Abstract: A system and method for securing a vinyl pool stair liner to a set of pool stairs. The system includes a locking component that is secured to the stairs and a locking rod that is selectively engageable in a channel in the upper end of the locking component. The locking rod secures a flap of vinyl extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the stair liner into the channel and thereby secures the stair liner to the pool stairs. An installation tool is used to push the locking rod into the channel of the locking component. The locking rod is removable from the locking component to release the stair liner if it is determined that the liner should be replaced at a later date.

Abstract: A sealing member for sealing a pool fixture to a vinyl pool liner and a method of using the same. The sealing member includes inner and outer frame members, one of which includes a channel and the other includes a projection complementary to the channel. A bead of sealing material is provided one of in the channel and on the projection. When the inner and outer frame members are engaged with each other, the projection is received in the channel and a portion of the pool liner retained thereinbetween is maintained in contact with the sealing material.

Abstract: A disc brake caliper for conversion of a motorcycle with a linked braking system to a trike integrates two or more separate sets of opposed braking cylinders and pads within a single housing. Braking cylinder sets are not connected to other braking cylinder sets within the housing. Each set of braking cylinders is connected to and actuated independently by a different master cylinder. At least two braking cylinder sets within a housing have different diameters, the diameters of each set being chosen to produce a desired amount of braking pressure in response to an expected amount of hydraulic pressure from a master cylinder actuating the set. Both the diameter of each braking cylinder set and ratio of diameters between different braking cylinder sets are chosen to produce the optimum rear wheel braking pressure allocation for a given braking control system and vehicle configuration with no changes to the master cylinders or the front wheel braking system.

Abstract: Support systems for vessels such as above-ground swimming pools are disclosed. Each system may include one or more buttresses adapted to support substantially the entire vertical height of the side wall or each of a series of side walls of the pool. A strapless support system to provide a pool having a deep end is also disclosed. The buttresses, which flare along their lengths, closely match the support they provide each side wall to the outward water pressure present along its height for enhanced reliability. The diminished space required for installation of the disclosed buttresses reduces the surface area required for their associated pool.

Abstract: A liner for swimming pools and, more particularly, a flexible plastic liner for above-ground swimming pools that is attached to the upper edge of the swimming pool wall. The pool liner of this invention has a plastic “beading” around its circumference, or border, which has a removable J-hook portion in connection with a bead portion. This beading arrangement allows the liner to be attached to pool walls that have “bead receivers” for attachment of beaded liners and to pool walls that have no bead receivers. The beading has perforations provided therein to facilitate the removal of the J-hook portion from the bead portion to convert the beading from a J-hook type liner to a bead type liner for insertion into a bead receiver.

Abstract: Multi-port valve assemblies with, typically, two-piece housings are disclosed. Particularly useful in connection with swimming pools and associated water pumps, the assemblies avoid reliance on an elongated handle to effect rotation of the internal structure of the valve. Instead, the assemblies utilize a knob—which users need not lift—coupled to a post in which an elongated slot is formed. Doing so avoids breakage problems associated with use of elongated handles while reducing wear of internal seals. Each valve assembly additionally may include a cam having non-semicircular, asymmetrically-shaped recesses into which followers attached to a shaft passing through the elongated slot are received.

Abstract: A line splice has two lengths of fibrous rope that have multiple strands and interstices. The two lengths are held adjacent to each other by a plastic encapsulate that both surrounds the two rope lengths and fills the interstices. In forming the splice a two part polyurethane complex plastic is injected into the mold to create an exothermic reaction and heat sufficient to cause the plastic to flow both inside and outside the two lengths of fibrous rope.

Abstract: Components of swimming pools, such as rims and base plates, are addressed herein. The rims and plates are adapted for positive interlock to prevent movement of one relative to the other, and the rims typically include dual flanges of differing heights. Among base plates contemplated hereby are ones containing a slot formed by their two vertical walls and which provide guidance at their edges for positioning their associated rims.

Abstract: Support systems for vessels such as above-ground swimming pools are disclosed. Each system may include one or more buttresses adapted to support substantially the entire vertical height of the side wall or each of a series of side walls of the pool. The buttresses, which flare along their lengths, closely match the support they provide each side wall to the outward water pressure present along its height for enhanced reliability. The diminished space required for installation of the disclosed buttresses reduces the surface area required for their associated pool.

Abstract: A balanced strand includes a fibrous core about which load bearing fibers are twisted. The fibrous core has an elongation factor of at least 10% and comprises approximately up to 30% of the material volume of the strand. The load bearing fibers have an elongation factor less than the fibrous core and a strength of at least 15 g denier. The load bearing fibers comprise the remaining strand material volume.