Pool stair assembly for use by small animals

Abstract

A stair assembly is secured to a pool or spa edge and extends beneath the water line to assist animals in exiting the pool or spa. The assembly is preferably formed of a UV stable, heavy material for durability. The assembly is designed to be fastened to the coping and pool wall and can be configured to be removed from the water if desired. The assembly can be hinged to allow the step portion to be folded up and out of the water. Several versions accommodate different pool designs, including straight walls, and curved walls, and can be made with adjustable steps to accommodate different size pets and different types of edges.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §199(e) of U.S. application Ser. No. 60/686,700 filed Jun. 2, 2005, U.S. application Ser. No. 60/726,045 filed Oct. 12, 2005, U.S. application Ser. No. 60/774,937 filed Feb. 17, 2006, and U.S. application Ser. No. 60/785,355 filed Mar. 23, 2006. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to accessories for swimming pools and spas, and in particular relates to steps for use by animals to exit a body of water.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Traditionally, pools have built-in steps or ladders secured to the edge of the pool to assist humans entering and exiting the pool. Some pools have human scaled steps molded into the shallow end and a climb out shelf built into the deep end. These are all designed for use by human beings and are built to a corresponding scale. Existing pools, particularly in private homes, may not have a means for entering and exiting the pool that is easily used by animals. For example, animals cannot climb ladders; Small animals that enter the pool either on purpose or by accident have difficulty exiting the pool due to the relative deepness of human scale steps and climb out shelves.

Devices exist as an inadequate remedy to this dilemma. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,879 to Davis is a plastic ramp with no side walls that is attached by ropes to the surface of the pool deck and floats in the water at an angle. However, when the animal gets on a ramp to exit the pool, the weight of the animal will force the floating end farther into the water thus increasing the angle of the ramp making it more difficult and stressful for the animal to exit the pool. It is also difficult for the animal to maintain its balance, which can cause the animal to fall back into the water via the open sides. Thus, exhaustion and fear can cause the animal to resist using the device and drown.

Similarly, spas, or hot tubs, have deep steps on the inside of the tub with a scale that is difficult or impossible for small animals to navigate. Animals may enter a spa of this type and not be able to climb out. They circle the spa swimming frantically until they die. Adding a ramp or pool steps would not solve this problem as they would not fit within a typical spa to provide a means of escape for a small animal.

Thus, there is a need for a device that can be easily added to a pool or spa that can enable animals to safely and confidently exit pools or spas.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of embodiments of the invention relate to providing a stable structure that can be secured to a pool or spa edge to provide easy exit for animals.

Another aspect of embodiments of the invention relates to providing a structure that is compatible with a water setting and can be used in a pool or spa.

An additional aspect of embodiments of the invention relates to providing a structure that is quick and simple to remove from the water in a pool or spa for maintenance, cleaning or water sports.

This invention is directed to a stair assembly for mounting to a pool edge. The assembly includes a hanging platform having a mounting plate designed to be supported on a generally horizontal surface of the pool edge and a step support plate extending generally perpendicular to the mounting plate configured to hang from the pool edge. Steps extend outwardly from the step support plate, with each step being defined by a riser and a tread. Each tread extends outwardly to a position horizontally offset from an adjacent step. A connector is supported by the mounting plate for connecting the mounting plate to the pool edge. A stop mechanism may be provided to abut the pool edge to restrict movement of the step support plate in a horizontal direction.

The invention is further directed to a stair assembly for connection to an edge of a body of water that allows animals to exit the water. The assembly includes an angled platform configured to rest on the edge of the body of water and to hang over the edge toward the water. A connector is associated with the angled platform to secure the angled platform to the edge of the body of water. A support wall extends from the angled platform that supports a plurality of steps. A stop mechanism is associated with the support wall to limit movement of the support wall with respect to the edge of the body of water when the animal climbs onto a step.

The invention is also directed to a method of using a stair assembly to provide egress to an animal in a body of water, including first providing a stair assembly that includes a mounting section having a ledge that is configured to rest on a pool edge and a step section. The step section includes a side wall with at least one tread extending from the side wall at a level lower than the ledge of the mounting section. The method includes mounting the stair assembly on the edge of the pool by securing the ledge to the side of the pool such that the at least one tread is at or beneath the surface of the body of water. Finally, the method includes training a pet to use the stair assembly to exit the body of water, including enticing the pet toward the tread and encouraging the pet to climb from the water to the pool edge using the stair assembly, and repeating until the pet uses the stair assembly without assistance or encouragement.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the detailed description and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the stair assembly mounted on a pool edge in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the assembly of FIG. 1 in a stored position;

FIG. 3 is a view of the assembly of FIG. 1 prior to installation;

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the assembly of FIG. 1 during installation;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the stair assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view in cross section of the stair assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a back view of the stair assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a stair assembly mounted on a pool edge in accordance with a modification of the connector and steps;

FIG. 9 is a front view in cross section of the mounting plate of the assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a further modification of the stair assembly in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the mounting plate of the assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the stair assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the stair assembly of FIG. 10 during installation;

FIG. 14 is a side view in cross section of the stair assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of another step arrangement and connector configuration in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another step arrangement and connector configuration in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the assembly similar to FIG. 15 with a modified step arrangement; and,

FIG. 19 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 18.

In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention is directed to an accessory that is usable in a body of water, especially a contained body of water that has side walls. For ease of reference, the body of water referred to herein is generically termed a “pool.” However, it should be understood that the term “pool” is intended to encompass various types of aquatic structures, including swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, whirlpools, soaking tubs, and even man-made shore lines (retaining walls.) The invention could also be used with any ledge adjacent a body of water, such as on a boat or a dock.

Referring to FIG. 1, a stair assembly 10 is disposed on a pool edge 12. The pool edge 12 may be coping surrounding the pool or any generally horizontal surface that surrounds the body of water. A generally horizontal surface is intended to also cover slightly angled surfaces that may form a ledge around a body of water. The stair assembly 10 is formed of a mounting section 14 and a step section 16. The mounting section 14 forms a ledge in the form of a mounting plate that rests on top of the pool edge 12. The step section 16 has a side support wall 18 that extends downwardly from the mounting section 14. The side support wall 18 is preferably in the form of a step support plate. The side support wall 18 preferably extends at an angle, for example a perpendicular angle, from the ledge of the mounting section 14. This creates an angled hanging platform that hooks onto the horizontal edge 12.

Steps formed as a series of treads 20 and 22 extend from the side wall 18. Of course, any number of steps, including just one, can be provided. As is conventional, each step is formed of a tread and a riser. The treads 20 and 22 can have a traction surface 24 provided thereon to avoid slipping during use. If desired, perforations or other means to allow water to pass through the step unit can be provided to avoid air locks beneath the step section 16 and prevent it from floating. In the design shown in FIG. 1, the space beneath the tread 20 is hollow to allow water to flow through.

Preferably, the stair assembly 10 is formed from a durable material that can withstand sun, water, and chemical exposure. Injection molded plastics would be suitable for this assembly. For example, the stair assembly 10 may be formed of a UV stable material such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Other suitable materials include ABS, PET, RPET, and PP/SciOx, for example. Preferably, the material will be resistant to commonly used pool chemicals, such as chlorine and bromine. Also, the material should be heavy so that it tends to sink and remain submerged with respect to the water line W. So, the specific gravity of the selected material should be greater than 1.0. The treads can offer a solid or textured surface, if desired. The assembly, particularly the steps, can also be formed with a series of open ribs or holes to provide strength and offer drainage, if desired. Of course, any structural support and/or drainage structure, especially those known in the field of injection molding, can be used.

The mounting section 14 is formed as a plate that fits on the edge of the pool or spa. In this embodiment, the step support section 18 is formed as two plates connected by a hinge 26. While any known hinge 26 can be used, preferably the hinge 26 is formed as a flexible strip of material that can be adhesively secured to both plates and create a durable secure connection.

The hinge 26 allows the step section 16 to be positioned in three different positions. The “in-use” position, as seen in FIG. 1, allows the step section 16 to hang into the water from the edge 12. The stair assembly 10 can be accessed by an animal in the water in this position. The storage position, as seen in FIG. 2, allows the step section 16 to be pivoted out of the water and over the mounting section 14. This way, the step section 16 can be conveniently and easily stowed to allow cleaning or games, for instance, in the pool without interference from the stair assembly 10. The third position, seen in FIG. 3, is obtained before the stair assembly 10 is secured to the edge 12 and allows the mounting section 14 to be folded down onto the step section 16 to provide a more compact profile for packaging, storage and shipping.

A connector 28 is secured to the bottom surface of the mounting section 14. The connector 28 preferably includes an adhesive layer that securely attaches the mounting section 14 to the edge 12. The adhesive layer 28 can be a pressure sensitive adhesive strip, for example. Of course, other types of connectors can be used, including hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, or a bolt, pin or keyed connector. The adhesive layer 28 can be applied during installation or, preferably, be supplied with the stair assembly 10. A release sheet 30 is provided to cover the adhesive layer 28 prior to installation. The release sheet 30 is secured over the adhesive layer 28 and folded over itself, as seen in FIG. 3, for easy removal during installation. An opening 31 is provided to serve as a handle to assist a user in gripping the release sheet 30 during removal. Of course, any type of release sheet 30 can be used, including a single sheet configured to merely cover the adhesive layer 28.

As seen in FIG. 4, in use, the mounting section 14 is positioned at the pool edge 12. Then when proper placement is determined, the release sheet 30 is grasped at opening 31 and pulled away from the mounting section 14, as shown by the arrow. This progressively exposes the adhesive layer 28 for securement to the surface of the edge 12. The release sheet 30 can then be discarded. This method of installation allows the stair assembly 10 to be held in the desired position while the release sheet 30 is removed so that proper positioning can be ensured.

If the stair assembly 10 is not precisely positioned on the surface, the hinge 26 will accommodate any misplacement by allowing the step section 16 to hang and swing from the mounting section 14. Thus, it is not necessary to precisely position the unit to realize an effective installation.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of adjustable support legs 29 is provided on the back of the side wall 18. The support legs 29 are preferably formed as screw mounted posts that are supported from the side wall 18. The end of the posts can have a wider support area or suction cup, if desired. The legs 29 can be rotated to move closer or farther from the interior pool wall to limit horizontal movement of the side wall 18 with respect to the interior of the pool. This provides support for the bottom of the step section 16 to prevent the step section 16 from tipping under the weight of a user, such as a pet. The support legs 29 are particularly suited for pools that have an overhanging edge. By adjusting the support legs 29, the assembly 10 can be securely positioned at the edge regardless of whether the pool wall is recessed or angled. The support legs 29 can be used with any of the configurations described herein. It is also possible to dispense with the legs 29 if adjustment is not needed.

FIG. 5 shows a stair assembly 33 in which the mounting section 34 is formed as two plates including a first plate 34a for fastening to the edge 12 and a second plate 34b connected to the first plate 34a by a hinge. The step section 35 extends at an angle from the second plate 34b so as to hang over the edge 12. By this, the stair assembly 33 can be tilted up and out of the water by pivoting the step section 35 over the mounting section 34. As shown, the mounting section 34 is bolted to the edge 12; however, any suitable fastening mechanism could be used. Since the step section 35 is rigidly connected with the mounting section 34, the interior corner angle acts as an integral stop mechanism to prevent the step section from tipping during use.

Steps 36 are formed as a series of treads having a successively deeper step to form stairs. In this case, the steps 36 are connected to the step section 35 via slots 37 and threaded fasteners 38 to allow adjustment of the height of the steps 36. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the slots 37 are formed through the step section 35, and the step 36 is secured in the selected position by a bolt and nut assembly 38 that clamps the edges of the slot 37 between a fastening plate 39 and the step 36. This assembly 33 is particularly suited for a ledge of a boat, for example, as it allows the unit to be stowed away from the edge in the folded storage position. Also, the adjustable steps can be positioned to accommodate different boat designs.

FIG. 8 shows a stair assembly 40 in which the side wall 42 is formed as a single step support plate 42 that extends integrally from a mounting plate 44. A first step 46 extends outwardly from step support plate 42 below the top mounting plate 44, and a second step 48 extends outwardly from step support plate 42 below the first step 46. The second step 48 extends farther out than the first step 46 in all directions to form a stair structure. Optional adjustable support legs 50 are mounted to side wall 42 to limit horizontal movement of the stair assembly 40 and prevent tipping when an animal climbs onto the platform. The assembly 40 also includes an integral stopping mechanism defined by the interior corner angle between the mounting plate 44 and the step support plate 42.

The connector 52 is provided to attach the mounting plate 44 to the edge 12. In this case, the connector 52 is a hook and loop fastener, as seen in FIG. 9. Of course, any of the various modifications can be used interchangeably in each of the embodiments. For example, an adhesive connector could also be used. The connector 52 includes a hooked portion 54 adhesively secured to the edge 12 and a looped portion 56 adhesively secured to mounting plate 44. This allows the stair assembly 40 to be easily entirely removed from the pool when desired. The connector 52 can be provided separately and applied during installation or can be provided wholly on the stair assembly 40 and then simply adhesively secured to edge 12 during installation.

FIG. 10 shows a stair assembly 60 having a different type of connector and step arrangement. The stair assembly 60 has a step support plate 62 with curved steps 64, 66 extending outwardly therefrom. As in the prior assemblies support legs 68 can also be provided. In this assembly, the mounting plate 70 is formed as two pieces including a first portion 72 attached to the edge 12 and a second portion 74 that interlocks with the first portion 72 and connects to the step support plate 62.

The interlocking mounting plate 70 is seen in detail in FIGS. 11-14. First portion 72 is attached to the edge 12 by an adhesive connector 76, best seen in FIG. 14. The first portion 72 can be formed less thick than the second portion 74 to accommodate the thickness of the adhesive layer 76, which could be 1/16 inch for example, to form a flush surface.

First portion 72 has a pair of fingers 78 that extend outwardly and define grooves 80, as seen in FIG. 11. Second portion 74 has a pair of fingers 82 that extend inwardly and define grooves 84, as seen in FIG. 12. Fingers 78 and 82 and interlock with grooves 84 and 80, respectively. Alternatively, the fingers could be reversed with the same interlocking effect, as seen in FIG. 13, in which vertical movement is permitted but horizontal movement is prevented. By this, the stair assembly 60 can be securely locked in place during use, but also can be easily lifted from its mount to remove it for storage or cleaning.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a stair assembly 90 in which the mounting plate 92 is secured to the edge 12 by pegs 94. Similar to the other embodiments, the stair assembly 90 also includes a step support plate 96 with steps 98, 100 and support legs 102. In this configuration, the pegs 94 connect to holes 104 formed in the edge 12. The holes can be formed as bore holes or sleeves, as would be known, that allow the peg 94 to sit flush within the mounting. The bore could also be threaded if desired for added security. The pegs 94 can be separate from the stair assembly 90 and inserted through apertures in the mounting plate 92, or formed as an extension of the mounting plate 92 to eliminate the need for separate parts or issues with flush mounting. To mount or remove the stair assembly 90, the unit is simply lowered or raised and the peg engaged with the holes.

FIG. 17 shows a stair assembly 110 that is adapted to fit on a curved edge 12. Also, this assembly uses a mounting plate 112 with an overhanging lip 114 that fits over the edge 12. This configuration would be particularly suited for the edge of a spa. Again, as in the other designs, horizontal movement is restricted providing a secure mount while the assembly can be easily lifted out of the pool or spa or easily lowered into place for use.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a version of the stair assembly 120 that is similar to the assembly 90, but has adjustable steps. Assembly 120 has a mounting plate 122 that is secured by pins 124 that, in this case, can protrude from the plate for ease of assembly and disassembly. The step support plate 126 has a series of slots 128 disposed at different vertical positions. Steps 130 and 132 have keys 134 extending from the back and a stop 136 disposed on the undersurface. The keys 134 can be selectively engaged with a slot 128 at a desired height. The stops 136 hold the steps 130, 132 horizontally against the step support plate 126. With this arrangement, the position or height of each tread can be selected based on the size of the animal or intended use.

In use, the stair assembly 10 is installed on a pool or spa and made available to a pet for egress from the water in the in-use position. For swimming pools, the stair assembly should be placed at the farthest point from any existing steps. If the pool has corners, the stair assembly should be placed as close to the corner as possible since pets tend to follow the walls of the pool to escape. The area where the stair assembly is located should be clear of any obstructions that might prevent the pet from accessing the steps. For spas, the stair assembly should be placed in a location that provides the pet with an unobstructed safe landing area.

This invention also includes the steps of training the pet to recognize and use the stair assembly as a pet would not normally know that the stair assembly can be used to escape from the interior of the pool or spa. Training the pet involves the following steps.

After the stair assembly is properly attached to the pool edge, such as the pool deck, place the pet in the pool facing the stair assembly and within easy swimming distance. It is best to start a few feet away. Someone then stands over the stair assembly and calls the pet with a favorite treat. Some pets will need help initially, but most pets will swim to the stair assembly and climb up to receive the treat. This exercise should be repeated with the distance between the pet and the steps extended each time until the pet tires or easily exits the pool. Repeat this exercise several days in a row. When the pet appears confident when using the stair assembly, place the pet in the water and determine if the pet can exit without the treat inducement or encouragement from a person. Most pets will learn to use the stair assembly by the third time and by day three are comfortable exiting the body of water using the stair assembly.

Obviously, the stair assembly can be made any size. The steps could be molded in various shapes to accommodate certain standard pool or spa designs or alternatively could be custom designed to accommodate special pools or particular intended applications.

Any of the connectors described herein can be used with any of the step, ledge or side wall designs described herein. Also, the various assemblies may be used with or without the support legs.

Various modifications can be made in my invention as described herein, and many different embodiments of the device and method can be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims without departing from such spirit and scope. It is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A stair assembly for mounting to a pool edge, comprising:

a hanging platform having a mounting plate designed to be supported on a generally horizontal surface of the pool edge and a step support plate extending generally perpendicular to the mounting plate configured to hang from the pool edge;

steps extending outwardly from the step support plate, wherein each step is defined by a riser and a tread with each tread extending outwardly to a position horizontally offset from an adjacent step; and

a connector supported by the mounting plate for connecting the mounting plate to the pool edge.

2. The stair assembly of claim 1, further comprising a stop mechanism supported by the step support plate and configured to abut the pool edge to restrict movement of the step support plate in a horizontal direction.

3. The stair assembly of claim 2, wherein the stop mechanism is a rotatable post supported by a threaded hole in the step support plate.

4. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the stair assembly is an integral unit.

5. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the stair assembly is made of molded plastic.

6. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the stair assembly is made of ABS.

7. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the stair assembly is made of material that is UV stable.

8. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the stair assembly is resistant to chlorine and bromine.

9. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the stair assembly is made of material that has a specific gravity greater than 1.0.

10. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector includes adhesive.

11. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector includes pressure sensitive adhesive.

12. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a hook and loop fastener.

13. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a peg and the mounting plate has a hole that receives the peg.

14. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a bolt.

15. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a lip extending from the mounting plate.

16. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is formed in two pieces including a first piece integral with the step support plate and a second piece connectable to the pool edge, wherein the first piece and second piece interlock.

17. The stair assembly of claim 16, wherein the first piece has a key and the second piece has a groove that accepts the key in an interlocking relationship.

18. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the step support plate is generally flat.

19. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the step support plate is curved.

20. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is formed of two pieces connected by a hinge.

21. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the step support plate is formed of two pieces connected by a hinge.

22. The stair assembly of claim 21, wherein the two pieces of the step support plate include a first piece formed integrally with the mounting plate at a right angle thereto and a second piece that supports the steps.

23. The stair assembly of claim 21, wherein the hinge comprises a strip of flexible material.

24. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the step support plate includes a hinged portion that is foldable over the mounting plate so as to remove the steps from the pool.

25. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the steps are removably mounted to the step support plate so that a height of each step can be selectively adjusted.

26. The stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the step support plate includes slots and the steps are connected to the step support plate via the slots at selected vertical positions.

27. A stair assembly for connection to an edge of a body of water that allows animals to exit the water, comprising:

an angled platform configured to rest on the edge of the body of water and hang over the edge toward the water;

a connector associated with the angled platform to secure the angled platform to the edge of the body of water;

a support wall extending from the angled platform that supports a plurality of steps; and

a stop mechanism associated with the support wall to limit movement of the support wall with respect to the edge of the body of water when the animal climbs onto a step.

28. The stair assembly of claim 27, wherein the support wall is connected to the angled platform by a hinge.

29. The stair assembly of claim 27, wherein the connector includes adhesive.

30. The stair assembly of claim 27, wherein stop mechanism is a rotatable post extending generally horizontally outwardly from the support wall.

31. The stair assembly of claim 27, wherein the steps have a non-skid surface applied thereto.

32. The stair assembly of claim 27, wherein the stair assembly is made of plastic.

33. The stair assembly of claim 27, wherein the stair assembly is made of UV stable, chlorine resistant ABS.

34. A method of using a stair assembly to provide egress to an animal in a body of water, comprising:

providing a stair assembly that includes a mounting section having a ledge that is configured to rest on a pool edge and a step section, wherein the step section includes a side wall with at least one tread extending from the side wall at a level lower than the ledge of the mounting section;

mounting the stair assembly on the edge of the pool by securing the ledge to the side of the pool such that the at least one tread is at or beneath the surface of the body of water; and

training a pet to use the stair assembly to exit the body of water, including enticing the pet toward the tread and encouraging the pet to climb from the water to the pool edge using the stair assembly, and repeating until the pet uses the stair assembly without assistance or encouragement.

35. The method of using a stair assembly of claim 34, wherein mounting the stair assembly includes securing the ledge with a contact type fastener.