US20110225719A1

US20110225719A1 - Expandable pool system

Info

Publication number: US20110225719A1
Application number: US13/052,920
Authority: US
Inventors: Ricky Tong
Original assignee: Polygroup Macau Ltd BVI
Current assignee: Polygroup Macau Ltd BVI
Priority date: 2010-03-19
Filing date: 2011-03-21
Publication date: 2011-09-22

Abstract

A portable swimming pool comprising a base having a perimeter; and a side wall erected upright. The side wall includes a top and a bottom, such that the bottom of the side wall is coupled to the perimeter of the base. The side wall incorporates an expansion system that enables the side wall to increase and decrease to different heights, and thus increasing/decreasing the depth/volume of the pool. The expansion system can include a zipper means that extends about the circumference or perimeter of the swimming pool.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/315,452, entitled “Expandable Pool System,” filed 19 Mar. 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below.

BACKGROUND

1. Field
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an expandable container and, more particularly, to an expandable inflatable pool system.
2. Description of Related Art
Portable swimming pools, or kiddy pools, are well known devices in the art. An exemplary conventional pool is formed from molded plastic, and permanently takes on the shape of a small, portable swimming pool. These molded pools exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and consumers are able to choose the specific portable pool that suits their particular needs.
Unfortunately, these conventional pools can be difficult to transport because they have an awkward size and shape, and are often larger than many vehicles. Commonly, to transport a molded pool, a consumer must strap it to the roof of a vehicle, or if the pool is too large for the vehicle, the purchaser must make arrangements for oversized vehicle transport. Such pools are difficult and awkward to handle or carry even for short distances.
In addition to the challenge with transporting these molded pools, they are generally so large that they are difficult to store. In fact, among many consumers, they have become disposable due to the difficulties of storage. For example, oftentimes consumers can purchase one of these portable pools at the beginning of the summer swimming season, and then 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 to be avoided.
Another challenge 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 are not easily bendable or manipulatable 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 because it could potentially cause or contribute to injuries.
Conventional solutions to the molded swimming pool are ring pools and frame pools, both of which are generally known in the art. A conventional ring pool is illustrated in FIG. 1. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a conventional quick-set swimming pool. The conventional quick-set swimming pool 5 includes a base 10, a side wall 20, and a rising ring 30. The swimming pool 5 is generally formed by joining the base 10, along its perimeter 12, to the erected side wall 20 at or near a first edge or bottom 22 of the side wall 20.
To setup the conventional quick-set swimming pool 5, the edge of the side wall 20 that is not joined to the base 10 (i.e., the top) can have the rising ring 30 coupled thereto. The rising ring 30 can comprise a variety of different elements capable of aiding the transformation of the swimming pool from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration by erecting the side wall 20. For example, the rising ring 30 can be a floating device that floats on the water in the swimming pool 5, causing the side wall 20 to rise as more water is inserted in the swimming pool 5.
A problem with conventional molded pools, ring pools, and frame pools is that they all have a fixed depth, which cannot be increased over time, which may be desirable.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, embodiments of the present invention relate to an expandable swimming pool. The expandable swimming pool includes a base, a side wall in communication with a perimeter of the base, and an expansion system incorporated into the side wall. The expansion system permits the side wall to extend or shorten the height of the side wall. As the expansion system increases, the volume of the pool likewise increases. Oppositely, as the expansion system decreases, the volume of the pool decreases.
In some embodiments, the expansion system includes a track and a slide fastener. The expansion system can extend one or more times around the perimeter of the pool, e.g., if shaped in a circle, the expansion system extends around the entire circumference of the pool at least one time.
In operation, the slide fastener can be pulled around the perimeter of the pool along the track. Depending on the direction that the slide fastener is pulled, the expansion system can increase or decrease the depth of the pool.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an expandable inflatable pool system. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable inflatable pool system appears as a conventional two-ring child's pool. Between each of the two rings is an expansion system. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion system includes a zipper adaptable to unzip and expose a third ring. The ring can then be inflated resulting in a pool of greater depth. On the other hand, a three ring pool can be reduced to a two ring pool. In addition, the expansion system permits more than one zipper to enable additional chambers to further increase/decrease the depth of the pool. A benefit of the expandable inflatable pool system is that when child is young a first depth may be desired and/or appropriate, but as the child grows, the size and depth of the pool can be increased, thus reducing the need to purchase new pools every season as the child continues to grow.
Further features of embodiments of the present 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 provides a view of a conventional quick-set swimming pool.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an expandable pool system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an expansion system of the expandable pool system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides a separated view of the expansion system of the expandable pool system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the expansion system of the expandable pool system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the expandable pool system in an expanded state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the expandable pool system in an expanded state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 provides a view of the expandable pool system in an expanded state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of embodiments of the invention, they are explained hereinafter with reference to their implementation in an illustrative embodiment. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of being an expandable pool system. Because of its collapsible nature, aspects of the invention can be easily stored, be readily portable, and can increase/decrease the height of the side wall.
Embodiments of the present invention, however, are not limited to its use as an expandable pool system. Rather, embodiments of the invention can be used wherever a collapsible and/or pop-up container that provides for convenient storage is needed or desired. Thus, the container described hereinafter as a portable swimming pool can also find utility as a container for a variety of fluids, liquids, or other substances that require or could make use of such a collapsible container.
Additionally, the materials and components described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the container are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials and components that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials and components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials and components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials and/or components that are developed after the time of the development of embodiments of the present invention, for example.
Embodiments of the present invention provide several exemplary embodiments of collapsible containers that can be used as a 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 (i.e., a bottom) of the side wall, wherein the side wall incorporates an expandable system.
An upward force providing member or shape retaining member, or combination thereof, can be positioned along the edge of the side wall (i.e., near a top). 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 can be a floatation device that floats on fluid in the container, causing the side wall to rise as additional fluid is deposited in the container. The floatation device can effectively cause the side wall to be approximately normal the base or the surface upon which the base sits. Additionally, the floatation device is positioned within the interior of the container, as it extends inwardly toward a center of the base.
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 may 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.
In some embodiments, the pool can also incorporate 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 being 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.
In some embodiments, the pool can also include a pump device for cleaning and filtration purposes. In some embodiments, if the pump device is present a fountain device can be positioned in the pool to provide decorative movement of the fluid, commonly water.
The expansion system can be incorporated into the side wall of the pool. The expansion system, like the side wall, can be constructed of flexible material and has main section and secondary section which can be retained within the main section when the side wall is in its non-expanded condition. Each of the main and secondary sections can have two side panels and two end panels joining the side panels, and each of the main and secondary sections include a zipper closure member having mating halves secured to the upper periphery of the side and end panels. A zipper slide effects engagement of the mating halves of the zipper beginning at one end panel and ending at the opposite end panel, the start and finishing ends of the zipper projecting for a short distance beyond the respective side panels. In some embodiments, a tab can be connected to the starting end of the zipper to join the mating halves thereof, and another tab is connected to the zipper slide, each of the tabs being equipped with a fastening means such as a snap fastening means to permit drawing down the projecting zipper ends against the respective ends panel and securing the zipper ends in this position.
A container, or portable swimming pool, constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, a swimming pool 100 has a base 110 and a side wall 120, which is made from a flexible material and is formed in a particular shape. As will be discussed in more detail below, the pool 100, more specifically the side wall 120 incorporates an expandable system 200 to enable the side wall to increase and/or decrease in height and thus increasing and/or decreasing the depth of the pool 100.
The pool 100 can be a frame pool or a pop-up type of pool, both of which are collapsible in nature. The frame pool can be pre-fabricated and adapted to include a plurality of external vertical braces or frames for supporting the frame pool above the ground. The vertical braces or frames, which can be optionally provided, can be made of plastic, metal, and the like. In some embodiments, 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. In an exemplary embodiment, the pool 100 can be a combination of the frame and pop-up pools having elements of both devices. Other types of pools can be used with embodiments of the present invention.
The shape of the pool 100 can be circular, oval, and the like. 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. 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, are preferably 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. 2, 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 will likely be subjected to more wear than 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 bottom 122 of the side wall 120 can be connected thereto.
The side wall 120 can comprise both an inner wall 126 and an outer wall 128. In some embodiments, the inner wall 126 can be sealable to the outer wall 128. In some embodiments, the side wall 120 can be inflatable and spring activated. In some embodiments, the side wall 120 can be non-inflatable and non-spring activated. In some embodiments, the inner wall 126 can be an approximately vertical wall, while the outer wall 128 can be formed of an inflatable conduit.
In some embodiments, the inner wall 126 can be made of pliable plastic, while the outer wall 128 can be made of hard plastic. Then, the inner wall 126 can limit leakage of fluid should the outer wall 128 crack or pierced 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.
In some embodiments, the pool 100 may include a floatation device 130, which is formed in the shape of the pool 100, and can be attached near the top 124 of the side wall 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, the floatation device 130 can be an inflatable ring. This floatation device 130, if 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 floatation device 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, the floatation device 130 can be buoyant, meaning 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 floatation device 130 rises with the level of that water, the side wall 120 is automatically erected as the pool 100 is filled.
The floatation 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 floatation device 130 can make use of a variety of chemical or other reactions that would automatically inflate it. The floatation 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 floatation 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 fluid when the pool is used as a general container). For example, special foams, polystyrene, or other materials can be used to create a floatation 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 floatation device 130 can be made of a material that can be subjected to folding, without becoming damaged. Although some potential materials from which the floatation 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 floatation device 130 without departing from the invention.
The floatation 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.
In some embodiments, the side wall 120 can be inflatable. Providing media, such as air, to the inflatable side wall can be accomplished via valve 129. In an exemplary embodiment, the side wall can comprise a plurality of inflatable rings. Each ring can have its own valve 129.
The pool 100 can be conveniently collapsed for storage and/or transport by deflating the inflated floatation device 130 and folding onto itself along with the base 110 and side wall 120 material in a manner that is well known.
The pool 100 includes an expansion system 200. The expansion system 200 can be incorporated in the side wall 120 of the pool 100. The expansion system 200 permits the depth of the pool 100 to increase or decrease, as desired, as the side wall 120 of the pool 100 can be increased or decreased, respectively.
In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion system 200 includes a main compartment 210 with one or more expansion joints 212 to increase the height of the side wall 120, and thus increase the size of the compartment 210. In conjunction with the main compartment 210, there is also provided a separable end compartment having an inner flexible membrane that can be extended beyond the expansion joints to maximize the volume of the pool, when the expansion joints are open.
In an exemplary embodiment, each expansion joint 212 of the expansion system 200 includes a slide fastener 215 and zipper track 218. One end of the zipper track 218 underlies the opposite end of the zipper track 218 in an overlapping relationship, such that when the expansion joint 212 is closed, the slide fasteners looking like normal zippers. When the expansion joint 212 is opened by the zipper 215 being opened, the joint 212 can be opened at least 360 degrees around its circumference, or perimeter. By having two expansion joints 212, the joint 212 can be used together to get the maximum volume expansion in the pool 100 or can be used separately to provide an intermediate amount of expansion, wherein one side of the pool 100 can have higher side wall than an opposite side, which may be preferable when the pool 100 is positioned on an incline, for example.
The expansion system 200 can be covered by a portion of the outer side wall 128 to be hidden from view.
In some embodiments, the pool 100 can further comprise a porthole 150, or a plurality thereof. Generally, the portholes 150 are translucent sections of the side wall 120, either integrally formed in/with the side wall 120, or separate elements. The portholes 150 can perform 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 fluid within the pool 100.
The portholes 150 can have particular shapes. In some embodiments, the shape of the portholes 150 can be oval. Other embodiments provide that the portholes 150 can be round or circular. The configuration of the porthole 150 can be many shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, the locations of the portholes 150 can be placed symmetrically about the side wall 120.
In some embodiments, 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 fluid 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. In some embodiments, the portholes 150 can be sealable between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128, wherein there is a hole between the inner wall 126 and the outer 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 can be adapted as a circulation system, and beneficially as a cleaning system. The pump device 140 can be integral with the pool 100, or positioned nearby. The pump device 140 can comprise a first tube 142 coupling a suction port of the pump device 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 100. The pump device 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 device 140. Furthermore, the pump device 140 can be adapted to provide a jet of air bubbles in the water, for a Jacuzzi or spa effect.
Fountains are aesthetically pleasing, and are often desired to be positioned within the pool 100. In some embodiments, a fountain device 155 or fluid discharge device, can be positioned within the pool 100 for controlling fluid supplied by the pump device 140 in a decorative fashion. The pump device 140 can control the elevation of fluid as it is ejected from the fountain device 155, as well as the rise and fall of the fluid. The fountain device 155 is preferably positioned in the pool 100, and can be in communication with the pump device 140 or other filtering device to control the rise and fall of fluid.
In some embodiments, particularly those in which the pool has a side wall exceeding approximately three feet in height, the pool 100 can also have one or more braces or structural supports 160. The support 160 can include vertical rib supports, and can be coupled proximate to the side wall 120 of the pool 100. The support 160 can be inserted within the material making up the side wall 120. The support 160 can comprise at least a portion of the floatation device 130 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 supports 160 can comprise, for example, one or more inflatable bladders, collapsible foam, removable support members, and the like.
The supports 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 160 is positioned outside the pool 100. The support members 160 can be made of plastics, metals, and the like.
The pool 100 can include a ladder 170 enabling one to enter and/or exit the pool 100. The ladder 170 can be integral with the brace 160, or not. The ladder 170 is preferable in embodiments in which the height of the side wall 120 of the pool 100 exceeds approximately three feet. The ladder 170 can be insertable into the pool 100, enabling one to exit the pool 100 from the inside. 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 fluid in the pool 100 can be drained therefrom. Exemplarily, 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. The drainage assembly 180 can be many devices enabling easy draining of the pool 100, safely and environmentally.
In some embodiments, the pool 100 can also include a light source 190 for illumination purposes. The light source provides light when energized. The light source can be many types of light sources, including a light bulb, light emitting diode (LED), incandescent lamp, halogen lamp, fluorescent lamp, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 190 is an LED, as they can last longer than a halogen lamp or conventional light bulb, and LEDs can be controlled to emit various color patterns. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 190 can be secured to or embedded in either the side wall 120 or the floatation device 130. The light source can be powered by either an electrical outlet near the pool 100, or by a temporary power source, such as a battery, positioned within the pool 100.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the invention provides a number of different collapsible containers with generally vertical side walls and a floatation device positioned atop the generally vertical side wall, which can be used as swimming pool. The various embodiments of the invention described above provide collapsible swimming pool 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.
Embodiments of the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, while embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of swimming pool 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 kiddy pool described above. Additionally, other types of containers, which can be used to contain fluids or other substances could be constructed using the principles of the invention and enjoy similar advantages as those described above.
As described, embodiments of the present invention relate to an expandable inflatable pool system. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable inflatable pool system appears as a conventional two-ring child's pool. Between each of the two rings is a expansion system. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion system includes a zipper adaptable to unzip and expose a third ring. The ring can then be inflated resulting in a pool of greater depth. On the other hand, a three ring pool can be reduced to a two ring pool. In addition, the expansion system permits more than one zipper to enable additional chambers to further increase/decrease the depth of the pool. A benefit of the expandable inflatable pool system is that when child is young a first depth may be desired and/or appropriate, but as the child grows, the size and depth of the pool can be increased, thus reducing the need to purchase new pools every season as the child continues to grow.
Embodiments of the present invention incorporate a use of a fastening device, e.g., a zipper, to allow the pool to be expandable.
Embodiments of the present invention permit the use of multiple fasteners to create a pool of varying sizes.
The expandable system can be used on a non-inflatable pool, e.g. quickset-type using a non-inflatable sidewall, or an inflatable pool.
Additionally, the specific configurations, choice of materials, and the size and shape of various elements can 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

1. An expandable pool, comprising:

a base;

a side wall in communication with a perimeter of the base; and

an expansion system incorporated in the side wall, wherein the expansion system lengthens and shortens a height of the side wall.

2. The pool of claim 1, the expansion system comprising a main compartment with one or more expansion joints adapted to lengthen and shorten the height of the side wall.

3. The pool of claim 2, wherein the one or more expansion joints comprise a zipper track having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end underlies the second end of the zipper track in an overlapping fashion.

4. The pool of claim 3, further comprising a slide fastener that slides along the zipper track from the first end to the second end to open and close the expansion system.

5. The pool of claim 1, wherein the side wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall.

6. The pool of claim 1, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are made of different materials.

7. The pool of claim 1, further comprising one or more port holes defined between the inner wall and outer wall of the side wall.

8. The pool of claim 1, further comprising a floatation device attached to a top portion of the side wall, wherein the floatation device provides rigidity to the side wall.

9. The pool of claim 1, wherein the side wall is inflatable.

10. The pool of claim 9, wherein the side wall comprises a plurality of valves adapted to receive a gaseous media which inflates the side wall.

11. The pool of claim 1, wherein the side wall is collapsible.

12. The pool of claim 1, further comprising structural supports coupled to the side wall to provide rigidity to the side wall.

13. The pool of claim 1, further comprising a ladder coupled to the side wall to enable one to enter and exit the pool.

14. The pool of claim 1, further comprising a liquid drainage assembly integrated into the side wall.

15. The pool of claim 1, further comprising a light source to illuminate the pool.

16. An expandable pool, comprising:

a base;

an inflatable side wall in communication with a perimeter of the base, the side wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall;

a flexible expansion system incorporated between the inner wall and outer wall of the side wall, the expansion system comprising a zipper track having a first end and a second end and a slide fastener;

wherein the first end of the zipper track underlies the second end of the zipper track in an overlapping fashion, and the slide fastener engages the zipper track to open and close the expansion system;

wherein the expansion system lengthens and shortens a height of the side wall;

a flotation device attached to a top portion of the side wall, wherein the floatation device rises with a level of liquid in the pool; and

a pump device adapted to circulate and clean the liquid in the pool.

17. The pool of claim 16, further comprising a fountain device that propels at least some of the liquid from the pool into a fountain-like configuration.

18. The pool of claim 17, wherein the pump device is in communication with the fountain device and controls the elevation of the fountain-like configuration.

19. The pool of claim 16, wherein the side wall comprises a plurality of valves adapted to receive a gaseous media which inflates the side wall.