US20050166472A1

US20050166472A1 - Method and apparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containment structure

Info

Publication number: US20050166472A1
Application number: US10/752,776
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Banks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-07
Filing date: 2004-01-07
Publication date: 2005-08-04

Abstract

An apparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a surface of the structure, and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. A method of securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of the structure, positioning the liner atop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner in engagement with the mounting member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for securing a flexible liner to a liquid containment structure. More particularly, the present invention method and apparatus relate to securing a flexible liner around an opening in a swimming pool, for example, an opening around swimming pool stairs. The invention can be used with new or existing liquid containment structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of methods and apparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containment structure are known in the art. For example, methods and apparatus are known for securing a swimming pool liner around a module, such as a set of stairs.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,177,501 (Kwake) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to a pool wall. The apparatus comprises a groove in the pool wall. The liner comprises an expanded bead around the perimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted into the groove to secure the liner within the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,071 (Hoch et al.) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner around the edge of an above-ground pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,162 (Hall) discloses a deck for an in-ground or aboveground pool that receives around the perimeter of the pool a plastic liner attached to a metal liner. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,732 (Engelhart) discloses an apparatus for securing an anchoring device in a lined pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,118 (Lankheet) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groove around the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around the perimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure the liner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,839 (Blakeway) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner comprising vinyl-covered steel sheet around the edge of an in-ground pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a flexible liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,658 (Hodak) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner around the edge of an in-ground pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,324 (Lankheet) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groove around the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around the perimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure the liner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,228 (Gardenier) discloses a device for securing a pool liner to a set of stairs in an in-ground pool. The device comprises a strip that is screwed to the stairs over the liner. This device requires drilling holes in the liner. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,710 (Swinburn) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner around the edge of an above-ground pool using a groove and bead and penetrating the liner around an opening for a spa jet. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,706 (Barnes) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to a drain fitting. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,631 (Friedman) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groove around the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around the perimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure the liner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,098 (Crelin) discloses a device for securing a pool liner to a set of stairs in an in-ground pool. The device comprises a strip that is screwed to the stairs over the liner. This device requires drilling holes in the liner. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.
What is needed then is a means of securing, in a liquid containment structure, a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member that will not require puncturing the liner as part of its installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the present invention broadly comprises an apparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure further comprising a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a surface of the structure and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. In a second embodiment, the invention broadly comprises an apparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising a flange arranged proximate a surface of the containment structure, a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to the flange, and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. The present invention also comprises an apparatus for repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure.
The invention also broadly comprises a method of securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of the structure, positioning the liner atop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner in engagement with the mounting member. In another embodiment, the invention broadly comprises a method of securing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of arranging a flange proximate a surface of the liquid containment structure, fixedly securing a mounting member to the flange, positioning the liner atop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner in engagement with the mounting member. Finally, the invention comprises a method for repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure.
A general object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to secure a liner to a surface of the structure without puncturing the liner.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to secure a liner to a flange of a module installed in a liquid containment structure without puncturing the liner.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to repair a liner attached to a surface of the structure without puncturing the liner.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to repair a liner attached to a flange of a module installed in a liquid containment structure without puncturing the liner.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the invention in view of the drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention apparatus attached to a flange of a pool stair module;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus secured to a surface of a liquid containment structure;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details of FIG. 2; and,
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify substantially identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
The present invention apparatus broadly comprises a mounting member operatively arranged to be secured to either a surface of a liquid containment structure or a flange of a module installed in a structure and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member. A flexible liner placed between the mounting and attaching members is sandwiched by the mounting and attaching members when these two members are engaged.
Adverting now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus 100 of the present invention, shown attached to a flange of a pool stair module. Side 112 of a pool (not shown) includes stairway module 120 with flange 122. Mounting member 130 is attached to flange 122, liner 140 overlies mounting member 130 and attaching member 150 is connected to mounting member 130, sandwiching liner 140. In FIG. 1, member 130 is shown as a separate element from the flange 122. In other embodiments described below, a respective mounting member is integral to a flange. In a preferred embodiment, the liner is flexible, although this is not a critical limitation of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus 100 secured to a surface of a liquid containment structure. Side 212 in a pool (not shown) includes stairway module 220 that is an integral part of the pool. Mounting member 430 is attached to side 212, liner 140 overlies mounting member 430 and attaching member 150 is connected to mounting member 430, sandwiching liner 140. In FIG. 2, member 430 is shown as integral to side 212. In other embodiments described below, a respective mounting member is a separate element from a surface.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus 100 showing further details of FIG. 1. Mounting member 230, separately formed from flange 122 and having a gripping surface 231 and a mounting surface 232, is securely attached to flange 122. Mounting surface 232 is shaped to facilitate the interfacing of member 230 with flange 122. Typically, mounting surface 232 is shaped to mirror the planar configuration of flange 122, so that surface 232 has maximum contact with flange 122. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other shapes and configurations are possible for surface 232, and such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
Liner 140 is stretched over mounting member 230. Attaching member 150 with pressing surface 151 and outside surface 152 is laid over liner 140. Surface 151 is shaped to connect to gripping surface 231. Force is applied to outside surface 152 in the direction of mounting member 230, joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members 230 and 150 are connected, surfaces 231 and 151 are held in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces 231 and 151 interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface 231 and pressing surface 151 are further described below.
Once connected, members 230 and 150 sandwich liner 140 and securely grip liner 140 between surfaces 231 and 151, respectively. Advantageously, members 230 and 150 grip liner 140 without puncturing the liner. That is, because surfaces 231 and 151 interlock, there is no need to puncture liner 140 to attach member 150 to member 230 using mechanical fasteners. In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner 140 and member 150. The present invention also advantageously avoids the use of adhesives on liner 140.
To accommodate mechanical fasteners, mounting member 230 includes a series of holes 233. Two parallel rows of holes 233 are shown in FIG. 3. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other groupings and combinations of holes 233 are possible, and such groupings and combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Mechanical fasteners 234 are inserted through holes 233 and then engaged to flange 122, securely attaching member 230 to flange 122. In FIG. 3, fasteners 234 are screws. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other fasteners such as rivets can be used and such fasteners are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. An embodiment describing adhesive fastening is described below.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus 100 showing further details of FIG. 1. Mounting member 330 with gripping surface 331 is an integral part of flange 122. That is, member 330 is formed as a part of flange 122. Liner 140 is stretched over mounting member 330. Attaching member 150 with a pressing surface 151 and an outside surface 152 is laid over liner 140 and force is applied to outside surface 152 in the direction of mounting member 330, joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members 330 and 150 are connected, surfaces 331 and 151 are kept in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces 331 and 151 interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface 331 and pressing surface 151 are further described below.
Once connected, members 330 and 150 sandwich liner 140 and securely grip liner 140 between surfaces 331 and 151, respectively. Advantageously, members 330 and 150 grip liner 140 without puncturing the liner. That is, because surfaces 331 and 151 interlock, there is no need to puncture liner 140 to attach member 150 to member 330 using mechanical fasteners. In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner 140 and member 150. The present invention also advantageously avoids the use of adhesives on liner 140.
The following discussion should be considered in light of both FIGS. 3 and 4. To accomplish the connection of mounting members 230 and 330 to attaching member 150, surfaces 231 and 331, respectively, and surface 151 are shaped into corresponding convex and concave shapes, particularly, protuberances and grooves (not shown), that interlock and matingly engage one another when members 230 and 330, respectively, and member 150 are pressed together. For example, in some embodiments, surfaces 231 and 331 each include at least one protuberance with a specified shape and surface 151 includes a corresponding groove shaped to accommodate the protuberance in the surface 231 or 331. In other embodiments, surface 151 includes at least one protuberance with a specified shape and surfaces 231 and 331 each include at least one groove shaped to accommodate the protuberance in surface 151. Typically, a groove and corresponding protuberance are formed such that the protuberance substantially occupies the entire groove. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of shapes are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3. The following discussion should be considered in light of both FIGS. 5 and 6. Gripping surfaces 231 and 331 and pressing surface 151 in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, can be configured with various combinations of protuberances and grooves to facilitate the interlocking of mounting members 230 and 330, respectively, with attaching member 150. The protuberances and grooves can be formed in a variety of cross-sectional geometric shapes, including but not limited to, round (semi-circular), polygonal (triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, etc.), or asymmetric. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other cross-sectional geometric shapes are possible, and such shapes are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. FIGS. 5 and 6 present two possible combinations of protuberances and grooves. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
To facilitate the interlocking of member 150 with mounting members 230 and 330, attaching member 150 is typically formed of elastic material and mounting members 230 and 330 are typically formed of a relatively rigid material. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of elastic and relatively rigid materials are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Typically, the flexible material is a plastic with UV and chlorine resistance. Plastics of this type are well known in the art. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other flexible materials are possible, and such materials are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. The rigid material can be plastic or metal. Typically, the rigid plastic has UV and chlorine resistance and is of a type well known in the art. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other rigid materials are possible, and such materials are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
Returning to FIG. 5, gripping surface 231 is formed to have protuberances 235 and 236 and groove 237, all substantially parallel. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation for the protuberances 235 and 236 and groove 237 are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface 151 is formed to have grooves 253 and 254, corresponding to protuberances 235 and 236, respectively, and protuberance 255, corresponding to groove 237. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, when mounting member 230 and attaching member 150 are pressed together, the attaching member elastically stretches so that grooves 253 and 254 engage and interlock with protuberances 235 and 236. Then, grooves 253 and 254 exert pressure on the protuberances 235 and 236, drawing pressing surface 151 against gripping surface 231, thereby sandwiching and securing liner 140. In addition, the pressure noted above creates a liquid-tight seal between liner 140 and pressing surface 151. The pressure noted above also pushes protuberance 255 into groove 237, further helping to secure liner 140 between members 230 and 150.
Returning to FIG. 6, mounting member 230 is shown attached to flange 122 using adhesive. The type of adhesive used depends on the materials used to form flange 122 and member 230. The selection of appropriate adhesives is well known in the art. Gripping surface 231 is formed to have substantially parallel grooves 238 and 239. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation for grooves 238 and 239 are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface 151 is formed to have protuberances 256 and 257, corresponding to grooves 238 and 239, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, when mounting member 330 and attaching member 150 are pressed together, attaching member 150 elastically deforms so that protuberances 256 and 257 engage and interlock with grooves 238 and 239. The discussion regarding the interlocking of members 230 and 150 in the description for FIG. 5 is applicable to FIG. 6, and for the sake of brevity, is not repeated here.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4. Gripping surface 331 is formed to have protuberances 335 and 336 and groove 337, all substantially parallel. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation for protuberances 335 and 336 and groove 337 are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface 151 is formed to have grooves 353 and 354, corresponding to protuberances 335 and 336, respectively, and protuberance 355, corresponding to groove 337. In FIG. 7, surfaces 331 and 151 are shaped the same as surfaces 231 and 151, respectively, in FIG. 5. In addition, members 330 and 150 can be made of the same materials as members 230 and 150, respectively, in FIG. 5. Therefore, the discussion in the description for FIGS. 5 and 6 is applicable to FIG. 7, and in the interest of brevity is not repeated here.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4. Gripping surface 331 is formed to have substantially parallel grooves 338 and 339. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation for grooves 338 and 339 are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface 151 is formed to have protuberances 356 and 357, corresponding to grooves 338 and 339, respectively. In FIG. 8, surfaces 331 and 151 are shaped the same as surfaces 231 and 151, respectively, in FIG. 6. In addition, member 150 can be made of the same materials as member 150 in FIG. 6. Therefore, the discussion in the description for FIGS. 5 and 6 is applicable to FIG. 8, and in the interest of brevity is not repeated here.
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the apparatus 100 showing further details of FIG. 2. Mounting member 530 with gripping surface 531 and mounting surface 532 is securely attached to side 212. Mounting surface 532 is shaped to facilitate the interfacing of member 530 with side 212. Typically, mounting surface 532 is shaped to mirror the planar configuration of side 212, so that surface 532 has maximum contact with side 212. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other shapes and configurations are possible for surface 532, and such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Liner 140 is stretched over mounting member 530. Attaching member 150 with pressing surface 151 and outside surface 152 is laid over liner 140. Surface 151 is shaped to connect to gripping surface 531. Force is applied to outside surface 152 in the direction of mounting member 530, joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members 530 and 150 are connected, surfaces 531 and 151 are held in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces 531 and 151 interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface 531 and pressing surface 151 are further described below.
Once connected, members 530 and 150 sandwich liner 140 and securely grip liner 140 between surfaces 531 and 151, respectively. Advantageously, members 530 and 150 grip liner 140 without puncturing the liner. That is, because surfaces 531 and 151 interlock, there is no need to puncture liner 140 to attach member 150 to member 530 using mechanical fasteners. In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner 140 and member 150. The present invention also advantageously avoids the use of adhesives on liner 140.
Mounting member 530 can be affixed to side 212 using a variety of means including adhesion (not shown) and mechanical fasteners. The type of adhesive used depends on the materials used to form side 212 and member 530 and is readily known to those skilled in the art. To accommodate mechanical fasteners, mounting member 530 includes a series of holes 533. Two parallel rows of holes 533 are shown in FIG. 9. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other groupings and combinations of holes 533 are possible, and such groupings and combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Mechanical fasteners 534 are inserted through the holes 533 and then engaged to side 212, securely attaching member 530 to side 212. In FIG. 9, fasteners 534 are screws. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other fasteners such as rivets can be used and such fasteners are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the apparatus 100 showing further details of FIG. 2. Mounting member 630 with a gripping surface 631 is securely attached to side 212. Mounting member 630 is formed as an integral part of side 112. Liner 140 is stretched over mounting member 630. Attaching member 150 with a pressing surface 151 and an outside surface 152 is laid over liner 140 and force is applied to the outside surface 152 in the direction of the mounting member 630, joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members 630 and 150 are connected, surfaces 631 and 151 are held in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces 631 and 151 interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface 631 and pressing surface 151 are further described below.
Once connected, members 630 and 150 sandwich liner 140 and securely grip liner 140 between surfaces 631 and 151, respectively. Advantageously, members 630 and 150 grip liner 140 without puncturing the liner. That is, because surfaces 631 and 151 interlock, there is no need to puncture liner 140 to attach member 150 to member 630 using mechanical fasteners. In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner 140 and member 150. The present invention also advantageously avoids the use of adhesives on liner 140.
The following discussion should be considered in light of FIGS. 9 and 10. Mounting member 530 and attaching member 150 in FIG. 9 can be formed in the shapes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for mounting member 230 and attaching member 150. Therefore, the descriptions for FIGS. 5 and 6 are applicable to FIG. 9 and in the interest of brevity are not repeated here. Mounting member 630 and attaching member 150 in FIG. 10 can be formed in the shapes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for mounting member 330 and attaching member 150. Therefore, the descriptions for FIGS. 7 and 8 are applicable to FIG. 10 and in the interest of brevity are not repeated here.
Mounting members 530 and 630, respectively, and attaching member 150 in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be formed of the materials discussed for mounting members 230 and 330, respectively, and attaching member 150 in the descriptions for FIGS. 5 through 8. Therefore, the descriptions for FIGS. 5 through 8 are applicable to FIGS. 9 and 10 and in the interest of brevity are not repeated here.
The following should be considered in light of FIGS. 1 through 10. Embodiments have been shown with a mounting member securely attached to a flange of a module and with a mounting member securely attached to a side of a liquid containment structure. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention embodiments having a mounting member attached to a side of a liquid containment structure can be used with a module having a flange and that such use is within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, module 120 shown in FIG. 1 could be installed in a pool, but rather than having the mounting member attached to the flange as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 through 8, the mounting member could be an integral part of the side of the pool as shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10.
In the preceding figures, the present invention is described with respect to a swimming pool. However, the present invention can be used with other recreational liquid containment structures, such as an in-ground swimming pool, an aboveground swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa, or a hot tub. It should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to only these examples of recreational liquid containment structures, and other examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. In the preceding figures, the present invention is described with respect to a side of a swimming pool. However, in general, the present invention can be applied to any surface of a liquid containment structure or to a flange arranged proximate any surface of a structure, for example, a bottom surface. In the preceding figures, the present invention is described with respect to a stairway module. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be used with other modules, such as drain covers, jet returns, skimmer covers, overflow vents, or vacuum covers and that use with these other modules is within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
The present invention has been described in the context of securing a liner for a liquid containment structure as part of an installation of a module, such as a stairway module, in the liquid containment structure. However, returning to FIGS. 3 and 9 particularly, the embodiments associated with these figure also can be used to repair a liner around an existing opening or module, in an existing liquid containment structure. For example, mounting member 230 in FIG. 3 could replace an existing, prior art means of attaching a liner. The discussion in the descriptions for FIGS. 5 and 6 also is applicable to embodiments associated with liner repairs.
Returning to FIG. 3, the following discussion is applicable to each embodiment described above, however, to simplify the discussion that follows, FIG. 3 will be used as an example. When members 230 and 150 are connected, securing liner 140, the members are held together due to the interlocking of surfaces 231 and 151. The interlocking is facilitated by forming member 230 or member 150 of an elastic material. Advantageously, with the proper application of force, the elastic member can be disconnected from the remaining member without damaging either member. This removal capability enables and simplifies installation and repair operations.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising:

a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a surface of said structure; and,

an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage said mounting member, sandwiching said liner therebetween.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said attaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage one another to sandwich said liner therebetween without puncturing said liner.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said attaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage one another and create a liquid-tight seal between said attaching member and said liner.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said mounting member further comprises a first protuberance, said attaching member further comprises a first groove, and said first protuberance is operatively arranged to interlock with said first groove.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said mounting member further comprises a second groove, said attaching member further comprises a second protuberance, and said second protuberance is operatively arranged to interlock with said second groove.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said mounting member is an integral part of said surface of said structure.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said mounting member further comprises:

a gripping surface operatively arranged to matingly engage said attaching member; and,

a mounting surface operatively arranged to interface with said surface of said structure.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein said mounting member further comprises a hole connecting said gripping surface and said mounting surface.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said attaching member further comprises third and fourth grooves and a third protuberance, all substantially parallel; and,

wherein said gripping surface further comprises fourth and fifth protuberances and a fifth groove, substantially parallel to and operatively arranged to interlock with said third and fourth grooves and said third protuberance, respectively, and sandwich said liner between said gripping surface and said attaching member without puncturing said liner; and,

wherein said mounting member further comprises a plurality of holes connecting said gripping and mounting surfaces.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said mounting member is operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to said surface of said liquid containment structure, said liquid containment structure selected from the group consisting of below-ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, steel-walled swimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, and hot tubs.

11. An apparatus for repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising:

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein said attaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage one another to sandwich said liner therebetween without puncturing said liner.

13. An apparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising:

a flange arranged proximate a surface of said containment structure;

a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to said flange; and,

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said attaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage one another to sandwich said liner therebetween without puncturing said liner.

15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said attaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage one another and create a liquid-tight seal between said attaching member and said liner.

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said mounting member further comprises a first protuberance, and said attaching member further comprises a first groove, and, said first protuberance is operatively arranged to interlock with said first groove.

17. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said mounting member further comprises a second groove, and said attaching member further comprises a second protuberance, and, said second protuberance is operatively arranged to interlock with said second groove.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said mounting member is an integral part of said flange.

19. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said mounting member further comprises:

a mounting surface operatively arranged to interface with said flange.

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said mounting member further defines a hole passing through said gripping surface and said mounting surface.

21. The apparatus as recited in claim 20 wherein said attaching member further comprises third and fourth grooves and a third protuberance, all substantially parallel; and,

22. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said mounting member is operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a flange arranged in a liquid containment structure, said liquid containment structure selected from the group consisting of below-ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, steel-walled swimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, and hot tubs.

23. An apparatus for repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising:

a flange arranged proximate a surface of said containment structure;

24. The apparatus as recited in claim 23 wherein said attaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage one another to sandwich said liner therebetween without puncturing said liner.

25. A method of securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of:

fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of said structure;

positioning said liner atop said mounting member; and,

securing an attaching member atop said liner in engagement with said mounting member.

26. The method recited in claim 25 wherein said securement includes sandwiching said liner between said mounting and attaching members without puncturing said liner.

27. The method recited in claim 26 wherein said sandwiching further comprises creating a liquid-tight seal between said attaching member and said liner.

28. The method recited in claim 25 wherein said mounting member further comprises a first protuberance, said attaching member further comprises a first groove, and said securement further comprises interlocking said first protuberance with said first groove.

29. The method recited in claim 25 wherein said mounting member further comprises a second groove, said attaching member further comprises a second protuberance, and said securement further comprises interlocking said second protuberance with said second groove.

30. The method recited in claim 25 wherein said securement further comprises integrally forming said mounting member in said surface of said structure.

31. The method recited in claim 25 wherein said mounting member comprises:

a mounting surface arranged to interface with said surface of said liquid containment structure; and,

wherein said securement further comprises securing said mounting surface to said surface of said structure.

32. The method recited in claim 31 wherein said mounting member further comprises:

a hole passing through said gripping and mounting surfaces; and,

wherein said securement further comprises attaching said mounting member using a mechanical fastener inserted through said hole.

33. The method recited in claim 31 wherein said securement further comprises adhering said mounting surface to said surface of said structure.

34. A method of repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of:

fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of said structure;

positioning said liner atop said mounting member; and,

35. The method recited in claim 34 wherein said securement includes sandwiching said liner between said mounting and attaching members without puncturing said liner.

36. A method of securing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of:

arranging a flange proximate a surface of said containment structure;

fixedly securing a mounting member to said flange;

positioning said liner atop said mounting member; and,

37. The method recited in claim 36 wherein said securement includes sandwiching said liner between said mounting and attaching members without puncturing said liner.

38. The method recited in claim 37 wherein said sandwiching further comprises creating a liquid-tight seal between said attaching member and said liner.

39. The method recited in claim 36 wherein said mounting member further comprises a first protuberance, and said attaching member further comprises a first groove, and said securement further comprises interlocking said first protuberance with said first groove.

40. The method recited in claim 36 wherein said mounting member further comprises a second groove, said attaching member further comprises a second protuberance, and said securement further comprises interlocking said second protuberance with said second groove.

41. The method recited in claim 36 wherein said securement further comprises integrally forming said mounting member in said flange.

42. The method recited in claim 36 wherein said mounting member comprises:

a mounting surface arranged to interface with said flange; and,

wherein said securement further comprises securing said mounting surface to said flange.

43. The method recited in claim 42 wherein said mounting member further comprises:

a hole passing through said gripping and mounting surfaces; and,

wherein said securement further comprises mechanically attaching said mounting member using a mechanical fastener inserted through said hole.

44. The method recited in claim 42 wherein said securement further comprises adhering said mounting surface to said flange.

45. A method of repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of:

arranging a flange proximate a surface of said containment structure;

fixedly securing a mounting member to said flange;

positioning said liner atop said mounting member; and,

46. The method recited in claim 45 wherein said securement includes sandwiching said liner between said mounting and attaching members without puncturing said liner.