SUPPORTING SWIMMING POOL ACCESSORIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Patent Application 12/699,232, filed 2/3/10, and entitled "Submersible Stanchion for Supporting Swimming Pool Accessories", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and which this application claims priority therefrom.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to swimming pool accessories and more particularly to support systems for use in swimming pools.

BACKGROUND

A swimming pool (in-ground swimming pool, above-ground swimming pool, water hole, or any shallow swimmable area that can be used recreationally) is a popular environment for relaxing. Often, one finds the effort needed to lift one's self out of the pool requires more energy than a relaxed person wishes to exert.

It is often desirable to set up certain recreational items inside the swimming pool, rather than requiring one to exit the pool to use the recreational items. Furthermore, it can be uncomfortable for one who spends a significant portion of time in a pool to exit the pool just to get a portable recreational item. This is particularly true for an above-ground pool wherein one must exit the pool by climbing up one side of a ladder and then down the other side of the ladder to exit the pool, and on the return, again climb up, over, and then down into the pool.

During usage of a swimming pool, it can be useful to be able to easily access recreational items within the pool itself. For example, when lounging in a swimming pool or a hot tub, a seating surface that allows one to remain partially submerged can be desirable. A table or other surface could also be useful for a variety of purposes. A surface located above the water surface would be useful for serving food and drinks and even for reading. A bench or stool that is slightly submerged upon which one could sit would similarly also be valuable. It would also be desirable to be able to attach a game, such as a pole supporting a backstop and hoop so that a type of basketball or volleyball could be played while in the pool.

Submersible supports for devices such as seats, umbrellas or tables are known. However, these types of devices can be cumbersome and/or heavy to remove or replace with other desired devices. While certain devices such as seats may be appropriate in some pool settings, such as a cocktail party, different devices such as volleyball nets may be appropriate in other settings, such as a recreational game environment.

Furthermore, general support structures for some devices, such as a seat, might lack the strength and stability to support other devices, such as a table; or alternatively, they may be heavier than desired when being used to support lighter devices, such as a beverage bucket. However, those support structures which are heavy and strong enough to support larger structures, can be difficult to relocate within the pool, and/or can be difficult to remove from the pool.

SUMMARY

A submersible stanchion that is lightweight yet durable, and capable of supporting a wide variety of objects and accessories, is disclosed and claimed. The submersible stanchion includes: a pedestal base operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool; and a column having a proximal end and distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the pedestal base, the column extending perpendicularly away from the pedestal base, and having an accessory attachment element at its distal end.

In some embodiments, the pedestal base and/or the column can be filled with water when submerged. In some embodiments, the pedestal base is operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool. Furthermore, in some embodiments the base can be large enough to distribute the weight of objects being supported atop the stanchion, and capable of keeping them in a pre-placed area.

For example, in some embodiments the submersible stanchion can support a seat, thereby providing a lightweight (yet durable) seating system which, when filled with water, allows pool users to partially submerge themselves in water while sitting upright. In some such embodiments, the larger base at the bottom can distribute the weight of the stool user and to keep the stool in a pre-placed area of the pool when not in use.

Some embodiments of the submersible stanchion can facilitate the adding (or removal) of appropriate weights to provide appropriate stability to the stanchion, depending upon the item which is meant to be supported. For example, in some embodiments of the submersible stanchion, additional weights may be added (or removed as appropriate) to secure the base at the bottom of the swimming pool where the base has been placed.

Such weights may be detachably distributed about the column, in some embodiments. These additional weights may be added, for example, so as to provide appropriate stability to the submersible stanchion, depending upon the type of object being supported.

For instance, in embodiments where the stanchion supports a seat so as to create a submersible seating system, additional weights can be distributed about the column and rested upon the base of the submersible stanchion, so as to enhance the stability of the entire submersible seating system, for when a user sits on the seat, for example. In other examples, additional weights can be critical in aiding the submersible stanchion in supporting other accessories, such as a sports system or a portion of a sports system, or a beverage bucket, for example.

In one general aspect, a lightweight submersible stanchion for supporting accessories in a swimming pool is claimed, the submersible stanchion including: a pedestal base operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool; and a column having a proximal end and distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the pedestal base, the column extending perpendicularly away from the pedestal base, the column having an accessory attachment element at the distal end.

In some embodiments, the pedestal base and/or the column fill with water

upon being submerged. In some embodiments, the pedestal base can sit in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool once the submersible stanchion has been submerged. In some embodiments, the submersible stanchion further comprises at least one detachable weight, the at least one detachable weight being distributed in a balanced manner about the column, the at least one detachable weight serving to hold the pedestal base in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool.

In some of these embodiments, the at least one weight includes at least one ring surrounding the column, the at least one ring resting on the pedestal base. In some of these embodiments, the at least one ring can be separated into a plurality of ring pieces.

In some embodiments, the accessory attachment element is capable of attaching to at least one accessory, the at least one accessory being at least one of: a seat; a hammock; a pool light; a pool cleaning accessory; a pool cover; an umbrella; an audio entertainment system; a movie screen; a pool alarm; an alert system; a pool fountain; a pool heater; a heater; a stool; a table; an ice bucket; a wine cooler bucket; and a sports support system, such as a volleyball net, or a tetherball, for example.

In embodiments where the accessory attachment is capable of attaching to a seat as an accessory, the seat includes a seating surface. In some embodiments, the column is length-adjustable. In some embodiments, the accessory attachment element is configured to allow an accessory to rotate upon the column.

In another general aspect, a lightweight submersible stanchion for supporting accessories in a swimming pool is claimed, including: a pedestal base operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool; and a column having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the pedestal base, the column extending perpendicularly away from the pedestal base, the column having an accessory attachment element at the distal end, at least one of the pedestal base and the column filling with water upon

being submerged.

In some embodiments, the pedestal base can sit in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool once the submersible stanchion has been submerged. In some embodiments, the submersible stanchion further comprises: at least one detachable weight, the at least one detachable weight being distributed in a balanced manner about the column, the at least one detachable weight serving to hold the pedestal base in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool.

In another general aspect, a lightweight submersible system for providing a table in a swimming pool is claimed, the submersible system including: a pedestal base operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool; a column having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the pedestal base, the column extending perpendicularly away from the pedestal base, the column having an accessory attachment element at the distal end; and a table coupled to the accessory attachment element.

In some embodiments, the pedestal base and/or the column fill with water upon being submerged. In some embodiments, the pedestal base can sit in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool once the submersible stanchion has been submerged. In some embodiments, the submersible system further includes at least one detachable weight, the at least one detachable weight being distributed in a balanced manner about the column, the at least one detachable weight serving to hold the pedestal base in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool. In some embodiments, the table and the column have a central opening which can receive an umbrella. In some other embodiments, the submersible system further includes at least one seat, the seat supported by at least one beam extending perpendicularly away from the column.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a lightweight (yet durable) submersible stanchion that supports a wide variety of objects and surfaces. Further, the submersible stanchion can keep the objects and surfaces in a pre-determined position or area of the pool. For example, in one embodiment, the stanchion can support a stool that allows users to partially submerge themselves in water while sitting upright. The larger base provided at the bottom of the stanchion serves to distribute the weight of the objects and surfaces and to keep the objects and surfaces in a pre-placed area. The embodiments of the present invention facilitates the adding and/or removing of appropriate weights to provide appropriate strength and stability to the stanchion, depending upon the item which is meant to be supported. Further, these embodiments allow users to adapt to changing demands associated with different uses of the pool.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a submersible stanchion capable of supporting a variety of accessories is provided. This submersible stanchion provides a lightweight yet durable support system that allows pool users to support a wide variety of accessories, such as a stool, a table, an ice bucket or a wine cooler bucket, and volleyball/badminton net. In one embodiment, a submersible stanchion for supporting accessories in a swimming pool comprises a pedestal base operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool, a column having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the pedestal base, the column extending perpendicularly away from the pedestal base, the column having an accessory attachment element at the distal end, and at least one detachable weight, the at least one detachable weight being distributed in a balanced manner about the column, the at least one detachable weight serving to hold the pedestal base in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool.

In some embodiments, the accessory attachment element operable to be attached to a seat, a hammock, a pool light, a pool cleaning accessory, a pool cover, an umbrella, an audio entertainment system, a movie screen, a pool alarm, an alert system, a pool fountain, a pool heater, a heater, a stool, a table, an ice bucket or wine cooler bucket, and a sports support system.

In some embodiments, the seat includes a seating surface and a backrest. In other embodiments, the at least one weight includes at least one ring surrounding the column and resting on the pedestal base. In some of these embodiments, the at least one ring resembles a toroid, and in some other embodiments the at least one ring can be separated into a plurality of ring pieces. In some embodiments the pedestal base and/or the column can be filled with water upon being submerged.

In some embodiments, the at least one weight includes a plurality of rings stacked coaxially on the pedestal base. In other embodiments, the column is height-adjustable. In still other embodiments, the accessory attachment element is configured to allow an accessory to rotate upon the column.

In another embodiment, a submersible system for providing a table in a swimming pool comprises a pedestal base operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool, a column having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the pedestal base, the column extending perpendicularly away from the pedestal base, and the column having an accessory attachment element at the distal end, a table coupled to the accessory attachment element, and at least one detachable weight, the at least one detachable weight being distributed in a balanced manner about the column, the at least one detachable weight serving to hold the pedestal base in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool.

In one of these embodiments, the at least one weight includes a plurality of rings stacked coaxially on the pedestal base. In other embodiments, at least one ring of the plurality of rings includes a plurality of ring segments. In other embodiments, the pedestal base and/or the column can be filled with water upon being submerged.

In some of these embodiments, the table and the column have a central opening which can receive an umbrella. In other embodiments, the submersible system further comprises at least one seat extending perpendicularly away from the column. In another embodiment, a method of assembling a submersible system for providing an accessory in a swimming pool is claimed, the method comprising: submerging a pedestal base on a bottom of a swimming pool, the pedestal base having a column coupled to the pedestal base, the column having a proximal end and distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the pedestal base, the column extending perpendicularly away from the pedestal base, the column having an accessory attachment element at the distal end; coupling an accessory to the accessory attachment element; and securing the pedestal base to the bottom of the swimming pool with at least one detachable weight, the at least one detachable weight being distributed in a balanced manner about the column, the at least one detachable weight serving to hold the pedestal base in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool.

In some of these embodiments, the at least one weight includes a plurality of rings stacked coaxially on the pedestal base. In other embodiments, the at least one ring of the plurality of rings includes a plurality of ring segments. In still other embodiments, the pedestal base and/or the column is adapted to be filled with water upon being submerged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a drawing of a Submersible Stanchion 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1 B is a drawing of a Submersible Seating System 150 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 2A and 2B show various seating options for use with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 3A, 3B and 3C show various arrangements of weights with respect to the pedestal base in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 4A and 4B depict embodiments of a Submersible Seating System 400 in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a Swimming Pool 500 wherein several submersible seating systems 504, 506 and 508, are located at predetermined places within Pool 500 in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment wherein the horizontal seating surface may be replaced with a separate horizontal surface that may be located above or beneath the water's surface in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure

FIGs. 7A and 7B depicts a variety of accessories that may be located above or beneath the water's surface in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a logic flow diagram in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the FIGs., like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a submersible stanchion operable to support accessories is provided. This submersible stanchion provides a lightweight yet durable support system that will allow pool users to support a wide variety of accessories such as but not limited to a stool, table, ice bucket or wine cooler bucket, volleyball/badminton net, a seat, a hammock, a pool light, a pool cleaning accessory, a pool cover, an umbrella, an audio entertainment system, a movie screen, a pool alarm, a pool fountain, a pool heater, a heater and so on. The submersible stanchion (stem/base) includes a pedestal base, a column, an attachment element for various accessories, and one or more weights detachably distributed about an axis of the column. The pedestal base is operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool. The column, having a proximal and distal end, couples at the proximal end to the pedestal base and extends from the pedestal base towards the surface of the swimming pool. The attachment element allows various accessories to couple to the distal end and may be located below, at, or above the surface of the swimming pool. Further, the attachment element may be swivelly coupled to the distal end of the column. The one or more weights detachably distributed about an axis of the column are operable to secure the pedestal base to the bottom of the swimming pool.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a submersible seating system is provided. This submersible seating system provides a lightweight yet durable seating system that will allow pool users to partially submerge themselves in water while sitting upright. The submersible seating system includes a pedestal base, a column, a seat, and one or more weights detachably distributed about an axis of the column. The pedestal base is operable to be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool. The column, having a proximal and distal end, couples at the proximal end to the pedestal base and extends from the pedestal base towards the surface of the swimming pool. The seat is coupled to the distal end and may be located below the surface of the swimming pool. Further, the seat may be swivelly coupled to the distal end of the column. The one or more weights detachably distributed about an axis of the column are operable to secure the pedestal base to the bottom of the swimming pool.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lightweight (yet durable) plastic seating system that, when filled with water, will allow pool users to partially submerge themselves in water while sitting upright. The larger base at the bottom serves in distributing the weight of the stool user and to keep the stool in a pre-placed area of the pool when not in use. The seating system may also accommodate hot tubs (shallower water depths). The seat backs/cushion can be offered in different varieties (even custom) removable designs that couple to the central column. The seats can include armrest cup holders, and other related holders (i.e. personal MP3 players).

Embodiments of the present disclosure can be enjoyed by residential pool users or used by resort operators. Resort operators may use them to accommodate the demand for barstools at resort pools with bars/events.

FIG. 1 A provides a drawing of a Submersible Stanchion 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Stanchion 100 includes a Pedestal Base 102, a Column 104, a Accessory Mounting element 106, and one or more weights that is not shown in FIG. 1A but will be depicted later with reference to FIGs. 3 and following. The pedestal base may be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool. Column 104 has a Proximal End 1 15 and a Distal End 1 12. The proximal end couples to the Pedestal Base 102. Column 104 extends from the pedestal base towards the water's surface of a swimming pool, a wide variety of accessories such as but not limited to a stool, table, ice bucket or wine cooler bucket, volleyball/badminton net, and so on couple to Distal End 1 12 of Column 104 at Accessory Mounting element 106. The seat may be located below the water's surface of the swimming pool. One or more weights may be detachably distributed about the central axis of a column. The weights secure the pedestal base to the bottom of the swimming pool. Additionally, vents 108 in Column 104 and Pedestal Base 102 allow interior spaces of the pedestal base and column to be flooded with water when submerged.

FIG. 1 B provides a drawing of a Submersible Seating System 150 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Seating System 150 includes a Pedestal Base 152, a Column 154, a Seat 156, and one or more weights that is not shown in FIG. 1 but will be depicted later with reference to FIGs. 3 and following. The pedestal base may be submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool. Column 154 has a Proximal End 165 and a Distal End 162. The proximal end couples to the Pedestal Base 152. Column 154 extends from the pedestal base towards the water's surface of a swimming pool. Seat 156 couples to Distal End 162 of Column 154. The seat may be located below the water's surface of the swimming pool. One or more weights may be detachably distributed about the central axis of a column. The weights secure the pedestal base to the bottom of the swimming pool. Additionally, vents 158 in Column 154 and Pedestal Base 152 allow interior spaces of the pedestal base and column to be flooded with water when submerged.

FIGs. 2A and 2B show various seating options for use with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A shows a Seating Surface 202 which in this embodiment also includes a Backrest 204. Seats may be swivelly mounted with respect to the pedestal base. This swivel type connection may be achieved with a threaded connection between the seat and the column, a swivel connection between the seat and the column or perhaps there is a swivel connection between the column and the pedestal base. Any combination of these rotatably coupled joints may allow the Seat 202 to swivel with respect to the pedestal base. FIG. 2B shows the addition of Armrest 206A and 206B to Seat 200. Other various options and types of seats although not presented may be incorporated into various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGs. 3A, 3B and 3C show various arrangements of weights with respect to the pedestal base in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A shows a Ring 302 resting on Pedestal Base 152. Ring 302 secures pedestal base 152 and Column 154 to the bottom of the Swimming Pool. FIG. 3B depicts a slightly different arrangement wherein the ring or rings 302, instead of resting directly on Pedestal Base 152, may couple with Supports 304 to the distal end of the Column 154. This secures the distal end and the pedestal base to the bottom of the swimming pool. FIG. 3C shows yet another arrangement where the Pedestal Base 152 of Coupled Column 154 may merely be the same diameter as the Column 154. In this case, Tethers 308 are used to couple the column at the distal end of the column to the ring or Rings 302. In this case, Rings 302 may lie directly on the bottom of the swimming pool. This provides some additional flexibility in the instance where the bottom of the swimming pool is not level at the spot that the seating system is to be placed.

FIGs. 4A and 4B depict embodiments of a Submersible Seating System 400 in accordance with embodiments in the present invention. In this instance, Submersible Seating Systems 400 is located in a swimming pool. FIG. 4A shows a Pedestal Base 152 coupled to a column, which may be telescoping in nature, comprising one or more column segments, which may be locked in place using a Locking Mechanism 402. Column 154 in this instance may comprise a larger diameter Column 154A and smaller diameter or Telescoping Column 154B that couples to Seat 202 shown here having a Backrest 204. As shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B the seat may be located above the water. The weights may be incorporated within Pedestal Base 152 or alternatively may be a ring or series of rings located about Column 154. These rings may be made up of several Segments such as half donuts. Additional rings 404 may be added for additional support. As shown here in FIG. 4A the submersible seating system may become less stable when a user is sitting on Seat 202 without additional Weights 404 about the column. Therefore in FIG. 4B one or more additional weight rings can be added for additional stability.

FIG. 5 depicts a Swimming Pool 500 wherein several submersible seating systems 504, 506 and 508, are located at predetermined places within Pool 500. The seats lay beneath the surface of the pool in order to provide a resort-pool feel to a residential or commercial pool. Additionally these types of submersible seating systems may be used to supplement permanently affixed stools in a resort pool.

FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the horizontal seating surface may be replaced with a different horizontal surface, such as a table, that may be located above or beneath the water's surface in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Submersible System 600 includes a Pedestal Base 602, a Column 604, and a horizontal surface 606 as well as one or more weights 608. The Pedestal Base 602 may be submerged and placed on Bottom 615, of Swimming Pool 612. The proximal end of Column 604 couples to the Pedestal Base 602. The column may be adjustable in height and extends from the Pedestal Base 602 towards a Surface 614 of Swimming Pool 612. A horizontal surface 608 couples to the Distal End 616 of Column 604. One or more Weights 608, which may be made up of one or more ring segments, may be distributed about a central axis of Column 604. The weight secures the Pedestal Base 602, to the Bottom of the Swimming Pool. As shown here, the weight may comprise a stack of Rings 608 located about the central axis of Column 604. As previously stated, the Column 604 and Pedestal Base 602 may have vents therein which allow water to fill the interior spaces of the column and pedestal base. The Horizontal Surface 606 and Column 604 may have a central opening. The central opening may be used to receive the Support 618 of an Umbrella 620. This further adds to the resort feel of a pool utilizing embodiments of the present disclosure. Also shown is one or more Seats 622 extending perpendicularly away via Support 624 from Central Column 604.

FIGs. 7A and 7B depict a variety of accessories that may be located above or beneath the water's surface in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B depicts those accessories that may require more than one stanchion. Submersible System 700 includes a Pedestal Base 702, a Column 704, and an accessory attachment element 706 as well as one or more weights 708. The Pedestal Base 702 may be submerged. The distal end of Column 704 couples to the Pedestal Base 702. The column may be adjustable in height and extends from the Pedestal Base 702. An accessory couples to the Distal End of Column 704 at accessory attachment element 706. One or more Weights 708, which may be made up of one or more ring segments, may be distributed about a central axis of Column 704. The weight secures the Pedestal Base 702, to the Bottom of the Swimming Pool. As shown here, the weight may comprise a stack of Rings 708 located about the central axis of Column 704. As previously stated, the Column 704 and Pedestal Base 702 may have vents therein which allow water to fill the interior spaces of the column and pedestal base. The accessories may include a wide variety of items such as but not limited to a stool 722, table 724, ice bucket 726 or wine cooler bucket 726, volleyball/badminton net 728 (when two or more stanchions are used as shown in FIG, 7B), a seat 722, a hammock 730, a pool light 732, a pool cleaning accessory 734, a pool cover, an umbrella 720, an audio entertainment system 722, a movie screen 738, a pool alarm, a pool fountain 742, a pool heater 744, a heater 746 and so on. Another possible accessory can be a component of an alert system, such as a security alarm system. The components of such an alert system may include at least one security surveillance camera, a sensor, and/or an alert monitor or speaker, for example.

FIG. 8 provides a logic flow diagram in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Operations 800 begin with Block 802 wherein a pedestal base is submerged and placed on the bottom of the swimming pool. In Block 804, a column couples at its distal end to the pedestal base. The column extends from the pedestal base towards the surface of the swimming pool. In Block 806, a wide variety of accessories such as but not limited to a stool, table, ice bucket or wine cooler bucket, volleyball/badminton net, and so on couple to the distal end of the column. The seat or other horizontal surface may be located below or above the water surface of the swimming pool. In Block 808, the pedestal base may be secured to the bottom of the swimming pool with one or more weights detachably distributed about a central axis of the column.

In summary, a submersible stanchion is disclosed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. This submersible stanchion provides a lightweight yet durable mounting system that will allow pool users to mount a wide variety of accessories such as but not limited to a stool, table, ice bucket or wine cooler bucket, volleyball/badminton net, and so on couple to the Stanchion. When the accessory is a seat, the seat will allow pool users to partially submerge themselves in water while sitting upright. The submersible stanchion includes a pedestal base, a column, a mounting element, and one or more weights detachably distributed about an axis of the column. The pedestal base is operable to be submerged in place on a bottom of a swimming pool. The column having a distal and proximal end, couples at the proximal end to the pedestal base and extends from the pedestal base towards the surface of the swimming pool. This mounting element is coupled to the distal end, may be located below, at, or above the surface of the swimming pool, and may swivel relative to the distal end of the column. The one or more weights detachably distributed about an axis of the column are operable to secure the pedestal base to the bottom of the swimming pool.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention except as indicated in the following claims.