Floating Screen Enclosure

Abstract

A mesh-screened enclosure available in a range of sizes that floats on top of the water in a swimming pool or lake. The screen prevents insects from entering the enclosure. The user may either swim under the open bottom of the enclosure and surface inside the enclosure, or may lift a side of the enclosure over his upper body and head, and place the enclosure back down on the water surface once inside. The enclosure extends the use of a swimming pool without the use of chemicals or fuels, and is particularly useful after the dusk, when mosquitoes are most prevalent. The enclosure may also be fitted with a partial sun shade, for daytime use, and may be embellished with paint, fabric and the like.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/148,335, entitled “FLOATING SCREEN ENCLOSURE,” filed on Jan. 29, 2009. The entire contents of the priority application are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to swimming pool accessories. Specifically, the present invention relates to a floating mesh-covered enclosure for use in a swimming pool or a lake.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Insects, and particularly mosquitoes, bees, and wasps, are typically unwelcome guests at outdoor gatherings. For most people, their presence may be simply an annoyance. For those with allergies, though, the stings or bites from some insects may have serious, even fatal, consequences.

In particular, there exists a restriction on the use of outdoor swimming pools due to invading mosquitoes and other biting or stinging flying insects, particularly after dusk. Currently, attempts to repel these bugs include chemical fogs and sprays, citronella candles and torches, electric or propane powered machines, “bug zapper” lights, and permanent enclosures.

Each of these methods has its disadvantages, however. For example, some people are allergic to the chemicals in the fogs, sprays, citronella and torches, or may simply not want to be exposed to them. Electric or propane-powered devices may be expensive to purchase and operate, and permanent enclosures are obviously not portable, and may require a significant monetary investment. There is a need in the art then, for a device that allows people to swim or lounge in pools and lakes without having to deal with annoying insects. In addition, there is a need for a portable, easy-to-assemble, and lightweight device that can be transported and stored during the off-season.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mesh-screened enclosure, preferably dome-shaped, that floats on top of the water in a swimming pool or lake. The screen prevents insects from entering the enclosure. The user may either swim under the open bottom of the enclosure and surface inside the enclosure, or may lift a side of the enclosure over his upper body and head, and place the enclosure back down on the water surface once inside. The present invention thus extends the use of a swimming pool without the use of chemicals or fuels, and is particularly useful after the dusk, when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

The enclosure of the present invention is very portable, lightweight and buoyant, and is preferably constructed from a series of tubes and connectors. The tubes themselves may be buoyant, and/or the tube frame may be covered, in whole or in part, in Styrofoam® or a similar material. In addition, the screened enclosure of the present invention is easy to assemble, and comprises a limited number of parts, which are relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Because the enclosure uses no chemical or fumes, it is also environmentally-friendly.

The screened enclosure may be produced in a variety of sizes. For example, an enclosure may be large enough to cover a single person in a pool lounge chair, raft or swim tube, sized to cover two people, or even an entire pool. The screened enclosure may also be used in lakes, hot tubs, or lap pools.

In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure of the present invention comprises a framework structure comprising a plurality of base tubular members, a plurality of upright tubular members, a plurality of base connecting members, one or more upright connecting members and a fabric covering attached to the framework structure, where each of the base tubular members are coupled to two of the base connecting members to form a generally elliptical shape, and where each of the upright tubular members are coupled to at least one of the base connecting members and to at least one of the upright connecting members. In additional embodiments, the base tubular members are buoyant. In other embodiments, both the base tubular members and the upright connecting members are buoyant. In further embodiments, the base tubular members and the upright connecting members are at least partially covered with a buoyant foam material. In still other embodiments, the base connecting members are T-connectors. In further embodiments, the upright connecting members are 4-way connectors.

In additional embodiments, the enclosure of the present invention further comprises a plurality of straps adapted to secure the fabric covering to the framework structure. In other embodiments, the fabric covering is a mesh fabric covering, and may also be a waterproof, breathable fabric covering. Additionally, in other embodiments, the framework structure is dome-shaped.

In another preferred embodiment, the enclosure of the present invention comprises a framework structure comprising four base tubular members, four upright tubular members, four base T-connectors, and one 4-way connector and a mesh fabric covering attached to the framework structure, where each of the base tubular members are coupled to two of the base T-connectors to form a generally circular shape, and where each of the upright tubular members are coupled to one of the base T-connectors and to the 4-way connector to form a generally dome-shaped enclosure.

In an additional preferred embodiment, the enclosure of the present invention comprises a framework structure comprising a plurality of first base tubular members, a plurality of second base tubular members, a plurality of upright tubular members, a plurality of ridge tubular members, a plurality of base connecting members, one or more upright connecting members and a fabric covering attached to the framework structure, where each of the first base tubular members and each of the second base tubular members are coupled to two of the base connecting members to form a generally elliptical shape, where each of the upright tubular members are coupled to at least one of the base connecting members and to at least one of the upright connecting members, and where each of the ridge tubular members is coupled to two of the upright connecting members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the floating screen enclosure constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows, in phantom, the additional tubes 20 and 30 and connector 50 that are not completely visible from the perspective of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the floating screen enclosure constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 4 shows, in phantom, the additional tubes 220, 225 and 230 and connectors 250 that are not completely visible from the perspective of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the floating screen enclosure 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but shows, in phantom, the additional elements of FIG. 1 that may not be visible from the perspective of FIG. 1.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment, enclosure 10 comprises a series of base pipes or tubes 20 that are joined via connectors 50 to form the horizontal frame for the enclosure 10, and a series of upright or vertical pipes or tubes 30 that are joined via connectors 50 and 60 to form the vertical frame for the enclosure 10. Tubes 20 and 30 are preferably covered with Styrofoam® or a similar lightweight, buoyant material 40. In alternate embodiments, tubes 20 and/or tubes 30 may be filled with minimally-expanding foam to prevent water from entering the tubes and thus increasing the weight of the enclosure 10.

In a preferred embodiment and with further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, tubes 20 and 30 are formed from ¾ inch lightweight black PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe. In alternate embodiments, other diameter pipes may be used, as well as other lightweight, buoyant materials. For example, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe may be used for tubes 20 and 30. Note that white PVC pipe, however, is generally too heavy and too brittle to form a portable, floating structure, although may be suitable if a more permanent structure, for example one for use on a lawn or solid surface, is desired. In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure is dome-shaped, such that tubes 20 and 30 are all of the same length, and all have a ¼ bend along the total length of the tubes. The floating enclosure of the present invention is not limited to this particular shape, however, and other polygonal shapes are contemplated.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, connectors 50 are used to couple the four base tubes 20 to form a generally circular shape and to couple the four upright tubes 30 to the horizontal frame formed from the base tubes 20. Connector 60 is used to connect the four upright tubes 30 together at the top of the enclosure. Connectors 50 are preferably ¾ inch grey PVC barbed T-connectors and connectors 60 are preferably ¾ inch grey PVC barbed 4-way connectors, although other types of connectors are contemplated for use in this invention.

In a preferred embodiment, and with further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame of enclosure 10 is covered with screen 70. Screen 70 is preferably an ultra-fine lightweight nylon mesh fabric, although other lightweight mesh fabrics are contemplated. Screen 70 is fitted to the shape of enclosure 10, and includes a continuous elastic band 80 along the bottom edge. Elastic band 80 serves to secure the screen 70 to the frame of the enclosure 10. To further secure screen 70 to the frame of the enclosure 10, one or more Velcro® tie-down straps 90 may be included, preferably along each of the base tubes 20 and upright tubes 30.

In alternate embodiments, screen 70 may be replaced with a shade cover 99 (not shown) made of waterproof, breathable nylon. The shade cover preferably covers approximately three-quarters of enclosure 10, and includes one or more Velcro® tie-down straps, similar to those used to secure screen 70. Enclosure 10 may also be embellished with paint or appliqués or the like to provide a personalize design. In particular, enclosure 10, and in particular screen 70 and/or shade cover 99 may be decorated to resemble insects or animals such as lady bugs, turtles, fish, and the like.

The enclosure of the present invention may be adapted to any number of polygonal shapes. For example, FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the floating screen enclosure 200 that is approximately double the size of the enclosure of FIG. 1, and designed to accommodate two persons in lounge chairs or the like. FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but shows, in phantom, the additional elements of FIG. 3 that are may not be visible from the perspective of FIG. 3.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, enclosure 210 comprises two types of base pipes or tubes, specifically long base pipes or tubes 220 and short base pipes or tubes 225. Enclosure 210 also comprises upright or vertical pipes or tubes 230 and ridge pipes or tubes 235. Tubes 220 and 225 are joined via connectors to form the horizontal frame for the enclosure 210, while tubes 230 and 235 are joined with connectors 250 and 260 to form the vertical frame and roof ridge for the enclosure 210. Tubes 220, 225, 230 and 235 are preferably covered with Styrofoam® or a similar lightweight, buoyant material 240. As with enclosure 10, any or all of the tubes 220, 225, 230 and 235 may be filled with minimally-expanding foam to prevent water from entering the tubes and thus increasing the weight of the enclosure 210.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, tubes 220, 225, 230 and 235 are formed from ¾ inch lightweight black PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe. In alternate embodiments, other diameter pipes may be used, as well as other lightweight, buoyant materials. Connectors 250 are used to couple the long base tubes 220 and the short base tubes 225. Connectors 260 are used to join the upright tubes 230 and the ridge tubes 235. As shown, the two ends of enclosure 210 form half-circles. Although not shown, the enclosure 210 could be lengthened by adding additional short base tubes 225, and a complimentary number of upright tubes 230 and ridge tubes 235.

As with enclosure 10, connectors 250 are preferably ¾ inch grey PVC barbed T-connectors and connectors 260 are preferably ¾ inch grey PVC barbed 4-way connectors, although other types of connectors are contemplated for use in this invention.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame of enclosure 210 is covered with screen 270. Screen 270 is preferably an ultra-fine lightweight nylon mesh fabric, although other lightweight mesh fabrics are contemplated. Screen 270 is fitted to the shape of enclosure 210, and includes a continuous elastic band 280 along the bottom edge. Elastic band 280 serves to secure the screen 270 to the frame of the enclosure 210. To further secure screen 270 to the frame of the enclosure 210, one or more Velcro® tie-down straps 290 may be included, preferably along each of the tubes 220, 225, 230 and 235.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

Claims

1. An enclosure comprising:

a framework structure comprising a plurality of base tubular members, a plurality of upright tubular members, a plurality of base connecting members, and one or more upright connecting members; and

a fabric covering attached to said framework structure;

where each of the base tubular members are coupled to two of the base connecting members to form a generally elliptical shape,

where each of the upright tubular members are coupled to at least one of the base connecting members and to at least one of the upright connecting members.

2. The enclosure of claim 1, where the base tubular members are buoyant.

3. The enclosure of claim 1, where base tubular members and the upright connecting members are buoyant.

4. The enclosure of claim 1, where the base tubular members and the upright connecting members are at least partially covered with a buoyant foam material.

5. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of straps adapted to secure the fabric covering to the framework structure.

6. The enclosure of claim 1, where the fabric covering is a mesh fabric covering.

7. The enclosure of claim 1, where the fabric is a waterproof, breathable fabric covering.

8. The enclosure of claim 1, where the framework structure is preferably dome-shaped.

9. The enclosure of claim 1, where the base connecting members are T-connectors.

10. The enclosure of claim 1, where the upright connecting members are 4-way connectors.

11. An enclosure comprising:

a framework structure comprising four base tubular members, four upright tubular members, four base T-connectors, and one 4-way connector; and

a mesh fabric covering attached to said framework structure;

where each of the base tubular members are coupled to two of the base T-connectors to form a generally circular shape;

where each of the upright tubular members are coupled to one of the base T-connectors and to the 4-way connector to form a generally dome-shaped enclosure.

12. The enclosure of claim 11, where the base tubular members are at least partially covered in a buoyant foam material.

13. An enclosure comprising:

a framework structure comprising a plurality of first base tubular members, a plurality of second base tubular members, a plurality of upright tubular members, a plurality of ridge tubular members, a plurality of base connecting members, and one or more upright connecting members; and

a fabric covering attached to said framework structure;

where each of the first base tubular members and each of the second base tubular members are coupled to two of the base connecting members to form a generally elliptical shape;

where each of the upright tubular members are coupled to at least one of the base connecting members and to at least one of the upright connecting members; and

where each of the ridge tubular members is coupled to two of the upright connecting members.

14. The enclosure of claim 14, where the base connecting members are T-connectors and the upright connecting members are 4-way connectors.

15. The enclosure of claim 14, where the fabric is a waterproof, breathable fabric covering.

16. The enclosure of claim 14, where the base connecting members are T-connectors.

17. The enclosure of claim 14, where the upright connecting members are 4-way connectors.

18. The enclosure of claim 14, where the base tubular members and the upright connecting members are at least partially covered with a buoyant foam material.

19. The enclosure of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of straps adapted to secure the fabric covering to the framework structure.