Inventor: Moshe Seri

Title: Submersible Swimming Pool Deck

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to swimming pools and, in particular, it concerns a pool cover configured to increase usable deck space.

It is known that during time periods when swimming pools are not in use the pool cavity consumes useful deck space that could be employed for a wide variety of uses. During summer months, the loss of deck space is less pronounced because pools are normally used most of the day. However, during the winter in which there are extended months of pool inactivity, the loss of deck space becomes significant.

US Patent 4283801 discloses a pool equipped with a combination surface deck and height-adjustable pool floor in which the height is altered by way of external low pressure hydraulic cylinders operated from the pool circulating system. The shortcoming of this arrangement is that it must be built into the swimming pool at the onset and is, therefore, not useful for the pool owner desiring to equip his existing pool with such an arrangement without undertaking major infrastructure alterations. US publication 2007/0220667 discloses a pool cover that doubles as a deck that can be added to an existing pool. However, the shortcoming here also is that modifications to the existing pool structure are also necessary to install a mechanical lift device. European publication EP1 857813 discloses a retrofit system not requiring any pool alterations; however, this system lacks a sufficient support system enabling the submersed deck to support the weight of bathers standing on the elevated pool floor formed by the submersed deck.

There is, therefore, a need for a retrofit submersible pool deck suitable for existing pools capable of serving as a pool deck and an elevatable pool floor deployable in existing swimming pools without altering existing pool infrastructure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is retrofit, submersible swimming pool deck deployable in existing swimming pools without altering the pool infrastructure.

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided retrofit, submersible deck for a swimming pool including: (a) a panel, the panel being vertically mobile in the swimming pool; (b) a ballast system configured to selectively change buoyancy of the panel so as to generate vertical movement of the panel in the swimming pool; (c) and at least one collapsible, support leg connected to the panel, the support leg being configured to support the panel at a selected height in the swimming pool, thereby providing a vertically mobile, combination pool floor and deck.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the ballast system includes ballast chamber formed within the panel. According to a further feature of the present invention, the ballast system includes a non-integral ballast chamber connected to the panel. According to a further feature of the present invention, the collapsible, support leg includes a telescopic leg having leg segments configured such that a first of the segments nests inside a second of the segments.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the leg segments are resiliently biased to assume an extended position.

According to a further feature of the present invention, each of the leg segments is configured to lock into a fixed position when assuming a fully extended state.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a lock release mechanism configured to unlock the leg segments from a locked state so as to enable retraction of the leg segments. According to a further feature of the present invention, the at least one collapsible, support leg is pivotally mounted to the deck member to facilitate transport of the panel. According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a channel disposed on an underside of the panel so as to enable the support leg to fold into the channel, thereby facilitating transport of the deck element.

There is also provided according to the teachings of the present invention, a method of changing a height of a retrofit swimming pool floor submerged in a swimming pool including: (a) decreasing buoyancy of a retrofit, buoyancy adjustable swimming pool floor so that the floor descends in the swimming pool; and (b) locking at least one support leg mounted to the panel so as to prevent vertical mobility of the floor in the swimming pool, thereby establishing a new depth of the swimming pool.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided unlocking the support leg to enable vertical mobility of the floor in the swimming pool; increasing buoyancy of the floor so that the floor ascends to a surface of the swimming pool; and relocking the support leg to prevent vertical mobility of the floor in the swimming pool, thereby transforming said swimming pool floor into a swimming pool deck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is schematic, side view of a submersible pool deck in a fully ascended deck configuration.

FIGS. 2-3 are schematic, side views of a submersible pool deck in elevated pool floor configurations during descent.

FIG. 4 is schematic, side view of the submersible pool deck in an elevated pool floor configuration during ascent.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of panel of a submersible pool deck and pull-cord arrangement for releasing locked support legs.

FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom depicting nested telescopic legs disposed in storage channels.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view, depicting the pull-cord arrangement associated with the nested telescopic legs of FGI. 6.

FIGS. 8-10 are schematic, side views of an alternative embodiment of the invention of FIGS 1-4 at different stages of descent.

FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom of a grated panel embodiment depicting nested telescopic legs disposed in storage channels and a non-integral ballast chamber.

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the panel of FIG. 1 configured to be assembled from a plurality of panel units.

FIG. 13 is a schematic top view of an alternative embodiment of the panel of FIG. 1 configured to be assembled from a plurality of panel units. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is retrofit, submersible swimming pool deck deployable in existing swimming pools without altering the pool infrastructure. The present invention relates to a submersible, swimming-pool deck configured to provide a sturdy support surface that effectively extends the deck surface over the pool cavity and provides an elevated pool floor when submerged.

In addition to these benefits the present invention also:

• Serves as a safety device by preventing toddlers from inadvertent falling into the pool.

· Prevents unwanted elements from falling into the pool.

• Prevents unwanted evaporation of the pool.

• Insulates the pool thereby reducing cooling during nights and freezing during cold winter months.

The principles and operation of the retrofit, submersible swimming pool deck according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Referring to the figures, Figures 1-4 depict a retrofit, submersible pool deck generally designated 11. The retrofit, submersible pool deck includes a ballast system having a ballast chamber implemented as a rigid panel 3, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a pump 4a, a compressor 4b, and control system (not shown). Panel 3 provides a vertically mobile, substantially horizontal support surface on which users can stand or perform various activities while panel 3 is disposed at different depths in pool 1. The height at which panel 3 is submerged defines a new effective depth for pool 1. Panel 3 is raised or lowered to a particular depth by changing its buoyancy by the proportion of air and water introduced into a panel cavity 6 by way of air compressor 4a and water pump 4b, as is known to those skilled in the art.

Panel 3 is constructed of thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment; however, it should be appreciated that any light weight, water resistant, durable material is included within the scope of the present invention. The outer edge 2a of panel 3 substantially contours the walls of pool 1 so that the vertical motion of panel 3 is directed by swimming pools walls 13 as shown in Figures 1-4. A space is provided between perimeter of panel 3 and pool wall 13 enabling passage of displaced water while panel 3 during descent and ascent as shown in Figures 2 and 4, designation "A". The upper surface 2b of panel 3, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, is constructed from hard plastic, stone or any other material durable in both aqueous and non-aqueous environments. Furthermore, upper surface 2b in a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment slopes downwards towards its perimeter to form angle "C" with a horizontal plane so as to facilitate runoff of water from during ascent as depicted in Figure 4. It should be appreciated that panels having non-planar upper- surface geometries like steps and indentations are also included within the scope of the present invention. Panel chamber 6 has a volume sufficient to provide the necessary buoyancy to raise panel 3 to the water surface and support up to 100 kilos per square meter as is known by those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that the compressor 4a and pump 4b are powered by electricity or any suitable petro fuel.

Telescopic legs 5 are pivotally mounted to the underside of panel 3 for fixing and supporting panel 3 at a chosen height in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment. Each telescopic leg 5 includes a number of telescopic segments 5a-5c resiliently biased by way of a spring arrangement to assume an extended position as panel 3 ascends and to retract into the adjacent segment having a larger inner diameter as panel 3 descends in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment. Each of telescopic segments 5a-5c includes a locking configurations 15a resiliently biased to releasably lock at locking locations disposed at the end of each telescopic segment so as to define a height at which panel 3 is fixed in a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 depicts telescopic legs 5 locked in a fully extended position thereby supporting panel 3 at its uppermost position where panel 3 functions as a deck extension as described above and is advantageously stabilized by pool floor 8 on which legs 5 are supported with out being permanently attached. Figure 2 depicts panel 3 submerged at a shallow depth and locked at this height by way of telescopic legs. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, telescopic legs 5 have three extendable leg segments 5a-5c in which segments 5b and 5c are configured to lock with adjacent, previously extended segments, as noted above. Segment 5a is pivotally connected to panel 3 and is locked into an extended position upon original deployment in pool 1 in a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment. As noted above, leg segments 5b-5c automatically lock into a fixed position when fully extended. To enable a user to change the height of panel 3 locking configuration 15a is held in a non-locking state as panel 3 changes height by way of a pull-cord arrangement 15 as will be discussed. Telescope leg segment 5b is retracted into segment 5a and locked (by releasing pull-cord 15) so that panel 3 is fixed at such a height thereby functioning as an elevated pool floor suitable for pool users requiring shallow water most clearly visible in Figure 2. A user desiring to further lower panel 3, unlocks legs 5 and continues to increase the proportion of water inside ballast chamber 6 so that panel 3 continues to descend, remaining leg segment 5c retracts into previously retracted segment 5b thereby supporting panel 3 at a height from pool floor 8 equal to the length of segment 5a. It should be noted that the number of legs required is a function of the size of the pool, the volume of ballast chamber 6 and the weight to be supported as will be understood by one skilled in the art. Figure 4 depicts the reverse process in which a user raises panel 3 by reducing the proportion of water in ballast chamber 6 by feeding compressed air is mentioned above. Leg segments 5c-5b are unlocked by way of a pull-cord arrangement, as will be discussed, enabling resiliently biased segment 5c to extend out of retracted segment 5b. As shown, as panel 3 rises, water runs off the top of sloping surface and through the clearance between panel perimeter and pool walls 13 as shown by flow arrow "A". It should be noted that any order of changing the buoyancy of panel 3, and unlocking lock configurations 15a is included within the scope of the present invention. The lock configurations 15a of each of telescopic legs 5 is actuated in a non- limiting exemplary embodiment by way of a pull-cords arrangement 15 configured to release the lock configuration 15a from any of the locking locations disposed along the length of segments 5a-5c as noted above. It should be noted that lock-release configurations actuated by way of lever arrangements are also included within the scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated that in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, telescopic legs 5 are constructed from aluminum; however, it should be appreciated that any durable, water resistant material is included within the scope of the present invention. Figure 5 is a top view of panel 3 and a pull-cord arrangement 15 in which separate pull-cords for each telescopic leg 5 passes through panel 3 by way of pull-cord port 14 disposed opposite each telescopic leg 5 in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment. Pull-cords 15 are connected to a pull ring 16 to enable a user to effectively pull on each cord simultaneously to unlock simultaneously each of telescopic leg 5. It should be appreciated that the leg-lock release configuration 15a can be actuated by a user standing on panel 3 or standing on deck 2 by way of a pulley arrangement. Figures 6-7 are a schematic bottom and side views, respectively, of panel 3 depicting pivotally mounted telescopic legs 5 in a fully retracted state and folded into transport channels 17. Each channel 17 is integrally formed into panel 3 thereby facilitating panel storage and transport. It should be noted that removable telescopic legs and foldable legs that are removable or pivotable are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 8 depicts a non-limiting alternative embodiment of grated panel 8 having a series of openings 7 to enable water to pass through panel 3 during descent and ascent. Buoyancy regulation is achieved by way of a non-integral, ballast chamber 10 connected to ballast support member 13 near the perimeter of panel 3. Ballast chamber 10 is non-integral to panel 3 because it is attached to panel 3 after it has been constructed. The outermost face of non-integral ballast chamber 10 is in sliding engagement with pool wall 13 in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, outer face of external ballast chamber 10 is reinforced with a reinforcement element 12 to prevent wear and tear in ballast chamber 10. Reinforcement element 12 is typically constructed from thermoplastic materials such polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It should be appreciate that other lightweight durable, water resistant materials are also included within the scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated that that flexible ballast chambers are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Figures 8-10 depict grated panel 8 disposed at different depths as buoyancy is regulated as described above. As described above, panel 3 is locked at the desired height by way of lock configurations disposed in telescopic legs 5. Figure 11 is a schematic, bottom view of the grated panel of Figures 8-10 depicting the non-integral ballast chamber 10 disposed around the perimeter of grated panel 8 with reinforcement element 12 as mentioned above. Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a non-limiting alternative embodiment of panel 3, constructed from a plurality of panel units 3a having releasable lock configurations 3b disposed between units 3a for locking together panel units 3a into a single, large panel 3. Each panel unit 3a has an independent ballast chamber 6a in fluid communication with other independent ballast chamber 6a by way flow paths 3c enabling the passage of air and water (flow arrow "A") between contiguous panel units 3a. This arrangement advantageously facilitates transport of panel disassembled into smaller more units 3a and when assembled, panel 3 may be constructed from standard modular units 3a best fitting the outline of an existing pool. It should be noted that units 3a implemented as grated panel units, in which the assembled panel attaches to an non-integral ballast are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a schematic, top view of a panel 3 constructed from four panel units 3a that interlock by way of locking assembly 3b. It should be noted that the number of panel units employed to construct a single panel 3 is a function of the size of the pool to be retrofitted as is known to those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that the pumps 4a and air compressors 4b built into panel 3, disposed outside of the panel on pool deck 2, or disposed underwater are all included within the scope of the current invention. It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.