Modular swimming pool

A swimming pool suitable for either in-ground or above-ground installations utilizes a multi-tiered modular sidewall configuration, a peninsular console and eductor jets to achieve greater recreational utility within a compact footprint.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to in-ground and above-ground swimming pools of the type utilizing a flexible liner, or other non-corrosive sealant, and having a pool perimeter defined by modular sidewalls comprising a number of interconnected panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many swimming pools, particularly private residential pools, use a flexible liner for containing the water. The liner is typically suspended from sidewalls which define the pool's perimeter. Along the floor of the pool, the liner typically rests on a layer of compacted sand or vermiculite or on a slab of concrete. Alternately, the sidewalls can be sealed and covered with non-corrosive paint or other surface protectors.

The sidewalls of the pool must be designed with sufficient strength and durability to withstand the outward force generated by a great volume of water when the pool is filled, as well as the inward and downward force of surrounding soil and/or decking when the pool is empty. For strength and durability, one preferred material for pool sidewalls is galvanized steel of an appropriate thickness gauge.

To facilitate on-site installation, particularly in the case of “backyard” pools, the sidewalls are typically composed of pre-fabricated modules that are in the form of rectangular panels. The rectangular panels are typically oriented with the longer sides being horizontal and the shorter sides being vertical. Such panels are usually formed from rectangular steel sheets with flanges extending from the vertical sides thereof. The flanges are folded over at right angles, such that when the panels are arranged in series adjacent to one another, the flanges are flush with one another. The flanges thus provide contact surfaces whereby adjacent panels may be fastened to one another to form a continuous sidewall structure around the pool perimeter.

In existing pool designs, a single sidewall panel extends from above the waterline to the floor of the pool. In other words, a single tier of serially-connected panels defines the pool perimeter. This configuration gives rise to several problems. With increasing depth of the panel's vertical dimension, there is a corresponding increase in outward water pressure tending to bend or bow out the mid-section and flanges of each panel and also tending to force adjacent panels apart. To reduce the deflection of the panels under this pressure, it is necessary to increase the thickness gauge of the steel, thereby adding to the material cost and making the panels more cumbersome and difficult to transport, handle and install. The bending and shearing forces between adjacent panels also can cause failure of bolt fasteners used to connect adjacent panels. Since the shearing and bending stresses increase with the length of the fastener, this problem is magnified when panels must be connected at acute or obtuse angles to achieve a curved or contoured pool perimeter.

The prior art has dealt with the problem of bending stress on single-layer pool sidewalls in two basic ways. One approach has been to incorporate reinforcing ribs into the panels. Examples of this approach can be seen in Lankheet, U.S. Pat. No. 3,975,782 (FIG. 2, ref. #19; col. 2, ln. 49-55), Zikmanis et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,304 (FIG. 2, ref. #18; FIG. 7, ref. #46; col. 3, ln 40; col. 4, ln. 16), and Frei, U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,004 (FIGS. 1 and 2, ref. #58; col. 2, ln. 48-49).

The introduction of reinforcing ribs presents its own set of problems, however. There is still the requirement of additional steel, which adds to the cost and bulk of the panels. There is also the problem of attaching the ribs to the panel. This is typically done by welding, which degrades the galvanized coating of the steel and thus makes it more susceptible to corrosion. Since such reinforcing ribs are attached to the back of the panel, which is in direct contact with soil and groundwater for in-ground installations, the effect is to cut short the useful life of the panel and require frequent and expensive maintenance.

Another way to deal with bending stress is to buttress the panels with vertical and/or diagonal support structures embedded or anchored in the ground or concrete footing outside the pool perimeter. Examples of this technique are disclosed in Laven, U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,199 (FIG. 2, ref. #42, 44; col. 5, ln. 10-16), Kantor, U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,555 (FIG. 5, ref. #24, 26; col. 3, ln. 7-9), Maupas, U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,715 (FIG. 7, ref. #20; col. 4, ln. 64-67), and Vila Corts, U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,125 (FIG. 1, ref. #12-15; col. 2, ln. 19-22).

The installation of such buttressing structures outside the pool perimeter brings with it some major disadvantages. Obviously, there is the added material and installation costs associated with these structures themselves. For in-ground pools, the area of excavation is substantially expanded, thereby involving greater expense for the pool owner. Moreover, the footprint required for the pool installation, whether in-ground or above-ground, is expanded to encompass the buttresses outside the pool perimeter. This presents particular problems for pool installations in small or constrained backyards or indoors where space is limited. Differential settling problems can also arise from the need to excavate and then backfill the area around buttresses or vertical supports. When the pool is surrounded by a deck, as is often the case, the backfilled area must support the deck, so that settling will cause damage to the deck and/or separation of the deck from the pool.

The prior art pool designs are also deficient insofar as they fail to disclose a modular panel pool enclosure that is adaptable to both in-ground and above-ground installations. Also lacking in the prior art is a modular swimming pool design that achieves a compact footprint that will fit in small or constrained backyards or indoors without sacrificing the pool's recreational utility. Consequently, the prior art leaves an unaddressed need for a modular swimming pool design applicable to above-ground and in-ground, or partial in-ground, installations, with a compact footprint and recreational utility comparable to larger pools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been designed to address the aforesaid need in three ways. First, instead of the single-tiered panel configurations found in the prior art, the present invention utilizes multiple tiers of serially-connected panels. By reducing the vertical dimension of each panel exposed to the water pressure, mid-panel deflection is curbed without the need for either reinforcing ribs within the panel or external buttressing. In fact, the strength of this multi-tiered modular panel sidewall design is sufficient to support a water-filled liner entirely or partially above the ground—that is, without the additional side support provided by the soil around an excavated pool enclosure.

Second, the preferred embodiment of the present invention features a peninsular console projecting from one of the sidewalls into the pool enclosure and extending above the waterline. The peninsular console can be located adjacent to or between steps at the entry side of the pool. This peninsular console provides an area for swimmers to relax and dry off without expanding the overall footprint, as with a conventional deck. The interior of the peninsular console provides a convenient area to locate the pool's mechanical equipment, which otherwise must be installed outside the pool perimeter. In this configuration, pumps, filters, skimmers, waterfalls, jets, lights and/or heaters can be accommodated within the peninsular console, once again reducing the overall footprint of the installation. Locating the skimmers within the peninsular console also eliminates the protrusion of skimmers in above-ground installations.

Third, the present invention in its preferred embodiment uses one or more venturi-based eductor jets that provide a water stream within the pool to enable someone to swim in place against the current and/or enjoy the jets' massaging effect. This feature allows a smaller pool to offer the recreational utility of a much larger pool in terms of continuous swimming time and distance. These eductor jets, which have heretofore had industrial applications, are superior to conventional pool jets insofar as they can move greater volumes of water with less power input. Thus, this feature cuts pool operating costs and conserves energy.

Accordingly, the present invention achieves the following advantages and beneficial objectives:

    • Elimination of excessive mid-section panel deflection through a multi-tiered panel configuration that obviates internal or external panel reinforcing;
    • Enabling the use of thinner, lighter gauge steel in panel fabrication, with attendant savings in material and installation cost;
    • Offering a modular pool design that can be readily applied to either above-ground, in-ground, or partial in-ground installations;
    • Reduction of the pool installation footprint by eliminating the need for reinforcing structures beyond the pool perimeter;
    • Greater durability, longer useful life and reduced maintenance expense by avoiding the need for welding to reinforce and/or connect the galvanizes steel panels;
    • Providing the option of a peninsular console, within which mechanical equipment, such as pumps, filters, heaters, waterfall, jets, lights and/or skimmers, can be installed, thereby further reducing the overall pool footprint;
    • Providing the option of flow-generating eductor jets, thereby enabling extended periods of continuous swimming and/or massage within a compact pool enclosure.

The foregoing and other beneficial objectives and advantages of the present invention are realized in a specific, illustrative embodiment thereof presented herein below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a modular swimming pool with a peninsular console and steps illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional front elevation view of the modular swimming pool of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view swimming pool side wall panels assembled in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a side elevation view of a pool sidewall panel of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a front elevation view of a pool sidewall panel of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a rear elevation view of the sidewall panel of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the sidewall panel of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the sidewall panel of FIGS. 4B and 5A;

FIG. 7A is a rear elevation view of sidewall panels of FIGS. 4A-6, assembled in accordance with the “stacked-and-staggered” configuration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a side elevation view of sidewall panels of FIGS. 4A-6, assembled in accordance with the “stacked-and-staggered” configuration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the peninsular console and entry steps in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with view of eductor jets and mechanical equipment;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the peninsular console in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an eductor jet.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 comprises a series of sidewalls 11 that define a pool enclosure 12. The sidewalls 11, in turn, comprise a number of panels 23. While a rectangular pool enclosure 12 is depicted in FIG. 1, virtually any shape of pool enclosure 12 can be produced by varying the radius of curvature of the constituent panels 23. The sidewalls 11 support a flexible liner 13, which envelopes the pool enclosure 12.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention 10, a peninsular console 14 projects from one the sidewalls 11 into the pool enclosure 12. The peninsular console 14 preferably has a generally oblong shape, with two long sides 41, which are perpendicular to the sidewall 11 from which the peninsular console projects, and a front side 42, which is parallel to the sidewall 11 from which the peninsular console 14 projects. Referring now to FIG. 2, the peninsular console 14 extends from above the waterline 15 of the pool (when filled) to the floor 16 of the pool. The flat upper surface of the peninsular console 14 forms a platform 17, on which swimmers can relax, or on which towels, beverages, pool apparel, floats, sunglasses, etc., can be placed for convenient access.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the peninsular console 14 is surrounded on either of its long sides 41 by steps 18, on which swimmers may step or sit. While the steps 18 are depicted with a parallel orientation to the front side 42 of the peninsular console 14, the steps 18 may alternately be oriented perpendicular to the front side 42 of the peninsular console 14. In one version of the perpendicular configuration, the steps 18 descend from the sidewall 11, so that a swimmer/bather can sit on the steps 18 facing the peninsular console 14 while, e.g., having a snack or reading a magazine. In another alternative of the perpendicular configuration, the steps 18 descend from the peninsular console 14, so that a swimmer/bather can more easily access the platform 17 from the pool enclosure 12.

The peninsular console 14 and the steps 18 are preferably hollow, so that its interior space can accommodate mechanical equipment 19 appurtenant to the pool, such as one or more pumps, filters, skimmers, waterfalls, jets, lights and/or heaters. In the preferred embodiment, one or more eductor jets 20 are also installed within the peninsular console 14. Referring to FIG. 10, the eductor jets 20 are of the “tank eductor” type, such as one of the TLA model series offered by Northeast Controls Inc. Referring to FIG. 2, one or more eductor water outlets 21 and eductor water intakes 22 are located on the front side 42 and/or the long sides 41 of the peninsular console 14 facing the pool enclosure 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, the sidewalls 11 are of a modular design, comprising a number of panels 23 arranged in a configuration consisting of multiple tiers 24. Each tier 24 comprises a number of panels 23, which are serially interconnected by bolts 25 or functionally equivalent fasteners. The tiers 24 are laterally connected to adjoining tiers by bolts 25 or functionally equivalent fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, each panel 23 comprises a sheet of rigid material, preferably galvanized steel having a front face 26, which is oriented inward toward the pool enclosure 12, and a rear face 27, which is oriented outward away form the pool enclosure 12. The panel 23 has two lateral flanges 28 extending from its two horizontal sides, two serial flanges 29 extending from its two vertical sides, and four corner flanges 30 extending from its four corners. The lateral flanges 28 are oriented outward in the direction of the rear face 27 in a plane perpendicular to that of the rear face 27.

Each of the lateral flanges 28 has a flap 31 extending from the entire length of its distal side. The flap 31 can have either a single-bend or a double-bend configuration. A single-bend flap is disclosed in Frei, U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,004 (in which it is designated in FIGS. 1 and 2 by ref. #59). The single-bend flap is bent inward toward the rear face 27 of the panel 23 into a plane perpendicular to that of the lateral flange 28 from which it extends. In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-7 herein, the flap 31 has a double-bend configuration. In the double-bend configuration, the flap has two right-angle bends, both bending inward toward the rear face 27, such that the first bend is into a plane perpendicular to that of the lateral flange 28, and the second bend is into a plane parallel to that of the lateral flange 28.

The double-bend flap 31 featured in the preferred embodiment provides an added level of resistance to bending stress, since both bends of the flap 31 must be deformed before the panel 23 can be deflected about its vertical axis.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the serial flanges 29 are oriented outward in the direction of the rear face 27 in a plane perpendicular that of the rear face 27. The corner flanges 30 extend perpendicularly from either side of the lateral flanges 28, so as to be oriented in the same plane as the serial flanges 29. Conforming diagonal sides of the lateral flanges 28 and the corner flanges 30 conjoin to enclose the corner of the panel 23. The resulting panel 23 is rectangular box-like structure having one open side, which is oriented outward toward the rear face 27 of the panel 23.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the panels 23 comprising adjoining tiers 24 are assembled in an offset or staggered configuration, such that the junctures of the serial flanges 29 of the panels 23 on one tier 24 are not aligned with the junctures of the serial flanges 29 of the panels 23 on the tiers 24 below and above it. This “stacked and staggered” configuration provides reinforcement against the effect of outward water pressure tending to force the panels 23 apart at their serial junctures.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, additional pool amenities can optionally be included in connection with the peninsular console 14 and/or the steps 18. One or more skimmers 32 can be installed in the peninsular console 14 and/or the steps 18, thereby reducing the overall footprint and obviating skimmer openings in the sidewalls 11 and the liner 13. Similarly, the peninsular console 14 can accommodate underwater lights 33—again avoiding structurally undesirable openings in the sidewalls 11 and liner 13. Other amenities, such as a simulated waterfall (not shown), can be installed within the peninsular console 14 or on the platform 17.

In the preferred embodiment, the peninsular console 14 also contains one or more eductor jets 20. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the eductor jet 20 is enclosed in an eductor box 40, into which a pump 19 pumps an inflow 35 of pressurized pool water drawn through an intake 22 from the pool enclosure 12. The eductor jet 20 accelerates the inflow 35 through a nozzle 36 into a venturi opening 37, thereby entraining pool water in the eductor box 40. This results in an outflow 38 from the eductor jet 20 through an outlet 21 into the pool enclosure 12, which outflow 38 is several times the volume of the inflow 35 to the eductor jet 20. Consequently, for the same pump pressure and volume, a much greater outflow 38 is achieved. The eductor jet 20 thereby economically and efficiently provides a vigorous current of flowing water within the pool. This feature enables extended periods of continuous swimming and/or passive massage against the current within a compact pool enclosure. Used in conjunction with a variable speed pump and/or a flow control or by-pass valve (not shown), the eductor jet 20 can produce currents of varying strengths to accommodate swimmers having different levels of proficiency, vigor and endurance.

Another optional feature of the preferred embodiment is a safety cut-off box (not shown), which cuts off the inflow of water to the eductor jets 20 when the eductor intake 22 is obstructed. This feature prevents a child or feeble person from being trapped underwater by the suction force of the intake 22.

While this invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, the description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment, as well other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A swimming pool comprising:

(a) a pool enclosure having an entry side and surrounded by a series of modular sidewalls consisting of multiple tiers, which tiers comprise a plurality of flat and/or curved panels, each panel having a square and/or rectangular shape, such that each panel has four corners and each panel has two vertical sides and two horizontal sides, and such that the panels are serially interconnected along their vertical sides to form the tiers, and the tiers are laterally interconnected with adjoining tiers above and/or below along the panels' horizontal sides;
(b) a pool floor comprising a layer of compacted granular material or a concrete slab, around the perimeter of which pool floor the sidewalls are anchored; and
(c) a pool liner comprising an impervious membrane, which is supported by the sidewalls, or an impervious sealant, which is applied to the sidewalls and the pool floor, such that the pool liner covers the sidewalls and the pool floor so as to contain a volume of pool water at a waterline level within the pool enclosure.

2. The swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the panels comprising adjoining tiers are assembled in a staggered configuration, such that the vertical side of each panel is not aligned with the vertical side of the panel(s) above and/or below it.

3. The swimming pool according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein each panel consists of a sheet of durable, corrosion-resistant material and comprises:

(i) a front face oriented inward toward the pool enclosure;
(ii) a rear face oriented outward away from the pool enclosure;
(iii) two lateral flanges extending from the two horizontal sides, which lateral flanges are oriented outward in the direction of the rear face in a plane perpendicular to the rear face;
(iv) two serial flanges extending from the two vertical sides, which serial flanges are oriented outward in the direction of the rear face in a plane perpendicular to the rear face;
(v) four corner flanges extending perpendicularly from either side of the two lateral flanges, such that the corner flanges are oriented in the same plane as the serial flanges, and such that conforming diagonal sides of the lateral flanges and the corner flanges conjoin to enclose the four corners of the panel, thereby forming a rectangular box-like structure having an open side oriented in the direction of the rear face of the panel; and
(vi) two flaps extending from the entire length of the distal sides of the two lateral flanges, each of which flaps has two right-angle bends, which both bend inward toward the rear face, such that the first bend extends into a plane perpendicular to that of the lateral flange, and the second bend extends into a plane parallel to that of the lateral flange.

4. A swimming pool comprising:

(a) a pool enclosure having an entry side, the perimeter of which pool enclosure is surrounded by a series of interconnected sidewalls, and the bottom of which is underlain by a pool floor;
(b) a pool liner or sealant which covers the sidewalls and the pool floor and contains a volume of pool water at a waterline level within the pool enclosure; and
(c) one or more peninsular consoles each having two long sides and a front side, each of which peninsular consoles extends vertically from the pool floor to a level above the waterline level, and each of which peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from one of the sidewalls, and each of which peninsular consoles has a flat upper surface that lies above the waterline level and forms a platform, such that the platform accommodates bathers seeking to dry off, as well as their towels, beverages, and other bathing/swimming appurtenances.

5. The swimming pool according to claim 4, wherein one or more of the peninsular consoles is/are hollow, such that the peninsular console contains an interior space which accommodates one or more items of mechanical equipment appurtenant to the swimming pool, such as one or more pumps, filters, skimmers, waterfalls, jets, lights and/or heaters.

6. The swimming pool according to either of claims 4 or 5, wherein one of the peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

7. A swimming pool comprising:

(a) a pool enclosure, the perimeter of which is surrounded by an interconnected series of sidewalls and the bottom of which is underlain by a pool floor;
(b) a pool liner or sealant which covers sidewalls and the pool floor and contains a volume of pool water at a waterline level within the pool enclosure;
(c) one or more items of mechanical equipment, including one or more pumps; and
(d) one or more eductor jets, which are enclosed in one or more eductor boxes, into which eductor boxes the pump(s) pump an inflow of pressurized pool water drawn from the pool enclosure through one or more intakes, and each of which eductor jets accelerates the inflow through a nozzle into a venturi opening, so as to entrain the pool water in the eductor box, and so that the eductor jets expel through one or more outlets an outflow of pool water into the pool enclosure, which outflow is several times the volume of the inflow, thereby generating a vigorous current of flowing water within the pool enclosure, which current provides either passive massage or resistance for swimming in place.

8. The swimming pool according to claim 7, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

9. The swimming pool according to claim 7, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

10. The swimming pool according to claim 8, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

11. The swimming pool according to any of claims 7 through 10, wherein the eductor jets are located within a hollow interior space within a peninsular console, which peninsular console extends vertically from the pool floor to a level above the waterline level, and which peninsular console projects into the pool enclosure from one of the sidewalls, and which peninsular console has a flat upper surface that lies above the waterline level and forms a platform.

12. The swimming pool according to either of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:

(d) one or more peninsular consoles each having two long sides and a front side, each of which peninsular consoles extends vertically from the pool floor to a level above the waterline level, and each of which peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from one of the sidewalls, and each of which peninsular consoles has a flat upper surface that lies above the waterline level and forms a platform, such that the platform accommodates bathers seeking to dry off, as well as their towels, beverages, and other bathing/swimming appurtenances.

13. The swimming pool according to claim 3, further comprising:

(d) one or more peninsular consoles each having two long sides and a front side, each of which peninsular consoles extends vertically from the pool floor to a level above the waterline level, and each of which peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from one of the sidewalls, and each of which peninsular consoles has a flat upper surface that lies above the waterline level and forms a platform, such that the platform accommodates bathers seeking to dry off, as well as their towels, beverages, and other bathing/swimming appurtenances.

14. The swimming pool according to claim 12, wherein one or more of the peninsular consoles is/are hollow, such that the peninsular console contains an interior space which accommodates one or more items of mechanical equipment appurtenant to the swimming pool, such as one or more pumps, filters, skimmers, waterfalls, jets, lights and/or heaters.

15. The swimming pool according to claim 13, wherein one or more of the peninsular consoles is/are hollow, such that the peninsular console contains an interior space which accommodates one or more items of mechanical equipment appurtenant to the swimming pool, such as one or more pumps, filters, skimmers, waterfalls, jets, lights and/or heaters.

16. The swimming pool according to claim 12, wherein one of the peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

17. The swimming pool according to claim 13, wherein one of the peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

18. The swimming pool according to claim 14, wherein one of the peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

19. The swimming pool according to claim 15, wherein one of the peninsular console projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

20. The swimming pool according to either of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:

(d) one or more items of mechanical equipment, including one or more pumps; and
(e) one or more eductor jets, which are enclosed in one or more eductor boxes, into which eductor boxes the pump(s) pump an inflow of pressurized pool water drawn from the pool enclosure through one or more intakes, and each of which eductor jets accelerates the inflow through a nozzle into a venturi opening, so as to entrain the pool water in the eductor box, and so that the eductor jets expel through one or more outlets an outflow of pool water into the pool enclosure, which outflow is several times the volume of the inflow, thereby generating a vigorous current of flowing water within the pool enclosure, which current provides either passive massage or resistance for swimming in place.

21. The swimming pool according to claim 3, further comprising:

(d) one or more items of mechanical equipment, including one or more pumps; and
(e) one or more eductor jets, which are enclosed in one or more eductor boxes, into which eductor boxes the pump(s) pump an inflow of pressurized pool water drawn from the pool enclosure through one or more intakes, and each of which eductor jets accelerates the inflow through a nozzle into a venturi opening, so as to entrain the pool water in the eductor box, and so that the eductor jets expel through one or more outlets an outflow of pool water into the pool enclosure, which outflow is several times the volume of the inflow, thereby generating a vigorous current of flowing water within the pool enclosure, which current provides either passive massage or resistance for swimming in place.

22. The swimming pool according to claim 20, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

23. The swimming pool according to claim 21, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

24. The swimming pool according to claim 20, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

25. The swimming pool according to claim 21, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

26. The swimming pool according to claim 22, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

27. The swimming pool according to claim 23, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

28. The swimming pool according to either of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:

(d) one or more peninsular consoles each having two long sides and a front side, each of which peninsular consoles extends vertically from the pool floor to a level above the waterline level, and each of which peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from one of the sidewalls, and each of which peninsular consoles has a flat upper surface that lies above the waterline level and forms a platform, such that the platform accommodates bathers seeking to dry off, as well as their towels, beverages, and other bathing/swimming appurtenances.
(e) one or more items of mechanical equipment, including one or more pumps; and
(f) one or more eductor jets, which are enclosed in one or more eductor boxes, into which eductor boxes the pump(s) pump an inflow of pressurized pool water drawn from the pool enclosure through one or more intakes, and each of which eductor jets accelerates the inflow through a nozzle into a venturi opening, so as to entrain the pool water in the eductor box, and so that the eductor jets expel through one or more outlets an outflow of pool water into the pool enclosure, which outflow is several times the volume of the inflow, thereby generating a vigorous current of flowing water within the pool enclosure, which current provides either passive massage or resistance for swimming in place.

29. The swimming pool according to claim 3, further comprising:

(d) one or more peninsular consoles each having two long sides and a front side, each of which peninsular consoles extends vertically from the pool floor to a level above the waterline level, and each of which peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from one of the sidewalls, and each of which peninsular consoles has a flat upper surface that lies above the waterline level and forms a platform, such that the platform accommodates bathers seeking to dry off, as well as their towels, beverages, and other bathing/swimming appurtenances.
(e) one or more items of mechanical equipment, including one or more pumps; and
(f) one or more eductor jets, which are enclosed in one or more eductor boxes, into which eductor boxes the pump(s) pump an inflow of pressurized pool water drawn from the pool enclosure through one or more intakes, and each of which eductor jets accelerates the inflow through a nozzle into a venturi opening, so as to entrain the pool water in the eductor box, and so that the eductor jets expel through one or more outlets an outflow of pool water into the pool enclosure, which outflow is several times the volume of the inflow, thereby generating a vigorous current of flowing water within the pool enclosure, which current provides either passive massage or resistance for swimming in place.

30. The swimming pool according to claim 28, wherein one or more of the peninsular consoles is/are hollow, such that the peninsular console contains an interior space which accommodates one or more items of mechanical equipment appurtenant to the swimming pool, such as one or more pumps, filters, skimmers, waterfalls, jets, lights and/or heaters, and such that the interior space within the peninsular console contains the eductor jets and the eductor boxes, and such that the intakes and outlets access the interior space from the front side and/or the long sides of the peninsular console.

31. The swimming pool according to claim 29, wherein one or more of the peninsular consoles is/are hollow, such that the peninsular console contains an interior space which accommodates one or more items of mechanical equipment appurtenant to the swimming pool, such as one or more pumps, filters, skimmers, waterfalls, jets, lights and/or heaters, and such that the interior space within the peninsular console contains the eductor jets and the eductor boxes, and such that the intakes and outlets access the interior space from the front side and/or the long sides of the peninsular console.

32. The swimming pool according to claim 28, wherein one of the peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

33. The swimming pool according to claim 29, wherein one of the peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

34. The swimming pool according claim 30, wherein one of the peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

35. The swimming pool according to claim 31, wherein one of the peninsular consoles projects into the pool enclosure from the entry side, and wherein the peninsular console either has adjoining it, on one of the long sides, one or more entry steps, or alternately wherein the peninsular console is surrounded by one or more entry steps on both of the long sides, and wherein in either alternative the steps are oriented either parallel to the front side of the peninsular console or perpendicular to the front side of the peninsular console.

36. The swimming pool according to claim 28, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

37. The swimming pool according to claim 29, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

38. The swimming pool according to claim 30, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

39. The swimming pool according to claim 31, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

40. The swimming pool according to claim 32, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

41. The swimming pool according to claim 33, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

42. The swimming pool according to claim 34, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

43. The swimming pool according to claim 35, wherein the pump is a variable speed pump and/or is equipped with a by-pass valve or a variable flow control valve, such that the outflow from the eductor jets is adjustable so as to generate currents of varying strengths within the pool enclosure.

44. The swimming pool according to claim 30, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

45. The swimming pool according to claim 31, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

46. The swimming pool according to claim 34, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

47. The swimming pool according to claim 35, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

48. The swimming pool according to claim 38, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

49. The swimming pool according to claim 39, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

50. The swimming pool according to claim 42, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

51. The swimming pool according to claim 43, wherein the eductor jets are equipped with a safety cut-off box, which interrupts the inflow when one or more of the intakes is obstructed, thereby eliminating suction-force at the intake to prevent underwater entrapment of a person standing or swimming near the intake.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090064404
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 7, 2007
Publication Date: Mar 12, 2009
Inventor: Hans Frei (Chester, NJ)
Application Number: 11/896,998
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Construction Details (4/506)
International Classification: E04H 4/00 (20060101);