SWIMMING POOL BULKHEAD

Abstract

A swimming pool bulkhead is disclosed. The bulkhead includes a substructure having a metallic frame, a pair of support assemblies mounted to opposite ends of the metallic frame of the substructure, and a superstructure having a non-metallic frame mounted to the substructure. A buoyancy chamber for a swimming pool bulkhead is also disclosed. The buoyancy chamber includes a substantially fluid-tight, cylindrical chamber, an air input conduit operatively connectable to a source of pressurized air, an air discharge conduit having an inlet in the chamber, and means for varying an elevation of a water level in the chamber to vary the buoyancy of the chamber. A method for controlling the buoyancy of a bulkhead is also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/266,813 filed on Dec. 4, 2009, the disclosure of which is included by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, to swimming pool bulkheads, and particularly to swimming pool bulkheads having metallic substructures positioned below a pool water line and corrosion resistant superstructures positioned at and above a pool water line.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional prior art pool bulkheads are typically provided by two means of construction: (1) a stainless steel truss structure with polymeric gratings and stainless steel fascia mounted to the stainless steel truss structure, and (2) monolithic fiberglass box beams. The primary advantages associated with the stainless steel truss construction are that the open truss structure, even when clad with bather protective grating, allows for water flow that minimizes wave reflection from the bulkhead and facilitates handling, especially compared to the effort required for moving fiberglass monolithic bulkheads. Reducing wave reflection is beneficial to, among others, competitive swimmers. The disadvantage of stainless steel construction is the relative high cost and potential for corrosion above the water line.

On the other hand, the advantage of the fiberglass monolithic construction is the basic non-corrosiveness typically associated with polymeric and fiberglass materials from which the monolithic box beams are made. In addition to their inherent corrosion resistance, the non-corrosive or inert fiberglass box beams do not provide an oxidation potential that can accelerate corrosion of any exposed stainless steel surfaces of the bulkhead at and above the water line. However, in contrast to open steel truss construction, the monolithic box beam construction typically exacerbates undesirable wave reflection.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new type of bulkhead construction that minimizes wave reflection, minimizes corrosion above the water line, and facilitates handling, among other things. Aspects of the present invention address the disadvantages of the prior art by providing pool bulkhead constructions having components of varying materials and construction.

In the art of pool bulkheads, buoyancy chambers are used to alleviate at least some of the dead load of the bulkhead and to facilitate moving a bulkhead. Typical prior art bulkhead buoyancy chambers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,962,735; 4,574,404; 4,969,219; and 5,911,517, among others.

In the pool bulkhead art, there are basically two types of buoyancy chambers used: “fixed” buoyancy chambers and “variable” buoyancy chambers. Fixed buoyancy chambers are essentially as their name suggests: fixed buoyancy chambers are typically closed, air-tight containers, for example, a stainless steel or PVC plastic container, which are filled with air, closed-cell foam, or another buoyant material and positioned in a bulkhead below the water line to provide a buoyant force to the bulkhead. Fixed buoyancy chambers are commonly used as a means to alleviate a portion of the intrinsic dead load of the bulkhead structural framework.

In contrast, a variable buoyancy chamber includes an open bottom, is at least partially filled with air, and is also positioned in a bulkhead below the water. A pressurized air supply is provided to the open-bottom chamber, whereby water is displaced through the open bottom of the chamber, and the pressurized air that remains imparts the buoyancy force to the chamber and the bulkhead. Variable buoyancy chambers have been used as a means to provide enough buoyant force to actually float the bulkhead and thus greatly ease the moving of the bulkhead to variable positions, for example, along the length/width of a pool.

Typically, features and operation of fixed buoyancy chambers and variable buoyancy chambers are mutually exclusive and not combined. According to embodiments of the present invention, buoyancy chambers and bulkheads having buoyancy chambers are provided that employ the advantages and features of fixed buoyancy chambers and variable chambers in a single chamber.

SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a swimming pool bulkhead comprising or including a substructure having a metallic frame positionable below a water line of a pool; a pair of support assemblies mounted to opposite ends of the metallic frame of the substructure, each of the pair of support structures adapted to mount to an opposing side of the pool; and a superstructure having a non-metallic frame mounted to the substructure and positionable at and above the water line of the pool. Though in one aspect of the invention the bulkhead is adapted for use in a swimming pool, for example, an in-ground swimming pool, aspects of the invention may be used in any body of water, including a lake, a stream, a river, a pond, among others, and may be used in fresh water, chlorinated water (or otherwise treated water) or salt water.

According to one aspect, the frame of the substructure comprises stainless steel members and the non-metallic frame of the superstructure comprises fiberglass members. The bulkhead may typically include decking, grating panels, and fascia mounted to sides of the metallic frame of the substructure and to the non-metallic frame of the superstructure. These grating panels or fascia may be perforated or permeable to minimize or prevent wave reflection.

In another aspect, each of the pair of support assemblies may include at least one vertical member, typically, two members, mountable to the frame of the substructure, for example, adjustably mounted to the frame of the substructure.

Another embodiment of the invention is a buoyancy chamber for a swimming pool bulkhead, the buoyancy chamber comprising or including a substantially fluid-tight, cylindrical chamber adapted to be positioned in a bulkhead; an air input conduit operatively connectable to a source of pressurized air, the air input conduit having an outlet at a first elevation within the chamber; an air discharge conduit having an inlet in the chamber at a second elevation lower than the first elevation, and an outlet outside the chamber; and means for varying an elevation of a water level in the chamber above the inlet of the air discharge conduit to vary the buoyancy of the chamber. In one aspect, the means for varying the elevation of the water level may comprise means for introducing pressured air from the source of pressurized air to the chamber. In another aspect, the means for varying the elevation of the water level may comprise means for discharging air from the chamber through the air input conduit. Multiple buoyancy chambers, for example, two or more chambers, may be positioned in a bulkhead. The multiple chambers may be in fluid communication, for example, the multiple chambers may share a common feed conduit.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method for controlling the buoyancy of a bulkhead comprising or including positioning a buoyancy chamber within a bulkhead; immersing the bulkhead with buoyancy chamber in water to provide a first level of water in the buoyancy chamber and a first buoyancy force; and introducing pressurized air to the buoyancy chamber to displace at least some water from the chamber and provide a second level of water in the chamber, the second level having an elevation lower than he first level to provide a second buoyancy force greater than the first buoyancy force. In one aspect, introducing air to the buoyancy chamber may be practiced by introducing air to an air supply conduit having an outlet in the chamber. In another aspect, the method may further comprise discharging air from the buoyancy chamber.

Details of these aspects of the invention, as well as further aspects of the invention, will become more readily apparent upon review of the following drawings and the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description of aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical swimming pool having a bulkhead according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art bulkhead shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of bulkhead according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevation view of the bulkhead shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the bulkhead shown in FIG. 3 with some of the structure removed to show details of the bulkhead shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an exploded partial perspective view of the bulkhead shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the bulkhead shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the buoyancy chamber shown in FIG. 7 as viewed along section lines 8-8 in FIG. 7 having a first air content according an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the buoyancy chamber shown in FIG. 7 similar to FIG. 8 having a second air content according an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view, similar to FIG. 3, of another bulkhead according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded partial perspective view of the bulkhead shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is magnified view of detail 12 shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The details and scope of the aspects of the present invention can best be understood upon review of the attached figures and their following detailed descriptions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical swimming pool 12 having a bulkhead 10 according to the prior art. As shown, bulkhead 10 typically spans pool 12, engages the sides of pool 12, and provides at least some separation between two areas 14 and 16 of pool 12. Bulkhead 10 may isolate areas 14 and 16 whereby there is no communication between the water in area 14 and area 16. However, bulkhead 10 may also provide a porous barrier between area 14 and area 16, whereby water from one area can pass to the other and vice versa, for example, areas 14 and 16 may be commonly treated, for instance, with the same chemical application. In addition, by permitting water to pass through the bulkhead, the reflection of waves, for example, the undesirable reflection of bow waves produced by competitive swimmers approaching the bulkhead, are reduced, mitigated, or eliminated.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of prior art bulkhead 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, bulkhead 10 separates pool area 14 from pool area 16, which, in this prior art, each have a common water level or line 18, for example, as demarcated by buoys or floats 20. As shown in FIG. 2, bulkhead 10 may typically be substantially submerged beneath water line 18 where a lower or first portion 22 of bulkhead 10 remains submerged substantially the entire time bulkhead 10 is in use while an upper or second portion 24, for example, including the “deck,” typically is positioned above water line 18 and is exposed intermittently to pool water, for example, from bathers splashing or during pool maintenance. In between lower portion 22 and upper portion 24, is an intermediate portion 26, which may typically include a recessed dam 28, which typically is repeatedly exposed to water level 18 and to the variation in water level 18 due to changes in water level 18 or to waves and splashing generated by bathers.

As shown in FIG. 2, according to the conventional art, lower portion 22 may typically be fabricated from a steel truss construction, for example, as stainless steel truss construction (for instance, stainless steel dyadic truss structures) providing both structural rigidity and strength and resistance to corrosion due to the corrosive environment of chlorinated pool water. Lower portion 22 also typically includes a vertical barrier or fascia 30 that is typically permeable or perforated to permit the passage of water. Fascia 30 may be metallic or plastic and also provides a barrier to prevent undesirable contact between bathers and the truss network of lower portion 22. As is conventional, an open truss comprises a plurality of individual members 32 arranged and affixed to each other to provide the desired structural rigidity and strength. The individual members 32 may be coated or clad with a polymer. An open truss construction also provides a construction permitting the relatively unhindered flow of water through the truss of lower portion 22 to avoid the undesirable wave reflection discussed above. An open construction of lower portion 22 also reduces the relative weight of bulkhead 10 whereby bulkhead 10 may be more easily moved, serviced, and positioned in the pool as desired.

Upper portion 24 typically includes a deck 34 upon which swimmers, or swimming officials, may walk. Deck 34 may typically comprise an open grating allowing the passage of water back into the pool. Deck 34 may typically be a metallic grating, for example, a stainless steel grating, covered by a polymeric coating to minimize slipping and enhance comfort.

In another prior art bulkhead 10, lower portion 22 may be provided by fiberglass beams (not shown), for example, monolithic fiberglass box beams. The advantage of fiberglass beams is the basic inertness of the polymeric and fiberglass materials, which are not prone to the oxidative corrosion typically associated with exposed steel construction, even with exposed stainless steel construction, at and above the water line 18.

According to typical prior art teachings, bulkhead 10 may include a buoyancy chamber or tank (not shown), for example, mounted within bulkhead 10, to counteract at least some of the dead weight of bulkhead 10 and facilitate the movement of bulkhead 10, for example, for servicing or repositioning.

Aspects of the present invention utilize the advantages of steel truss structure below the water line 18, for example, a stainless steel structure, that is resistant to corrosion due to contact with the water and its chemical content, and corrosion resistant material structure at and above the water line 18. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of bulkhead 40 according to one aspect of the invention. FIG. 4 is a partial side elevation view of bulkhead 40 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of bulkhead 40 shown in FIG. 3 with some of the structure removed to show details of bulkhead 40 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of the bulkhead shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, aspects of the invention include a bulkhead 40 having a substructure 42 positioned below a water line 48 (see FIG. 4) of a pool; a pair of support assemblies 44 mounted to opposite ends of substructure 42, each of the pair of support structures 44 adapted to mount to an opposing side 41 of the pool (shown in FIG. 4); and a superstructure 46 mounted to the substructure 42 and positioned at and above the water line 48. A buoyancy chamber 50 (see FIG. 5) may typically be positioned in the substructure 42 as is conventional.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, according to aspects of the invention, substructure 42 typically comprises a frame or truss 52, for example, a parallelepiped or box-like frame or truss, constructed of individual support members 54. Support members 54 may be vertically positioned, horizontally positioned, and/or positioned at an angle and secured by appropriate welds or conventional fasteners, for example, rivets, bolts, and/or screws. According to aspects of the invention, support members 54 may be metallic, for example, steel, but are typically made of stainless steel to minimize or prevent corrosion of members 54, while providing the necessary structural support and rigidity for substructure 42 based upon the expected bather or equipment loading, and in compliance with appropriate local codes. In one aspect of the invention, support members 54 may be made from AISI 304 stainless steel, though AISI 316 stainless steel may be used.

As also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, substructure 42 typically also includes vertical barriers 56 mounted to frame 52. These vertical barriers include a pair of opposing panels or grating 56 mounted to opposing sides of frame 52 and a pair of opposing end panels or end fascia 58 mounted to opposing ends of frame 52. Though not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, similar barriers may also be mounted to the bottom of frame 52 to prevent access to the inside of bulkhead 40, for example, by curious bathers. Grating 56 and panels 58 may comprise multiple panels or fascia mounted to frame 52 and may be mounted to frame 52 by conventional means, for example, by screws and/bolts. As is conventional in the art, grating 56 may typically be permeable or perforated, for example, to allow pool water to pass through to, for example, minimize wave reflection. Accordingly, grating 56 may include holes or slots, for example, elongated vertical slots, that permit pool water to pass through. Grating 56 may be metallic or non-metallic; however, since gratings 56 are typically not load bearing, grating 56 may be made from plastic. For example, grating 56 may be made from fiberglass, for example, gel-coated fiberglass, or another composite material.

End panel or fascia 58 may also be metallic or non-metallic, for example, made from stainless steel or one of the plastics listed above, for example, fascia 58 may be made from fiberglass, for example, gel-coated fiberglass. End fascia 58 may also include one or more guide pads 59; for example, as shown in FIG. 4, guide pads 59 may provide a point of contact between bulkhead 40 and the wall 41 of the pool. Guide pads 59 may be mounted to end fascia 58 by conventional means, for example, screws and/or bolts. Guide pads 59 may be metallic or non-metallic.

According to aspects of the invention, substructure 42 having frame 52 and grating 56 and fascia 58 are fabricated from corrosion resistant materials, for example, corrosion resistant metals, such as, stainless steel, and corrosion resistant plastics. According to aspects of the invention, substantially all materials of substructure 42, which is typically substantially continuously immersed in water, for example, pool or lake water, is made of corrosion resistant materials while having the structural strength and rigidity required.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, according to aspects of the invention, bulkhead 40 also includes a pair of support assemblies 44 mounted to opposite ends of substructure 42. As shown most clearly in the side elevation of FIG. 4, support assemblies 44 provide interfaces with the sides 41 of the pool. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, support assemblies 44 may contact a ledge or horizontal 60 on the side 41 of the pool.

As shown most early in FIGS. 5 and 6, support assembly 44 may include at least one, but typically, at least two, horizontal members 64 adapted to engage side 41 of the pool and at least one, but typically, at least two, vertical members 66 adapted to engage substructure 42. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, support assemblies 44 may also include a cross member or plate 68 mounted between horizontal members 64. As shown in FIG. 6, support assembly 44 may also include a fascia 70, for example, a corrosion resistant, plastic fascia to prevent contact between the members of support assembly 44 and bathers.

Though support assembly 44 may be mounted to substructure 42 by any conventional means, as shown in FIG. 6, in one aspect, the vertical members 66 of support assembly 44 may be sized to engage with members 54 of substructure 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, vertical members 66 may telescopically engage with members 54, whereby the height of support assembly 44 may be varied to facilitate changes in pool installation. For example, vertical members 66 may include a plurality of holes adapted to correspond to one or more holes in vertical members 54 to receive one or more appropriate fasteners.

According to aspects of the invention, support assembly 44 typically withstands the load of bulkhead 40. Accordingly, the members of support assembly 44 may typically be made from steel, for example, stainless steel. As shown in FIG. 4, one or more bearing pads 72 may be positioned between support assembly 44 and the surface 60 of sidewall 41. Bearing pads 72 may be made from a plastic or polymeric material.

According to aspects of the invention, the use of support assemblies 44 on either end of bulkhead 40 to transmit loads to the pool structure provides for a unique support, and little or no steel, for example, stainless steel, in the bulkhead structures positioned above water line 48. Typically, in prior art bulkheads, in order to transmit bulkhead load to the sides of the pool, the bulkhead structure have a steel structural member, for example, the entire top chord of the truss structure, at or above water line 48. According to aspects of the invention, this undesirable positioning of steel above water line 48 is minimized or prevented. As will be discussed below with regards to superstructure 46, little or substantially no steel components of bulkhead 40 may be positioned above water line 48.

As also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, according to aspects of the invention, bulkhead 40 also includes a superstructure 46 mounted to substructure 42. According to aspects of the invention, the components of superstructure 46, which may typically be exposed to ambient air and intermittent pool or lake water, are fabricated from light-weight corrosion-resistant materials, for example, polymers or plastics. According to aspects of the invention, the load bearing capacity of bulkhead 40 may be provided by the substructure 42, for example, by the metallic structural members of substructure 42, whereby superstructure 46 may not be required to bear much load, for example, other than foot traffic and equipment, such as, starting blocks.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, according to one aspect, superstructure 46 may comprise a frame 74, decking 76, frame grating 78, and decking fascia 80. As shown in FIG. 6, frame 74 may typically include at least two elongated members 82 and a plurality of uprights 84 mounted to members 82 and adapted to be received by substructure 42. As shown in FIG. 5, elongated members 82 may comprise a pair of elongated members 82 that straddle uprights 84. Members 82 and 84 may be connected by conventional means, for example, by fasteners or by an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 6, elongated members 82 may be adapted to receive and support decking 76. For example, elongated members 82 may include a plurality of angles 86 positioned to receive and support decking 76. In addition, the sides of superstructure 46 may be protected by a barrier or grating 78, for example, similar to grating 56 described above.

According to aspects of the invention, the materials of frame 74 of superstructure 46 may be metallic or non-metallic. However, as discussed above, according to aspects of the invention, the load bearing capacity of bulkhead 40 may be provided by the substructure 42, for example, by the metallic structural members of substructure 42, whereby superstructure 46 may not be required to bear much load, for example, other than foot traffic and equipment. Accordingly, according to one aspect of the invention, the material of frame 74 may be non-metallic, for example, a polymer, plastic, or fiberglass. For example, in one aspect of the invention, the elongated members 82 and the uprights 84 of frame 74 may be made from fiberglass, for example, from pultruded fiberglass, or its equivalent, though other non-metallic materials may be used, such as, rigid PVC, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, or other composite materials. In one aspect of the invention, the fiberglass members or frame 74 may be encapsulated by baked PVC. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, no steel or stainless steel is present in superstructure 46 (that is, apart from fastener hardware). Among other advantages, the use of non-metallic materials in super structure 46 provides a non-corrosive, light-weight assembly having a longer life while facilitating relocating, servicing, and maintenance of bulkhead 40.

Decking 76 may comprise any conventional decking, for example, any horizontally mountable surface that can be mounted to elongated members 74. In one aspect, decking 76 is permeable or perforated to allow water, for example, rain or splashes, to pass through decking 76. Typically, decking 76 includes a plurality of slots or holes, for example, elongated slots, that permit water to pass through decking 76. In one aspect, decking 76 comprises a light-weight polymer or plastic, for example, rigid PVC. The borders of decking 76 may typically be protected by a protective fascia 80, for example, fascia made from a non-metallic or plastic material, for example, a gel-coated fiberglass, or its equivalent.

Superstructure 46 is typically mounted to substructure 42, for instance, removably mounted to substructure 42. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in one aspect, uprights 84 of superstructure frame 74 may be adapted to be received by vertical members 54 of substructure frame 52. For example, though uprights 84 may be rigidly mounted to vertical members 54 by any conventional means, in a fashion similar to the mounting of support assembly 44 to substructure 42, the uprights 84 of superstructure 46 may be sized to engage with members 54 of frame 52 of substructure 46. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, uprights 84 may telescopically engage with members 54, whereby the height of superstructure 46 may be varied, for example, to facilitate changes in pool installation. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the elevation of the top of superstructure 46 may be varied to comply with the elevation of pool side 41. This variable elevation of engagement may be provided by any conventional means; for example, uprights 84 may include a plurality of holes adapted to correspond to one or more holes in vertical members 54 to receive one or more appropriate fasteners.

According to aspects of the invention, by using non-metallic components for superstructure 46, for example, fiberglass structural shapes, the weight of and any loads on superstructure 46 may be transmitted to steel, for example, stainless steel, substructure 42 by means of connections below the waterline 48. In addition, the corrosion resistance of non-metals, such as, fiberglass, enhances the life and minimizes the maintenance of bulkhead 40.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the bulkhead 40 shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 7, superstructure 46, support assembly 44, grating 56, and end fascia 58 of substructure 42 have been removed to illustrate the inner components of substructure 42. Accordingly, FIG. 7 shows frame 52 of substructure 42 having structural members 54 and buoyancy chamber 50, which is also shown sectioned. Though not shown, according to aspects of the invention, chamber 50 is typically an elongated substantially fluid-tight container, for example, an elongated cylindrical chamber (circular cylindrical or non-circular cylindrical) having end caps (not shown) that enclose the ends of chamber 50. Though only a single representative buoyancy chamber 50 is shown in bulkhead 40, according to embodiments of the invention, multiple buoyancy chambers, for example, two or more chambers 50, may be positioned in bulkhead 40. The multiple chambers may be in fluid communication, for example, through one or more conduits (not shown), for instance, via one or more common feed conduits, such as, a common air supply line 94. According to aspects of the invention, one or more buoyancy chambers 50 include one or more pool water access holes, or influent ports, 90, a vent tube 92, and an air supply line 94 feeding a buoyancy adjustment tube 96.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of buoyancy chamber 50 shown in FIG. 7 as viewed along section lines 8-8 in FIG. 7 having a first air content 91 according to an aspect of the invention. FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of buoyancy chamber 50 shown in FIG. 7 similar to FIG. 8 and having a second air content 103 according to an aspect of the invention, for example, larger than air content 91. According to aspects of the invention, pool water is introduced to ports 90 and the volume of air 91, 103 present in chamber 50, and hence the buoyant force on chamber 50 and bulkhead 40, is regulated by introducing or discharging air through supply line 94 and tube 96. Excess buoyancy producing air is discharged through vent tube 92.

According to aspects of the invention, the desired or “fixed” buoyancy may be provided by air 91 in chamber 50. In one aspect, this fixed buoyancy may be provided by volume of air in chamber 50 defined by the depth or distance 98 of the location of the outlet 97 of fill tube 96 below the top inside surface of chamber 50. For example, the buoyancy may be proportional to the depth or distance 98. As distance 98 varies, the fixed volume of air that can be maintained between outlet 97 and the inside of top of chamber 50 varies, and hence the buoyant force that can be provided by the volume of air 91 to chamber 50 varies. The distance 98 may be a function of the size and dead weight of bulkhead 40 and may typically vary depending upon the installation parameters (that is, pool size, bulkhead materials of construction, etc.) of bulkhead 40. Typically, distance 98 may be substantially unique to each installation.

According to an aspect of the invention, when bulkhead 40 requires additional buoyancy, for example, to facilitate moving bulkhead 40, air 95 may be introduced through the fill supply line 94 and tube 96, and discharged from outlet 97. Air 95 may typically be introduced at a pressure sufficient to float bulkhead 40, for example, a pressure of at least 5 pounds per square inch-gauge (psig). Pressurized air 95 may be provided by a pressurized air source 105, for example, a pump or compressor, to conduit 94 or to a conduit 107 in fluid communication with conduit 94. The flow of air through conduit 107 may be controlled or terminated by one or more valves 109. FIG. 8 illustrates a typical air and water volumes prior to introducing air 95 via tube 96. As shown in FIG. 8, prior to supplying air 95, the water level 99 in chamber 50 may be above the elevation of outlet 97 of tube 96. In other aspects, water level 99 may be below the elevation of outlet 97, for example, as shown by water level 101 in FIG. 9, but is typically limited to the elevation of outlet 93 of vent tube 92.

Water level 99, or a first water level, defines an air volume or a first air volume, 91 in chamber 50 providing an associated first buoyant force on chamber 50 and bulkhead 40. Again, in order to facilitate moving bulkhead 40, air 95 is introduced to tube 96 to displace water from chamber 50 through ports 90 and, as shown in FIG. 9, provides a second air volume 103 greater than first air volume 91, and a second water level 101 lower then first water level 99 in chamber 50. Typically, the air 95 introduced through fill tube 96 may displace the water between the outlet 97 of fill tube 96 and the outlet 93 of the vent tube 92. Accordingly, second air volume 103 provides an associated second buoyant force on chamber 50 and bulkhead 40 greater than the first buoyant force, for example, whereby bulkhead 40 may be more easily moved and/or repositioned. The second air volume 103 and associated second buoyant force may typically be maintained, for example, as bulkhead 40 is moved, by preventing discharge of air back through tube 94, for example, by means of a valve.

After bulkhead 40 with buoyancy chamber 50 has been moved, the buoyancy of chamber 50 can be returned to the desired operational or fixed buoyancy. According to aspects of the invention, the desired buoyancy can be established by allowing air to escape through tube 96, for example, by opening a valve 111 in conduit 94 or in a related conduit 113, until the desired buoyancy, for example, as indicated by the elevation of bulkhead 40, is established. In one aspect, air 103 may be vented from tube 96 until water level 101 reaches the elevation of outlet 97 of fill tube 96, that is, to provide the desired predetermined “fixed” buoyancy defined by height 98 of tube 96. However, in other aspects, water level 101 may be positioned as desired to provide the desired buoyancy. In one aspect, vent tube 92 may function to limit the range of buoyancy that can be provided. For example, the elevation of the outlet 93 of tube 92 may comprise an “over-fill” vent that prevents the introduction of excess air 95 to chamber 50. Excess air 95 in chamber 50 may interfere with the flotation stability of bulkhead 40.

According to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, a bulkhead buoyancy chamber and a method of varying the buoyancy of a bulkhead are provided that combine the advantages of prior art fixed and variable buoyancy bulkheads in a single bulkhead. As described above, the elevation of the outlet of the air supply tube can be varied and/or controlled to provide a predetermined, fixed buoyancy to the bulkhead. In addition, by regulating or controlling the introduction of air to and/or discharge of air from the chamber a variable buoyancy capability is provided that facilitates handling of the bulkhead.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view, similar to FIG. 3, of another bulkhead 140 according to one aspect of the invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded partial perspective view of the bulkhead 140 shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, this aspect of the invention includes a bulkhead 140 having a substructure 142 positioned below a water line 48 (see FIG. 4) of a pool; a pair of support assemblies 144 mounted to opposite ends of substructure 142, each of the pair of support structures 144 adapted to mount to an opposing side 41 of the pool (shown in FIG. 4); and a superstructure 146 mounted to the substructure 142 and positioned at and above the water line 48. A buoyancy chamber 50 (see FIG. 5) may typically be positioned in the substructure 142 as is conventional, for example, the buoyancy chamber described and illustrated with respect to FIGS. 5-9.

In FIG. 11, the structures in bulkhead 140 having the same form and function as structures of bulkhead 40 shown in FIGS. 3-6 are assigned the same reference numbers as the structures shown in FIGS. 3-6.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 11, according to aspects of the invention, substructure 142 typically comprises a frame or truss 52, for example, a parallelepiped or box-like frame or truss, constructed of individual support members 54. Support members 54 may be vertically positioned, horizontally positioned, and/or positioned at an angle and secured by appropriate welds or conventional fasteners, for example, rivets, bolts, and/or screws. According to aspects of the invention, support members 54 may typically be metallic, for example, steel, but are typically made of stainless steel to minimize or prevent corrosion of members 54, while providing the necessary structural support and rigidity for substructure 142 based upon the expected bather or equipment loading, and in compliance with appropriate local codes. In one aspect of the invention support members 54 may be made from AISI 304 stainless steel, though AISI 316 stainless steel may be used.

As also shown in FIG. 11, substructure 142 typically includes opposing panels or grating 56 mounted to opposing sides of frame 52 and a pair of opposing end panels or end fascia 58 mounted to opposing ends of frame 52. Though not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, similar barriers may also be mounted to the bottom of frame 52 to prevent access to the inside of bulkhead 140. Grating 56 and panels 58 may comprise multiple panels or fascia mounted to frame 52 and may be mounted to frame 52 by conventional means, for example, by screws and/bolts. As is conventional in the art, grating 56 may typically be permeable or perforated, for example, to allow pool water to pass through to, for example, minimize wave reflection. Accordingly, grating 56 may include holes or slots, for example, elongated vertical slots, that permit pool water to pass through. Grating 56 may be metallic or non-metallic; however, since grating 56 are typically not load bearing, grating 56 may be made from plastic. For example, grating 56 may be made from fiberglass, for example, gel-coated fiberglass, or another composite material.

End panel or fascia 58 may also be metallic or non-metallic, for example, made from stainless steel or one of the plastics listed above, for example, fascia 58 may be made from fiberglass, for example, gel-coated fiberglass. End fascia 58 may also include one or more guide pads 159; for example, as shown in FIG. 4, guide pads 159 may provide a point of contact between bulkhead 40 and the wall 41 of the pool. In contrast to guide pads 59 shown in FIGS. 3-6, guide pad 159 may be an elongated guide pad, for example, extending substantially across the width of end fascia 58. Two or more guide pads 159 vertically or horizontally spaced may be provided. Guide pads 159 may be mounted to end fascia 58 by conventional means, for example, screws and/or bolts. Guide pads 159 may be metallic or non-metallic.

According to aspects of the invention, substructure 142 having frame 52 and grating 56 and fascia 58 are fabricated from corrosion resistant materials, for example, corrosion resistant metals, such as, stainless steel, and corrosion resistant plastics. According to aspects of the invention, substantially all materials of substructure 142, which is typically substantially continuously immersed in water, for example, pool or lake water, is made of corrosion resistant materials while having the structural strength and rigidity required.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, according to aspects of the invention, bulkhead 140, similar to bulkhead 40, also includes a pair of support assemblies 144 mounted to opposite ends of substructure 142. As shown most clearly in the side elevation of FIG. 4, support assemblies 144 provide interfaces with the sides 41 of the pool. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, support assemblies 144 may contact a ledge or horizontal 60 in a gutter 62 in the side 41 of the pool.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, support assembly 144 may include at least one, but typically, at least two, horizontal members 64 adapted to engage side 41 of the pool and at least one, but typically, at least two, vertical members 66 adapted to engage substructure 142. As shown in FIG. 11, support assemblies 144 may also include a cross members 168 mounted between horizontal members 64. As shown in FIG. 11, support assembly 144 may also include a cover or fascia 170, for example, a corrosion resistant, plastic fascia to prevent contact between the members of support assembly 144 and bathers.

Though support assembly 144 may be mounted to substructure 142 by any conventional means, as shown in FIG. 11, in one aspect, the vertical members 66 of support assembly 144 may be sized to engage with members 54 of substructure 142. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, vertical members 66 may telescopically engage with members 54, whereby the height to support assembly 144 may be varied to facilitate changes in pool installation. For example, vertical members 66 may include a plurality of holes adapted to correspond to one or more holes in vertical members 54 to receive one or more appropriate fasteners.

According to aspects of the invention, support assembly 144 typically withstands the load of bulkhead 140. Accordingly, the members of support assembly 144 may typically be made from steel, for example, stainless steel. As shown in FIG. 4, one or more bearing pads 72 may be positioned between support assembly 144 and the surface 60 of sidewall 41. Bearing pads 72 may be made from a plastic or polymeric material.

As shown in FIG. 10, support assembly 144, and hence bulkhead 140, may be secured to surface 60 of sidewall by mechanical fasteners, for example, conventional bolts or screws. FIG. 12 is magnified view of detail 12 shown in FIG. 10 illustrating one means for mounting support assembly 144 to surface 60 of the sidewall.

As shown in FIG. 12, support assembly 144 may be mounted to surface 60 by mechanical fasteners 145. In aspects of the invention, any conventional mechanical fasteners 145 may be used. In the aspect shown in FIG. 12, mechanical fasteners 145 include one or more bolts 147, for example, eyebolts having a ring 149 and a shank 151, for example, a threaded shank. Shank 151 may be adapted to secure to an anchor (not shown) in surface 60, for example, releasably secure so that bulkhead 40, 140 may be moved as needed. In the aspect shown in FIG. 12, support assembly 144 may include a flange, a bracket, or an angle 153 mounted to support assembly 144, for example, mounted on either side of support assembly 144. Bracket or angle 153 may typically have a hole (not shown) positioned and sized to receive bolt 147. Fasteners 145 may also include one or more washers 154. As also shown in FIG. 12, support assembly 144 may also include plates 155, for example, plates positioned to reinforce the mounting of the flange, bracket, or angle 153. The mounting shown in FIG. 12 may also be applied to the mounting of support assembly 44 disclosed in FIG. 3 above.

As also shown in FIG. 10, in contrast to bulkhead 40 shown in FIG. 3, the end fascia 58 of bulkhead 140 may extend substantially to the top of bulkhead 140. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, superstructure 146 may but up against the inside face of fascia 58 instead of extending over fascia 58 as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, in the aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 support assembly 144 may extend through fascia 58, for example, via one or more holes 147 in fascia 58.

According to aspects of the invention, the use of support assemblies 144 on either end of bulkhead 140 to transmit loads to the pool structure provides for a unique support, and little or no steel, for example, stainless steel, in the bulkhead structures positioned above water line 48. Typically, in prior art bulkheads, in order to transmit bulkhead load to the sides of the pool, the bulkhead structure will have a steel structural member, for example, the entire top chord of the truss structure, at or above water line 48. According to aspects of the invention, this undesirable positioning of steel above water line 48 is minimized or prevented. As will be discussed below with regards to superstructure 146, little or substantially no steel components of bulkhead 40 are positioned above water line 48.

As also shown in FIG. 11, according to this aspect of the invention, bulkhead 140 also includes a superstructure 146 mounted to substructure 142. According to aspects of the invention, the components of superstructure 146, which may typically be exposed to ambient air and intermittent pool water, are fabricated from light-weight corrosion-resistant materials, for example, polymers or plastics. According to aspects of the invention, the load bearing capacity of bulkhead 140 may be provided by the substructure 142, for example, by the metallic structural members of substructure 142, whereby superstructure 146 may not be required to bear much load, for example, other than foot traffic and equipment, such as, starting blocks.

According to aspects of the invention, the materials of frame 74 of superstructure 146 may be metallic or non-metallic. However, as discussed above, according to aspects of the invention, the load bearing capacity of bulkhead 140 may be provided by the substructure 142, for example, by the metallic structural members of substructure 142, whereby superstructure 146 may not be required to bear much load, for example, other than foot traffic and equipment. Accordingly, according to one aspect of the invention the material of frame 74 may be non-metallic, for example, a polymer, plastic, or fiberglass. For example, in one aspect of the invention, the elongated members 82 and the uprights 84 of frame 74 may be made from fiberglass, for example, from pultruded fiberglass, or its equivalent, though other non-metallic materials may be used, such as, rigid PVC, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, or other composite materials. In one aspect of the invention, the fiberglass members or frame 74 may be encapsulated by baked PVC. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, no steel or stainless steel is present in superstructure 146 (that is, apart from fastener hardware). This provides a non-corrosive, light-weight assembly having a longer life while facilitating relocating, servicing, and maintenance of bulkhead 140.

Superstructure 146 is typically mounted to substructure 142, for instance, removably mounted to substructure 42. As shown in FIG. 11, in one aspect, uprights 84 of superstructure frame 74 may be adapted to be received by vertical members 54 of substructure frame 52. For example, though uprights 84 may be rigidly mounted to vertical members 54 by any conventional means, in a fashion similar to the mounting of support assembly 144 to substructure 142, the uprights 84 of superstructure 146 may be sized to engage with members 54 of frame 52 of substructure 146. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, uprights 84 may telescopically engage with members 54, whereby the height of superstructure 146 may be varied, for example, to facilitate changes in pool installation. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the elevation of the top of superstructure 46 may be varied to comply with the elevation of pool side 41. This variable elevation of engagement may be provided by any conventional means; for example, uprights 84 may include a plurality of holes adapted to correspond to one or more holes in vertical members 54 to receive one or more appropriate fasteners.

According to aspects of the invention, by using non-metallic components for superstructure 146, for example, fiberglass structural shapes, the weight of and any loads on superstructure 146 may be transmitted to steel, for example, stainless steel, substructure 142 by means of connections below the waterline 48. In addition, the corrosion resistance of non-metals, such as, fiberglass, enhances the life and minimizes the maintenance of bulkhead 140.

According to aspects of the invention, the bulkhead buoyancy chamber 50 and a method of varying the buoyancy of a bulkhead as illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 7-9 may also be provided for bulkhead 140 shown in FIGS. 10-12.

Aspects of the present invention also provide bulkheads, for example, for a pool, lake, or other body of water, having improved corrosion resistance and ease of handling, servicing, and maintaining. According to aspects of the invention, the structural steel support members of the bulkhead are positioned below the water line to minimize exposure to the atmosphere and accordingly minimize corrosion and degradation. The components of the bulkhead located at or above the water line are made from non-corrosive materials, such as, fiberglass, to further minimize the potential for atmospheric attack and degradation. In addition, the load bearing members that engage the pool sidewalls above the water line are specially designed to transmit loads to the submerged support structure while minimizing the potential for degradation and corrosion of the load bearing members. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, features, characteristics, and/or advantages of the various aspects described herein, may be applied and/or extended to any embodiment (for example, applied and/or extended to any portion thereof).

Although several aspects of the present invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A swimming pool bulkhead comprising:

a substructure having a metallic frame and positionable below a water line of a pool;

a pair of support assemblies mounted to opposite ends of the metallic frame of the substructure, each of the pair of support structures adapted to mount to an opposing side of the pool; and

a superstructure having a non-metallic frame mounted to the substructure and positionable at and above the water line of the pool.

2. The bulkhead as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame of the substructure comprises stainless steel members.

3. The bulkhead as recited in claim 1, wherein the non-metallic frame of the superstructure comprises fiberglass members.

4. The bulkhead as recited in claim 1, wherein the substructure further comprises side panels mounted to sides of the metallic frame.

5. The bulkhead as recited in claim 4, wherein the side panels comprise permeable side panels.

6. The bulkhead as recited in claim 5, wherein the side panels comprise non-metallic, permeable side panels.

7. The bulkhead as recited in claim 1, wherein the superstructure further comprises decking mounted to the top of the non-metallic frame.

8. The bulkhead as recited in claim 1, wherein the superstructure further comprises side panels mounted to sides of the non-metallic frame.

9. The bulkhead as recited in claim 8, wherein the side panels of the superstructure comprise permeable side panels.

10. The bulkhead as recited in claim 1, wherein the superstructure further comprises a plurality of vertical members mountable to the frame of the substructure.

11. The bulkhead as recited in claim 10, wherein the plurality of vertical members of the superstructure are adjustably mountable to the frame of the substructure.

12. The bulkhead as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of support assemblies comprises at least one vertical member mountable to the frame of the substructure.

13. The bulkhead as recited in claim 12, wherein at least one vertical member of each of the pair of support assemblies is adjustably mounted to the frame of the substructure.

14. The bulkhead as recited in claim 13, wherein each of the pair of support assemblies comprise two vertical members and at least one horizontal member mounted between the two vertical members.

15. The bulkhead as recited in claim 1, further comprising a buoyancy chamber positioned in the metallic substructure.

16. A buoyancy chamber for a swimming pool bulkhead, the buoyancy chamber comprising:

a substantially fluid-tight, cylindrical chamber adapted to be positioned in a bulkhead;

an air input conduit operatively connectable to a source of pressurized air, the air input conduit having an outlet at a first elevation within the chamber;

an air discharge conduit having an inlet in the chamber at a second elevation lower than the first elevation, and an outlet outside the chamber; and

means for varying an elevation of a water level in the chamber above the inlet of the air discharge conduit to vary the buoyancy of the chamber.

17. The buoyancy chamber as recited in claim 16, wherein the means for varying the elevation of the water level comprises means for introducing pressurized air from the source of pressurized air to the chamber.

18. The buoyancy chamber as recited in claim 16, wherein the means for varying the elevation of the water level comprises means for discharging air from the chamber through the air input conduit.

19. A method for controlling the buoyancy of a bulkhead comprising:

positioning a buoyancy chamber within a bulkhead;

immersing the bulkhead with buoyancy chamber in water to provide a first level of water in the buoyancy chamber and a first buoyancy force; and

introducing pressurized air to the buoyancy chamber to displace at least some water from the chamber and provide a second level of water in the chamber, the second level having an elevation lower than the first level to provide a second buoyancy force greater than the first buoyancy force.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein introducing air to the buoyancy chamber is practiced by introducing air to an air supply conduit having an outlet in the chamber.

21. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the method further comprises discharging air from the buoyancy chamber.