Abstract:
A pool shell molding system that enables accessories such as tables, chairs, parasols, basketball rims, and volleyball nets to be selectively and easily attached and removed. The pre-formed mold includes a recessed section with an outer edge that contacts and grips the various pool accessories. The depth of the recess is reduced by including a lip section extending from the bottom of the pool accessory, forming a contact and seal with the pool shell. Additionally, the pre-formed mold also includes an extended section with an outer edge that contacts and is gripped by the various pool accessories. The pre-formed mold can also secure a pole structure that includes a pole and a base member attached to the pole that facilitates a flexing locking relationship with the pool surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention generally relates to swimming pools. More particularly, the present invention relates to fiberglass swimming pools having preformed structures and sockets for securing various items underwater. 
     2. Related Art 
     Prefabricated fiberglass swimming pools are well-known in the art. Such pools generally consist of molded, one piece structures that rest within an excavated portion of ground, the latter defining an excavated floor that is compacted, typically with sand and water, and graded to the contours of the pool. Typically, once set into place the fiberglass pool is filled with water while construction sand is water-compacted around the outside of the pool to lock the pool into position. Thereafter, a coping is formed on the outer periphery of the pool and electrical connections and plumbing for heating and filtering are installed. 
     Advantageously, fiberglass pools have the ability to flex without loosing strength, which is especially important in areas where the ground may have a tendency to shift. Moreover, fiberglass pools are approximately seventeen times stronger than concrete, with a tensile strength of approximately 11,300 pounds per square inch. As a consequence, such flexibility allows the pool to expand and contract with the earth without being damaged. Moreover, because the tile trim affixed about the periphery of the pool is typically secured via a silicone adhesive silicone grout, such tile will also flex with the pool and thus remain more durably attached, unlike tile trim affixed to conventional concrete pools. Moreover, because silicone grout is utilized, the same is thus impervious to stains and algae growth. In fact, it is well-documented that the installation of a fiberglass pool is substantially easier and less time consuming versus the time it takes to construct and outfit a conventional concrete pool. Exemplary of such fiberglass pools include those pools produced by San Juan Products, Inc. of Lakeland, Fla. 
     Despite their numerous advantages, however, fiberglass pools have the drawback of not allowing for customized structures to be affixed thereto. Along these lines, because a fiberglass pool is generally formed as a unitary, molded structure, the same does not accommodate additional structures, such as benches, stools, or other like structures commonly integrated as part of a given pool&#39;s design. Along these lines, by virtue of the manufacturing process for forming fiberglass pools, such structures would necessarily have to be integrated as part of the molding process, which as a consequence would substantially complicate and add to the cost associated with manufacturing fiberglass pools. As such, consumers are often limited as to what additional options they can incorporate as part of their fiberglass pool, and thus cannot incorporate additional seats, stools, and the like that may be desired for a given customer. These same concerns apply with respect to sporting devices commonly integrated with pools, such as volleyball nets and basketball hoops. In this regard, there is typically no way to easily incorporate such structures without permanently affixing such structures in or around the swimming pool. 
     As such, there is a substantial need in the art for a system that can enable additional structures to be readily attached to and integrated with a fiberglass pool. There is additionally a need in the art for such a system that is of exceedingly simple construction, exceptionally durable, and can provide substantial options to pool purchasers while minimizing complications associated with the fiberglass pool manufacturing process. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In light of the foregoing limitations, the present invention was conceived. Provided is a fiberglass pool accessory system having a bottom pool surface, a side pool surface, and an outer pool edge. Further, one or more selectively attachable pool fixtures having a base defined by an inner base surface and an outer base surface are provided, as well as one or more preformed moldings on the bottom pool surface which is configured to interface with the base. The pool fixture may be a stool, a table, or any other accessory typically used in pools. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is a cover configured to interface with the preformed molding and forming a continuous surface over the same. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the preformed molding is a recess having a recess center, a bottom recess surface, a vertical edge surface defining an edge of the recess and matching the outline of the base. The vertical edge surface is in contact with and grips the outer base surface. Additionally, the base includes a lip member extending laterally and having a top lip surface that is coplanar with the bottom pool surface and a bottom lip surface that contacts the bottom recess surface. The lip member extends from the inner base surface towards the recess center, thereby forming a contact and a gripping relationship with the outer base surface. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the lip member extends from the outer base surface away from the recess center, and the vertical edge surface is in contact with and grips the lip member. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the preformed molding is an extrusion having an extrusion top surface and a vertical edge surface defining an edge of the extrusion. The edge generally matches the outline of the base, and the inner base surface is in contact with and grips the vertical edge surface. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the preformed molding is a groove having an interior groove surface and an exterior groove surface. The inner base surface is in a sliding relationship with the interior groove surface, and the outer base surface is in a sliding relationship with the exterior groove surface. 
     Finally, according to another aspect of the present invention, the pool fixture is a vertically elongate pole structure. The preformed molding is a recess defined by a first recess side surface, a recess bottom surface, and a locking recess side surface. The vertically elongate pole structure includes a pole, which can be a part of a volleyball net, a basketball backboard/rim, or the like, and a base member cooperating with the locking recess side surface to lock the vertically elongate pole structure within the recess. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a molded fiberglass pool in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are cross sectional views of a first embodiment in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are cross sectional views of a second embodiment in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are cross sectional views of a third embodiment in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are cross sectional views of a fifth embodiment in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are cross sectional views of a sixth embodiment in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for developing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , pool shell  10  is defined by side wall  8  having an inner side wall surface  18  and an outer side wall surface  28 , bottom wall  2  having an inner bottom surface  12  and an outer bottom surface  22 , and outer edge  14 . The profile of pool shell  10  is generally defined by the contour of outer edge  14 , where side wall  8  extends downward therefrom, terminating at bottom wall  2 . Side wall  8  is in a substantially perpendicular relationship to bottom wall  2 , but may be angled otherwise. Outer side wall surface  28  generally follows the contour of inner side wall surface  18 , and inner bottom wall surface  12  generally follows the contour of outer side wall surface  22 . As a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, the configuration of side wall  8  may be altered by additional features molded thereon, such as molded stairs  13 , which is provided as an example only and not of limitation. Such person will also recognize that the contour of side wall  8 , outer edge  14 , and bottom wall  2  is not limited in any way; pool shell  10  need only be a basin capable of holding water. Other shapes of outer edge  14  include rectangular configurations, square configurations, circular configurations, and so forth, and can include additional abutments formed thereon. The pool shell  10  is constructed of fiberglass by way of a single molding with techniques well known in the art. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , there are shown various aquatic accessories attached to bottom wall  2 , such as stool  20  and volleyball net  30 . Other accessories may be variously attached as taught by the present invention, however, and the aforementioned implements are by way of example only and not of limitation. 
     Stool  20  is comprised of a seating surface  22  and a side wall  24 . Side wall  28  wraps about the circumference of seating surface  22 , and has a seating attachment end  25  and a pool surface attachment end  26 , and the interior of stool  22  is accordingly hollow. Stool  22  may be constructed of any semi-rigid material such as plastic, or fiberglass to match the material of pool shell  10 . Generally, pool surface attachment end  26  has a larger circumference than seating attachment end  25 , wherein stool  22  has a generally conical configuration. However, pool surface attachment end  26  may also have the same circumference as the seating attachment end  25 , resulting in a cylindrically configured stool  20 . 
     With reference to the various embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2 through 6 , in which cross sectional views along  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  are shown, the details of the stool attachment mechanism will be discussed in further detail hereunder. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 2   a , depicted is one embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention. Bottom wall  2  is comprised of inner bottom wall surface  12  and outer bottom wall surface  22 . Further, bottom wall  2  has a recessed portion  40  having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter across side wall  24  of stool  20  at surface attachment end  26 . Stool  20  additionally has a lip section  36  extending inwardly toward the center of stool  20  from surface attachment end  26  of side wall  24 . Lip section  36  extends in a generally parallel relationship to inner bottom wall surface  12 , particularly in recessed portion  40 , in order to facilitate a frictional seal therebetween that can be adhesively secured. The depth of recessed portion  40  is substantially equal to the height of lip section  36 . This configuration permits a recessed portion  40  having lesser depth, since the greater contact surface area provided by lip section  36  reduces the need for lateral compressive forces from recess edge  42  in order to support stool  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2   b , when not in use cover  80  forms a surface  81  coplanar with inner bottom wall surface  12  so as to prevent injuries resulting from feet or other bodily appendages becoming lodged within recess  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , a recessed portion  40  on bottom wall  2  holds and supports stool  20 . The compressive forces of recess edge  42  which may be adhesively attached to sidewall  24  to improve the grip of side wall  24  of stool  20 , and eliminate the need for any inwardly laterally extending structure such as lip section  36  in the first embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 3   b , when no stool is being secured to bottom surface  2 , cover  80  may be placed thereon to maintain a surface  81  coplanar with inner bottom wall surface  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4   a , a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. As in the aforementioned embodiments, bottom wall  2  is comprised of an inner bottom wall surface  12  and an outer bottom wall surface  22 . Stool  20  is supported and secured by a slot  40  having a contour matching that of side wall  24  of stool  20 . Slot  40  is defined by an outer slot side surface  42 , inner slot side surface  44 , and a bottom slot surface  43 . The compressive forces inherent in inner slot side surface  44  and outer slot side surface  42  grip inner side wall surface  35  and outer side surface  25  of side wall  24  of stool  20 , respectively, and prevents the lateral movement of stool  20 . To secure such attachment, an adhesive can be used to anchor sidewall  24  within slot  40 . Along these lines and by way of example only and not of limitation, slot  40  extends beyond the thickness of bottom wall  2 , and forms an extrusion from bottom wall surface  22 . However, slot  40  may extend to any depth, so long as it is capable of securing side wall  24  of stool  20 . When there are no stools secured to bottom wall  2 , as shown in  FIG. 4   b , a ring-like cover structure  82  may be placed on 40. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Bottom wall  2  is comprised of an inner bottom wall surface  12  and an outer bottom wall surface  22 . Raised section  41  provides a support structure to secure stool  20  in place, and side wall  24  having an inner side wall surface  35  grips the vertically extending section  13  of inner bottom wall surface  12 , which may be fastened via the use of an adhesive. Side wall  24  is constructed to have a slightly smaller diameter while retaining its capability of fitting over extruded section  41  so that the compressive forces of side wall  24  of stool  20  enable a gripping relationship with vertical extrusion section  13  of inner bottom wall surface  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   a , a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Bottom wall  2  is comprised of an inner bottom wall surface  12  and an outer bottom wall surface  22 . Recessed section  40  effectively secures stool  20  in place, with the expansion force of outwardly extending lip section  36  cooperating with the retaining force of recessed section  40  as exerted through recess edge  42 . Again, an adhesive can optionally be utilized to secure such interconnection. The height of outwardly extending lip section  36  is substantially equal to the depth of recessed section  40 . As illustrated in the first embodiment, the horizontal surface of outwardly extending lip section  36  forms a seal to inner bottom surface  12 , requiring less vertical contact surface area as provided by recess edge  42 . As depicted in  FIG. 6   b , a cover  80  may be placed on recessed section  40 . 
     As can be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments requires a simpler molding construction as compared to the third embodiment. On the other hand, the holding strength of the third embodiment is relatively higher than that of the first, second, and fifth embodiments. Varying structures that strike various balances between holding strength and molding simplicity are understood to be encompassed within the teaching of the present invention, and the above embodiments are provided by way of examples rather than of limitation. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , volleyball net  30  is shown, comprising a net section  31  and two poles  32 . While a volleyball net is provided, it is by way of example only and not of limitation, and any other structure having one or more poles or pole-like structures may be substituted. For example, a basketball backboard/rim/net apparatus may be used. Another example is a parasol for providing shading for pool users. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7   a , a sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as a cross section viewed from axis  7 - 7  of  FIG. 1 . Bottom wall  2  is comprised of inner bottom wall surface  12  and outer bottom wall surface  22 . Pole structure  32  is comprised of vertically elongated pole  33  having a bottom end  37  and a laterally disposed base  60  attached thereon. Base  60  is further defined by a top surface  61 , angularly offset side surface  62 , vertical side surface  63 , bottom surface  64 , and pole attachment surface  65 , which is attached to vertically elongated pole  33 . Bottom wall  2  secures pole structure  32  by a recess  40  formed on the same. The exterior of recess  40  is defined by outer bottom wall surface  22 . The interior of recess  40  is defined by a first side surface  70 , a bottom surface  71 , a second side surface  72 , and an angled latching surface  72 . When pole structure  32  is placed within recess  40 , bottom end  37  of vertically elongated pole  33  and bottom surface  65  of base  60  contacts bottom surface  70  of the interior of recess  40 . Additionally, angled latching surface  72  prevents casual removal of pole structure  32  by preventing vertical movement against angularly offset side surface  62  and vertical side surface  63 . However, deliberate removal is accomplished by the flexing of angled latching surface  72  to enable the same. As pole structure  32  is pulled upward, angularly offset side surface  62  is pressed against angled latching surface  72 , causing the same to bend, thereby permitting the remainder of base  60  to slide past. When no pole structure  32  is placed within recess  40 , a cover  80  as shown in  FIG. 7   b  is placed within recess  40 . 
     The above description is given by way of example, and not of limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. For example, any of a variety of fastening means known in the art, such as clamps, locks, latches, and/or various types of bonding compositions may be utilized to facilitate and secure attachment. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.