Portable pool

Abstract

A portable child's pool having a bottom that includes a padding layer is provided. The padding layer is preferably a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be a polymeric rubber. Alternatively, the polymeric material may be a polymeric foam. Polychloroprene is a preferred polymeric material. The bottom may further include one or two thin polymeric sheets. Any one of the polymeric sheets may be bonded to the padding layer. Alternatively, when the bottom includes two polymeric sheets, they may be bonded at their edges so as to form a seal around the padding layer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of 35 U.S.C. 111(b) provisional application Serial No. 60/305,316 filed Jul. 13, 2001, and entitled Portable Pool.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a portable child's pool. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable child's pool having a bottom that includes a padding layer of polymeric material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Portable pools, particularly portable wading pools and portable swimming pools for children, are conventionally available in several types of construction. These include (a) blow-up ringed type pools, (b) soft-sided pools and (c) hard-sided pools.

[0005] A typical blow-up pool 10 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A shows pool 10 is perspective view. FIG. 1B shows pool 10 in a flattened cross-sectional view, where the cross-section follows the circumference of pool 10. Blow-up pool 10 is generally shallow (up to about three feet) and fabricated from a polymeric material. The sides of blow-up pool 10 contain at least one “ring of air” 12 from being blown up. Often there are two or three rings, most typically three, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Blow-up pool 10 includes a bottom layer 14 that is not blown up. Bottom layer 14 is a thin polymeric sheet. The polymeric sheet is typically made from a vinyl plastic. A blow-up pool tends to be easy to store because it can be deflated and rolled or folded up.

[0006] In a typical soft-sided pool, the pool is shallow (up to about three feet) and fabricated from polymeric material. Generally, the sides of the pool are fabricated from a thin but sturdy polymeric material, most typically polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The bottom layer of the pool is generally a thin polymeric sheet, most typically a vinyl plastic. The pool is self-supported when filled with water. This type of pool is also easy to store because the sides can be folded down on top of the bottom of the pool and the pool can then be rolled or folded up.

[0007] In a typical hard-sided pool, the pool is generally shallow and fabricated from a thick, stiff polymeric material. Typical fabrication methods include injection molding, wherein the finished pool is one continuous piece. As a result, the bottom layer of the pool is essentially the same thickness as the sides of the pool. This type of pool is difficult to store because it cannot be folded or rolled up; it maintains its shape year-round.

[0008] During the summer, many parents purchase portable pools for their children to cool off in. Depending on the child's age, a parent may choose one type of portable pool over another. For example, small children do not require a lot of space and should be kept in shallow water. For these reasons, a blow-up ringed type pool may be the most suitable option. In an ideal situation, a responsible parent/guardian would keep a close eye on a child in a portable pool and make sure there would be no harm to the child while enjoying the pool experience. However, this is not always the case, and at times children are injured using portable pools.

[0009] Portable pools typically rest on the surface of the ground. The surface of the ground may be rough. Further, rocks, nuts, sticks, and other objects may rest on the surface and become positioned between the bottom of the pool and the ground. These objects may scratch or tear the pool bottom. Further, they may be uncomfortable or hazardous to a child who falls onto the pool bottom or contacts the pool bottom in spirited play.

[0010] Small blow-up bathing pools that have an inflatable bottom are available for use in bathtubs, for supporting babies. However, an inflatable bottom has the disadvantage, for use in other environments, such as outdoors, that it tends to be prone to puncture. Further, the level of cushioning that an inflatable bottom provides is dependent on the degree of inflation. Both underinflation and overinflation tend to result in reduced cushioning.

[0011] The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention features a side and a bottom adjoining the side, where the bottom includes a padding layer that is made of a polymeric material and has a sufficient thickness so as to provide cushioning to said bottom.

[0013] The polymeric material may be a polymeric foam. Alternatively, the polymeric material may be a polymeric foam. The polymeric material is preferably selected from among polychloroprene, sytrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, poly(ethylene-propylene-diene), epichlorohydrin, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene-co-vinylacetate, ethyl methacrylate, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, natural rubber, silicon, and polyfillers, and combinations thereof. Most preferably the polymeric material includes polychloroprene.

[0014] The padding layer may have a thickness between ⅛ and 3 inches, more preferably between ¼ and 2 inches, most preferably between ¼ and 1 inches.

[0015] The padding layer may form the bottom.

[0016] Alternatively, the bottom may further include a first thin polymeric sheet forming a first bottom layer. The padding layer may be glued in the first polymeric sheet. The padding layer may be disposed underneath the first bottom layer or over the first bottom layer.

[0017] The bottom may further comprise a second thin polymeric sheet, with one of the sheets underneath the padding layer and one of the sheets over the padding layer such that the padding layer is between the two sheets. The padding layer may be glued to one or both of the sheets. Alternatively, the first and second bottom layers may be bonded at their circumferential edges so as to form a seal around the padding layer.

[0018] The side may be selected from the group consisting of blow up ringed sides, soft sides, and hard sides.

[0019] The portable child's pool is preferably a wading pool.

[0020] The above-described embodiments have the advantage of providing cushioning and comfort and enhancing durability in a portable pool and therefore reducing risks of injury associated in wading or swimming in portable pools.

[0021] Thus, the present invention comprises a combination of features and advantages which enable it to overcome various problems of prior devices. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] For a more detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective and side views of a prior art pool;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a flattened cross-sectional view of a portable child's pool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a flattened cross-sectional view of a portable child's pool according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a flattened cross-sectional view of a portable child's pool according to still an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a flattened cross-sectional view of a portable child's pool according to still yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a layer of padding lines the bottom of a portable pool. The padding is preferably made from a polymeric material, most preferably a foam, still more preferably neoprene™ foam. The polymeric material is preferably water resistant and structurally sound.

[0029] Optimally, the layer of padding is included as part of a portable pool. The layer of padding is preferably enclosed within two bottom layers of conventional pool bottom material.

[0030] The layer of padding would provide more comfort to children playing in the pool by providing a padded surface and helping maintain the integrity of the pool, in particular adding to the durability of the pool. Additionally, the padded surface would itself serve as a safety cushion against any falls a child may incur. In particular, the added feature of the padding within the pool would prevent the occurrence of children falling over onto a hard or rough surface, such as concrete, brick, and rough soil. Parents who live in apartments usually must place the pool on a patio. Added padding would be a particular benefit in such a situation.

[0031] Further, providing the layer of padding with the pool, particularly integral with the pool, reduces the need to use a separate blanket, padding, or other protective type of material. A particular advantage of a portable wading pool that includes a layer of padding is added convenience. Still further, a pool that includes padding in combination with the pool would be less money because a parent does not have to buy two products and less to clean up because separate padding does not have to be maintained, and simpler for the parent to keep up with.

[0032] The present invention can be divided into three sections. The terms portable pool and child's pool are used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0033] Padding

[0034] The padding of the present invention is preferably fabricated from a polymeric rubber. Alternatively, the padding is fabricated from polymeric foam. Both open and closed-cell foams may be utilized, alternatively or in a combination. Possible materials include, but are not limited to neoprene™, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butyl, butadiene, nitrile, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), epichlorohydrin (ECH), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinylacetate (EVA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), metallocene resin, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride (PVC), natural rubber, silicone, and known polyfillers.

[0035] The preferred padding does not shred or tear easily. A product such as neoprene™ or one with similar features is desirable. Neoprene™ is a polychloroprene. Chloroprene is 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene. Neoprene™ is a synthetic rubber material composed of long, chainlike molecules that are capable of recovering their original shape after being stretched to great extents. Under normal conditions the long molecules are irregularly coiled. With the application of force, however, the molecules straighten out in the direction in which they are being pulled. Upon release, the molecules spontaneously return to their normal compact, random arrangement. These properties afford materials, such as neoprene™, flexibility and durability. Also, in the case of the padding being an outer layer, it is preferable for the material to be water-resistant to avoid premature degradation and failure.

[0036] The polymeric rubber or foam may possess any suitable structure that would allow it to be used in a portable pool. For example, while one pre-formed piece of foam that is essentially the same size as the bottom of the pool is preferable, smaller pieces of foam, that when taken together, provide a surface essentially to the bottom of the pool may also be used. Additionally, aerosol foams or in-situ forming foams may be used to produce the necessary foam piece(s).

[0037] The padding of the present invention may be added to any dimension portable pool. The size of the pool determines the size of the polymeric padding. Exemplary pool dimensions for a round pool are given in Table 1 below. As can be seen from Table 1, typically, for smaller size pools, as the diameter of the pool increases, the height of the pool increases accordingly. Smaller pools are designed for smaller children, and the height of the pool is typically designed to be less that the height of the child. The portable pool is preferably dimensioned such that it is a wading pool. 1 TABLE 1 Diameter (in) Height (in) 34  6 50  9 60 12 60 22 77 22 90 22

[0038] While exemplary dimensions have been given for a round pool, other suitable shapes include square pools, rectangular pools, oval pools and simple designs such as stars, dolphins, hearts, and the like.

[0039] As stated above, the size of the pool generally determines the size of the padding. This also applies to the thickness of the padding. For example, a small blow-up ringed type pool for a 3-year old child will generally require less padding than a large soft-sided pool for a 10-year old child. This is because small children generally do not jump around or weigh as much as older children, making them less likely to incur an injury from a fall. While any thickness of padding will provide some cushioning, it is believed that a thickness of from ⅛ inch to 3 inches is preferred, ¼ to 2 inches is more preferred, and ¼ to 1 inch is most preferable. It should be noted that an added advantage of the padding is that it while it provides much-needed cushioning, it is also capable of rolling/folding up and being stored with the pool, without substantially affecting the size of the rolled/folded up pool.

[0040] The layer of padding is preferably bacteria-resistant. For example, the layer of padding may contain mild antibacterial agents to prevent bacteria from growing in or on the pool. This would help prevent children from becoming exposed to germs when playing in the pool alone or with other children. Additionally, the antibacterial agent would prevent bacteria from forming in the pores of the padding and spreading to bond line where the padding contacts the pool. This is important to maintain the integrity of the bond, and ensure the lifetime of the pool.

[0041] Further, it will be understood a layer of padding according to some embodiments of the invention includes a hole therethrough of a size such that the hole is adapted to circumferentially surround a drain plug that is included in a pool bottom. The hole is preferably between ⅓ inches and 3 inches, more preferably between ½ inches and 2 inches. The drain plug may any of the conventional drain plugs that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. By way of example and not limitation a plastic drain plug may include a fitting attached to the pool bottom forming a receptacle, a solid or hollow stopper and a strap extending between the fitting and the stopper. In the plugged position of the exemplary drain plug, an outer surface of the stopper has continuous circumferential contact with an inner surface of the fitting so as to form a water-tight seal. In the draining position, the outer surface of the stopper is disengaged from the inner surface of the fitting and the stopper is held proximous to the fitting by the strap.

[0042] Placement and Attachment

[0043] The layer of padding is preferably provided as an integral piece of a portable pool.

[0044] Referring initially to FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, a portable pool 20 includes a padding layer 22. Padding layer 22 is between a first pool bottom layer 24 and a second pool bottom layer 26. As can be seen, the edges of first and second pool bottom layers 24, 26 meet at area 28, forming a seal around the padding.

[0045] It will be understood that although a fully enclosed layer of padding is preferred, alternative embodiments are contemplated. For example, a layer of padding may be positioned between each of a first and second bottom layer, attached for example by gluing, without the need for a seal between the first and second bottom layers. In this embodiment, the layer of padding is visible from the side. That is, the outer sides of the padding are exposed.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, alternative less preferred embodiments are shown. These include embodiments in which, (i) the padding is the bottom layer of the pool, (ii) the padding is underneath the pool bottom layer, and (iii) the padding is above the pool bottom layer. In (i), where the padding is the bottom layer of the pool, the pool bottom possesses a single material layer. In embodiments (ii) and (iii), the pool bottom includes at least two material layers. One material layer is the padding layer, and one material layer is the pool bottom layer. Pool bottom layer here refers to a thin conventional pool bottom layer, and a pool bottom layer need not be the layer contacting the ground.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 3, a portable pool 30 includes a padding layer 32. Padding layer 32 forms the bottom section of the pool. In this embodiment, the padding is preferably an intimate part of the pool.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 4, a portable pool 40 includes a padding layer 42. Padding layer 42 is underneath and attached to a pool bottom layer 44.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 5, a portable pool 50 includes a padding layer 52. Padding layer 52 is above and attached to a pool bottom layer 54.

[0050] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, it is preferable for the padding to be weather-resistant and mildew-resistant, because the padding will be in contact with water when the pool is in use. Further, in these embodiments, when the layer of padding is formed of polymeric foam, closed-cell foam is preferred.

[0051] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, between a first pool bottom layer and a second pool bottom layer and when the padding is underneath the pool bottom layer, respectively and, it is less important for the padding to be water-resistant because the padding will generally not be in contact with water.

[0052] The layer of padding is preferably lightweight. In particular, the layer of padding preferably does not add appreciable weight to the portable pool. The total weight of the pool with padding is preferably not more than twice the weight of a pool of similar size and shape and construction, but without the padding.

[0053] Methods of attachment for the padding of the present invention to the portable pool include well-known bonding techniques such as thermal bonding and use of adhesives such as glue. In some situations, thermal bonding is preferred. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 where the padding is between a first pool bottom layer and a second pool bottom layer, it would be easy to use a heated tool such as a die to press the first and second pool bottom layers together to form a seal around the padding. Another case in which thermal bonding might be preferred is the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 where the padding is the bottom layer of the pool. Because the bottom layer has limited contact with the sides (due to surface area constraints), a strong bond is preferable to ensure the lifetime of the pool.

[0054] While a portable pool that includes a layer of padding has been shown in FIGS. 2-5 with respect to a blow-up pool, it will be understood that embodiments in which the portably pool is a soft-sided pool are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] Further in alternative, less preferred embodiments, hard, pre-shaped pools could also include padding.

[0056] Storage

[0057] As can be seen, use of the padding of the present invention in a portable pool has a number of advantages. An additional advantage is the storage of the pool with the padding. A tie-means similar to that used on sleeping bags has been contemplated for use. For example, if using a blow-up ringed type pool with neoprene padding, when finished with the pool it is possible to deflate and roll the pool up into a cylindrical shape.

[0058] A tie-means may be located so that when the pool is rolled up, or alternatively folded and then rolled, the tie-means is positioned so that it may be used to ensure that the rolled up pools remains in place in its rolled state. Exemplary tie-means include a set of strings similar to those on a sleeping bag, an elastic band, and strap that includes Velcro similar to those on umbrellas. The tied, rolled up pool may then be stored until the pool is used again.

[0059] A storage container may be provided with a portable pool. The storage container may be a plastic bin or a canister-type storage tube, or a plastic bag, or a cloth bag, or mesh bag. The storage container is preferably of a size that corresponds to the size of the rolled or folded pool. The storage container preferably has the ability to be closed at either end, such as with a plastic cap or lid, by either snapping closed or screwed into the rim of the canister. Alternative closures a string, elastic, and the like.

[0060] While preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or teaching of this invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the portable pool are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

Claims

1. A portable child's pool, comprising:

a side; and

a bottom adjoining said side, wherein said bottom comprises a padding layer comprising a polymeric material and has a sufficient thickness so as to provide cushioning to said bottom.

2. The portably child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said padding layer comprises a polymeric rubber.

3. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said padding layer comprises a polymeric foam.

4. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polychloroprene, sytrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, poly(ethylene-propylene-diene), epichlorohydrin, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene-co-vinylacetate, ethyl methacrylate, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, natural rubber, silicon, and polyfillers, and combinations thereof.

5. The portable child's pool according to claim 4 wherein said polymeric material comprises polychloroprene.

6. The portably child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said thickness is between ⅛ inch and 3 inches.

7. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said padding layer forms said bottom.

8. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said bottom further comprises a first thin polymeric sheet forming a first bottom layer.

9. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said padding layer is glued to said first bottom layer.

10. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said padding layer is disposed underneath said first bottom layer.

11. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said padding layer is disposed above said first bottom layer.

12. The portable child's pool according to claim 11 wherein said bottom further comprises a second thin polymeric sheet forming a second bottom layer, wherein said second bottom layer is disposed above said padding layer such that said padding layer is disposed between said first and second bottom layers.

13. The portable child's pool according to claim 12 wherein said first and second layers are bonded at their respective circumferential edges so as to form a seal around said padding.

14. The portably child's pool according to claim 12 wherein said padding layer is glued to at least one of said first and second bottom layers.

15. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said side is selected from the group consisting of blow up ringed sides, soft sides, and hard sides.

16. The portable child's pool according to claim 1 wherein said pool is a wading pool.

17. A portable child's wading pool comprising:

a side;

a first bottom layer adjacent said side;

a second bottom layer adjoined to said first bottom layer;

a padding layer extending between said first bottom layer and said second bottom layer,

wherein said padding layer comprises a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polychloroprene, sytrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, poly(ethylene-propylene-diene), epichlorohydrin, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene-co-vinylacetate, ethyl methacrylate, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, natural rubber, silicon, and polyfillers, and combinations thereof.

18. The portable child's wading pool according to claim 17 wherein said padding layer is between ⅛ inch and 3 inches.

19. A portable child's wading pool comprising:

a side; and

a bottom adjacent said side, said bottom comprising a padding layer comprising polychloroprene, wherein said padding layer has a thickness between ⅛ inch and 3 inches.

20. The portable child's pool according to claim 19 wherein said bottom further comprises a first polymeric sheet and a second polymeric sheet bonded to said first polymeric sheet wherein said first and second polymeric sheets surround said padding layer.