EP1917409B1

EP1917409B1 - Collapsible container with portholes

Info

Publication number: EP1917409B1
Application number: EP06802275A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chung-Wai Cheng (Paul); George Dieffenbach
Original assignee: Polygroup Macau Ltd BVI
Current assignee: Polygroup Macau Ltd BVI
Priority date: 2005-08-26
Filing date: 2006-08-24
Publication date: 2012-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-24
Also published as: EP1917409A2; WO2007025074A2; WO2007025074A3; US20070044224A1; EP1917409A4

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to collapsible containers and, more specifically, to a ring swimming pool having portholes.

2. Description of Related Art

Portable swimming pools, or kiddie pools, are known. The most common type of pool of this type is formed from molded plastic, which permanently takes on the shape of a small, portable swimming pool. These pools exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and consumers are able to choose the specific portable pool that suits their particular needs.
One problem with the conventional portable pool is there is not a manner of viewing the inside of the pool from the outside, other than from above the pool. There are no windows or portholes in conventional portable pools.
Another problem associated with these types of portable pools is that they are cumbersome. Because the pools often have an awkward size and shape, they are difficult to transport, as they can be larger than many vehicles. Thus, to transport one of these items, a consumer must typically strap it to the roof of a vehicle, or if the pool is too large, the purchaser must make arrangements for oversized vehicle transport. Moreover, such pools are difficult and awkward to handle or carry even for short distances.
In addition to the problem with transporting these conventional portable pools, they are generally so large that they are difficult to store. In fact, among certain consumers, they have become disposable due to the difficulties of storage. Oftentimes consumers, for example, can purchase one of these portable pools at the beginning of the summer swimming season, and simply discard it during the colder months when it would otherwise need to be stored. This practice, however, is viewed by many as wasteful, and is preferably avoided.
Another problem with conventional molded plastic portable pools is that they are easily breakable. Because of this problem, the difficulty in storing such items is exacerbated as they cannot easily be bent or manipulated without the risk of breaking the item. Additionally, because of the manner in which children play in and around a portable pool, the fact that they are easily breakable is highly undesirable since it could potentially cause or contribute to injuries.
Accordingly, it would be desirable that such a pool have portholes or windows, by which one can see inside the pool via a side wall. Moreover, it would be desirable to develop a portable pool that exhibits the portability of an inflatable pool, but which does not require the same time and energy expenditure, or presents the same storage difficulties, as an inflatable pool, and which possesses the ability to be used immediately, such as a molded pool. It would be desirable that such a portable, storable pool be relatively robust, and not be easily broken, or otherwise damaged.
US 3,373,450 describes an above ground plastic pool which includes a window in a side wall.
US6 588 028 describes an above ground swimming pool comprising first and second spaced apart annular members and a plurality of vertical members extending between the annular members. The respective members are inflatable. A transparent side wall is located at the internal side of the respective members.
US 2004/0216373 describes a pond, such as for a water garden, comprising a base and a flexible side wall extending upwardly from the base. The side wall may be translucent or clear.
US 2004/0040082 describes a self-rising swimming pool having a side wall which is sufficiently translucent to allow those outside the swimming pool to monitor the underwater activities of the swimming pool's occupants.
US 5 416 932 describes an above-ground pool having a rigid outer wall and a water retaining liner. The rigid outer wall includes a through hole and the liner includes a transparent portion aligned with the hole in the rigid wall, such that the interior of the pool may be viewed through the hole.

SUMMARY

A collapsible container with portholes is described, which is both portable and robust, and which exhibits an ease of use. Specifically, the invention as described in claim 1 provides a collapsible swimming pool with portholes, which can also be used as a different container that exhibits the portability and ease of storage of an inflatable or portable pool without the need for a great expenditure of time and/or energy prior to use, such as the difficulties that might generally be associated with an inflatable pool. Additionally, the swimming pool having portholes is configured to be used immediately, without any need for appreciable set-up time or significant energy. Moreover, the swimming pool of the present invention is relatively robust while still accommodating portholes, and is not easily broken, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged, as is the case with known pools.
The pool will be described as incorporating a side wall, as a preferred embodiment comprises a circular-shaped pool having but a single side, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pool can include more than one side.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a floatation device (which can be inflatable) can be positioned at the top rim of the collapsible pool. The floatation device can provide padding for those entering and exiting the pool, and can also provide a manner by which the pool changes from a collapsed to an expanded configuration with the addition of water within the pool. For instance, the flotation device can rise as the water level rises due to its buoyant properties, extending the material connecting the top of the pool, thereby erecting the side walls of the pool.
The swimming pool further comprises a plurality of portholes in the side wall of the pool. A porthole is a through-space window-like opening. The porthole enables one to see the inside of the pool from outside the pool, and can include a variety of shapes. The material of the porthole is preferably transparent enabling inside the pool to outside the pool, and/or inside the pool to outside the pool viewing. The material of the side wall is preferably opaque.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, supports such as vertical rib supports, can be coupled proximate to the side wall of the pool. For example, the supports can be inserted within the material making up the side wall. These support members can comprise at least a portion of a flotation device or a support member, and can have at least a portion coupled to the top of the side wall and vertically along the side wall to provide buoyancy and/or rigidity to the side wall. These support members can comprise, for example, one or more inflatable bladders, collapsible foam, removable support members, or the like.
Further features of the invention, and the advantages offered thereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are indicated by like reference designators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container having portholes, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the container having portholes, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the container having portholes with braces, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a container having portholes with braces, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the invention, it is explained hereinafter with reference to its implementation in an illustrative embodiment. In particular, the invention is described in the context of being a collapsible swimming pool having portholes. Because of its collapsible nature, the invention can be easily stored, and is readily portable.
The invention, however, is not limited to its use as a portable, collapsible, and/or pop-up swimming pool with portholes. Rather, the invention can be used wherever a collapsible and/or pop-up container that provides for convenient storage and visible access to the interior (portholes) is needed or desired. Thus, the container described hereinafter as a portable swimming pool with portholes can also fmd utility as a container for a variety of liquids or other substances that require or could make use of such a collapsible container with see-through sections. Additionally, the material described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the container of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention, for example.
The invention provides several preferred embodiments of collapsible containers with portholes that can be used as swimming pool. These collapsible containers are generally formed by joining a base, along its perimeter, to an erected side wall at or near one edge of the side wall.
Along the edge of the side wall not joined to the base, either an upward force providing member or a shape retaining member, or a combination of the two can be positioned. The upward force providing member or shape retaining member generally has at least a portion coupled proximate to the end of the side wall not joined to the base. The upward force providing member can comprise a variety of different elements capable of aiding the transformation of the collapsible container from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration by erecting the side wall. For example, the upward force providing member might be a floating device that floats on liquid deposited in the container, causing the side wall to rise as more liquid is deposited in the container.
A support member and/or shape retaining member can be formed from one or more support members having at least a portion coupled proximate to the side wall of the pool. For example, vertical rib supports can be used as an upward force providing member, a shape-retaining member, or both. Such vertical ribs can be formed from individual inflatable portions, or can be a foam insert, or the like. According to some embodiments, such vertical ribs can be collapsible, being formed from collapsible inflatable portions, collapsible foam portions, or other suitable compositions.
The pool includes at least one porthole in the side wall. A plurality of portholes can be provided, each being a translucent portion of the side wall, and preferably transparent. The portholes provide a window-like mechanism permitting one to see into the pool through the side wall. Similarly, the portholes enable one within the pool to see outside the pool.
A container, or portable swimming pool, constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, can be seen in the perspective view illustrated in Fig. 1 . As shown in Fig. 1 , a swimming pool 100 has a base 110 and a side wall 120, which is made from a physical material and is formed in a particular shape.
The pool 100 can be a frame pool or a pop-up type of pool, both of which being collapsible in nature. The frame pool is typically pre-fabricated and includes a plurality of external vertical braces or frames for supporting the frame pool above the ground. The pop-up pool is adapted to rise with the amount of water inserted into pool, and can also be outfitted with external braces or frames for additional support. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, other types of pools can be used with the present invention.
The shape of the pool 100 can be circular, oval, and the like. Indeed, the pool 100 can be made in a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, oblong, oval-shaped, elliptical, rectangular with rounded corners, and the like. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the configuration of the pool 100 can be many shapes. Different shapes can result in the pool 100 having more than one side wall 120 forming the perimeter of the pool 100. Additionally, the pool 100 can be made in a variety of sizes, depending upon the desired use.
The pool 100 is formed with the base 110 and side wall 120. The base 110 and side wall 120 can be manufactured out of many different materials and can be formed of the same materials or each a different material. For example, the base 110 and side wall 120 of the swimming pool 100 can be formed from a textile (e.g., burlap, etc.) or synthetic material (e.g., plastics, polyurethane, PVC, nylon, etc). Many materials (especially water-permeable textiles, etc.) can be used to construct a pool; the materials, however, should be treated to retain water. For example, such materials could be adhered to, laminated with, coated with, or bonded to a material impermeable to water. In accordance with the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the base 110 can be formed from a nylon shell, which can be laminated or otherwise treated to hold water. For example, the nylon shell might be bonded to another material, such as a polyurethane, PVC, vinyl, or other suitable impermeable lining to provide the desirable waterproof qualities, and to provide a more pleasing tactile quality to the interior of the pool 100. Similarly, the wall 120 of the pool 100 can be constructed from these materials, or other materials having similar suitable qualities. Many of the materials that are used can be selected for their durability.
For example, the base 110 can be formed from materials that are more durable than the side wall 120, as this section of the pool 100 would likely be subjected to more wear than that experienced by the side wall 120. Also, as described, the base 110 and side wall 120 can be formed from a combination of materials, which can be adhered or bonded together. The materials used for the various portions of the pool 100, including, for example, the base 110 and the side wall 120, can be joined by way of a number of commonly 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 side wall 120 can be along the bottom 122 of the side wall 120. The base 110 includes a perimeter, wherein the side wall 120 can be connected about the perimeter of the base 110.
The side wall 120 can include an inner wall 126 and an outer wall 128. The inner wall 126 is sealable to the outer wall 128. The side wall 120 is preferably non-inflatable. Further, the side wall 120 is preferably non-spring activated.
In one embodiment, the inner wall 126 can be made of pliable plastic, while the outer wall 128 is made of hard plastic. Then inner wall 126 can limit leakage of liquid should the outer wall 128 crack. Likewise, the material of the inner wall 126 can be made of hard plastic, and the material of the outer wall 128 can be made of pliable material to protect from potential leakage should the hard plastic crack.
In another embodiment, the inner wall 126 can be made of hard plastic, while the outer wall 128 can also be made of hard plastic.
The pool 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 can further include a flotation device 130, which is formed in the shape of the pool 100, attached to the top 124 of the side wall 120. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the floatation device 130 can be an inflatable ring. This inflatable ring 130, when inflated, can provide some stiffness at the top 124 of the side wall 120, and can help maintain the overall shape of the pool 100. Moreover, the inflatable ring 130 can provide padding for those entering and exiting the pool 100, and can also provide a manner by which the pool 100 changes from a collapsed to an expanded configuration with the addition of water within the pool 100. Additionally, as the floatation device 130 can be buoyant, it can be made to rise with the level of water within the pool 100, such that as water is deposited in the pool 100 and the flotation device 130 rises with the level of that water, the side wall 120 is automatically erected as the pool 100 is filled.
The flotation device 130 can be made from a variety of materials. For example, the floatation device 130 can be a standard inflatable polyurethane casing, or similar casing that is suitable for retaining air or other gas in an inflated state. Additionally, the flotation device 130 can make use of a variety of chemical or other reactions that would automatically inflate it. The flotation device 130 can be inflated by conventional means, for example by a valve configured for oral inflation or for inflation by a device such as a pump, and the like.
The flotation device 130 can also be made from material that does not require inflation, but provides adequate 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 foams, polystyrene, or other materials can be used to create a flotation device 130, which would float with the water line contained in the pool 100, and cause the walls 120 to be erected as the pool 100 fills. In this manner, the pool 100 can automatically change from a collapsed to an expanded configuration. As the pool 100 is a collapsible pool, and adapted to be folded, the flotation device 130 can be made of a material that can be subjected to folding, without becoming damaged. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although some potential materials from which the flotation device 130 can be formed have been mentioned above, other materials including, but not limited to, newly developed materials can be incorporated within the design of the invention, and used to form the flotation device 130 without departing from the invention.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the flotation device 130 can be of a nature other than an inflatable ring. For example, this floatation device 130 can be made of a material that floats, and is bendable, such that it can be folded or bent.
The pool 100 can be conveniently collapsed for storage and/or transport by deflating the inflatable ring 130 and folding onto itself along with the base 110 and side wall 120 material in a manner that is well known.
Additionally, the pool 100 of Fig. 1 comprises a porthole 150, or a plurality thereof. The portholes are translucent sections of the side wall 120, either integrally formed in/with the side wall 120, or separate elements. The portholes 150 are adapted like a window permitting one to see into the pool 100. Similarly, the portholes 150 enable one within the pool to see outside the pool 100. The portholes 150 can further enable determining the level of liquid within the pool 100.
As also shown in Fig. 1 , the portholes 150 can be of a particular shape. The shape of the portholes 150 can be oval. Fig. 2 , having the same characteristics as Fig. 1 , except for the shape of the porthole 150, provides that the shape of the portholes 150 can be round or circular. As will, however, be-apparent to one skilled in the art, the configuration of the porthole 150 can be many shapes. In a preferred embodiment, the locations of the portholes 150 can be placed symmetrically about the side wall 120.
The portholes 150 can aid in safety, as the portholes 150 can enable viewing into the pool 100 through the side wall 120. If the portholes 150 are removably designed by suitable means, a porthole 150 can also be used as a drainage device, enabling quick emptying of the liquid of the pool 100. The portholes 150 can be integrally formed during manufacturing of the side wall 120, or removable, wherein they are attached via a waterproof/leak resistant means. The portholes 150 can also be included via a non-removable method, wherein the portholes 150 are secured within the side wall 120.
The portholes 150 can be secured in different ways within the side wall 120. In one embodiment, the portholes 150 can be flush with the side wall 120, such as enabling a drainage device. In another embodiment, the portholes 150 can be insertable between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128 of the side wall 120. Preferably, the portholes 150 are sealed between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128, wherein there is a hole between the inner wall 126 and the out wall 128, whereby the porthole 150 seals the hole. The porthole 150, thus, can be sandwiched between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128. The porthole 150 can be sealed by conventional compression or heat sealed methods.
The pool 100 can further include a pump device 140. The pump device 140 is adapted as a circulation system, and beneficially a cleaning system. The pump device 140 comprises a first tube 142 coupling a suction port of the pump 140 in fluid communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning device (neither shown) which draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the pool. The pool pump 140 can further comprise a second tube 144 to a coupling device which diverts a small portion of pool "return" water pumped from an outlet port of the pump 140. The pump 140, further can be adapted to provide a jet of air bubbles in the water, for a Jacuzzi or spa effect.
Fig. 3 illustrates the pool 100 having a brace or structural support 160. The support 160 can include vertical rib supports, and can be coupled proximate to the side wall 120 of the pool 100. For example, the support 160 can be inserted within the material making up the side wall 120. The support members can comprise at least a portion of the flotation device 110 or a support member, and can have at least a portion coupled to the top of the side wall 120 and vertically along the side wall 120 to provide buoyancy and/or rigidity to the side wall 120. The support members 160 can comprise, for example, one or more inflatable bladders, collapsible foam, removable support members, or the like. Fig. 3 , also, depicts oval shaped portholes 150. On the other hand, Fig. 4 depicts the same figure as Fig. 3 , but with different shaped portholes 150.
One skilled in the art would appreciate that the support members 160 can be used on a frame pool, as well as a pop-up pool for supporting the pool above the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the support members 160 are positioned outside the pool 100.
The pool 100 can include a ladder 170 to enable one to enter and/or exit the pool 100. The ladder 170 can be integral with the brace 160, or not. The ladder 170 can further be insertable into the pool 100, enabling one to exit the pool 100. Because a rim of the pool 100 is above the ground, the ladder 170 is preferably flush with the rim for easy entry/exit from the pool 100.
Because the pool 100 is collapsible, the liquid in the pool 100 should be drainable. Preferably, a drainage assembly 180 is integral with the pool 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the drainage assembly 180 is a cork or like device, that is removeable from the pool 100, such that, when removed the water from the pool 100 can be drained. The drainage assembly 180 can also be a valve enabling control of draining the pool 100. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the drainage assembly 180 can be many devices enabling easy draining of the pool 100, safely and environmentally.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the invention provides a number of different collapsible containers with portholes, which can be used as swimming pool. The various embodiments of the invention described above provide collapsible swimming pool with portholes that are foldable, enable easy storage, and increase portability when compared with prior approaches. Additionally, according to various embodiments of the invention, the collapsible swimming pool of the invention can be provided with a pop-up mechanism that automatically erects the pool to its full-sized, expanded configuration. Thus, unlike prior approaches, the swimming pool of the invention combine portability and storability with ready access for immediate use. Additionally, the swimming pool of the invention can be constructed from durable, lightweight, foldable materials which are not easily damaged, and therefore contribute to their long life.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, while the invention has been described in the context of swimming pool having portholes, generally used by children, the concepts described herein need not be limited to these illustrative embodiments. For example, swimming pools of larger sizes can be constructed using the same methods, and would enjoy the same benefits as the kiddie pool described above. Additionally, other types of containers having portholes, which can be used to contain liquids or other substances could be constructed using the principles of the invention and enjoy similar advantages as those described above.
Additionally, the specific configurations, choice of materials, and the size and shape of various elements, including portholes, could be varied according to particular design specifications or constraints requiring a container constructed according to the principles of the invention. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention.
The presently disclosed embodiments are, therefore, considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

A collapsible container (100) for containing a liquid, the collapsible container (100) comprising (i) a base (110) having a perimeter, (ii) a side wall (120) along the perimeter of the base (110), the side wall (120) having a top (124) and a bottom, a porthole (150) positioned within the side wall (120) enabling viewing therethrough and into an interior of the container (100) characterised in that the porthole (150) is removeably designed such that the porthole (150) is useable as a drainage device.
A collapsible container (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the side wall (120) includes an inner side (126) and a outer side (128) and wherein the porthole (150) is positioned between the inner side (126) and the outer side (128).
A collapsible container (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the porthole (150) is flush with the side wall (120).
A collapsible container (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising a shape retaining member (130) located at the top of the side wall (120) for maintaining the shape of the container (100).
A collapsible container (100) according to Claim 4, wherein the shape retaining member (130) is an inflatable ring.
A collapsible container (100) according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the shape retaining member (130) has buoyant properties and floats above the liquid contained in the container (100).
A collapsible container (100) according to Claim 6, wherein the shape retaining member (130) is adapted to rise with the level of liquid introduced to the container (100) in a collapsed state for erecting the side wall(120) of a collapsed container (100).
A collapsible container (100) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a pump device (140) for filtering a liquid within the container (100).
A collapsible container (100) according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least two braces (160) connected to the side wall (120) of the container (100) for supporting the container (100).
A collapsible container (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the base (110) and the side wall (120) are water-impermeable materials.
A collapsible container (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the container (100) is a swimming pool.