US20170058545A1

US20170058545A1 - System, method and apparatus for a pool fitting

Info

Publication number: US20170058545A1
Application number: US15/243,142
Authority: US
Inventors: Matt Freeby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-28
Filing date: 2016-08-22
Publication date: 2017-03-02

Abstract

A drainage system includes a pool fitting, a longitudinal member, and a backing member. The pool fitting is configured to be positioned between an edge of the pool and a first edge of a gutter. The pool fitting includes a support member and an alternating drain structure. The longitudinal member is coupled to the alternating drain structure and has a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall. The first sidewall of the longitudinal member and the support member define a cavity therebetween. The backing member is configured to be positioned proximate an opposing second side of the gutter. At least one of the alternating drain structure, the longitudinal member, and the backing member are configured to align a gutter cover over the gutter at a target slope.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/211,447, filed Aug. 28, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Pool perimeter drainage systems are used to collect water that overflows from a pool to prevent the water from accumulating on a deck surface and to convey the water to the pool's filtration system. Pool drainage systems often provide a slope such that the gutter is slightly vertically offset from the adjacent pool deck to prevent overflow onto the pool deck. This slope is often prescribed by regulations, such as the American with Disabilities Act. While useful, implementation of the slope with a pool perimeter drainage system is often time consuming and difficult. For example, forms must be constructed at the correct angle to allow concrete to cast at the proper angle. Therefore, there are at least three time-consuming and complex processes traditionally used: (i) construction of forms, (ii) pouring of concrete, and (iii) installing the gutter. In practice, it is difficult to construct and pour at the desired slope. What is needed are improved systems, methods, and apparatuses for installing a perimeter drainage system with a pool.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a perimeter drainage system for a pool. The drainage system includes a pool fitting, a longitudinal member, and a backing member. The pool fitting is configured to be positioned between an edge of the pool and a first side of a gutter. The pool fitting includes a support member and an alternating drain structure. The longitudinal member is coupled to the alternating drain structure and has a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall. The first sidewall of the longitudinal member and the support member define a cavity therebetween. The backing member is configured to be positioned proximate an opposing second side of the gutter. According to an exemplary embodiments, at least one of the alternating drain structure, the longitudinal member, and the backing member are configured to align a gutter cover over the gutter at a target slope.
Another embodiment relates to a pool fitting. The pool fitting includes a drain structure configured to direct water that overflows from a pool into a drain. The drain structure includes a first plurality of drainage, and a second plurality of drainage structures that are in fluid communication with the first plurality of drainage structures. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first plurality of drainage structures and the second plurality of drainage structures are oriented at opposite angles to define a funnel for directing fluid.
The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pool with a drainage system, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the drainage system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the drainage system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pool fitting with a lane clip, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pool fitting, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the pool fitting of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the pool fitting of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for installing a water drainage system for a pool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a pool perimeter drainage system is configured to drain water that is designed to continuously overflow the pool perimeter. Traditionally, pool drainage systems are angled to further prevent overflow (i.e., the pool surface is sunk in relative to a deck surface). To accommodate the angle, pool shells are often constructed to include angled surfaces to provide the slope for the drainage system, which may be difficult, time consuming, error prone, and costly. The pool drainage system of the present disclosure advantageously eliminates the need to slope the pool shell. The pool drainage system includes a drain structure that facilitates draining water overflown from the pool by providing an angled surface to orient a drain cover at a slope relative to the pool shell (i.e., the pool shell does not need to be sloped)—decreasing costs, time of installation, and installation errors (e.g., damage to the pool drainage system or pool shell, casting the pool shell with an improper slope, etc.).
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, a pool system, shown as pool 10, includes a drainage system, shown as water drainage system 40. The water drainage system 40 is configured to extend along and around the periphery of the pool 10. The water drainage system 40 is positioned to receive a fluid, shown as water 12, that flows over an edge of the pool 10. As shown in FIGS. 1-2A, the pool 10 includes a shell, shown as pool shell 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pool shell 20 is constructed (e.g., cast, etc.) from concrete. In an alternative embodiment, the pool shell 20 is otherwise constructed (e.g., assembled from pre-fabricated parts, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2A, the pool shell 20 includes a first portion, shown as fitting support 22, and a second portion, shown as deck support 26. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the fitting support 22 includes a surface, shown as mounting surface 24, and the deck support 26 includes a surface, shown as mounting surface 28. As shown in FIG. 2A, the fitting support 22 and the deck support 26 are spaced a distance apart, defining a drainage cavity, shown as gutter 30. The pool shell 20 further includes a surface or edge, shown as pool finish 32. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pool finish 32 defines a cavity, shown as water cavity 34, structured to retain/hold the water 12 within the pool 10.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2B, the water drainage system 40 includes a drain cover, shown as gutter cover 42, a longitudinal member, shown as channel member 50, a backing member, shown as receiving clip 60, and a fitting, shown as pool fitting 100. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the pool fitting 100 has substantially straight edges (e.g., to correspond with a rectangular pool, forming a rectangular bottom profile, etc.). In other embodiments, the pool fitting 100 is otherwise shaped (e.g., curved or arced to correspond with a curved or round pool, etc.). In some embodiments, the pool fitting 100 is flexible such that the pool fitting 100 may adapt to a plurality of pool finishes of a pool. The pool fitting 100 may be constructed from plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, composites, and/or any type of material that may be used in pool environments. In other embodiments, the pool fitting 100 is still otherwise constructed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pool fitting 100 is installed as discrete segments coupled together (e.g., aligned, etc.) along each edge of the pool 10. Beneficially, this structure may facilitate adaptation to a variety of pool shapes and/or sizes. In other embodiments, the pool fitting 100 is a single, continuous member that extends the length of one of the edges of the pool 10 (e.g., cut to the length of an edge of the pool 10, constructed based on the dimensions of a respective pool 10, extruded, pultruded, etc.).
As shown in FIGS. 2B-6, the pool fitting 100 includes a support member, shown as finger grip 110, and a drain structure, shown as alternating drain structure 130. As shown in FIGS. 2B-6, the finger grip 110 includes a top surface, shown as top wall 112, a front surface, shown as front wall 116, a curved surface, shown as gripping surface 118, and an extension, shown as extension structure 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, the finger grip 110 and the alternating drain structure 130 form a unitary (e.g., continuous, etc.) structure of the pool fitting 100. In alternative embodiments, the finger grip 110 and the alternating drain structure 130 are individual components fastened together (e.g., screwed, bolted, welded, riveted, glued, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 2B-4, the finger grip 110 is coupled to the alternating drain structure 130 via the extension structure 120 and extends therefrom along the pool finish 32. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the top wall 112 defines a plurality of slots, shown as grooves 114. According to an exemplary embodiment, the grooves 114 are configured to increase the traction of a swimmer entering or exiting the water 12 of the pool 10. As shown in FIG. 2B, the front wall 116 of the finger grip 110 is positioned proximate the pool finish 32. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the pool fitting 100 includes an interlocking member, shown as tail 170, positioned to interface (e.g., interlock, etc.) with a cutout, shown as notch 36, defined by the pool shell 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, the notch 36 extends around all or a portion of the periphery of the pool 10.
According to an exemplary, the finger grip 110 is configured to provide support to a swimmer to aid the swimmer when exiting the pool 10. For example, a swimmer may grasp onto the gripping surface 118 for leverage when exiting the pool 10. The finger grip 110 may be shaped and sized dependent on the application (e.g., type of pool, location of pool, etc.) such that the shape and size of the finger grip 110 depicted is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, a wide variety of shapes and sizes may be used. As shown in FIG. 3, a clip, shown as lane clip 200, may removably couple to the finger grip 110 (e.g., extend around the gripping surface 118, etc.). The lane clips 200 may be positioned on opposing ends of the pool 10 to facilitate installing lane dividers, shown as lane lines 14, (e.g., any number of lanes lines and a variety of lane widths, etc.) according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIGS. 2B-4, the finger grip 110, the extension structure 120, and the alternating drain structure 130 define a side surface, shown as side profile 104, of the pool fitting 100. The side profile 104 may be variously shaped based on the application. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 4-5, the pool fitting 100 further includes a bottom surface, shown as bottom wall 102. As shown in FIG. 2B, the bottom wall 102 of the pool fitting 100 is configured to be disposed along the mounting surface 24. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pool fitting 100 is coupled to the mounting surface 24 via fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, epoxy anchors, etc.). In some embodiments, an adhesive (e.g., grout, etc.) is disposed between the bottom wall 102 and the mounting surface 24. According to an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive is applied to facilitate leveling the mounting surface 24 and setting the pool fitting 100 before being fastened. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 4-6, the pool fitting 100 further includes a front surface, shown as drainage wall 106, defining a plurality of outputs, shown as water outlets 144. As shown in FIG. 2B, the drainage wall 106 is positioned proximate the gutter 30.
As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the alternating drain structure 130 defines a first plurality of drainage structures, shown as drainage structures 140, and a second plurality of drainage structures, shown as drainage structures 150. As shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 6, the drainage structures 140 and the drainage structures 150 alternate along the longitudinal length of the alternating drain structure 130. In an alternative embodiment, the drainage structures 140 and the drainage structures 150 alternate along a portion of the length of the alternating drain structure 130. According to the exemplary embodiment shown FIGS. 3-4 and 6, the drainage structures 140 and the drainage structures 150 have a tapered structure (e.g., one end has a narrower width than the other, trapezoidal, etc.). In other embodiments, the drainage structures 140 and/or the drainage structures 150 have a straight structure (e.g., both ends are substantially the same width, rectangular, etc.). In still other embodiments, the drainage structures 140 and/or the drainage structures 150 have a curved structure (e.g., vertically curved, horizontally curved, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 2B-4, drainage structures 140 have a top surface, shown as sloped surface 142. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sloped surface 142 of the drainage structures 140 slopes downward and toward the gutter 30. As shown in FIGS. 2B-4, the drainage structures 150 have a top surface, shown as sloped surface 152. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sloped surfaces 152 of the drainage structures 150 slope upward and away from the pool finish 32. Thus, the first drainage structures 140 and the second drainage structures 150 have opposing sloped surfaces that define a funnel for directing fluid. As shown in FIG. 2B, the sloped surfaces 152 are angled at an angle 92 relative to a horizontal reference (e.g., the mounting surface 24, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the slope of the sloped surfaces 152 is one inch up and twelve inches over (i.e., the slope is 1/12). In other embodiments, the sloped surfaces 152 are otherwise sloped (e.g., 1/10, 1/8, 1/16, etc.). In one embodiment, the sloped surfaces 142 are angled at the same or substantially the same angle as the angle 92, but negative (i.e., the slope is −1/12). In other embodiments, the sloped surfaces 142 are otherwise negatively sloped (e.g., −1/10, −1/8, −1/16, etc.). In one embodiment, the sloped surfaces 142 and the sloped surfaces 152 have the same slope, with one positive and the other negative (e.g., 1/12 and −1/12, etc.). In another embodiment, the sloped surfaces 142 and the sloped surfaces 152 have different slopes (e.g., 1/12 and −1/8, etc.). The alternating drain structure 130 may be shaped and sized dependent on the application (e.g., type of pool, location of pool, etc.) such that the shape and size of the alternating drain structure 130 depicted is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, a wide variety of shapes and sizes may be used.
As shown in FIGS. 2B-6, the sloped surfaces 152 of the drainage structures 150 include coupling members, shown as tabs 156, extending therefrom. The tabs 156 are positioned to interface with the channel member 50 to couple the channel member 50 to the alternating drain structure 130 of the pool fitting 100. In an alternative embodiment, the channel member 50 and the sloped surface 152 are integrally formed such that the pool fitting 100 and the channel member 50 form a single, continuous structure. As shown in FIGS. 2B-3, the channel member 50 includes a first sidewall, shown as inner sidewall 52, an opposing second sidewall, shown as outer sidewall 54, an upper wall, shown as top wall 56, and a pair of interfacing walls, shown as interfacing walls 58, spaced a distance apart. The spacing of the interfacing walls 58 is configured to correspond with the spacing of the tabs 156. Thus, the tabs 156 are positioned to interface with the interfacing walls 58 (e.g., a snap fit, slide engagement, etc.) to couple the channel member 50 to the pool fitting 100. In other embodiments, the channel member 50 and the pool fitting 100 are otherwise coupled (e.g., glued, screwed, riveted, bolted, clamped, welded, etc.).
As shown in FIGS. 1-2B, the gripping surface 118 of the pool fitting 100 and the inner sidewall 52 of the channel member 50 are spaced a distance apart, defining a cavity therebetween, shown as cavity 90. According the an exemplary embodiment, the tabs 156 are positioned such that the cavity 90 formed between the inner sidewall 52 and the gripping surface 118 is sized to satisfy various regulatory requirements (e.g., ADA pool regulations, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cavity 90 is sized such that a swimmer can grab onto the gripping surface 118 with his/her hands, but substantially prevents the swimmer's feet from entering the cavity 90 (i.e., the cavity 90 is sized such that a simmer's foot extends across the cavity 90 and rest on the top wall 112 of the finger grip 110 and the top wall 56 of the channel member 50). In some embodiments, the channel member 50 includes grooves similar to the grooves 114 of the finger grip 110. The cavity 90 may be shaped and sized dependent on the finger grip 110 and the channel member 50 such that the shape and size of the cavity 90 depicted is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, a wide variety of shapes and sizes may be used.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the receiving clip 60 is positioned proximate the gutter 30 on the deck support 26. The receiving clip 60 includes a back surface, shown as retaining surface 62, an engagement surface, shown as sloped surface 64, and a bottom surface, shown as bottom surface 66. As shown in FIG. 2A, the bottom surface 66 of the retaining clip 60 is configured to be disposed along the mounting surface 28 of the deck support 26. According to an exemplary embodiment, the retaining clip 60 extends around the periphery of the gutter 30 and is coupled to the mounting surface 28 via fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, epoxy anchors, etc.). In some embodiments, an adhesive (e.g., grout, etc.) is disposed between the bottom surface 66 and the mounting surface 28 and setting the retaining clip 60 before being fastened. According to an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive is applied to facilitate leveling the mounting surface 28. As shown in FIG. 2A, the sloped surface 64 is angled at an angle 96 relative to a horizontal reference (e.g., the mounting surface 28, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the slope of the sloped surface 64 is one inch up and twelve inches over (i.e., the slope is 1/12). Thus, the sloped surface 64 may correspond with the sloped surfaces 152 of the pool fitting 100 (i.e., have the same slope). In other embodiments, the sloped surface 64 are otherwise sloped (e.g., 1/10, 1/8, 1/16, etc.) to correspond with a different slope of the sloped surfaces 152.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel member 50, the drainage structures 150, and the receiving clip 60 align the gutter cover 42 over the gutter 30 (e.g., at a target angle, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the gutter cover 42 includes a first end, shown as pool end 44, and an opposing second end, shown as deck end 46. The pool end 44 of the gutter cover 42 rests on the sloped surface 152 of the drainage structures 150 and abuts the outer sidewall 54 of the channel member 50. The retaining clip 60 is positioned to receive the deck end 46 of the gutter cover 42. The deck end 46 of the gutter cover 42 rests on the sloped surface 64 of the retaining clip 60 and abut the retaining surface 62 of the retaining clip 60.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the deck support 26 is vertically offset from the fitting support 22 by a distance 94. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the sloped surfaces 152 of the drainage structures 150, the sloped surface 64 of the retaining clip 60, and the vertical offset of the deck support 26 relative to the fitting support 22 (i.e., the distance 94) orient the gutter cover 42 at a target angle 98 such that the gutter cover 42 is at a positive slope relative to the pool finish 32 (i.e., extends upward and away from the pool finish 32, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the target angle 98 corresponds with the positive slope of the gutter cover 42 relative to the pool finish 32 being one to twelve (i.e., the gutter cover 42 is oriented at a slope of one inch in a vertical direction and twelve inches in a horizontal direction such that the pool end 44 of the gutter cover 42 is lower relative to than the deck end 46 of the gutter cover 42). In other embodiments, at least one of the pool fitting 100, the retaining clip 60, and the pool shell 20 facilitates orienting the gutter covers 42 at a different slope (e.g., 1/10, 1/8, 1/16, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the fitting support 22 and the deck support 26 are level (i.e., the same height, vertically aligned). The retaining clip 60 may be sized (e.g., have an additional thickness equal to or substantially equal to the distance 94, etc.) such that the sloped surfaces 152 of the drainage structures 150 and the sloped surface 64 of the retaining clip 60 orient the gutter cover 42 at the target angle 98 such that the gutter cover 42 extends upward and away from the pool finish 32.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the water drainage system 40 advantageously prevents the need to cast the pool shell 20 with a slope at the target angle 98. Thus, the water drainage system 40 of the present disclosure facilitates as substantially easier, more accurate, and cost effective construction of a pool shell and installation of pool drainage systems.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2A, the pool 10 includes a finishing surface, shown as deck 80. The deck 80 defines a surrounding walking area or support surface for users (e.g., swimmers, etc.) of the pool 10 or people passing by the pool 10. The deck 80 is disposed along and supported by the mounting surface 28 of the deck support 26. According to an exemplary embodiment, vertically offsetting the deck support 26 relative to the fitting support 22 causes the water level to be below the deck 80. This orientation may substantially prevent over-flooding of the water 12 onto the deck 80. As shown in FIG. 2A, the deck 80 is affixed (e.g., adhesively coupled, etc.) to the retaining clip 60 via a coupler, shown as sealer 70. The sealer 70 is positioned between the deck 80 and the retaining clip 60, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, the sealer 70 includes a backer, shown as backer rod 72, and an adhesive, shown as sealant 74 (e.g., caulk, etc.), disposed between the retaining clip 60 and the deck 80. The sealant 74 couples the deck 80 to the retaining clip 60 and prevents water from seeping beneath the retaining clip 60 and/or the deck 80. The backer rod 72 is positioned to space the deck 80 a desired distance from the retaining clip 60.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gutter cover 42 defines a plurality of slits, shown as drainage slots 48. The drainage slots 48 are positioned to receive the water 12 that may flow over the edge of the pool 10 to allow the water 12 to drain into the gutter 30. While the orientation of the drainage slots 48 is shown to be substantially perpendicular to the pool 10, in other embodiments, the drainage slots 48 are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the pool 10. In still other embodiments, the drainage slots 48 include a combination of parallel and perpendicular slots. In yet other embodiments, the drainage slots 48 are angled relative to the pool or still otherwise oriented.
In one embodiment, the water 12 that flows through the drainage slots 48 (e.g., that is overflown from the pool 10, etc.) is directed to at least one of the gutter 30, the drainage structures 140, and the drainage structures 150. The cavity 90 is also positioned to receive water 12 that overflows from the pool 10 to allow the water 12 to drain into the gutter 30. In one embodiment, the water 12 that flows through the cavity 90 is directed to at least one of the drainage structures 140 and the drainage structures 150. According to an exemplary embodiment, the alternating drain structure 130 is configured to direct the water 12 received from the cavity 90 and the gutter cover 42 to the gutter 30. The drainage structures 150 are configured to direct the water 12 that may overflow from the pool 10 (e.g., received from the drainage slots 48, received from the cavity 90, etc.) to the drainage structures 140. The drainage structures 140 are configured to direct the water 12 that may overflow from the pool 10 (e.g., received from the drainage slots 48, received from the cavity 90, received from the drainage structures 150, etc.) to the gutter 30 via the water outlets 144 of the drainage wall 106. The gutter 30 may be fluidly coupled to a filtration system of the pool 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the alternating drain structure 130 is configured to prevent water that overflows from the pool 10 from being trapped within the channel 90 (e.g., which may cause a health hazard, etc.).
Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 700 for installing a water drainage system for a pool is shown according to an example embodiment. In one example embodiment, method 700 may be implemented with the water drainage system 40 of FIGS. 1-2B. Accordingly, method 700 may be described in regard to FIGS. 1-2B.
At step 702, a pool shell (e.g., the pool shell 20, etc.) of a pool including a first support (e.g., the fitting support 22, etc.) and a second support (e.g., the deck support 26, etc.) is provided (e.g., cast from concrete, assembled, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the first support and the second support are spaced apart, defining a gutter therebetween (e.g., the gutter 30, etc.). In one embodiment, the second support is taller than the first support. At step 704, a pool fitting (e.g., the pool fitting 100, etc.) is installed proximate an edge of the pool on the first support. Installing the pool fitting may include applying grout to a mounting surface of the first support to the level the mounting surface; setting the pool fitting within the grout proximate the pool edge; and once set, drill in a fastener (e.g., an epoxy anchor, etc.) to affix the pool fitting to the first support proximate the pool.
At step 706, a backing member (e.g., the retaining clip 60, etc.) is installed proximate the gutter on the second support. Installing the backing member may include applying grout to a mounting surface of the second support to the level the mounting surface; setting the backing member within the grout proximate the gutter; and once set, drill in a fastener (e.g., an epoxy anchor, etc.) to affix the backing member to the second support proximate the gutter.
At step 708, a longitudinal member (e.g., the channel member 50, etc.) is coupled to the pool fitting. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pool fitting includes tabs that interlock with a profile of the longitudinal member (e.g., the interfacing walls 58, etc.). At step 710, a gutter cover (e.g., the gutter cover 42, etc.) is disposed between the longitudinal member and the backing member such that the gutter cover extends across the gutter. According to an exemplary embodiment, the drainage system is configured to angularly orient the gutter cover such that it is disposed along a target slope (e.g., up one inch over twelve inches, etc.). Advantageously, the drainage system prevents the need to cast the pool shell with a sloped surface since the drainage system is structured to include an angled configuration to orient the gutter cover along the target slope.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” or “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the systems and methods as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A perimeter drainage system for a pool, comprising:

a pool fitting configured to be positioned between an edge of the pool and a first side of a gutter, the pool fitting including a support member and an alternating drain structure;

a longitudinal member coupled to the alternating drain structure having a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall and the support member define a cavity therebetween; and

a backing member configured to be positioned proximate an opposing second side of the gutter, wherein at least one of the alternating drain structure, the longitudinal member, and the backing member are configured to align a gutter cover over the gutter at a target slope.

2. The perimeter drainage system of claim 1, wherein the alternating drain structure includes a first plurality of drainage structures and a second plurality of drainage structures, wherein the first plurality of drainage structures have a sloped surface that slopes downward and toward the gutter, and the second plurality of drainage structures have a sloped surface that slopes upward and away from the edge of the pool.

3. The perimeter drainage system of claim 2, wherein the alternating drain structure is configured such that a first end of the gutter cover rests on the sloped surface of the second plurality of drainage structures.

4. The perimeter drainage system of claim 3, wherein the backing member is configured to receive an opposing second end of the gutter cover and the opposing second sidewall of the longitudinal member is configured to engage with the first end of the gutter cover.

5. The perimeter drainage system of claim 4, wherein the sloped surface of the second plurality of drainage structures and the backing member orient the gutter cover such that the gutter cover extends upward and away from the edge of the pool.

6. The perimeter drainage system of claim 5, wherein the gutter cover is oriented at a slope of one inch in a vertical direction and twelve inches in a horizontal direction, wherein the first end of the gutter cover is lower relative to the opposing second end of the gutter cover.

7. The perimeter drainage system of claim 2, wherein the first plurality of drainage structures and the second plurality of drainage structures alternate along the alternating drain structure.

8. The perimeter drainage system of claim 7, wherein the second plurality of drainage structures are configured to direct water that overflows from the pool to the first plurality of drainage structures, and wherein the first plurality of drainage structures are configured to direct the water that overflows from the pool and received from the second plurality of drainage structures to the gutter.

9. The perimeter drainage system of claim 2, wherein the second plurality of drainage structures include a coupling member that extends therefrom and is configured to couple the longitudinal member to the alternating drain structure.

10. The perimeter drainage system of claim 1, wherein the alternating drain structure is configured to direct water received from the cavity and the gutter cover to the gutter.

11. A pool fitting, comprising:

a drain structure configured to direct water that overflows from a pool into a drain, the drain structure including:

a first plurality of drainage structures; and

a second plurality of drainage structures in fluid communication with the first plurality of drainage structures;

wherein the first plurality of drainage structures and the second plurality of drainage structures are oriented at opposite angles to define a funnel for directing fluid.

12. The pool fitting of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of drainage structures have an angled surface with a negative slope and the second plurality of drainage structures have an angled surface with a positive slope.

13. The pool fitting of claim 12, wherein the angled surface of the second plurality of drainage structures is configured to orient a gutter cover at a positive slope such that the gutter cover extends upward and away from an edge of the pool.

14. The pool fitting of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of drainage structures and the second plurality of drainage structures alternate along a length of the drain structure.

15. The pool fitting of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of drainage structures and the second plurality of drainage structures have a tapered structure.

16. The pool fitting of claim 11, wherein the second plurality of drainage structures are configured to direct the water that overflows from the pool to the first plurality of drainage structures, and wherein the first plurality of drainage structures are configured to direct the water that overflows from the pool and received from the second plurality of drainage structures to a gutter.

17. The pool fitting of claim 16, further comprising an output defined by the drain structure and positioned such that the water directed by the second plurality of drainage structures enters the gutter.

18. The pool fitting of claim 11, further comprising a finger grip coupled to the drain structure and extending therefrom upward from an edge of the pool, wherein the finger grip is configured to aid a swimmer when exiting the pool.

19. The pool fitting of claim 18, further comprising a tail coupled to a bottom end of the finger grip, wherein the tail is positioned to interface with a notch that extends around a periphery of the pool.

20. The pool fitting of claim 18, wherein the finger grip is configured to selectively receive a plurality of lane clips, wherein the plurality of lane clips are able to be selectively repositioned along the edge of the pool to facilitate installing a plurality of lanes lines with a variety of lane widths.