Pool Device Propulsion System

Abstract

A pool device propulsion system that provides a focused stream of water through a programmable distribution portal that allows users to attach specific interchangeable receiving devices to experience various on-going water flows. A user's experience ranges from utilizing water based exercise equipment, to toys, floats and game devices along with other lifestyle attachments.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The technology associated with the common pool has exploded in recent decades. Historically the residential pool was usually rectangular, with an old fashioned diving board. This original concept has migrated to a full entertainment experience through the use of waterfalls, wet decks, lagoons, surrounding rock and landscape formations, water features along with, LED lighting, fire pots, all of which can be integrated with home automation systems. With these innovations, the overall cost has increased by staggering proportions in which in many cases the options cost exceed the hard cost of the fundamental components housing the water. However, what is demonstrated through such is the fundamental demand that pool owners are continuing to enhance the pool and related entertainment experience.

Separately, the social migration into personal computing and related technology has limited the number of hours historically spent by pool users in the pool by providing other entertainment options. Even with these new entertainment options, swimming pool construction and use has continued to increase according to a report by the Association of Pool and Spa professionals, whereby, in the United States, more that 8.3 million households own either an in-ground or above ground pool with and additional 5-6 million other households with spa's. This number clearly demonstrates that a market exists for this product.

In continuing to enhance the “pool experience”, we believe the Pool Device Propulsion System (PDPS) provides both complementary and truly innovative new forms of exercise and entertainment to pool users along with combining certain other lifestyle genres or categories. The PDPS attachments fall into one of three product categories: Exercise, Toys/Games, and Lifestyle.

For Exercise, PDPS offers a new type of exercising which through the buoyancy of water allows users of all ages to take part in various exercise techniques. Relating to Toy's/Games, PDPS provides outdoor entertainment options for adults and children through its game/toy category of options. Finally for Lifestyle, PDPS complements other entertainment products by providing visual and physical experiences through fountains, misting type systems, and furniture including flotation devices with programmable water incorporations.

On how PDPS provides for such entertainment, the component features are described in detail along with their related figures in the following sections.

The need for PDPS can be broken down into these same genres:

• • Exercise—There is no existing technology for water based resistance exercise programs where the equipment is fashioned around the on-going propulsion of water to facilitate resistance to the user.
  • Toy/Games—The existing water based toy's are all limited in capacity, whereby, a finite amount of water can be utilized until such devices need to be replenished. Existing games are complementary to water, such as water polo or water volleyball, but do not incorporate the use of water as part of the game or challenge.
  • Lifestyle—Existing lifestyle furniture and floatation devices again usually are placed onto or into the pool rather than incorporating the pool water into such designs. Separately, misting and fountains are using localized pumps and are not attached to the pools on-going water system.

These issues along with the lack of interchangeability and on-going flow are addressed by PDPS, whereas, an on-going regulated flow and integration into the existing pressured system is made.

Finally, the development of PDPS placed significant emphasis on the Association of Pool and Spa Professional (APSP) safety guidelines. Engineering a new product for use by children and adults it was very important to consider the operation and use of the PDPS needs to continue to provide a safe environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based upon the problems associated with pool related products, the PDPS invention resolves such problems by providing a focused stream of water through a programmable distribution portal that allows users to attach specific interchangeable receiving devices to experience various on-going water flows. A user's experience ranges from utilizing water-based exercise equipment, to toys, floats and game devices along with other lifestyle attachments. The following disclosures support the PDPS invention whose purpose is to enhance a user's pool experience by providing programmable limitless streams of water tailored to the desired attachment's needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached figures consist of the following and make reference to the detailed description outlined below:

FIG. 1 is a cross section of the component parts, namely the in-ground or mechanical parts; the distribution parts which move water from the pumping mechanism to respective attachments; and the dispersion parts that provide the intended pressure result to the pool user.

FIG. 2 details the in-ground component of the PDPS system which depicts the distribution of water from the pumping station to a specific distribution portal. The portal regulates a desired water pressure pursuant to the user's attachment selection. The portal also provides for a receptor for interchangeable attachments located at the user's desired location adjacent to or near the existing pool machine pumping locations.

FIG. 3 details the in-pool distribution components of the PDPS system. PDPS provides users the ability to distribute through tubing technology the pressurized water flow to all interchangeable PDPS devices.

FIG. 4. Details the dispersion components within PDPS attachments.

FIG. 5. Details the different types of attachment devices. Each of these attachments receives varied levels of pressurized water to facilitate a user's desired experience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A pool device propulsion system (PDPS) provides a focused stream of water from the existing pool pumping equipment (9) to experience various on-going exit water flows (21) through the use of various attachments.

Further explanation of operation through related figures:

FIG. 1 is a cross section of the component parts namely the in-ground or mechanical parts, or the distribution parts which move water from the pumping mechanism to respective attachments, and the dispersion parts that provide the intended pressure result to the pool user. As detailed the PDPS system distribution module (1) is controlled by a control panel (14) which can be located by existing pool equipment or can be integrated into pool automation systems (at house line (13)) attached by communication encased wiring (12). Once operation has been indicated, a dedicated PDPS pump (10) either attached or constructed as part of the common pool pumping equipment (9) allows pressurized water to flow (17) to the PDPS distribution module (1) via water piping (11) and then entering at the device entry housing (2). Pursuant to automated selection at the control panel (14) or through manual removal of the ground access port (5) located as part of pool decking (8) and manual selection through the distribution valve (7) located in an valve housing (6), the pressurized water is directed to the pool access housing (3). The user will lift the housing door (4) to the pool access housing (3) to insert (screw-in) in the desired attachments, or as detailed a floating exercise bike attachment (19) located above and below the pool water line (22). The user will insert the tubing end (16) into the pool access housing (3) and screw into housing using the grooved end (15) until tight. This allows a controlled pressured stream (17) to flow through the attachment flexible water flow tubing (18) to the desired attachment (19). At the attachment end of the tubing (18) a connection is made in similar fashion to attachment by providing pressurized water to the attachment exit portals (20) which provide the desired water flow for the user (21).

FIG. 2 details the in ground components of the PDPS system which details the distribution of water from the pumping station to a specific distribution module (1). The distribution module (1) regulates a desired water pressure pursuant to the user's attachment selection. The portal also provides for a pool access housing (3) for interchangeable attachments located at the user's desired location. As depicted, the distribution module (1) is located below the pool decking (8) commonly under pool coping or pavers. A ground access port (5) allows the user to gain access to the distribution valve (7) located in the valve housing (6). A user can manually move the distribution valve (7) to different valve pressure levels (24) of desired water flow (17) or turn such to the valve off position (23). Alternatively, when engaged via the control panel a signal is sent to the distribution portal (1) via the communication encased wiring (12) to the program module (25) which dictates the valve control through the program valve control (26). Through either method, the water flow originating from the pools pumping station flows through the entry housing portal (2) via general water piping (11). Based on the level of desired flow selected via the distribution valve (7) water continues through to the pool access housing (3). The pool access housing (3) can be accessed in the pool by opening the housing door (4) which is hinged (29). A grooved receptor (28) allows for the attachment of the PDPS system attachments. When water is moving through the system it is in an operational state. If for some reason the water flow is stopped, the distribution module (1) flow sensor (27) will initiate a shutdown sequence with the program module (25).

FIG. 3 details the in pool distribution components of the PDPS system. PDPS provides for the users the ability to distribute through tubing technology the pressurized water flow to all interchangeable PDPS devices. Specifically, the water flow (17) which comes out of the pool access housing detailed in FIG. 2 continues through flexible water tubing (18) to the desired attachment. This connecting tubing is attached to the pool access housing by utilizing the grooved ends (15) and screwing in the tubing to the grooved receptor. The tubing end (16) provides for the mechanism for creating a watertight attachment. This configuration of tubing end (16) and grooved end (15) is the same size for all attachments and tubing. Depicted is a single tubing, however multiple single tubing lengths can be attached to one another. In addition, a singular tube can be made to facilitate multiple users or device attachments through the use of splitter modules (30). The splitter can accommodate a number of users as seen via the quad, triple, and double splitting attachments (30). All of these splitter modules (30) also utilize grooved receptors (28) for connecting the tubing (18).

FIG. 4. Details the dispersion components to styles of attachments. In order to utilize any of the attachments, the flow of water (17) being pressurized in the PDPS distribution portal and coming through the connecting water flow tubing is then channeled through to the distribution attachment portal (31). Specifically, the connecting tubing is screwed into the attachment portal (31) via a grooved receptor (28). This is connected to the attachments main distribution splitter (32) which channels the one flow (17) into specific smaller main distribution tubing (34). The main distribution splitter (32) size and complexity is precedent on the number of required large (38) or small (37) exit nozzles, respectively, the attachment device requires. The main distribution tubing (34) continues to direct water flow (17) to a network of minor distribution splitters (35), which evenly distributes the desired flow (17) into smaller minor distribution tubing (36). These major and minor distribution tubes (34, 36) finally deliver the desired water flow (17) to the small exit nozzles (37) and large exit nozzles (38). Each exit nozzle has valve technology on the exit portal (20) that converts the original flow (17) again into the attachments final exit water flow (21) out to the user. Such final flow is the mechanism for allowing for the water based exercise, toy /game, and lifestyle attachment experience.

FIGS. 5 (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) Details the different types of attachment devices. Each of these attachments receives varied levels of pressurized water to facilitate a user's desired experience. Specifically for attachments relating to water based exercise equipment, toys & games, and lifestyle.

For Exercise, PDPS offers a new type of exercising which through the buoyancy of water allows users of all ages to take part in various exercise techniques. Water based exercise equipment using propulsion resistance will facilitate aerobic exercises, strength training and cardio vascular techniques. As can be seen in FIGS. 5A, B, C are various types of the exercise products, three of which details are the kick board attachment (39), a previously depicted exercise bike attachment (19), and a swimming attachment (40). As can be seen from the pictures, each of these devices utilizes a stream of pressured exit water flow (21) in specific directional fashion to create resistance to the user while exercising. Such flow can be directional, programmable for duration, and can be increased or decreased to facilitate more intense work outs.

Relating to Toy's/Games, PDPS provides outdoor entertainment options for adults and children through its game/toy category of options. Toys include both a hand held product line such as a water gun attachment (40) (detailed as 5D), fire hoses, and an aqua board (41) which pulls the user either above or below water, and blow up products such as a inflatable ship attachment (42)(detailed as 5E), castles, and a fire truck. The games line would be Carnival based target games, mainstream games Tic-Tac-Toe and other original water based challenges. Again, each of these utilizes a pressurized stream of exit water flow (21) to facilitate virtually limitless experience.

For Lifestyle—Existing lifestyle furniture and floatation devices commonly placed next to or into the pool do not incorporate water. The lifestyle line provides users the flexibility to attach programmable misting and fountain attachments (43) (detailed as 5F) detailing the exit water flow (21), and various flotation products including, but not limited to, a spa bed attachment (44) (detailed as 5G) which provides users an programmable relaxation experience.

Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the PDPS invention have been satisfied by the modules described in the aforementioned figures and descriptions. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art or science to which the invention pertains that the components of the present invention can be operated in conjunction with common pool equipment and related technologies. The invention remediates the current issues with existing pool devices which lack the ability and interchangeability of attachments which provide programmable on-going flow of pressurized water.

Claims

1. A pool device propulsion system (PDPS) that provides a focused stream of water through a programmable distribution portal that allows users to attach specific interchangeable receiving devices to experience various on-going water flows through related attachments.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, maintains entry (from pumps) and pool access housings in which desired water flow is created and directed to the attachment.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, the PDPS system can be controlled by either physical valve commonly placed at the edge of the said pool area, or via an electronic programmable control panel.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, PDPS regulates a desired water pressure pursuant to the user's selection through valve technology.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, PDPS provides for a receptor for interchangeable attachments located at the user's desired location adjacent to or near existing pool machine pumping locations.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, PDPS provides for the users ability to distribute through tubing technology the pressurized water flow to all interchangeable PDPS attachments.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, PDPS's attachments each maintain a specific receiving/distribution housing to allow the in flow of pressurized water to enter the attachment.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, PDPS's attachment portals channel pressurized water through distribution networks for the varied water flows through nozzle technology that can be set, or altered, by user.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, PDPS's water flow is virtually infinite and on-going at the user's discretion. If limited, the apparatus maintains a flow sensor to shut down the distribution module.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, PDPS includes means for connecting PDPS modules to a power source.

11. A pool device propulsion system that creates an environment that allows attachments to create resistance through water flow that allows for water based exercise.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, is programmable for exercise for varied levels of user fitness and duration of water flow.

13. A pool device propulsion system that creates an environment that allows attachments to create varies levels of water flow that allows for water based toys and entertainment.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, is programmable with regards to pressure, duration and selective use by user when an attachment has more than one exit nozzle that releases water flow.