US20190360224A1

US20190360224A1 - Adjustable floor pool

Info

Publication number: US20190360224A1
Application number: US15/989,357
Authority: US
Inventors: John Lockett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-05-25
Filing date: 2018-05-25
Publication date: 2019-11-28

Abstract

An adjustable floor pool comprises a pool having an adjustable floor, a pool floor lift configured to move the adjustable floor up and down, a console that provides active safety monitoring updates to an electronic device associated with a user, and entertainment-providing features, along with other elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an above-ground pool. More particularly, the present invention concerns a pool with an adjustable floor, active safety monitoring capabilities, and entertainment-providing features.

BACKGROUND

Despite the well-known dangers of drowning, the pool industry provides users with few safety options. Mere suggestions that the user cover the pool, install railings, or control access to the pool via a gate or door do not go far enough. These limited and partial measures only provide limited and partial protection. For example, covers can even increase the hazard with certain types, and when it comes to the overall security a pool cover may provide against unexpected hazards and unforeseen accidents, well, kids will be kids. Pool covers do nothing to boost the value of a user's swimming pool or home, nor do they reduce the user's personal or business liability. No active monitoring system exist yet, despite significant media exposure that reports on tragic incidents that could have been prevented with the right safety system. Indeed, pools will continue to represent a safety problem until an active monitoring system exists. The problem is how to install measures that both reduce the risk of drowning or injury, and enhance the pool-going experience.
Attempts have been made, although unsuccessfully, to solve this problem. One illustrative attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,504, which generally discloses a swimming pool with a floor that can be raised or lowered, thus reducing or increasing the depth of the pool. While this disclosure does provide for a mechanism that makes drowning less likely, i.e. raising the pool's floor to reduce the depth of the water, this disclosure fails to provide for an active monitoring system, nor does it provide for enhanced entertainment features.
Another attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0078409 A1, which generally discloses an underwater projection apparatus. While this disclosure does provide for enhanced pool-going entertainment, it fails to provide for either an active safety monitoring system or a way to decrease the depth of the pool so as to help prevent drowning.
Yet another attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,390, which generally discloses another device capable of raising a pool's floor. While this disclosure provides for a relatively simple way of raising a floor, it still fails to disclose any active safety monitoring functionality, nor any enhanced entertainment features.
Thus, various attempts have been made to solve the problems which may be found in the related art but have been unsuccessful. A need exists for a new pool with an adjustable floor, active safety monitoring capabilities, and entertainment-providing features to avoid the challenges and problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodiments are provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of many possible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “will,” and the like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with terms such as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that the present invention may” and so forth.
Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as a pool wall, floor, steps, etc., are herein meant to include or encompass all equivalents for such elements. For example, in addition to a “pool”, any water-containing item big enough to house a living organism capable of drowning is also contemplated by the present invention. Moreover, while the invention will be described in connection with above-ground pools it is understood that the invention is not limited in scope to use with pools but may be used with other types of water activities reasonably likely to benefit from active safety monitoring. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element named in its particular herein.
For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are provided herein. It is to be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or novel features may be provided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect, advantage, or novel feature or group of features without achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may be taught or suggested.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention relates to a pool having an adjustable floor that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. The general purpose of the present invention, which shall be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide users of pools with enhanced safety features and prevent drowning.
The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. By way of non-limiting example, the present invention provides a novel solution for preventing drowning. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
The present invention comprises a pool with an adjustable floor, active safety monitoring capabilities, and entertainment-providing features. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a passive and active swimming pool safety system that reduces the possibility of accidental and negligent drownings to save lives and mitigate owner liability connected with swimming pool operation and ownership. The present invention's unique approach to pool safety gives a user the ability to monitor the activity in and around a pool at all times. The present invention also allows a user to change the user's swimming pool structural design. The present invention's innovative technology allows two-way flow of information between the user and the present invention's monitoring and activation system(s), transforming a user's home pool or commercial swimming pool into a smart pool. The present invention works both inside and outside the pool by providing protection, access, and control over the swimming pool's safety level.
The present invention may provide the following benefits for consumers everywhere: it may prevent drowning deaths; it may provide a new kind of safe pool design; and it may enable liability insurance companies to offer or provide rate discounts to persons who use the present invention.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in terms of the components and configurations, it is understood to that the invention is not intended to be limited to those specific dimensions or configurations but is to be accorded the full breadth and scope of the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a first position.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up perspective view of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up perspective view of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a new and more effective adjustable floor pool.
All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any embodiment or element of an embodiment disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use.
It is to be understood that the drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears.
As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising,” “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known features, elements or techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.
Turning attention to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a first position is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive adjustable floor pool 100, above-ground pool 101, hydraulic floor lift 102, support rails 103, safeguards console 104, touch screen console 105, supply drawers with emergency accessories 106, rechargeable battery power box 107, childproof and waterproof outlet-cover flaps 108, and pool floor 109.
In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1, adjustable floor pool 100, here shown as above-ground pool 101 has its hydraulic floor lift 102 and pool floor 109 in a first or lowered position. A viewer will note that adjustable floor pool 100 in this position provides maximum depth and maximum water exposure. In some embodiments, this may be a configuration associated with adults or water-safety-trained persons.
The present invention may provide for one or more than one embodiments of adjustable floor pool 100, such as one or more embodiments of above-ground pool 101 as well as one or more embodiments of an in-ground pool, or one or more embodiments wherein pool floor 109 is configured to move both above and below ground.
Above-ground pool 101, may in some embodiments, also provide for one or more underwater projectors (not pictured) that may illuminate the surrounding walls of above-ground pool 101. To give the impression of movable objects, the projector may also be WI-FI compatible to receive imagining from assorted devices. While the present invention is naturally designed with the child in mind, the entertaining functionalities of the present invention for adults are limitless including but not limited to watching television, hosting tea parties, interfacing with ride carts, swimming, napping, changing the water, and so forth.
Above-ground pool 101, may in some embodiments, also provide for a chest underneath pool floor 109 or on the exterior of above-ground pool 101 that provides ample space as well as extra storage for the convenience and safety of the owner. Such items could include a first aid kit, shower head, shower drain, compressor F/H, backside changing station, towels, blankets, pool accessories, swimsuits, cooler-pullout, wi-fi compatible, MP3 mound, speakers buttoning, and a charger port. An additional Personal Safe Box (not pictured), may also be attached to the present invention's main compartment and could include up to twenty different items, but compartment size may vary. Potential personal property for storage include: cell phones, jewelry, money and so forth, including all equipment with GPS tracking device programmable to a user's phone.
Hydraulic floor lift 102 of the present invention may provide for a hydraulic leveling system that lists or adjusts pool floor 109 of above-ground pool 101 to any desired depth within an approximate range of zero through twelve feet, although in other embodiments the present invention may provide for greater depths. The present invention's hydraulic floor lift 102 and associated hydraulic floor leveling system may also have a modification that enables both in-ground and above-ground versions use (not shown in FIG. 1), such as rails to level one or more floor cushions, and in some embodiments, that may enable pool floor 109 to even pass below ground level.
Support rails 103 may be used by one or more users for bodily stability while inside above-ground pool 101. In some embodiments, support rails 103 may support the movement of hydraulic floor lift 102 and/or pool floor 109. In some embodiments, support rails 103 may be plank-shaped, cylindrical, block-shaped, cuboid, rectangular cuboid, or any other shape. Moreover, in some embodiments, support rails 103 may be comprised of several stacked or linearly aligned support rails 103. These “breaks” between support rails 103 may serve a purpose in securing the raising or lowering of pool floor 109 at prescribed intervals.
Safeguards console 104 may be operated via touch screen console 105 or voice command and may have supply drawers with emergency accessories 106 as well as a ten-digit access panel that controls and operates multiple functions and features which may include: an end distress button; motion detectors, voice activated emergency leveling, depth indicator, cameras, smart phone app, and more (not separately pictured). One or more smart phone application may provide a user with the ability to allow installation to an existing pool as well as take three-dimensional (3D) images of the shape, angle and depth of above-ground pool 101. Safeguards console 104 may also monitor above-ground pool 101 when the user is not around, notifying the user via cell phone or computer when there is unauthorized activity in or around above-ground pool 101. Consequently, safeguards console 104 may be connected via wife, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or any other communications medium with an electronic device of a user. Any information about adjustable floor pool 100, in any embodiment or configuration, may be sent to a user's device, including but not limited to water level in adjustable floor pool 100, the position of pool floor 109, the position of hydraulic floor lift 102, the presence of one or more users in adjustable floor pool 100, the presence of one or more animals in adjustable floor pool 100, the presence of one or more users or animals nearby adjustable floor pool 100, the temperature of the water in adjustable floor pool 100, the time of day and weather conditions around adjustable floor pool 100, the state of agitation of the water in adjustable floor pool 100, the presence of any safety device in adjustable floor pool 100, the presence of any pool toys in adjustable floor pool 100, any leakage of adjustable floor pool 100, any impact to any surface of adjustable floor pool 100, and any other information pertinent to adjustable floor pool 100 (collectively, “safety conditions”). Safety console 104 (or simply “console”) may detect at least one safety condition via at least one sensor (not shown) placed on the interior, the exterior, the upper surface, the bottom area, or any other place or element, including but not limited to on pool floor 109, within or without adjustable floor pool 100.
Rechargeable battery power box 107 may be of any known in the art, including but not limited to a rechargeable battery power box 107 rechargeable via utility grid power, a rechargeable battery power box 107 rechargeable via solar power, a rechargeable battery power box 107 rechargeable via wind power, a rechargeable battery power box 107 rechargeable via other battery power (such as reverse charging from an electric vehicle) and any other power-charging mechanism. Additionally, rechargeable battery power box 107 may be able to store any power denomination known in the art, including but not limited to a battery charge equivalent to car or truck batteries.
Childproof and waterproof outlet-cover flaps 108 may be snap-enclosure, magnetized, secured by hook and loop fasteners, may be secured via a standard or specialty hinge, or any other manner known in the art. Moreover, childproof and waterproof outlet-cover flaps 108 may be plastic, ceramic, a non-conductive metal, or any other material known for such use in the art.
With respect to FIG. 2, a side perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive kid-friendly pool 201, hydraulic lift track 202, and woven mesh floor 203.
Kid-friendly-pool 201 is thus dubbed solely to distinguish it herein, and not as a limitation. Kid-friendly-pool 201 need not actually be appreciated by nor conducive to the usage of children. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, kid-friendly-pool 201 is shown in a generally shoebox shape, but may of any shape known in the art, such as but not limited to a cylinder, a cube, a cuboid, a serpentine shape, a figure-eight, a bean-shape, a triangle, and so forth. Such shapes are also contemplated for any pool disclosed herein. Kid-friendly-pool 201 may also provide one or more kid friendly elements, such as decorations or small-sized features, such as small steps or handles. In some embodiments, kid-friendly-pool 201 may be shallower or otherwise smaller than other embodiments.
Hydraulic lift track 202 generally indicates the element upon which the present invention raises or lowers woven mesh floor 203. More or fewer hydraulic lift tracks 202 are contemplated than generally disclosed in FIG. 2. Additionally, hydraulic lift track 202 may be wider, narrower, or of a different configuration than generally shown in FIG. 2, such as but not limited to dual hydraulic lift tracks 202 per lift point. Moreover, should the present invention provide for a sloped leveling configuration for non-slip woven mesh floor 203 or pool floor 109, elements such as hydraulic lift tracks 202 and support rails 103 may provide for timed or uneven raising or lowering of non-slip woven mesh floor 203 or pool floor 109. Such features are contemplated for any floor-raising, floor-lowering, floor tilting, or floor-leveling element in the present invention, and can tilt or angle any such floor in any direction, and in some embodiments may angle or contour any such floor in more than one place or location, such as creating one or more raised or lowered portions in any such floor.
The present invention's eco-friendly and non-slip woven mesh floor 203 and related floor cushion may cover the bottom of above-ground pool 101 and/or any other embodiment of the present invention including but not limited to kid-friendly pool 201, with a state-of-the-art, woven mesh design that may be built specifically for easy rising of the woven mesh floor 203, as well as comfort and durability.
With regards to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive below-ground pool 301, leveling plates with non-slip floor cushion 302, flex hinges 303, rust-resistant stainless steel 304, and hand rail 305, as well as hydraulic lift track 202.
Below-ground pool 301 may provide for leveling plates with non-slip floor cushion 302 and flex hinges 303 and spring loaded, stain sliders with built in stain sliders with built in sensors to level non-slip floor cushion 302 and that may also be raised above surface level to ease periodic cleaning of pool surface beneath non-slip floor cushion 302.
A viewer will note that, generally, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, below-ground pool 301 provides a maximum height of non-slip floor cushion 302 and thus a minimum water depth, of ground-level. In some embodiments however, below-ground pool 301 may provide that non-slip floor cushion 302 may actually extend above ground level, so as to make getting out of below-ground pool 301 easier or safer.
Rust-resistant stainless steel 304 may be of course any material known in the art to be appropriate as support for a pool floor, such as but not limited to plastic, elastomer, stone, ceramic, brick, wood, and so forth.
Relatedly, in some embodiments, the present invention may provide for one, two, or three or more hand rails 305. As well, hand rail 305 may be of any material known in the art, such as metal, ceramic, carbon fiber, wood, and so forth (as may any element of the present invention). Hand rail 305 may also provide for one or more coverings, grip-enhancing elements, or other feature designed to help users exit a pool safely.
Turning attention to FIG. 4, a close-up perspective view of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive power outlet 401, as well as above-ground pool 101 and waterproof outlet-cover flaps 108.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a viewer may perceive one or more electrical features of the present invention in greater detail. Of course, a viewer will not that any number of power outlets 401 and waterproof outlet-cover flaps 108 are contemplated, as are any type of power outlet 401, such as a USB-charging outlet.
With respect to FIG. 5, a close-up perspective view of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive above-ground pool 101, hydraulic floor lift 102, support rails 103, rechargeable battery power box 107, and pool floor 109.
FIG. 5 generally shows the spatial relationships between elements such as but not limited to hydraulic floor lift 102, support rails 103, rechargeable battery power box 107, and pool floor 109. However, in some embodiments, one or more of hydraulic floor lift 102, support rails 103, rechargeable battery power box 107, and pool floor 109 may be larger or smaller, or larger, or arranged differently.
Turning attention to FIG. 6, a front perspective view of an adjustable floor pool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a second position is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive above-ground pool 101, hydraulic floor lift 102, support rails 103, safeguards console 104, touch screen console 105, supply drawers with emergency accessories 106, rechargeable battery power box 107, childproof and waterproof outlet-cover flaps 108, and pool floor 109.
FIG. 6 generally discloses above-ground pool 101 has its hydraulic floor lift 102 and pool floor 109 in a second or raised position. A viewer will note that adjustable floor pool 100 in this position prevents a user from entering above-ground pool 101 at all. Moreover, the second position generally disclosed in FIG. 6 may depict above-ground pool 101 after having raised a person to safety.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.
All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.
While the present invention generally described herein has been disclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable floor pool, comprising:

at least one pool, comprising:

a) a pool exterior side;

b) a pool interior side;

c) a pool upper side;

d) a pool bottom area comprising the bottom portion of the area inside the pool interior side;

e) at least one pool wall disposed on the pool interior side, wherein the at least one pool wall has at least one pool wall inside;

f) at least one support rail disposed along the at least one pool wall inside;

at least one moveable pool floor configured to cover the pool bottom area;

at least one pool floor lift configured to move the at least one moveable pool floor up and down; and

at least one console disposed on the pool exterior side, wherein the console is configured to cause the at least one pool floor lift to move the at least one moveable pool floor in a direction, wherein the console is configured to detect at least one safety condition via at least one sensor, and wherein the at least one console is configured to communicate the at least one safety condition to at least one electronic device associated with at least one user.

2. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery disposed on the pool exterior side.

3. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the console is a touchscreen console.

4. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, the console further comprising at least one supply drawer.

5. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, further comprising at least one outlet disposed on the pool exterior and at least one waterproof outlet cover configured to create a watertight covering around the at least one outlet.

6. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one pool floor lift is at least one hydraulic pool lift.

7. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one pool floor lift is configured to move the at least one moveable pool floor up and down along the at least one support rail.

8. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one moveable pool floor is a woven mesh floor.

9. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, further comprising at least one non-slip floor cushion disposed along an upper side of the at least one moveable pool floor.

10. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one moveable pool floor comprises:

a) at least one two plates; and

b) at least one hinge configured to hingedly connect the at least two plates.

11. The adjustable floor pool of claim 10, wherein the at least one hinge is made of rust-resistant stainless steel.

12. The adjustable floor pool of claim 10, wherein the at least two plates are leveling plates.

13. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, further comprising at least one hand rail disposed on the pool upper side.

14. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one pool is an above-ground pool.

15. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one pool is a below-ground pool.

16. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one pool is a kid-friendly pool.

17. The adjustable floor pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one pool floor lift is configured to raise the at least one pool floor above and below a ground level.