EP2182141A1

EP2182141A1 - Fixture support system for an above ground pool

Info

Publication number: EP2182141A1
Application number: EP09171825A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wing Kin Hui
Original assignee: Invent2build Ltd
Current assignee: Smartpool LLC
Priority date: 2008-10-08
Filing date: 2009-09-30
Publication date: 2010-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-30
Also published as: CN101787807A; ES2500241T3; EP2182141B1; US20100083437A1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a fixture support (20). The structure, in accordance with the present invention, is a support for mounting various fixtures on an above ground pool. The support is adapted to be secured to the rails or posts of such a pool without causing damage to the pool liner or the pool frame. The fixture support includes a support member (22), which in an exemplary embodiment is parallel to the pool posts. The support member includes a clamp (50) for connecting the fixture with either one of the rails or the posts of the pool frame. The clamp is fixed to one end of the support member. On the other end of the support member is a receptacle (28) adapted for connection to various fixture modules. The fixture support in accordance with the instant invention allows each of the modules (40) to be mounted on the water side of the pool and provide electrical connection thereto.

Description

Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to the field of pool products. More particularly, this invention relates to products designed to work cooperatively with an above ground pool and provide rigid connection of add-on modules with the pool.

Background of the Invention

As shown in Figs. 1, an above ground pool includes a frame having a series of posts 100 and rails 102 at right angles to one another. Typically the pool is in a round-like or rectangular-like shape. The frame, namely, the rails and posts are typically made from metal. However, the construction while strong enough is far from being rigid.
A liner 104 for holding the water of the pool is then affixed to the pool frame. As will be appreciated, the liner104 forms the side walls and bottom of the pool. Unlike a ground pool, the above ground pool has flexible side walls. As a result, it is not really possible to attach pool equipment to the side walls without permanently damaging the pool and running the risk of leaks.
In some installations of an above ground pool, water return hose is connected to the pool by punching a hole in the pool liner 104. This of course, leads to potential leakage and permanent damage to the pool. Installing a fixture such as a light further leads to potential damage and leakage since there is presently no way to attach the fixture to the flexible liner without damaging it.
What is needed is a support that allows various fixtures, such as light fixtures to be attached to the above ground pool without causing damage to the pool or promoting the potential for leaks.

Summary of the Invention

The structure, in accordance with the present invention, is a support for mounting various fixtures on an above ground pool. The support is adapted to be secured to the rails or posts of such a pool without causing damage to the pool liner or the pool frame. The fixture support includes a support member, which in an exemplary embodiment is parallel to the pool posts. The support member includes a clamp for connecting the fixture with either one of the rails or the posts of the pool frame. The clamp is fixed to one end of the support member. On the other end of the support member is a receptacle adapted for connection to various fixture modules. The fixture support in accordance with the instant invention allows each of the modules to be mounted on the water side of the pool and provide electrical connection thereto.
Thus, It is an object of this invention is to provide a fixture support which securely attaches to the above ground pool, particularly the frame, while leaving the pool and its liner and frame undamaged.
It is an additional object of this invention to provide such a support that allows various fixture modules to be attached to the above ground pool, including module requiring electrical power.
In accordance with the objects set forth above and as will be described and as will become herein, the fixture support in accordance with this invention, comprises:

a fixture support for an above ground pool, the pool including a frame supporting the pool above ground, the frame comprising a series of posts and rails, all of which are generally perpendicular to one another and a liner supported by the
frame for holding swimming water, the fixture comprising:
- a support member, including attachment means for mounting the support on the pool frame;
- fixture receptacle means connected to the support; and
- a fixture module adapted for connection with the fixture receptacle.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixture support includes a fixture module which is from a family of pool products defining an electrical device and wherein the support includes electrical conduit means for accommodating an electrical power cord and wherein an electrical power cord is run through the support into the receptacle for powering the fixture module..
In another exemplary embodiment of the fixture support includes a U-shaped clamp on one for fitting over the top of the post, where the frame makes a T-intersection. The U-shaped clamp is secured to the top of the post by a plurality of bolts which are inserted into the opposed leaves of the U-shaped clamp. In an exemplary embodiment, the clamp is deformable to conform to the shape of the pool frame.
In another exemplary embodiment, the clamp includes curved ribs, which together with the frame define an electrical conduit so that an electrical power cord can be threaded through the defined conduit.
In another exemplary embodiment, the fixture support is mounted on the rail of the pool frame. In this embodiment, the support member includes a C-shaped clamp for side mounting. The clamp of this embodiment, in various exemplary embodiments follows the same functionality of the U-shaped clamp.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the attachment means of the support member is at the top of the support when the fixture support is connected to the pool. In that embodiment, the receptacle is at the other end of the support member of the bottom when the fixture support is connected to the pool.
In a specific exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention, the fixture module comprises a light fixture. In the specific embodiment, the module includes at least one electrical outlet. Thus, for example, a pool cleaning vehicle could be plugged into the outlet without having to run over the ground electrical cords.
It is an advantage of the fixture support in accordance with this invention which allows, electrical connection of various pool apparatus without damage to the pool, and specifically the pool liner.
It is an additional advantage of the instant invention to provide such a support fixture, which provides underwater electrical outlets, so that above ground electrical cords on the pool decking or similar surfaces are unnecessary.
An object of the invention is a fixture support for an above ground pool, the pool including a frame supporting the pool above ground, the frame comprising a series of posts and rails, all of which are generally perpendicular to one another and a liner supported by the frame for holding swimming water, the fixture comprising:

a support member, including attachment means for mounting the support on the pool frame;
fixture receptacle means connected to the support; and
a fixture module adapted for connection with the fixture receptacle.

Preferably, the fixture module is an electrical device and the support includes electrical conduit means for accommodating an electrical power cord.
Preferably, the attachment means includes a top clamp defining a U-shaped clamp.
Preferably, the U-Shaped clamp is deformable for shaping to the rail or post of the pool.
Preferably, the deformable U-Shaped clamp is attachable to the top of the pool post with the clamp over the post and bolts through both parts of the U-shaped clamp.
Preferably, the attachment means includes a side clamp defining a C-Shaped clamp.
Preferably, the C-Shaped clamp is deformable for shaping to the rail of the pool.
Preferably, the deformable C-Shaped clamp is attachable to the side rail of the pool with the clamp over the rail and bolts through both parts of the C-shaped clamp.
Preferably, the fixture receptacle includes an electrical outlet and wherein the support includes an electrical conduit for an electrical power cord and the power cord is connectable to the electrical outlet.
Preferably, the fixture receptacle includes more than one outlet.
Preferably, the fixture receptacle is adapted for connection to at least one add-on module.
Preferably, the fixture receptacle is adapted for connection to more than one add-on module.

Brief Description of the Drawing

For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a typical above ground pool, illustrating the generally round embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of the fixture support being mounted to the T - section of the pool frame.
Fig. 3 is a partially exploded view of the fixture support being mounted to the T - section of the pool frame illustrating the addition of a power cord to the fixture support.
Fig. 4 is a perspective plan view of one exemplary embodiment of the fixture support in accordance with this invention.
Fig. 5 is a perspective plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the fixture support in accordance with this invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

An exemplary embodiment of the fixture support in accordance with the present invention, generally denoted by the numeral 20 will now be described with reference to Figs. 2 - 5.
With particular reference to Figs. 2 - 4, there is illustrated the first exemplary embodiment of the fixture support 20 having the U-shaped bracket 50. The fixture support 20 includes a support member 22. The support member 22 is an elongated member having first end 24 with the U-shaped bracket 50.
The support member 22 has a second end 26. At the second end 26 of the support member 22 is a fixture receptacle 28. The fixture receptacle 28 is adapted to provide a connection location for the fixture itself as will be more fully appreciated hereinafter.
In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the fixture illustrated comprises an electrical fixture or a fixture that requires electrical energy to be powered. In particular, electrical fixture illustrated is a light fixture 40.
An electrical power cord 42 powers the electrical fixture or light fixture 40. In order to run the cord 42 from an outside power supply to the fixture 40, the fixture support 20 is specifically adapted to provide an electrical conduit throughout the fixture support 20.
The first portion of the conduit comprises a ribbed channel 52 in the U-shaped member 50. The support member 22 further defines another portion of the conduit by providing interior opening 54 through the body of the support member 22 as is best illustrated in Fig. 3.
The cord 42 runs down to the receptacle 28. Once the power cord is loaded into the receptacle, it can be split and sectioned as needed to provide electrical power to the various fixtures or outlets 44. As will be appreciated, one or more electrical outlets 44 or fixtures 40 can be connected to the receptacle 28.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 2 - 4, the U-shaped bracket 50 comprises the means for attaching the fixture support to the pool. The U-shaped bracket 50 defines a clamp member and has a set of openings 54. Additionally, there are provided a set of bolts 56 for threading through the openings 54.
The U-shaped bracket 50 is deformable. As shown most clearly in Fig. 4, the U-shaped bracket 50 deforms to conform to the shape of the frame of the pool. In the embodiment shown, the U-shaped bracket 50 is connected at a T-intersection of the pool frame.
The support member 22 is adapted for securing the attachment member or U-shaped bracket 50 to the fixture support by providing an adapter member 30 having openings 32 When the bolts 56 are threaded through the U-shaped bracket 50 and the adapter member 32, the U-shaped bracket 50 deforms, conforming to the shape of the pool frame, notably, the T-intersection of the pool frame.
In another exemplary embodiment as shown in Fig. 5, the fixture support is attached to the pool frame through a side support instead of the top support of Figs. 2 - 4. In this embodiment, the attachment member comprises a C-clamp 60. The side C-clamp 60 has a pair of ears 62. The ears 62 have openings 64. The connecting bolts 56 are threaded through the openings 64 and into the adapter member 30 and openings 32. It will be appreciated that whether the C or U-shaped bracket 50 is used, the adapter 30 remains the same. This provides the fixture support with additional utility and flexibility. It also provides the consumer with an option for mounting. Additionally, the consumer has added flexibility because whatever over ground pool used can be readily adapted to either the C or U-shaped brackets.
As with the U-shaped bracket 50, the C-shaped bracket 60 is deformable to conform to the frame of the pool. As the bolts are tightened into the adapter, the clamp deforms, conforming to the pool frame shape.
In the exemplary embodiments shown, various modules are attached to the receptacle 28. For example, in addition to the light fixture previously described, other modules are easily attachable to the support member 22. For example, a skimmer or chlorinator is attachable to the receptacle 28.
Upon attachment to the pool frame, it will be appreciated that no holes or punctures in the liner are necessary. The fixture support 20 connects readily to the pool frame itself and neither the liner nor the frame are damaged in any way. And, it will be appreciated that more than one module can be connected to the receptacle 28. For example, the light fixture and a skimmer may well be attached to the fixture support 10 at the same time.
While the foregoing detailed description has described several embodiments of the fixture support in accordance with this invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. Particularly, there are variety of different modules that may be used in connection with the receptacle and even multiple of modules may work simultaneously with a single fixture support. It also will be appreciated that there are various modifications to the fixture support within the spirit and scope of the invention herein and that of particular interest is the ability of the fixture support to be attached to the pool frame without damage to either the frame or the liner. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below.

Claims

A fixture support for an above ground pool, the pool including a frame supporting the pool above ground, the frame comprising a series of posts and rails, all of which are generally perpendicular to one another and a liner supported by the frame for holding swimming water, the fixture comprising:
a support member, including attachment means for mounting the support on the pool frame;

fixture receptacle means connected to the support; and

a fixture module adapted for connection with the fixture receptacle.
The fixture support of Claim 1, wherein the fixture module is an electrical device and wherein the support includes electrical conduit means for accommodating an electrical power cord.
The fixture support of Claim 1, wherein the attachment means includes a top clamp defining a U-shaped clamp.
The fixture support of Claim 3, wherein the U-Shaped clamp is deformable for shaping to the rail or post of the pool.
The fixture support of Claim 4, wherein the deformable U-Shaped clamp is attachable to the top of the pool post with the clamp over the post and bolts through both parts of the U-shaped clamp.
The fixture support of Claim 1, wherein the attachment means includes a side clamp defining a C-Shaped clamp.
The fixture support of Claim 6, wherein the C-Shaped clamp is deformable for shaping to the rail of the pool.
The fixture support of Claim 7, wherein the deformable C-Shaped clamp is attachable to the side rail of the pool with the clamp over the rail and bolts through both parts of the C-shaped clamp.
The fixture support of Claim 1, wherein the fixture receptacle includes an electrical outlet and wherein the support includes an electrical conduit for an electrical power cord and the power cord is connectable to the electrical outlet.
The fixture support of Claim 9, wherein the fixture receptacle includes more than one outlet.
The fixture support of Claim 9, wherein the fixture receptacle is adapted for connection to at least one add-on module.
The fixture support of Claim 9, wherein the fixture receptacle is adapted for connection to more than one add-on module.