device 130 may be a standard inflatable polyurethane shell, or similar shell suitable for holding air or other gas in an inflated state. In addition, the floatation device 130 may utilize various chemical or other reactions that will automatically inflate it. The floatation device 130 may be inflated in a conventional manner, such as by a valve configured for inflating a port or by a device such as a pump.

The floatation device 130 may also be made of a material that does not require aeration but provides sufficient buoyancy and floats on the water contained within the pool 100 (or other liquid when the pool is used as a general container). For example, special foam, polystyrene, or other materials may be used to create a floatation device 130 that will float with the water line contained in the pool 100 and cause the walls 120 to stand upright when the pool 100 is filled. In this manner, the sink 100 can be automatically changed from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. Since the pool 100 is a collapsible pool and is adapted to be collapsed, the floatation device 130 can be made of a material that can withstand collapsing without being damaged. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while some potential materials from which the floatation device 130 may be formed have been mentioned above, other materials (including but not limited to newly developed materials) may be incorporated within the design of the present invention and used to form the floatation device 130 without departing from the present invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the floatation device 130 may have properties other than an inflatable ring. For example, the floatation device 130 may be made of a buoyant material and be bendable such that it may be folded or bent.

The pool 100 can be conveniently folded for storage and/or transport by deflating the inflatable ring 130 and folding onto itself in a well known manner along with the base 110 and side wall 120 materials.

The sink 100 can further include a pump apparatus 140. The pump device 140 is adapted as a circulation system and advantageously as a cleaning system. The pump apparatus 140 includes a first tube 142 that couples the suction port of the pump 140 in fluid communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning apparatus (neither shown) that draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the pool. The sump pump 140 may further include a second pipe 144 to a coupling device that diverts a small portion of the sump "return" water pumped out of the outlet end of the pump 140. Furthermore, the pump 140 may be adapted to provide a jet of bubbles in water for a whirlpool (Jacuzzi) or spa effect.

FIG. 2 shows the sink 100 with a bracket or structural support 160. The supports 160 can include vertical rib supports and can be coupled near the side walls 120 of the sink 100. For example, the support 160 may be inserted into the material comprising the sidewall 120. The support members may include at least a portion of the floatation device 110 or support members, and may have at least a portion coupled to the top of the sidewall 120 and connected vertically along the sidewall 120 to provide buoyancy and/or stiffness to the sidewall 120. Support member 160 may include, for example, one or more inflatable bladders, foldable foam, removable support members, or the like. FIG. 2 also depicts an elliptical porthole 150.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the support member 160 can be used with framed sinks as well as pop-up sinks for supporting the sink above the ground. In some examples, the support members 160 are positioned outside of the pool 100.

The pool 100 can include a ladder 170 to enable people to enter and/or exit the pool 100. The ladder 170 may be integral with the support 160 or may not be integral with the support 160. The ladder 170 can be further inserted into the pool 100 so that people can leave the pool 100. Because the edge of the pool 100 is above the ground, the ladder 170 is preferably flush with the edge for easy entry/exit into/from the pool 100.

Methods of manufacturing and assembling the sink 100 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, for example, the sink 100 can be manufactured as known in the art, with additional method steps added to provide the drain assembly 180. For example, an aperture may be cut in the sidewall 120. The drain assembly 180 may be attached to the sidewall 120 by welding, adhesives, or other known methods, as described above. In some examples of a pool 100 having an inner wall 126 and an outer wall 128, the drain assembly 180 may be attached only to the inner wall 126, only between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128, or only to the outer wall 128. In some examples, the aperture may be cut in the base 110, the bottom 122 of the sidewall 120, or in the area between the base 110 and the sidewall 120.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a number of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it should be understood that other similar aspects may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described aspects for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. For example, in various aspects of the present disclosure, methods and compositions are described in accordance with aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, other methods or compositions equivalent to these described aspects are also contemplated by the aspects taught herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A drain for an above ground pool, said drain comprising:

a drain hole spanning a side wall of the above ground pool;

a valve disposed within the discharge orifice, the valve having a flange on an interior side of the sidewall and an exterior surface on an exterior side of the sidewall, the flange forming a water-tight connection with the valve; and

a valve cover attached to the valve on the outer surface and having an inner surface facing the valve and an outer surface facing away from the valve,

wherein the valve has a first position in which the flange is closed and a second position in which the flange is open.

2. The drain of claim 1, wherein the valve further comprises:

a stem abutting the flange and spanning a width of the valve between the flange and the outer surface, the stem having: abutting a first end of the flange and a second end in contact with the valve cover.

3. The drain of claim 2, wherein the valve further comprises a neck surrounding the stem such that the stem can move freely past the neck.

4. The drain of claim 3, wherein the valve further comprises a spring disposed about the stem between the second end and the neck.

5. The drain of claim 4, wherein the valve transitions from the first position to the second position by pushing on the second end of the stem to compress the spring against the neck, and thereby causing the stem to abut the flange to push the flange away from the valve.

6. The drain of claim 4, wherein the valve transitions from the second position back to the first position by releasing the second end of the stem and deploying the spring away from the neck, thereby returning the flange against the valve.

7. The drain of claim 3, wherein the stem has a raised detent and the neck has a guide slot corresponding to the raised detent, wherein the neck is capable of rotatably locking the stem in place when the raised detent is engaged with the guide slot.

8. The drain of claim 7, wherein the raised detent is engageable in the guide slot when the valve is in the first position and is disengageable from the guide slot when the valve is in the second position.

9. The drain of claim 8, wherein the lever is rotatable at the second position such that the raised detent abuts the neck, thereby preventing the raised detent from engaging the guide slot.

10. The drain of claim 2, wherein the second end of the stem has a drive slot and the valve cap has a raised rib on the outer surface corresponding to the drive slot, wherein the raised rib is engageable with the drive slot to push and rotate the stem.

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