Abstract: An in-wall ladder to be installed in a swimming pool, and a method of constructing the ladder, the ladder including a frame portion configured with a substantially flat front surface and a central opening, a plurality of step portions configured to extend back from the front surface of the frame portion, in a substantially parallel arrangement in the central opening, and a plurality of riser portions configured to extend back in the central opening at an angle from the front surface of the frame portion to a point proximate a back edge of each respective step portion located below each respective riser portion.

Abstract: A modular structure to form a swimming pool radius, and a method of constructing the same, the structure including a wall panel having front and rear surfaces, side surface members extending back from each of the two side edges of the wall panel, top surface members extending back from the top edge of the wall panel, bottom surface members extending back from the bottom edge of the wall panel, upper flange members respectively extending downward from a distal end of each of the top surface members, lower flange members respectively extending upward from a distal end of each of the bottom surface members, a top support band coupled to each of the upper flange members, and a bottom support band coupled to each of the lower flange members, the top and bottom support bands configured to maintain the wall panel in a predetermined arcuate configuration.

Abstract: A modular structure to form a swimming pool radius, and a method of constructing the same, the structure including a wall panel having front and rear surfaces, side surface members extending back from each of the two side edges of the wall panel, top surface members extending back from the top edge of the wall panel, bottom surface members extending back from the bottom edge of the wall panel, upper flange members respectively extending downward from a distal end of each of the top surface members, lower flange members respectively extending upward from a distal end of each of the bottom surface members, a top support band coupled to each of the upper flange members, and a bottom support band coupled to each of the lower flange members, the top and bottom support bands configured to maintain the wall panel in a predetermined arcuate configuration.

Abstract: A nut retaining device, and a method of assembling a pool step assembly using the nut retaining device, the nut retaining device including a nut retainer body configured to receive a nut and prevent the nut from rotating inside the nut retainer body. and a plurality of wings extending laterally from the nut retainer body and configured to abut one or more surfaces to prevent movement of the nut retainer body.

Abstract: A pool stair assembly includes step members having riser panels and tread panels, the step members joined together to form a multi-step structure. In illustrative embodiments, a spacer is located between a connection flange of a first step member and a riser panel of a second step member to form a channel therebetween, with one or more detents extending into the channel. A swimming pool liner includes locking tabs at predetermined locations that correspond to the channel, the locking tabs insertable into the channel to secure the liner to the step members. When the locking tab is inserted, a lip of the locking tab is compressed against the detent to move the locking tab past the detent when sufficient downward force is applied. The lip naturally biases back to its original position after passing the detent, preventing removal of the locking tab from the channel.

Abstract: A pool stair assembly includes step members having riser panels and tread panels, the step members joined together to form a multi-step structure. In illustrative embodiments, a spacer is located between a connection flange of a first step member and a riser panel of a second step member to form a channel therebetween, with one or more detents extending into the channel. A swimming pool liner includes locking tabs at predetermined locations that correspond to the channel, the locking tabs insertable into the channel to secure the liner to the step members. When the locking tab is inserted, a lip of the locking tab is compressed against the detent to move the locking tab past the detent when sufficient downward force is applied. The lip naturally biases back to its original position after passing the detent, preventing removal of the locking tab from the channel.

Abstract: A skimmer cover assembly includes a cover that is adapted to fit over the face flange of the skimmer or pool wall to prevent water from entering the skimmer assembly. The cover is secured to the skimmer by use of a draw bolt that is threaded at one end and includes a thumb screw or wing nut at a second end. The threaded end is adapted to be threaded into a support brace that is braced against an inside surface of the skimmer housing or to the skimmer housing itself. Tightening the draw bolt with the thumb screw draws the cover tightly against the face flange of the skimmer. The cover includes a gasket seal about its perimeter to form a watertight seal with the face flange of the skimmer. The draw bolt also has an o-ring that is positioned between the thumb screw and the cover to prevent water from leaking past the cover.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer formed to include an integral disinfectant dispenser. The disinfectant dispenser is adapted to enable infinite adjustment to the level of disinfectant dispensed into the normal flow of the pool water. The skimmer includes a valve that is used to adjust the flow of water distributed to the disinfectant dispenser. The flow rate of water entering the dispensing chamber is controlled by the valve, which controls the water level within the dispensing chamber. The amount of water exiting the dispensing chamber is controlled by a vertically extending elongated flow slit. The higher the water level in the dispensing chamber causes more exposure to the chlorine tablets, increasing the chlorine level in the dispensing water. Chlorinated water exits the flow slit and enters the skimmer main chamber.

Abstract: A swimming pool brace assembly having a brace and bracket used to attach a concrete form. The bracket positions the concrete form between the concrete footing and the deck of the swimming pool. The swimming pool brace is provided with receptacles that are adapted to receive the brackets, which are used to retain the position of the concrete form. The receptacles of the brace allow the brackets to be attached to either side of the brace. The bracket includes a retention feature that is configured to retain the bracket in position once inserted into the receptacle of the brace. The bracket includes a series of radially spaced inwardly extending protrusions that engage the concrete form. The protrusions are adapted to deflect to adjust for variations in the size of the forms.

Abstract: A skimmer cover assembly includes a cover that is adapted to fit over the face flange of the skimmer or pool wall to prevent water from entering the skimmer assembly. The cover is secured to the skimmer by use of a draw bolt that is threaded at one end and includes a thumb screw or wing nut at a second end. The threaded end is adapted to be threaded into a support brace that is braced against an inside surface of the skimmer housing or to the skimmer housing itself. Tightening the draw bolt with the thumb screw draws the cover tightly against the face flange of the skimmer. The cover includes a gasket seal about its perimeter to form a watertight seal with the face flange of the skimmer. The draw bolt also has an o-ring that is positioned between the thumb screw and the cover to prevent water from leaking past the cover.

Abstract: A swimming pool brace assembly having a brace and bracket used to attach a concrete form. The bracket positions the concrete form between the concrete footing and the deck of the swimming pool. The swimming pool brace is provided with receptacles that are adapted to receive the brackets, which are used to retain the position of the concrete form. The receptacles of the brace allow the brackets to be attached to either side of the brace. The bracket includes a retention feature that is configured to retain the bracket in position once inserted into the receptacle of the brace. The bracket includes a series of radially spaced inwardly extending protrusions that engage the concrete form. The protrusions are adapted to deflect to adjust for variations in the size of the forms.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer formed to include an integral disinfectant dispenser. The disinfectant dispenser is adapted to enable infinite adjustment to the level of disinfectant dispensed into the normal flow of the pool water. The skimmer includes a valve that is used to adjust the flow of water distributed to the disinfectant dispenser. The flow rate of water entering the dispensing chamber is controlled by the valve, which controls the water level within the dispensing chamber. The amount of water exiting the dispensing chamber is controlled by a vertically extending elongated flow slit. The higher the water level in the dispensing chamber causes more exposure to the chlorine tablets, increasing the chlorine level in the dispensing water. Chlorinated water exits the flow slit and enters the skimmer main chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thin reinforced nonwoven fabric for fire blocking an article, articles containing such fabrics, and methods for making the fabrics and fire blocking the articles. When exposed to heat or flame, the fabric is capable of increasing its thickness by at least three times. The fabric comprises an open mesh scrim having a having crimped, heat-resistant organic fibers compressed thereon and held in a compressed state by a thermoplastic binder. When subjected to high heat or flame, the binder in the structure softens and flows, releasing the restrained crimped fibers and allowing the thickness of the fabric to increase dramatically.

Abstract: A system for attaching a furniture leg to an item of furniture. The leg includes an attachment segment having a wedge-shaped flange which is engaged in a similarly-shaped socket in the furniture. The leg is secured to the furniture by means of a screw passing through aligned apertures in the leg and the furniture, with the apertures being generally parallel to the plane of the flange.

Abstract: A modular chair having a seat portion and a removable back portion. The back portion is joined to the seat portion by means of a pair of double taper elements on the back portion which engage corresponding channel elements formed in the seat portion. When joined, the two portions are secured to one another and are normally not separated.

Abstract: A furniture component, made of plastic, which is molded in a generally flat form having a frame element and foldable frame members which can be displaced in relation to the frame element. A pair of receptors are formed in the frame element adjacent each displaceable frame member, and corresponding limbs are formed on each displaceable frame member for engagement in the receptors. Each of the receptors comprises a cavity and includes a pair of upstanding pegs to orient the frame members at a predetermined angular orientation in relation to the frame element.

Abstract: A table assembly includes a table top and support arm which are stored within an arm rest of a recliner when the table is not in use. When the table is to be used, the support arm pivots up and the table top is connected to the support arm. The table top is rotatable relative to the support arm and any of three holes in the table top can be used to connect the support arm thereto.

Abstract: Caps for milk or juice bottles having four screw threads with serrations. The matching threads on the containers also display serrations. The serrations on the caps and the bottles engage each other to prevent their relative rotation to prevent the opening of the closure. An applicator places the cap onto the bottles by first twisting the caps in the reverse direction to properly seat them on the bottle necks. It then reverses the direction to start the closure. The applicator first holds the cap at an angle relative to the horizon and the direction in which the bottles move on a conveyor. As a bottle moves on the conveyor, it engages the lower, tilted edge of the cap. The bottle moving on the conveyor and in contact with the cap overcomes the tension, created by gravity, holding the cap from its location where it awaited the arrival of a bottle.