US3750197A

US3750197A - Swimming pool and deck

Info

Publication number: US3750197A
Application number: US00131638A
Authority: US
Inventors: D Weir; D Witte
Original assignee: FOX POOLS Inc
Current assignee: FOX POOLS Inc
Priority date: 1971-04-06
Filing date: 1971-04-06
Publication date: 1973-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 1990-08-07

Abstract

A swimming pool comprising a sidewall formed from connected sheets extending substantially vertically, a continuous deck extending around the pool and comprising a series of modular panels connected together at the ends thereof to provide rigidity and integrated with said side wall by coping means which connect the edges of said deck panels nearest the pool to the upper edges of said sidewall panels to provide an articulated rigid structure composed of components which can be fabricated in a factory, packaged and shipped to an installation site for erection. Several different types of copings are used respectively for side portions of the pool which are straight and side portions of a free form, i.e., curved, nature. Simple perpendicular supporting members support the deck panels vertically and the sidewalls horizontally.

Description

United States Patent [191 Weir et al.

[54] SWIMMING POOL AND DECK [75] Inventors: Donald H. Weir; Donald H. Witte,

both of York, Pa.

[73] Assignee: lFox Pools, llnc., York, Pa.

[22] Filed: Apr. 6, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 131,638

[ Aug.7, i973 3,631,545 l/l972 Orndorff 4/l72.l9

Primary Examiner-Henry K. Artis Attorney-C. Hercus Just [57] ABSTRACT A swimmingpool comprising a sidewall formed from connected sheets extending substantially vertically, a continuous deck extending around the pool and comprising a series of modular panels connected together at the ends thereof to provide rigidity and integrated with said side wall by coping means which connect the edges of said deck panels nearest the pool to the upper edges of said sidewall panels to provide an articulated rigid structure composed of components which can be fabricated in a factory, packaged and shipped to an installation site for erection. Several different types of copings are used respectively for side portions of the pool which are straight and side portions of a free form, i.e., curved, nature. Simple perpendicular supporting members support the deck panels vertically and the sidewalls horizontally.

24 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENIED 7 3,750,197

SHEEI10F3 E I --44 g; I 370 i: I

55 l 72 ii I FIG. 3

INVENTORS DONALD H. WEIR DONALD H. WITTE PAIENIEUAUB Hm 3.750.197

I EDGE [155 WEBB]: DUDE] [15mm BUDDIES 'TJIJEEIIEJDDEI B ijmtjrjljmmmmtm 4:] EJEJUUUEJUEJEWZ M1 EXJUUEJEJEJI JE JU 9 INVENTORS DONALD H. WEIR DONALD H. WITTE AT ORNEY SWIMMING POOL AND DECK The swimming pool industry has experienced an extensive expansion in recent years in the expanding economy of this country and the availability of greater amounts of leisure time. The development of various types of pools which at least partially can be prefabricated in factories probably has at least been somewhat responsible for the expansion of such industry. The use of flexible, sheet-type impervious liners of plastics also has rendered the building of domestic-type swimming pools for home use capable of being manufactured and installed at relatively reasonable prices, and this too, has facilitated the expansion of the industry.

A number of swimming pools of the type referred to have been manufactured and installed in which appropriate copings of various types have been applied to the upper edges of the sidewall structures and thereby produce a suitable finish to the upper edge of the pool. In many types of pools, however, it is desired to have either a partial or continuous deck of appreciable width adapted to the pool around the upper edge thereof. In view of the fact that the pool normally is built in an area such as open lawn, whereby the finished pool is unprotected and subjected to all types of weather elements, such a deck must be of durable nature.

In order to provide a suitable deck capable of withstanding all types of normal weather, the general practice at present and heretofore has been to form such decks of concrete, either reinforced or otherwise, the deck being formed by constructing a suitable form on the site, such as on the upper surface of backfill which surrounds the pool, for example, especially in relation to what is known as in-the-ground pools. Under such circumstances, the poured concrete deck is of a substantially continuous nature and examples of these are illustrated in prior US. Pat. Nos. 3,371,455 and 3,511,002. Installation of this type of deck requires skilled operators, forms, available mixed concrete, and is therefore expensive.

In regard to pools which are of the so-called abovethe-ground type, such as illustrated in sheet 2 of the drawings of said prior US. Pat. No. 3,371,455, horizontally extending decks may be suitably constructed from wooden planks extending longitudinally around the upper perimeter of the pool and appropriately braced and supported by wooden brace means such as illustrated in said patent.

Particularly for purposes of rendering pools of the aforementioned type susceptible of being more extensively or, preferably, completely manufactured by factory means, the present invention has resulted from efforts generally directed toward (1) decreasing the cost of both the swimming pools and installation thereof, and especially decks adapted to be installed therewith, and (2) minimizing the amount of on-the-site manual labor such as now required to install decks made from such materials as poured concrete, wooden planks and the like which require the use of skilled labor to produce, thereby adding to the overall cost of the pool. Accordingly, the present invention provides various types of modular deck panels and effective but simple means to support and connect the same to other elements and features of the swimming pool, details of which are described hereinafter and illustrated on the attached drawings comprising part of the application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a swimming pool constructed substantially entirely of components and elements which may be produced in a factory and then packaged and shipped to the site of installation of the pool, where the pool may be installed with a minimum amount of labor and hand operation and result in a rigid, integral pool having a continuous rigid deck surrounding the same, whereby the pool is capable of long life and resistant to all forms of normal weather conditions, pressures, and loads.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of different embodiments of modular-type deck panels which, in general, may be supported by sturdy means which are simple to manufacture and install and which are connected directly to the sidewall panels of the pool to brace the same to counteract the water pressureof the pool and provide such aforementioned rigid structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide coping means which, in general, integrates the deck and sidewalls into a rigid structure by connecting the edges of the deck panels which are nearest the pool to the upper edges of the sidewall panels of the pool, said sidewall panels preferably being composed of metal sheets connected together at the ends thereof.

Still another object of the invention is to provide one embodiment of modular deck panels which may be formed from sheet metal and the upper edges of the sidewall panels of the pool are formed to extend rearwardly in the nature of a horizontal flange upon which one edge of the deck panels rest directly for support.

A still further object of the invention is to utilize a plurality of simple perpendicular supporting members which are preferably substantially planar and extend radially outward from the rearward surfaces of the sidewall panels, the upper edges thereof supporting the deck panels, the lower edges resting on footers in the soil, and one side of said supporting members being directly connected to appropriate flanges or the like which extend perpendicularly rearward from said sidewall panels, said supporting members having simple flanges or equivalent means preferably along all edges, which extend perpendicularly to the plane thereof, to brace said members against bending while sustaining vertical and horizontal pressure forces.

Still another object of the invention is to provide coping means which are connected to the deck panels by receiving means for receiving a portion of the forward edges of the various different embodiments of modular type deck panels which comprise part of the invention, said coping means also having means which either receive or are otherwise connected to the upper edges of the sidewall panels of the pool in order to effect firm connection between said sidewall panels and deck panels and thereby integrate the same.

Details of the foregoing objectsof the invention, as well as other objects thereof, are set forth in the following specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. l is a top plan view of an exemplary swimming pool employing two different shapes and types of modular or articulated type deck panels constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical section showing one type of deck panel as seen on the line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view of one embodiment of the deck panel of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, said figure also illustrating one embodiment of coping means which incorporates principles of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing details of connecting means as seen on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear surface of an exemplary sidewall panel comprising part of the inventron.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of deck panel which incorporates the principles of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 as seen on the line 77 of said figure.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a still further embodiment of deck panel illustrated in association with the coping structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view of the right-hand portion of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment of deck panel shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary bracing and supporting member.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating a still further embodiment of deck panel, supporting means therefor and coping structure which is especially suited for use in the deck shown in FIG. 1, as seen on the line l212 of said figure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the under surface of the embodiment of deck panel shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a transverse sectional view of the deck panel shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 as seen on the line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a sectional fragmentary view of still another type of deck panel which may be used with a pool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary outline of swimming pool 10 is illustrated for purposes of showing relatively straight sides 12 and a straight end 14, as well as a so-called free-form, curved or arcuate portion 16. Certain of the plurality of embodiments of modular deck panels and coping means illustrated hereinafter respectively are best suited either for use along the straight sides or free-formed sides as will be explained in detail hereinafter with respect to the various embodiments. As indicated above, one of the principal objectives of the invention is to provide components and elements ofa swimming pool which primarily can be manufactured in a factory with labor-saving machinery, or otherwise, and thereby enable the pool manufacturer to (l) minimize cost and (2) produce a pool, which when packaged and all components thereof are delivered to the site of installation, a quality type and structurally sound swimming pool can be installed at minimum cost by utilizing certain of the embodiments described hereinafter.

The manufacture of deck panels 18 which are arcu- 6s ate, and regardless of whether the same are ofa convex or concave nature for use in the aforementioned socalled free-form portions of swimming pools, offer slightly greater difflculty, in general, to manufacture than the deck panels 20, for example, which are adapted to be employed along the straight sides or ends of the swimming pool. This primarily is due to the fact that, at least in general, different types of structural principles and utilization of different types of coping arrangements either may or must be employed to produce a satisfactory deck panel and resulting satisfactory fabricated swimming pool.

One embodiment of deck panel 18 which readily lends itself to use in free-form sections of swimming pools is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in which the body 22 of the deck panel is formed from a suitable mixture of concrete, one form of which may be the lighter weight, cellular type. A reinforcing metal grid 24 or similar reinforcing means may be disposed in the lower portion of the panel by suitably placing the same in a mold when the panel is being poured. The plan view of such panel may be as shown in FIG. 1, for example, or otherwise, and an appropriate shape of mold is utilized to form the desired shape of panel.

The thickness of the panel is commensurate with the width thereof so as to be capable of sustaining normal vertical loads conventionally imposed upon swimming pool decks. If desired, a layer of carpet 26, such as one of the current types of so-called all-weather carpet now popularly employed for outdoor use, may be appropriately cemented or otherwise affixed to the upper surface of the panel. In addition to the decorative effects,

such carpet aids in minimizing weather effects upon the panels. Also, flange-like connecting means 28 are connected to each panel adjacent the rear edge thereof and respectively flush with the adjacent end surfaces of adjoining panels as shown, for example, in FIG. 4.

Connecting means 28 are provided with downwardly extending ears 30. Said ears have aligned holes therein to receive connecting bolts 32, which also extend.

through a suitable hole in the adjacent corner 34 of a perpendicular supporting member 36 which, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 1 1, preferably is substantially planar and in plan view may be square or rectangular, or any other suitable geometrical configuration capable of affording rigid vertical support and resist distortion. By way of example and not limitation, member 36 may be formed from a suitable guage of sheet steel, preferably galvanized or otherwise rendered rust resistant. Preferably, a narrow portion of all the edges thereof are bend perpendicularly to the plane of the sheet to provide marginal bracing

flanges

34a, 37b, 37c and 37d, to prevent flexing of the supporting plate appreciably from its normally flat condition where in use.

The sidewalls of the pool preferably are composed of a plurality of sidewall panels 38 which are formed from sheet metal of suitable gauge. The adjacent ends of such panels are connected together by any suitable means, such as, for example, rearwardly extending flanges 42 at opposite ends of the panel, as shown in FIG. 5. Said flanges are provided with a series of evenly spaced holes through which connecting bolts 43 may be inserted to clamp the sidewall panels together. In addition, the panels preferably are provided with bracing members 44 which preferably are L-shape in crosssection. A series of these are spaced evenly across the rear surface of each of the sidewall panels 38 and are suitably connected thereto such as by a series of spotweldments. The opposite ends of the rearwardly extending flanges 46 also are provided with accurately spaced holes respectively adjacent opposite ends thereof for purposes to be described.

Preferably, the swimming pool is provided with one of said perpendicular support members 36 for each of the bracing members 44, as well as each pair of connected end flanges 42 of the sidewall panels 33. Said supporting members normally are disposed within a vertical plane and extend substantially perpendicularly from the rear surface of the sidewall panels 38, whether the panels 38 are straight or curved.

The supporting members 36 not only firmly support the

deck panels

18 and 20, which are interconnected thereto in various ways described in detail hereinafter, but very importantly, said supporting members 36 greatly facilitate the installation and the assembly of the swimming pool components, especially the sidewall panels 38 and, in addition, firmly brace the same against movement of any kind resulting from the pressure of the water in the pool when the pool is in use.

During installation of a pool and especially one of the in-the-ground types of pool, upon the completion of excavation, footer holes 48 are prepared in accurate position, at accurately determined levels, for the reception of anchor means comprising

footers

50 and 52 which preferably are a suitable concrete mix. Before the concrete sets, the bottom flanges 37d of supporting members 36 are positioned firmly upon the unset concrete by normal construction methods to "sight-in" the same in horizontal alignment. Also, anchor pins 54 may be inserted through suitable holes in the bottom flange 37c of member 36 so as to project into the unset concrete of the

footers

30 and 52 and become set therein.

The edge portion of each supporting member 36 which is nearest flange 37b thereof receives additional connecting bolts 43 which also extend through suitable holes in the flanges 46 of bracing members dd and thereby effectively connect the bracing plates 36 to the rear surface portions of the sidewall panels 33 at transversely spaced location for the full circumference of the pool. This arrangement effectively results in the supporting members 36 bracing the sidewall panels 33 against lateral movement rearwardly away from the pool both when in use as well as during erection of the pool.

Particularly to facilitate the utilization of curved or segmental-type deck panels 13 in the pool structure, of which one exemplary shape is shown in plan view in FIG. 1, the present invention also includes coping means 66 which has limited flexibility and is of a composite nature. Said coping includes an arcuate forward nose portion 62 which is formed from a durable type synthetic resin by an extrusion method or otherwise. Said nose portion 62 provides safety against injury when engaged by swimmers. The lower edge of the member 62 is formed integrally with a channel member as which extends substantially vertically when installed in the pool, the'channel opening downwardly for the reception of the upper edge portion 66 of the sidewall panels 33.

integral with the channel member M is an additional longitudinally extending channel-forming member 63 which closely receives the thickened terminal edge '79 of a flexible liner sheet '72 which is of conventional type and may be formed from suitable synthetic resin, such as an appropriate vinyl composition. When the pool contains water, the pressure thereof holds the liner sheet 72 in close conformity with the inner pool surface of the sidewall panels 38. The lower edge of the liner sheet 72 which extends around the sidewall panels 38 is connected at the lower edge thereof to the periphery of a bottom liner sheet 74 see FIG. 2, which, for example, overlies a suitable layer '76 of packed sand.

The principal function of the composite coping means 60 is to receive and support the forward edge portion 9a of the deck panel 18 within a channel 92 in a manner to integrate it effectively with the upper edge of the sidewall panels 33 for vertical support of the forward edges of the deck panels 18 and/or 26. Channel 92 extends between the upper terminal edge 96 of coping member 60 and the upper edge 98 of channel member 64 and the deck panel 18 rests upon said upper edge 98 for support thereby. If desired, after inserting the forward edges of panels 13 and/or 20 within the coping 6 0 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the remaining space within nose portion 62 may be filled with suitable material, such as concrete grout, by any suitable means, to provide stabilityv to the shape of the coping, as well as durability thereto.

It will, therefore, be seen from the foregoing description that the structure illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 provides highly effective, rigid means for supporting, interconnecting and locking together the embodiment of deck panels 13 illustrated therein with the sidewall panels 33 and the composite coping means 60. Due to the supporting members 36 being securely anchored to the

footers

30 and 52 at the lower edges thereof, the sidewalls of the pool are effectively braced against lateral displacement rearwardly and the deck panels are supported rigidly in substantially horizontal position and are braced vertically by said members 36 which also effectively support the rearward edges of the deck panels.

The type of deck panels 13 which are particularly adapted for free-form contours of swimming pools may be made from other materials and in a different manner from the concrete type of deck panels shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, a deck panel 113' is shown in bottom plan view in FIG. 6 and, intransverse section, in FIG. 7, as seen along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6. It is contemplated that this type of deck panel may be molded from suitable synthetic resin or die-cast from metal of appropriate strength and rigidity. The upper surface thereof is substantially planar and, if desired, a sheet of carpet 196 of a type similar to the carpet 26 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or any other suitable surface finishing material, may be cemented or otherwise affixed to'said upper surface of panel 13. To provide appropriate rigidity to the deck panels 16', they are molded in a manner to provide the under surface thereof with a plurality of recesses R02 to provide two sets of a plurality of parallel bracing ribs 1M and 1196 which transversely intersect each other in a checkerboard manner. This arrangement also provides is preferably continuous rim member 1198 which extends around the entire circumference of the panel 113.

One edge 11119, for example, of each of the panels 113' is adapted to be inserted within the supporting channel 92 of the composite coping means 69 and the corner portions of the deck panel adjacent the opposite or rear edge M2 is provided with oversize recesses llld which are of suitable size to accommodate one end, for example, of a small connecting plate 113 having suitable bolt holes therein shown in FIG. 7. A plurality of holes H6 are formed in the rim member 108 adjacent said recesses to accommodate the connecting bolts similar to bolts 32 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Similarly, certain of the recesses extending along opposite sidewalls of the panels 18' are provided with spaced holes 116 which may accommodate bolts, such as bolts 32, to connect abutting side edges of adjacent panels 18' together, in a manner similar to that described relative to panels 18 in FIGS. 2 and 3. Plates 115 are likewise secured in operative position by such bolts which simultaneously connect adjacent corner edges of panels 18 together. The projecting ends of plates 115 also have holes 116' to receive bolts to connect the same to members 36 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Although the exemplary illustration of an additional type of deck panel is shown in FIG. 7 as being substantially square or rectangular in shape, it is to be understood that the same may be of an arcuate or segmental nature similar to the exemplary illustration of the deck panels 18 in FIG. 1. Also, it is to be understood that the exemplary pattern of the molded

ribs

104 and 106 of the panels 18', especially as illustrated in FIG. 6, is merely exemplary and not restrictive.

Suitable deck panels also may be formed from a plurality of metal sheets, not shown, one of which may have relatively large sized dimples extending upward therefrom into engagement with a planar upper sheet and welded thereto, for example. For this purpose, either steel or lighter weight material, such as an appropriate aluminum alloy may be used. Examples of this type of construction are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,258,892 and 3,380,217. Certain modifications may be required from those illustrated in said patents in order to produce edge flanges suitable for being connected to the upper ends of the brace member 34 and also providing one edge which is suitable for insertion into the channel 92 of the coping means 60.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, still another type of deck panel 18" is shown which in plan view, as illustrated in FIG. 10, is square or rectangular. It is to be understood, however, that the same may be made somewhat segmental or otherwise be adapted for a free-form contour of a pool with which said deck panel is to be used. Essentially, the deck panel 18" is shown as being formed from wood and comprises side and end members 118. The ends may be connected by any suitable joint such as half-together joints. Similarly, a number of strengthening wooden cross struts 120 may be used. These, in conjunction with the side and end members 118, are selected as to size so as to afford adequate strength. The ends of the cross struts 120 may be connected to the side members 118 by any suitable joint structure and the frame formed thereby is covered by an appropriate sheet of plywood 112, for example. Such plywood prefcrably is of the so-called marine-type which is resistant to being affected by moisture. The abutting side members 118 of adjacent panels 18" may be secured together firmly by bolts which may extend through holes 118' therein, such as shown in FIG. 10.

If desired, a covering sheet of carpet 12% is cemented or otherwise secured to the upper surface of the plywood sheet 122 of panel 18". The dimensions of the composite panel thus described are such that one edge thereof readily fits within the supporting channel 92 of the composite coping means 60, such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Otherwise, the coping means 60, as illustrated in said figures, is utilized in the same manner and has the characteristics of the coping illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and described in detail hereinabove. Screws 127 may be used to lock the panels 18" to the channel 92 of the coping 60 by projecting through suitable holes in flange 37b of supporting member 36.

A somewhat modified form of deck panel from that shown in the preceding figures and supported by another embodiment of supporting means upon the sidewall of the pool is illustrated in FIGS. 1244. It will be seen from FIG. 12 in particular, supporting member 36 is shown which is substantially the same as that shown in detail in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 12 as in said preceding figures with respect to said supporting member 36. The essential differences between the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14 and the embodiments shown in the preceding figures are as follows:

The exemplary deck panel 128 which is shown in FIGS. 12-14 preferably is formed from sheet metal such as either sheet steel or aluminum. Each panel, as shown best in FIG. 14, consists of a planar top sheet 130, the side edges 132 of which extend perpendicularly downward therefrom and the terminal edge 134 of each side edge is bent inwardly to provide further bracing for the panel. In use, the vertical dimension of the panel is approximately about an inch and a half but this dimension is exemplary rather than restrictive.

The opposite forward edges 136 and rearward edges 138 of panel 128 also are bent downwardly perpendicularly from the top sheet to provide additional strength for the panel. The side edge flanges 132 of the panel, adjacent opposite ends thereof, also are provided with a plurality of holes 140 to receive bolts 142 by which the upper ends of the frame members 34 are connected to a pair of abutting panels, for example, by means of said bolts extending through aligned holes in abutting side edges flanges 132 of adjacent deck pan els. A small connecting plate 143 or similar means, is used to connect the rear edges of deck plates 128 to the upper edges of supporting member 36, as shown in FIG. 12, by means of additional bolts 142 passing through suitably aligned holes in plate 143 and member 36. The rearward edges 138 of the panels 128 thereby are rigidly and firmly supported by members 36.

The upper surface of each panel 128 also preferably is covered with a layer of carpet 144 by the same means and of the general type illustrated in regard to the preceding embodiments relative to carpet layers 26. If desired, the rearward edge 146 of carpet layer 144 may extend downwardly along the rearward edge flange 138 of the panel, especially if the pool is of the above-theground type. Otherwise, the carpet layer may terminate at the edge of the top sheet 130. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the forward edge of the carpet layer 144 preferably terminates a few inches from the forward edge flange 136 of panel 128 for purposes described hereinafter.

To suitably strengthen the top sheet 130 thereof, the exemplary deck panel 128 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing means illustrated in exemplary manner as being elongated channels 148, which may be formed from similar material to the top sheet 130. As best shown in FIG. 14, which is a view taken on the line l4-14 of FIG. 12, it will be seen that the channels 148 have laterally extending flanges which are connected to the undersurface of top sheet 130 by suitable means such as a series of spot-weldments or welds 150, shown in exemplary manner in FIG. 12. 'The opposite ends of the channels M8 also may be suitable tack-welded or otherwise secured to the inner surfaces of the forward and rearward edge flanges 136 and I38 of the panel 128. In use, the panels 128 are installed with the swimming pool in such manner that the elongated channels I48 preferably extend perpendicularly rearward from the plane of the sidewalls or end walls of the pool, as can be seen from FIG. 11.

The forward edge portions 136 of the deck panels 1128 are also secured to the sidewall panels 38 of the pool in a different manner from that illustrated in the preceding embodiments. Referring to FIG. 12, it will be seen that the upper edges of the sidewall panels 36 preferably terminate adjacent the upper surface of flanges 37c of supporting members 36 but the extreme forward edge portion of panel 128 directly overlies the immediately adjacent upper edge of sidewall panels 36 and conceivably may overhang the same slightly. The main support for the forward edges of panels 126 comprises members 36 which underlie the abutting and connected side edges of such panels. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, it will be seen that the upper ends of the rearwardly extending flanges 46 of bracing members 44 preferably terminate at a level no higher than the upper surfaces of flanges 37c of supporting members 36.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 112-14 lends itself to utilizing a different form of coping from that described above with respect to the preceding embodiments. Such coping 156 is shown in FIG. 12 and may be of the type, for example, as shown in prior US. Pat. No. 3,347,006 in the name of George C. Fox, dated Oct. 17, 1967. The coping 156 comprises, for the ample, an arcuate coping member 158 per se and a longitudinally extending type of securing member 160. The securing member 160 preferably is formed of suitable material such as synthetic resin of relatively stiff nature but slightly yieldable or suitably resilient metal, so as to provide a pair of grooved members 162 and 1164 which receive

elongated ribs

166 and 166 which have enlarged terminal edges which are received with a snap fit within the grooves of members 1162 and 16d. The coping member 158 per se preferably is formed from metal such as an appropriate aluminum alley, or otherwise, by extrusion, for example, to provide sections thereof of appreciable lengths capable of ready handling for installation and shipping, such as of the order of 8 or feet.

The securing member 160 also is provided in sections of appreciable lengths, similar to those, for example, in which the coping member 156 is provided. The securing member is laid directly across the upper surfaces of the forward portions of the previously installed and connected deck panels 126 and holes are either provided within, or are drilled on the site, through the central portions of the securing member 160 at spaced locations therein. Said holes also extend through the forward edge portion of the deck panels IN and also, if desired, the flanges 37c of members 36, for the reception of securing bolts I70 therethrough. The headed ends of the bolts preferably extend through appropriate washers 172 which are disposed against the central portions of the securing member 1166.

After the deck panels IN have been securely fastened to the supporting panels 36 and the sidewall panels 36, and the securing member I66 has been attached thereto, the coping members N6 are snapped into engagement with the grooved members 162 and 16d of the securing member 1160. This completes the assembly of the coping with the deck panels and sidewall panels. In general, the connected side edges of the deck panels are disposed directly over the supporting members 36 for direct engagement therewith. As also will be seen from FIG. I2, the rearward edge portion of the coping member 158 preferably overlies the forward edge portion of the carpet layer 144 to provide an esthetic, as well as servicable arrangement.

In addition to the various types of deck panels described hereinabove, it will be seen from the exemplary illustration in FIG. 15 that still another type may be used under most types of installations. The panel I74 shown in FIG. 15 comprises top and

bottom sheets

176 and 178 of synthetic resin, preferably of a thermoplastic type and resistance to deterioration from exposure to ultra-violet rays. The thickness is selected in accordance with the tensile strength of the resin chosen to be used so that the panel will resist appreciable bending in use. The

sheets

176 and 178 are spaced apart uniformly by a core sheet or member of suitable foam resin of uniform' thickness. The opposite surfaces of said core are bonded by resin cement or otherwise to the sheets 1'76 and 176 to form a rigid, light weight panel of suitable thickness, such as that of the other deck panels described above.

For purposes of securing the abutting edges of adjacent panels 17d togethenthe side edges of each panel are provided with appropriate connecting brackets 182 having ears extending into and bonded suitably to the material of core and a perpendicular ear projecting beyond the lower face of the panel, in use. The latter ears of adjacent panels have aligned holes to receive connecting bolts 184. Said bolts also may extend through appropriate holes in the upper portiong of supporting members 36 so as to connect said panels thereto. The forward edge of each panel 176 may be positioned within the supporting channel 92 of coping 6th, for example, for support thereby. Also, panels 1174 may have carpet 186 or othercovering material firmly bonded to the upper surface thereof both for esthetic appearance and protection from the weather elements and the sun.

As has been stated above, the embodiment of deck panel 126 such a shown in FIGS. 12-14 primarily is of a nature that lends itself to installation along relatively straight sections of the sides or ends of a swimming pool, whereby such type of deck panel is represented by the exemplary panels 20 shown in FIG. 1. However, all of the embodiments of deck panels illustrated in the preceding figures similarly may be made in square or rectangular configuration so as to be used along straight sections of the sides or ends of a swimming pool and the composite type of coping 60 shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3 likewise may be used along such straight sides or ends of the pool, as well as along curved configurations thereof.

Although the deck structures. including the supporting means described hereinabove and illustrated in the figures of the drawings are particularly suited for pools of the in-the-greund type, it is to be understood that such structures also are capable of being used in pools of the above-the-ground type as long as the lower ends or edges of the upporting members 36 are securely onchored to the ground adjacent the pool or in appropriate foundation means of other types.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the various embodiments of swimming pool structural components and particularly, the deck panels, coping sections, sidewall and endwall panels, and perpendicular supporting members described above, are the type which, substantially in their entireties, can be manufactured under factory conditions, packaged and transported to the site of installation so as to minimize the need for manual fabrication of individual components on the site. Obviously, it is necessary that manual labor be employed to assemble and connect the various components comprising the pool walls, deck, supporting members, and coping structures. However, distinguished from the construction and methods of installing decks for pools of known types, wherein concrete in ready-mixed but unset condition must be conveyed to the site and poured into forms which also must be prepared on the site to form the decks, or the sawing and fitting of planks and erection of supporting frames under circumstances where wooden decks are desired, the present invention provides a pool construction which, in general, utilizes less skilled type of labor to install. Further, the element of time in erecting the pool is less in regard to installing the pool, deck, supporting members and coping structures of the present invention than in regard to that required to erect conventional type pools.

Notwithstanding the fact that the present invention and certain embodiments thereof utilize certain features resembling portions of structures illustrated in preceding patents, the present invention offers improvements thereover, particularly in the supplying of modular type deck panels, vertical supporting members and coping structures which lend themselves either to free-form shapes of pools or pools having straight sides and ends and in regard to which, when the installation of the pool has been completed, the interconnected, integrated modular sections of deck panels, supporting members and coping structures results in producing a pool which is relatively rigid throughout its entirety, even though composed of articulated components.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in its several preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the precise details herein illustrated and described since the same may be carried out in other ways falling within the scope of the invention as illustrated and described.

We claim;

1. A swimming pool comprising in combination, a plurality of sidewall panels positioned substantially vertically and connected at opposite ends thereof to each other to define a swimming pool, a modular deck comprising a series of preformed deck panels each having a substantially horizontal upper surface and means at the opposite ends thereof to connect said panels securely to each other to form a rigid deck of predetermined length extending rearwardly from the upper edges of said sidewall panels, coping means provided along the lower edge thereof with a longitudinally extending channel opening downwardly and receiving the upper edges of said connected sidewall panels and said coping having a forward nose portion and a channel extending longitudinally thereof and opening rearwardly therefrom to closely receive the forward edges of said deck panels to rigidly connect said deck and sidewall panels, and support members extending substantially perpendicularly from and rigidly connected to the lower surfaces of said deck panels and the rearward surfaces of said sidewall panels to rigidly support said deck panels substantially vertically in use and brace said sidewall panels against rearward movement.

2. The swimming pool according to claim 1 in which said deck panels are formed from sheet metal and include reinforcing means attached to the under surface of said deck panels to brace the same against undue flexing, and the opposite side edges of said metal sheets extending perpendicularly downward to form side flanges connectable directly to similar side flanges of adjacent panels and thereby comprise said means at the opposite ends of said panels to connect the same together.

3. The swimming pool according to claim 2 in which said reinforcing means for said metal sheet deck panels comprise intermediate means extending perpendicularly downward from the under surfaces of said metal sheets and also extending in horizontal directions between the opposite forward and rearward edges of said deck panels to reinforce the same as aforesaid.

4. The swimming pool according to claim 2 further including means connecting the rearward portions of said side flanges of said deck panels to said perpendicular supporting members and thereby implement the rigidity imparted to said deck panels by said connected flanges at the side edges of said panel.

5. The swimming pool according to claim 1 in which said sidewall panels are provided with vertical ribs projecting perpendicularly rearwardly from the surface of said panels defining said pool and spaced in horizontal direction from each other, and said support members being substantially planar and positioned substantially vertically in use and connected at one edge to said vertical ribs and the upper edges of said bracing members underlying and supporting at least the rearward ends of the side edges of said deck panels, and the lower portion of said supporting members being adapted to engage footers installed in the earth adjacent the pool and at a distance substantially below the deck panels.

6. The swimming pool according to claim 5 in which said supporting members underlie and extend substantially perpendicularly downward from the connected side edges of said deck panels and thereby additionally brace said panels against appreciable flexing.

7. A swimming pool comprising in combination, a plurality of sidewall panels positioned substantially vertically and connected at opposite ends thereof to each other to define a swimming pool, a series of pre-formed deck panels having means at the opposite ends thereof to connect the same to each other into a deck of predetermined length, the upper surfaces of said deck panels being substantially horizontal and commonly planar, coping means connected to the upper edges of said sidewall panels and having a longitudinally extending channel opening rearwardly and adapted to receive the forward edge of each deck panel to connect the same to and support the same with respect to said sidewall panels, and substantially perpendicular support members interconnected to at least the rearward opposite edges of said deck panels and operable to support the same in said substantially horizontal position relative to said sidewall panels.

8. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said coping means is provided with. a channel in the lower portion thereof opening downwardly and receiving the upper edges of said sidewall panels for at "least partial support of said coping means thereby.

9. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said channel for said deck panels opens horizontally outward from the rear portion of said coping and receives the forward edges of said connected deck panels which are-nearest the swimming pool.

10. The swimming pool according to claim 9 in which said coping means has an additional channel in the lower portion thereof opening downwardly and receiving the upper edges of said sidewall panels to directly connect the forward edges of said deck panels to the upper edges of said sidewall panels and thereby rigidify the swimming pool structure.

111. The swimming pool according to claim 13 in which said supporting members are substantially planar and have a rigid geometrical configuration, each of said members being substantially as wide as said deck panels and respectively connected along one edge to the rearward surfaces of said sidewall panels and extending perpendicularly rearwardly therefrom and downwardly from said deck panels to support at least the rearward edges of said deck panels.

112. The swimming pool according to claim 11 in which the rearward edge portions of said deck panels have vertically extending flange-like members at the opposite ends thereof, and means connecting said flange-like members of adjacent panels in abutting relationship to secure the deck panels to each other and also connect the same to the rearward upper ends of said supporting members for support of said rearward edges thereby.

113. The swimming pool according to claim 12 in which said flange-like members comprise ears having extremities extending downward perpendicularly from the lower surfaces of said deck panels and adapted to be connected abuttingly to each other and to said perpendicular supporting members.

1141. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said perpendicular supporting members comprise sheet metal panels having a geometrical configuration comprising at least four edges, two adjoining edges thereof being at a right angle to each other and respectively having flanges extending perpendicularly to the plane of said members along said adjoining edges respectively connectable to the rearward surface of said sidewall panels and at least the rearward edge portions of said deck panels. 7

15. The swimming pool according to claim 14 in which all of said edges of said panels have integral perpendicular flanges extending therealong to render said members rigid and resistant to appreciable flexing while supporting said deck panels and bracing said sidewall panels.

116. The swimming pool according to claim 11% in which the lower edges of said supporting members are adapted to have the flange thereon rest upon and be connectable to supporting footer means.

117. The swimming pool according to claim if in which the lower edges of said supporting'members are substantially parallel to the upper edges thereof and are substantially coextensive in length therewith.

w. A modular type deck panel for a swimming pool comprising a rigid composite member having a predetermined geometrical shape in plan view and being of substantially uniform thickness at least at the periphery thereof, and means at opposite sides of said member adapted to abut similar means on other similar panels to be connected thereto in abutting relationship and operable to receive connecting means to secure a plurality of said members together within a common plane, said means also extending below the normally lower surface of said members for connection to a supporting member adapted to vertically support one edge of said member relative to a pool wall, the opposite edge of said member having opposite surfaces which are parallel and uniformly spaced for slidable reception within a channel of coping means to vertically support said opposite edge of said member.

R9. The deck panel according to claim 18 in which all edge surfaces of said member are perpendicular to the planar normally upper surface of said member and said member having bracing means extending across the lower portion of said member between opposite sides thereof to resist flexing of said member when sustaining loads in use.

20. The deck panel according to claim 18 further including a carpet layer resistant to weather conditions affixed to the upper surface of said member and covering the entire area thereof except along the edge portion of the upper surface which is projected into said channel of coping means.

21. Supporting members for deck means of a swimming pool and being substantially planar and of predetermined goemetric shape, one edge being adapted to engage the lower portion of said deck means and extend downward therefrom to support the same, the opposite edge of said supporting member being adapted to interengage earth disposed outwardly beyond the sidewalls of the pool for support thereby, said opposite edge being at least substantially as wide as the deck means to be supported thereby, and a third edge of said members extending substantially perpendiculary to and between similar ends of said one edge and opposite edge of said members and having means thereon adapted to connect said third edge to the rearward surface of thesidewall of said swimming pool and extend perpendicularly rearwardly thereform to brace said sidewall against rearward movement.

22. The supporting members according to claim 21 in which said members have flanges extending integrally along at least certain edges to brace said edges against flexing.

23. The supporting members according to claim 22 in which said members are formed from metal and have flanges extending integrally along all edges thereof.

2d. The supporting members according to claim 22 in which said edges which are adapted to interengage earth and said edges which are adapted to extend downwardly from the rearward edge of deck means of a pool have said flanges therealong respectively to abut earth and brace the vertical rearward edges of said members against flexing when supporting deck means of a pool.

f t i t l

Claims

8. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said coping means is provided with a channel in the lower portion thereof opening downwardly and receiving the upper edges of said sidewall panels for at least partial support of said coping means thereby.

9. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said channel for said deck panels opens horizontally outward from the rear portion of said coping and receives the forward edges of said connected deck panels which are nearest the swimming pool.

11. The swimming pool according to claim 13 in which said supporting members are Substantially planar and have a rigid geometrical configuration, each of said members being substantially as wide as said deck panels and respectively connected along one edge to the rearward surfaces of said sidewall panels and extending perpendicularly rearwardly therefrom and downwardly from said deck panels to support at least the rearward edges of said deck panels.

12. The swimming pool according to claim 11 in which the rearward edge portions of said deck panels have vertically extending flange-like members at the opposite ends thereof, and means connecting said flange-like members of adjacent panels in abutting relationship to secure the deck panels to each other and also connect the same to the rearward upper ends of said supporting members for support of said rearward edges thereby.

13. The swimming pool according to claim 12 in which said flange-like members comprise ears having extremities extending downward perpendicularly from the lower surfaces of said deck panels and adapted to be connected abuttingly to each other and to said perpendicular supporting members.

14. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said perpendicular supporting members comprise sheet metal panels having a geometrical configuration comprising at least four edges, two adjoining edges thereof being at a right angle to each other and respectively having flanges extending perpendicularly to the plane of said members along said adjoining edges respectively connectable to the rearward surface of said sidewall panels and at least the rearward edge portions of said deck panels.

16. The swimming pool according to claim 15 in which the lower edges of said supporting members are adapted to have the flange thereon rest upon and be connectable to supporting footer means.

17. The swimming pool according to claim 15 in which the lower edges of said supporting members are substantially parallel to the upper edges thereof and are substantially coextensive in length therewith.

18. A modular type deck panel for a swimming pool comprising a rigid composite member having a predetermined geometrical shape in plan view and being of substantially uniform thickness at least at the periphery thereof, and means at opposite sides of said member adapted to abut similar means on other similar panels to be connected thereto in abutting relationship and operable to receive connecting means to secure a plurality of said members together within a common plane, said means also extending below the normally lower surface of said members for connection to a supporting member adapted to vertically support one edge of said member relative to a pool wall, the opposite edge of said member having opposite surfaces which are parallel and uniformly spaced for slidable reception within a channel of coping means to vertically support said opposite edge of said member.

19. The deck panel according to claim 18 in which all edge surfaces of said member are perpendicular to the planar normally upper surface of said member and said member having bracing means extending across the lower portion of said member between opposite sides thereof to resist flexing of said member when sustaining loads in use.

21. Supporting members for deck means of a swimming pool and being substantially planar and of predetermined geometric shape, one edge being adapted to engage the lower portion of said deck means and extend downward therefrom to support the same, thE opposite edge of said supporting member being adapted to interengage earth disposed outwardly beyond the sidewalls of the pool for support thereby, said opposite edge being at least substantially as wide as the deck means to be supported thereby, and a third edge of said members extending substantially perpendicularly to and between similar ends of said one edge and opposite edge of said members and having means thereon adapted to connect said third edge to the rearward surface of the sidewall of said swimming pool and extend perpendicularly rearwardly therefrom to brace said sidewall against rearward movement.

24. The supporting members according to claim 22 in which said edges which are adapted to interengage earth and said edges which are adapted to extend downwardly from the rearward edge of deck means of a pool have said flanges therealong respectively to abut earth and brace the vertical rearward edges of said members against flexing when supporting deck means of a pool.