Abstract: A manufacture includes a main basin having a floor and a perimeter wall and a fountain basin disposed above the floor within a perimeter of the perimeter wall, the fountain basin including at least one fountain opening and at least one drainage opening, the fountain basin configured to be connected to a pressurized water source such that water from the pressurized water source flows from the fountain opening of the fountain basin.

Abstract: An artificial evergreen tree is provided having a plurality of branch rings. Each branch ring includes a plurality of nests. A tree branch base is rotatably coupled to each of the plurality of nests and has a branch assembly coupled thereto. The branch ring includes bottom segment having a bottom segment electrical contact. The branch ring includes a top segment having a top segment electrical contact that is in electrical communication with the bottom segment electrical contact. The plurality of nests is positioned between the bottom segment and the top segment. The top segment of a first branch ring is configured to couple to the bottom segment of a second branch ring so that the top segment electrical contact of the first branch ring and the bottom segment electrical contact of the second branch ring are coupled in electrical communication.

Abstract: A swimming pool ladder. An exemplary swimming pool ladder configured to hinder occupants of the swimming pool from passing between an interior ladder section and a pool frame, and also to hinder occupants of the swimming pool from passing through the spaces between the steps of the interior ladder section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of dispensing a porous material and to a method of making a porous material insert for various plant grow pots, plant bowls, and plant baskets, the porous material insert including a growth enhancing element integrated with and dispersed throughout the insert.

Abstract: A filtration system for a container, such as a fish pond, can include mechanical and biological filtering in a self-contained apparatus for attachment to a submersible centrifugal pump. The filtration system includes a base assembly, to which at least one mechanical filter can be attached, and which can accommodate biological media such as Bio-Balls. The mechanical filters can be a foam material, cylindrically shaped and detachable from a lid portion of the base for easy access without disturbing the biological media. A fountain sprayer mechanism, controlled by a two-way control valve, can optionally be used to provide a decorative effect. The filtration system and pump are easily separated when the pump requires maintenance without disturbing the natural ecosystem. By connecting two or more base assemblies in series, via a base coupling mechanism, the user can achieve increased filtering without the necessity to purchase and install additional pumps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards devices combining swimming pool skimmers, pumps, and removable, disposable filters into integral, sidewall-mounted systems for above-ground pools and other above-ground liquid containment enclosures, and methods for the use of such systems to remove both larger floating debris and smaller particulate matter to maintain water clarity and hygienic safety within such pools or like liquid containment enclosures. Specifically, the present invention is a ring-type above-ground pool comprising a base, a sidewall, and at least a portion of a cleaning system solely supported by the sidewall and mounted at a non-vertical angle such that it is substantially parallel to the sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards devices combining swimming pool skimmers, pumps, and removable, disposable filters into integral, sidewall-mounted systems for above-ground pools and other above-ground liquid containment enclosures, and methods for the use of such systems to remove both larger floating debris and smaller particulate matter to maintain water clarity and hygienic safety within such pools or like liquid containment enclosures. The present invention is an above-ground pool comprising a base, a side wall, and at least a portion of a cleaning system solely supported by the side wall.

Abstract: A disposable filter cartridge for a pump-filter assembly having a one piece integral pump-filter housing. The filter cartridge includes opposed upper and lower end caps and a tubular skeletal core member open at both ends. A pleated filter medium surrounds the core member and is supported and retained between the opposed end caps. The end caps further include integral flexible gaskets dimensioned to engage pipe fittings of more than one size. A water treatment medium may be deposited within a central portion of the core member. In combination with the skeletal core, a platform means projects radially inwardly from the central core to form a cage-like structure adapted to support a variety of water treatment media. The entire filter cartridge is removable from the housing and may be replaced as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved slide toy of the type comprising a reciprocatable element which cyclically traverses a straight path defined by a pair of flexible cords passing through the slide element. More specifically, the invention herein is directed to an improved handle construction to which each of the beforementioned cords is secured and an improved line guide means disposed at opposite ends of the slide element and including spaced orifices through which the orifices are threaded.

Abstract: A wading pool, sandbox or like thermoformed structure is provided with an integral slide, hollow handrail, and steps molded into the structure. The structure is configured to provide the slide and a slide mounting platform, disposed above the top of the side walls of the structure, with sufficient strength and rigidity in combination to require only a single, simplified, inverted U-shaped, tubular support under the slide mounting platform adjacent and within the hollow peripheral edge of the structure, to stabilize and to support the slide mounting platform. With such an arrangement, assembly is simplified and the container may be easily folded after assembly for transport without dismantling.

Abstract: A knock-down artificial Christmas tree is provided utilizing a plurality of branch-retaining rings or holders for connecting the branches to the vertical support pole of the tree, alternating with spacers between those rings. The retaining rings and the spacers are comprised of, advantageously, molded thermoplastic, and the spacers are textured on the outer surfaces thereof to simulate the trunk of a tree, thus negating the necessity to wrap or hide, or otherwise mask an unsightly supporting pole for the tree. The branch-retaining rings, together with the alternating spacers, upon assembly of the tree, serve to place the branch-retaining rings and their associated branches in preselected, spaced fashsion along the trunk, to provide rapid assembly and disassembly of the tree. To impart a natural appearance, the branch-retaining rings are configured to accommodate differing numbers of branches in different areas of the tree.