US20010032355A1 - Removable platform for pools, spas and the like - Google Patents
Removable platform for pools, spas and the like Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010032355A1 US20010032355A1 US09/774,899 US77489901A US2001032355A1 US 20010032355 A1 US20010032355 A1 US 20010032355A1 US 77489901 A US77489901 A US 77489901A US 2001032355 A1 US2001032355 A1 US 2001032355A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pool
- floor
- support member
- planar member
- platform
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
- E04H4/065—Floors adjustable in height
Definitions
- the invention relates to a platform for use in spas, jacuzzis, hot tubs and the like which enables more people, including young children and others, to utilize these facilities.
- pools provide entertainment and therapy for many people in homes, vacation spots and the like.
- these pools may contain sections, or may be in their entirety, too deep for allowing young children or others who cannot safely enter deep sections to enjoy them in a safe manner.
- a platform which includes a solid top member or support surface preferably having drain holes and sized to fit the pool in question.
- the support surface has an upper surface which, when the platform is deployed, becomes an elevated bottom surface of the pool for walking upon by users.
- the platform also preferably includes a support member for supporting the support surface at a desired height above the permanent floor of the pool, and in one embodiment, the support member can be adjustable in height.
- the support member contacts the actual bottom of the pool in which the device is deployed so as to support the upper surface of the platform at the desired level.
- the platform may be provided with one or more hinged folding lines.
- the apparatus can advantageously be deployed over a portion of a pool if desired.
- the hinged folding line provides a more readily storable device.
- the apparatus may also be provided with securing structures, such as suction cups on a bottom surface thereof or on legs of the support member, for helping to secure the device firmly in place.
- securing structures such as suction cups on a bottom surface thereof or on legs of the support member, for helping to secure the device firmly in place.
- FIG. 1 is a top view of a platform in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the platform in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view showing one embodiment for support between an upper and lower layer of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a side view showing a further embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 shows a height adjustable support member
- the invention relates to a platform apparatus for use in various types of pools or water-filled recreation structures such as spas, Jacuzzis, hot tubs and the like which positions a raised floor member or support surface above the true bottom of the pool so that young children and others can safely use the pool.
- FIG. 1 shows a top view of one platform in accordance with the invention generally referred to by the reference numeral 10 .
- Platform 10 preferably includes an upper member 12 preferably shaped to fit the contour of the pool in which it is to be deployed.
- the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is round. Of course, other shapes could dictate oval, octagonal and numerous other shapes.
- Member 12 is preferably a substantially flat and rigid member having an upper surface 14 which is suitable for a wet walking surface.
- surface 14 may be rubberized, roughened or treated with other anti-slip materials as is well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
- Upper member 12 is preferably also provided with one or more drain holes 16 as shown to allow for transfer of water from below member 12 to above member 12 and vice versa during positioning of apparatus 10 and also during circulation of water during use of the pool in which it is deployed.
- Upper member 12 may still further be provided with one or more hinges so as to be foldable.
- Member 12 may in one aspect be provided with hinges defining hinged folding lines 18 .
- Such hinges may be any suitable hinge structure which would be well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
- the hinges could be one or more hardware hinge structures secured to both sections of member 12 either on the top or bottom surface.
- hinge lines 18 could be provided as scored or otherwise rendered flexible portions of the material from which member 12 is made.
- folding lines 18 so as to hingedly connnect one portion of member 12 with another portion of member 12 allows for compact storage and also for configuring a smaller surface area, for example to adapt only a portion of a pool to a more shallow depth.
- Member 12 may also be provided with a handle 20 which can readily be used in deploying member 10 in a pool as desired, and which also facilitates transportation of same.
- Member 12 may be made from any suitable material such as plastic, fiberglass, aluminum or any other material suitable for the desired environment of use.
- additional structure is provided so as to support member 12 in a position elevated with respect to a bottom of the pool in which it is to be positioned so as to thereby elevate surface 14 a desired height above the actual bottom of the pool.
- this greatly enhances the safety of pools and the like in which apparatus 10 is deployed so that these facilities can be used safely by young children and others who cannot safely use a deeper pool.
- FIG. 2 shows a bottom member 22 which is also preferably shaped to fit within a pool as desired.
- Bottom member 22 has a lower or downwardly facing surface 24 on which may preferably be positioned one or more securement devices such as suction cups 26 and the like.
- Member 22 may also be provided with a hinge 24 similar to the hinge 18 as discussed in connection with member 12 .
- member 22 may also be provided with drain holes to facilitate flow of water.
- FIG. 3 shows a side view of apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention in a pool P and schematically illustrates top member 12 and bottom member 22 with a spacing structure 28 positioned therebetween.
- Spacing structure 28 may be a static structure for positioning member 12 at a fixed height above member 22 and/or floor F of pool P, or may alternatively be an adjustable structure whereby the height of member 12 can be adjusted relative to member 22 or floor F for use in adapting pools to different depth.
- Member 28 may suitably be a series of struts preferably positioned at an angle for providing a secure structure, and alternatively could include telescoping and locking members for use in providing the desired height adjustability.
- numerous other structures will occur to the person of ordinary skill in the art for use as member 28 for elevating member 12 relative to member 22 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 a further alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
- apparatus 10 may be provided having upper member 12 defining support surface 14 , and having a support member 30 in the form of folding legs 32 .
- Legs 32 may have struts 34 for stability and may be foldable so as to facilitate storage.
- Legs 32 may further be provided with securement structures 36 such as suction cups and the like, preferably at bottom ends of the legs 32 of support member 30 , for further securely fixing apparatus 10 within a pool as desired.
- FIG. 5 further illustrates one structure in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention that allows for height adjustability of apparatus 10 .
- legs 32 of FIG. 4 can be provided having an adjustable height structure such as telescoping portions 38 , 40 and a series of interlocking holes 42 on one member and an engaging button 44 on the other.
- Such a structure advantageously allows for height adjustability.
- other structures could be used to provide height adjustability.
- Such a structure, in accordance with this aspect of the present invention advantageously allows for apparatus 10 to be used to position surface 14 at any appropriate level within a pool, as desired.
- the present invention provides an apparatus which is readily deployed in a wide variety of pool facilities for use in creating an artificial and removable floor which is higher than the original bottom of the pool and which thereby decreases the depth of the pool and increases the safety of individuals such as young children when using these facilities.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Floor Finish (AREA)
Abstract
An insertable platform for modifying the depth of a pool includes a substantially planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a support member associated with the lower surface for supporting the substantially planar member at a desired spacing above a floor of the pool.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application SN 60/179,154, Jan. 31, 2000.
- The invention relates to a platform for use in spas, jacuzzis, hot tubs and the like which enables more people, including young children and others, to utilize these facilities.
- Spas, jacuzzis, hot tubs and the like, which will be referred to herein collectively as pools, provide entertainment and therapy for many people in homes, vacation spots and the like. Unfortunately, these pools may contain sections, or may be in their entirety, too deep for allowing young children or others who cannot safely enter deep sections to enjoy them in a safe manner.
- It is therefore the primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for making such pools safe for use by young children.
- It is a further object of the invention to provide such a device which is easily removable such that pools can be used at their full depth when desired.
- Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinbelow.
- In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objects and advantages have been readily attained.
- According to the invention, a platform is provided which includes a solid top member or support surface preferably having drain holes and sized to fit the pool in question. The support surface has an upper surface which, when the platform is deployed, becomes an elevated bottom surface of the pool for walking upon by users.
- The platform also preferably includes a support member for supporting the support surface at a desired height above the permanent floor of the pool, and in one embodiment, the support member can be adjustable in height. The support member contacts the actual bottom of the pool in which the device is deployed so as to support the upper surface of the platform at the desired level.
- The platform may be provided with one or more hinged folding lines. In this aspect of the invention, the apparatus can advantageously be deployed over a portion of a pool if desired. Further, the hinged folding line provides a more readily storable device.
- The apparatus may also be provided with securing structures, such as suction cups on a bottom surface thereof or on legs of the support member, for helping to secure the device firmly in place.
- A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention follows, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a top view of a platform in accordance with the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the platform in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a side view showing one embodiment for support between an upper and lower layer of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is a side view showing a further embodiment of the invention; and
- FIG. 5 shows a height adjustable support member.
- The invention relates to a platform apparatus for use in various types of pools or water-filled recreation structures such as spas, Jacuzzis, hot tubs and the like which positions a raised floor member or support surface above the true bottom of the pool so that young children and others can safely use the pool.
- FIG. 1 shows a top view of one platform in accordance with the invention generally referred to by the
reference numeral 10.Platform 10 preferably includes anupper member 12 preferably shaped to fit the contour of the pool in which it is to be deployed. For the sake of simplicity, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is round. Of course, other shapes could dictate oval, octagonal and numerous other shapes. -
Member 12 is preferably a substantially flat and rigid member having anupper surface 14 which is suitable for a wet walking surface. In this capacity,surface 14 may be rubberized, roughened or treated with other anti-slip materials as is well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. -
Upper member 12 is preferably also provided with one or more drain holes 16 as shown to allow for transfer of water from belowmember 12 to abovemember 12 and vice versa during positioning ofapparatus 10 and also during circulation of water during use of the pool in which it is deployed. -
Upper member 12 may still further be provided with one or more hinges so as to be foldable.Member 12 may in one aspect be provided with hinges defining hingedfolding lines 18. Such hinges may be any suitable hinge structure which would be well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the hinges could be one or more hardware hinge structures secured to both sections ofmember 12 either on the top or bottom surface. Alternatively,hinge lines 18 could be provided as scored or otherwise rendered flexible portions of the material from whichmember 12 is made. - Defining
folding lines 18 so as to hingedly connnect one portion ofmember 12 with another portion ofmember 12 allows for compact storage and also for configuring a smaller surface area, for example to adapt only a portion of a pool to a more shallow depth. -
Member 12 may also be provided with ahandle 20 which can readily be used in deployingmember 10 in a pool as desired, and which also facilitates transportation of same. -
Member 12 may be made from any suitable material such as plastic, fiberglass, aluminum or any other material suitable for the desired environment of use. - In accordance with the invention, additional structure is provided so as to support
member 12 in a position elevated with respect to a bottom of the pool in which it is to be positioned so as to thereby elevate surface 14 a desired height above the actual bottom of the pool. As set forth above, this greatly enhances the safety of pools and the like in whichapparatus 10 is deployed so that these facilities can be used safely by young children and others who cannot safely use a deeper pool. - FIGS. 2 and 3 show components of one embodiment for supporting
member 12 as desired. FIG. 2 shows abottom member 22 which is also preferably shaped to fit within a pool as desired.Bottom member 22 has a lower or downwardly facingsurface 24 on which may preferably be positioned one or more securement devices such as suction cups 26 and the like.Member 22 may also be provided with ahinge 24 similar to thehinge 18 as discussed in connection withmember 12. - If desirable,
member 22 may also be provided with drain holes to facilitate flow of water. - FIG. 3 shows a side view of
apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention in a pool P and schematically illustratestop member 12 andbottom member 22 with aspacing structure 28 positioned therebetween.Spacing structure 28 may be a static structure for positioningmember 12 at a fixed height abovemember 22 and/or floor F of pool P, or may alternatively be an adjustable structure whereby the height ofmember 12 can be adjusted relative tomember 22 or floor F for use in adapting pools to different depth.Member 28 may suitably be a series of struts preferably positioned at an angle for providing a secure structure, and alternatively could include telescoping and locking members for use in providing the desired height adjustability. Of course, numerous other structures will occur to the person of ordinary skill in the art for use asmember 28 for elevatingmember 12 relative tomember 22. - Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, a further alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
- As shown,
apparatus 10 may be provided havingupper member 12 definingsupport surface 14, and having asupport member 30 in the form offolding legs 32.Legs 32 may havestruts 34 for stability and may be foldable so as to facilitate storage.Legs 32 may further be provided withsecurement structures 36 such as suction cups and the like, preferably at bottom ends of thelegs 32 ofsupport member 30, for further securely fixingapparatus 10 within a pool as desired. - It should be readily appreciated that in this embodiment, no planar bottom member such as member22 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is needed.
- FIG. 5 further illustrates one structure in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention that allows for height adjustability of
apparatus 10. As shown,legs 32 of FIG. 4 can be provided having an adjustable height structure such astelescoping portions engaging button 44 on the other. Such a structure advantageously allows for height adjustability. Of course other structures could be used to provide height adjustability. Such a structure, in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, advantageously allows forapparatus 10 to be used to positionsurface 14 at any appropriate level within a pool, as desired. - It should readily be appreciated that the present invention provides an apparatus which is readily deployed in a wide variety of pool facilities for use in creating an artificial and removable floor which is higher than the original bottom of the pool and which thereby decreases the depth of the pool and increases the safety of individuals such as young children when using these facilities.
- It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to be merely illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the invention, and which are susceptible of modification of form, size, arrangement of parts and details of operation. The invention rather is intended to encompass all such modifications which are within its spirit and scope.
Claims (8)
1. An insertable platform for modifying the depth of a pool, comprising:
a substantially planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface; and
a support member associated with said lower surface for supporting said substantially planar member at a desired spacing above a floor of said pool.
2. The apparatus according to , wherein said upper surface comprises a wet traction enhancing material.
claim 1
3. The apparatus according to , further comprising drainage holes positioned in said member and communicating said lower surface with said upper surface.
claim 1
4. The apparatus of , wherein said planar member has a hinge structure defining at least one folding line for folding said planar member to a reduced sized planar member having reduced surface area.
claim 1
5. The apparatus according to , further comprising a substantially planar base member connected to said support member and adapted to rest on said floor of said pool.
claim 1
6. The apparatus according to , wherein said support member comprises a plurality of legs extending downwardly from said lower surface.
claim 1
7. The apparatus according to , further comprising securement members positioned on said support member for engaging said floor of said pool.
claim 1
8. The apparatus according to , wherein said support member further includes a height adjusting assembly whereby spacing of said planar member from said floor of said pool can be adjusted.
claim 1
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/774,899 US20010032355A1 (en) | 2000-01-31 | 2001-01-31 | Removable platform for pools, spas and the like |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17915400P | 2000-01-31 | 2000-01-31 | |
US09/774,899 US20010032355A1 (en) | 2000-01-31 | 2001-01-31 | Removable platform for pools, spas and the like |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010032355A1 true US20010032355A1 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
Family
ID=26875056
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/774,899 Abandoned US20010032355A1 (en) | 2000-01-31 | 2001-01-31 | Removable platform for pools, spas and the like |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20010032355A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110030137A1 (en) * | 2009-08-07 | 2011-02-10 | Glenn Cole Harned | Hot tub platform |
US20120324641A1 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2012-12-27 | Moshe Seri | Submersible swimming pool deck |
WO2013106891A1 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2013-07-25 | Moortgat Bvba | Swimming pool floor system, swimming pool and work methods to adjust the height of a movable swimming pool floor |
US20150223642A1 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2015-08-13 | Diane Donn | Paddling Pool |
GB2570513A (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2019-07-31 | Havelock Europa Plc | Modular platform system for a swimming pool |
-
2001
- 2001-01-31 US US09/774,899 patent/US20010032355A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110030137A1 (en) * | 2009-08-07 | 2011-02-10 | Glenn Cole Harned | Hot tub platform |
US20120324641A1 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2012-12-27 | Moshe Seri | Submersible swimming pool deck |
WO2013106891A1 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2013-07-25 | Moortgat Bvba | Swimming pool floor system, swimming pool and work methods to adjust the height of a movable swimming pool floor |
US20150223642A1 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2015-08-13 | Diane Donn | Paddling Pool |
GB2570513A (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2019-07-31 | Havelock Europa Plc | Modular platform system for a swimming pool |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2060602C (en) | Portable hinged riser | |
EP1789144B8 (en) | Free standing ballet bar exercise device | |
US5533950A (en) | Attaching surface for aquatic exercise devices and users | |
US11229328B2 (en) | Freestanding, portable raised tub for infants, toddlers and young children | |
US4799665A (en) | Sandbox and swimming pool playset | |
US3311930A (en) | Inflatable bathtub seat | |
US20010032355A1 (en) | Removable platform for pools, spas and the like | |
EP1372566B1 (en) | Lifting and lowering apparatus | |
US4100628A (en) | Adjustable safety seating device for bathtubs | |
US10149574B1 (en) | Spa with integrated folding table | |
US6202787B1 (en) | Multipiece interfitting steps for a swimming pool | |
US5735303A (en) | Crutch and leg supporting apparatus | |
US6712781B1 (en) | Self-contained limb and cast support device | |
US4237661A (en) | Support stand for use with an above ground pool | |
US9932750B2 (en) | Platform for a cemetery lowering device | |
KR101771425B1 (en) | Flat bench | |
JP4156011B2 (en) | Simple bath and assembly method | |
US20100060068A1 (en) | Jett Step | |
US11286685B2 (en) | Platform for a cemetery lowering device | |
US11891828B2 (en) | Platform for a cemetary lowering device | |
WO2018167743A2 (en) | Portable folding bathtub-access accessory | |
US20210393087A1 (en) | Device for bathing older babies allowing the freedom of appropriate movements | |
WO1997018730A1 (en) | Portable tripod riser | |
KR19990018665U (en) | Portable fishing rod | |
GB2203129A (en) | Self raising step ladder |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |