Abstract:
A chair lift apparatus adapted to transport an individual into and out of a water pool, the chair lift apparatus that includes a frame, a chair, a lift arm, having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the lift arm is rotatably attached to the frame and the second end portion of the lift arm is operatively attached to the chair, a linkage, and a linear actuator, having a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion located within a frame, the linear actuator is operable to move the linear actuator between a first actuator position and a second actuator position. There is a protective cover to provide protection from environmental damage and the space between the frame and the linear actuator does not constitute a pinch point when the chair is above the edge of the water pool.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/769,017 filed Feb. 25, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electrically powered mechanical swimming pool and spa lifts are available to assist disabled individuals in accessing swimming pools and spas and are commonly referred to as a pool chair lift. This typically includes an electronic drive system, an articulated movement, a base for fixed attachment to the surrounding pool or spa surface, and a seat for the disabled individual. 
     However, these pool lifts have typically been suitable for use in areas of controlled surrounding such as municipal pools, therapy and elder care facilities that may be indoor, and have staffing provided to readily perform maintenance, set-up and supervision of use. If used outdoors, prior art pool lifts may require removal and placement in protective storage in harsh weather conditions or environments; or special added temporary protection or covering steps that inhibit use of the pool lift. Moreover, these existing pool lifts contain unshielded dangerous mechanical movements that can crush, pinch or otherwise injure a user or bystander. 
     On Jan. 31, 2013, the United States Justice Department began enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or “ADA,” that mandates, through federal law, that all public pools and spas must eliminate barriers of use of such facilities for those with disabilities. The ADA defines means to eliminate barriers of use of public pools and spas as provision of pool lifts, sloped entry for pools, or both. Pool lifts are required to be installed and ready for use at all times the pool is open. The ADA further sets forth definitions of “public pools” that broadly encompass pools that are not limited to private. 
     A substantial portion of pools mandated to meet the ADA requirements are not controlled surroundings that have little or no maintenance, set-up staff, or supervision. These pools or spas may be on commercial properties such as hotels, resorts, vacation communities, clubs, condominiums, apartments, community pools, and other locations. Enforcement of the ADA results in new applicable uses unforeseen by prior art device configurations. 
     Consequently, these existing and known pool lifts are not suitable in non-supervised surroundings and harsh outdoor weather and environmental conditions. Therefore, these pool lifts require either removal or storage; or added physical temporary covering that must be removed before use in outdoors applications that may inhibit use. Moreover, these devices have mechanical movement that renders a fixed protective physical cover for both the electronics and the drive system impractical. Therefore, these known and existing electrically powered mechanical pool lifts present danger in use for operators as well as bystanders. 
     The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a chair lift to assist disabled individuals in accessing swimming pools and spas that is electrically powered and includes an improved drive system, limiting mechanical movement of electronics, drive actuators and mechanical linkage. The problem of previous lift mechanical movement is solved, providing the ability to use a fixed protective physical covering of the electronic and limited movement drive system. The device meets the need of new pool requirements by being suited for harsh weather and environmental conditions in non-staffed surroundings; as well as provides necessary safety improvement for general public use in such surroundings. 
     In an aspect of the invention, a chair lift apparatus adapted to transport an individual into and out of a water pool is disclosed. The chair lift apparatus includes a frame, a chair having a seat portion, a lift arm, having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the lift arm is rotatably attached to the frame and the second end portion of the lift arm is operatively attached to the chair, a linkage, a linear actuator, having a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion, the linear actuator is operable to move the linear actuator between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, the first and second actuator portions are spaced a first distance when the linear actuator is in the first actuator position, the first and second actuator portions are spaced a second distance when the linear actuator is in the second actuator position, the second distance is different from the first distance, the first actuator portion of the linear actuator is operatively connected to the frame and the second actuator portion of the linear actuator is operatively connected to the lift arm, wherein the linear actuator, the first actuator portion, and the second actuator portion are located internally within the frame, the lift arm and linear actuator being configured and adapted such that movement of the linear actuator between the first actuator position and the second actuator position causes movement of the chair between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first angular position being a position in which the chair is above an edge of the pool, the second angular position being a position in which at least a portion of the chair is submerged in the water of the pool, the chair moving along a curved path as the chair moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, and the linkage being operatively coupled to at least two of the chair, the lift arm, the frame and the linear actuator, the linkage being adapted to maintain the seat portion of the chair generally level as the chair moves between the first angular position and the second angular position. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, a chair lift apparatus adapted to transport an individual into and out of a water pool is disclosed. The chair lift apparatus includes a frame, a chair having a seat portion, a lift arm, having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the lift arm is rotatably attached to the frame and the second end portion of the lift arm is operatively attached to the chair, a linkage, a linear actuator, having a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion, the linear actuator is operable to move the linear actuator between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, the first and second actuator portions are spaced a first distance when the linear actuator is in the first actuator position, the first and second actuator portions are spaced a second distance when the linear actuator is in the second actuator position, the second distance is different from the first distance, the first actuator portion of the linear actuator is operatively connected to the frame and the second actuator portion of the linear actuator is operatively connected to the lift arm, wherein the linear actuator, the first actuator portion, and the second actuator portion are located internally within the frame, the lift arm and linear actuator being configured and adapted such that movement of the linear actuator between the first actuator position and the second actuator position causes movement of the chair between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first angular position being a position in which the chair is above an edge of the pool, the second angular position being a position in which at least a portion of the chair is submerged in the water of the pool, the chair moving along a curved path as the chair moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the linkage being operatively coupled to at least two of the chair, the lift arm, the frame and the linear actuator, the linkage being adapted to maintain the seat portion of the chair generally level as the chair moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, an electronic control electrically connected to the rotatable motor, a battery that is electrically connected to the electronic control, and a protective cover enclosing the frame, the linear actuator, the electronic control and the battery for safety and environmental protection, wherein the space between the frame and the linear actuator does not constitute a potential crushing, sheering or pinching area when the chair in the first angular position above an edge of the water pool. 
     In still another aspect of the invention, a method for utilizing a chair lift apparatus adapted to transport an individual into and out of a water pool is disclosed. The method includes utilizing a linear actuator, having a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion, the linear actuator is operable to move the linear actuator between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, the first and second actuator portions are spaced a first distance when the linear actuator is in the first actuator position, the first and second actuator portions are spaced a second distance when the linear actuator is in the second actuator position, the second distance is different from the first distance, the first actuator portion of the linear actuator is operatively connected to a frame and the second actuator portion of the linear actuator is operatively connected to a lift arm, wherein the linear actuator, the first actuator portion, and the second actuator portion are located internally within the frame, the lift arm and linear actuator being configured and adapted such that movement of the linear actuator between the first actuator position and the second actuator position causes movement of the chair between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first angular position being a position in which the chair is above an edge of the pool, the second angular position being a position in which at least a portion of the chair is submerged in the water of the pool, the chair moving along a curved path as the chair moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, and utilizing a linkage being operatively coupled to at least two of the chair, the lift arm, the frame and the linear actuator, the linkage being adapted to maintain the seat portion of the chair generally level as the chair moves between the first angular position and the second angular position. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a protective cover that at least partially extends over the frame and the linear actuator to prevent inadvertent human interaction with the linear actuator during operation and to provide protection from weather and environmental damage. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a space between the frame and the linear actuator that does not constitute a potential crushing, sheering or pinching area when the chair is in a first angular position above the edge of the water pool. 
     These are merely some of the innumerable aspects of the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following disclosure and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of a pool chair lift facing a pool of water in a first angular position above an edge of the water pool in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a left elevation view of the pool chair lift shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of a pool chair lift facing a pool of water in a second angular position located in the water pool in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a left elevation view of the pool chair lift shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a linear actuator utilized in the present invention in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a linear actuator shown in  FIG. 5  in an extended position; 
         FIG. 7  is an isolated top view of a mount, a lift arm and a control arm; 
         FIG. 8  is left elevation view of the pool chair lift shown in  FIG. 2  with a protective enclosure for the pool chair lift of the present invention in a first angular position above an edge of the water pool; 
         FIG. 9  is left elevation view of the pool chair lift shown in  FIG. 4  with a protective enclosure for the pool chair lift of the present invention in a second angular position located in the water pool; 
         FIG. 10  is side elevation view of the pool chair lift shown in  FIG. 1  without a linear actuator and includes an electronic control; 
         FIG. 11  is an isolated view of a control arm, a lift arm, a linking member and rotatable interconnections in between; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of a linear actuator connected to a lift arm in a first angular position above an edge of the water pool in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of a linear actuator connected to a lift arm in middle angular position between a first angular position above an edge of the water pool and a second angular position located in the water pool in accordance with the invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of a linear actuator connected to a lift arm in a second angular position located in the water pool in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     Reference characters in the written specification indicate corresponding items shown throughout the drawing figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. 
     The preferred embodiment of a pool chair lift to assist disabled individuals in accessing swimming pools and spas is shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and is generally indicated by numeral  10 . A main support structure can include any type of base-type structure. Preferably, but not necessarily, this includes a frame  12 . The frame  12  can be any of a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The frame  12  can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, with the preferred, but nonlimiting, material being stainless steel. A multitude of coatings for the frame  12  may optionally be used. The preferred, but nonlimiting, coating is a multi-step powder coat finish. 
     The frame  12  includes a bottom member  14  that is attached to a first side member  16 , a second side member  18 , a back member  20  located away from the pool or spa and a first front member  26  positioned directly in front of the pool or spa. There is an intermediate member  22  that is connected between the back member  20 , the first front member  26 , the first side member  16 , and the second side member  18 . There is a second front member  28  that is attached between the intermediate member  22  and the top member  24 . Preferably the bottom member  14 , top member  24 , and intermediate member  22  are substantially horizontal, the first side member  16 , the second side member  18 , and the first front member  26  are substantially vertical, and the second front member  28  is substantially at an angle. This design of the frame  12  with a triangular top portion and a rectangular bottom portion is merely preferred and any of a wide variety of frame shapes and styles can suffice. 
     A linear actuator  30  is connected to the top member  24  of the frame  12 . A linear actuator can be any of a wide variety of devices that creates motion in a straight line. Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples, may include mechanical, electro-mechanical, linear motor, hydraulic, pneumatic, sleeveless solenoid, screw-type, rod-type, sleeveless, integrated, belt drive, among numerous other types of linear motion devices. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the linear actuator  30 , of an illustrative but nonlimiting embodiment, typically includes an electric motor  32  that is mechanically connected to rotate a member, e.g., lead screw,  34 .  FIG. 5  shows the member, e.g., lead screw,  34  fully retracted in a first actuator position and  FIG. 6  shows the member, e.g., lead screw,  34  fully extended in a second actuator position. Although either portion of the linear actuator may be secured to the to the top member  24  of the frame  12 , preferably the member, e.g., lead screw,  34  being the first portion is secured to the top member  24  through attachment hardware, e.g., tab,  35  as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . A wide variety and types of linear actuators  30  may suffice, with a preferred linear actuator being electric. An illustrative, but nonlimiting, linear actuator  30  may include a LINAK® Model LA34 manufactured by LINAK U.S. Inc., having a place of business at 2200 Stanley Gault Parkway, Louisville Ky. 40223. 
     Preferably, the linear actuator  30  is connected to an electronic control, e.g., control box,  36 . A wide variety of electronic controls, e.g., control box,  36  may suffice. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example includes LINAK® Model CBJ1 or CBJ2 manufactured by LINAK U.S. Inc., having a place of business at 2200 Stanley Gault Parkway, Louisville Ky. 40223. 
     Optionally, the electronic control, e.g., control box,  36  may include a wireless antenna  38  that can be operated by a remote control  40 . An illustrative example of these types of wireless controls can be found at Control All Wireless DLM Inc., having a place of business at 311 2nd Street SW, Buffalo Wright, Minn. 55313. 
     The electronic control, e.g., control box,  36  can be powered by any of a wide variety of power supplies. The preferred illustrative, but nonlimiting example, includes a battery  43 , e.g., twenty-four volt DC, which is contained within the frame  12 . An illustrative, but nonlimiting example includes LINAK® Model BAJ1 or BAJ2 manufactured by LINAK U.S. Inc., having a place of business at 2200 Stanley Gault Parkway, Louisville Ky. 40223. However, a receptacle  42  for receiving AC or DC power supply is also an option. A solar panel  41  can be utilized to provide voltage directly to the electronic control, e.g., control box,  36  or to charge the battery  43 . There are numerous types of solar panels that can be applied to this application and the choice would depend on the type of linear actuator  30  that is utilized and the power requirements for that particular linear actuator  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  7 ,  10  and  11 , the second portion of the linear actuator, e.g., electric motor,  32  is attached to a lift arm  46 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first portion  48  of the lift arm  46  is considered both a fork and actuator mount and includes a first end portion of the first portion of a lift arm  58 , a middle portion of the first portion of a lift arm  60 , and a second end portion of the first portion of a lift arm  62 . The second portion of the linear actuator, e.g., electric motor  32  is attached to a first end portion of the first portion of a lift arm  58 . A wide variety of attachment mechanisms, e.g., hardware, welding, brazing, adhesives, will suffice for this application. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example includes a mount  50  through hardware, e.g., nut and bolt combination  52 , shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , through an aperture  54 . 
     The middle portion of the first end portion  60  of lift arm  46  preferably, but not necessarily, includes a first elliptical portion  64  and second elliptical portion  68 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . There is a circular aperture  70  in the middle portion of the first end portion  60  of a lift arm  46 . The second end portion of the first portion of a lift arm  62  preferably, but not necessarily, includes a rectangular portion. A wide variety of shapes can be utilized for the second end portion of the first portion of a lift arm  62 . 
     The second end portion  62  of lift arm  46  includes a circular aperture  70 . Preferably, the second end portion  62  of lift arm  46  is rectangular but any a wide variety of geometric shapes will suffice. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the preferred embodiment for the lift arm  46  is a first side member  72 , a second side member  74 , a first end member  76 , and a second end member  78 . Preferably, first end portion  48  and the second end portion  62  of the lift arm  46  are an integral structure. However, the first end portion  48  and the second end portion  62  of the lift arm  46  may be manufactured separated and bonded or attached together. There is a rotatable attachment mechanism  80  to attach the lift arm  46  to the frame  12 . An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of a first rotatable attachment mechanism  80  may include a bolt extending through a bushing and secured with a nut, but any of a wide variety of rotatable attachment mechanisms can suffice. 
     The second end portion  62  of the lift arm  46  is rotatably mounted to a chair  86  for lifting a person into and out of the pool of water. A preferred but nonlimiting example includes a shaft, e.g., circular tube,  82  as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 11 . 
     A component to maintain the chair  86  in a substantially vertical position throughout a curve between a first angular position and a second angular position includes linkage  88 . There are a wide variety of linkages that may suffice. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example of a linkage  88  includes a control arm  90  that has a first end portion  92  that is connected to the frame  12 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The second end portion  94  of the control arm  90  is rotatably attached to a link member, e.g., timing link,  96  through hardware  98 , e.g., nut and bolt combination with washers. 
     The shaft, e.g., circular tube,  82  is rotatably attached to a vertical member  100  that is attached to a back portion  102  of the chair  86 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The back portion  102  of the chair  86  is preferably attached to a seat portion  104  of the chair  86 . There is preferably a footrest  106  that can either be fixed or retractable by pivoting or otherwise and is connected to the seat portion  104  of the chair  86 . There is also preferably a pair of armrests  108  that are attached at each side of the chair  86  to the back portion  102 . The pair of arm rests  108  may also be fixed or retractable by pivoting or otherwise. Seating material  112  is preferably utilized for the comfort of the user and can be utilized on both the seat portion  104  as well as the back portion  102 . An illustrative, but nonlimiting material includes polyethylene material to resist environmental degradation. 
     A protective covering  110  is provided to cover both the frame  12 , the linear actuator  30  and all associated electronic control, e.g., control box,  36 , battery  43 , and so forth, and is spatially stationary, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . This protective cover  110  prevents inadvertent human interaction with the linear actuator  30  during operation. The protective coating also provides for protection as a safety barrier against unintended entanglement of the user or bystander during use and during mechanical movement. This protective covering  110  substantially protects the electronics and mechanical actions from weather and environmental damage during use and non-use. Therefore, the invention meets the need for an electrically powered mechanical pool and spa lift that can be installed and ready for use at all times, is suitable to withstand harsh weather and environments without requirement for added maintenance or set-up staffing, or inhibition of use caused by added physical temporary covering that must be removed before use; and provides for safe operation in the new required ADA application of use. Moreover, the reduced movement of the drive system of the invention allows electronic controls and the drive system to be contained within a permanent and fixed protective physical cover. The permanent and fixed protective cover  110  of the invention is constructed to protect the electronics and drive system from harsh weather and environmental use concerns including but not limited to exposure to prolonged UV and infrared load from the sun, precipitation, salt spray, airborne sand or dirt, and chlorine. Chlorides are known to cause corrosion. Pool lift exposure to any or all of the listed conditions can lead to high maintenance cost, and potential failure. This protective cover  110  is constructed to facilitate airflow, preventing chlorides from accumulating, however, continues to inhibit other weather and environmental concerns from entering the frame  12  with the electronics and drive system. 
     The protective cover  110  can be made of a wide variety of materials and preferably includes chemically treated fabric to provide protection from weather and environmental damage. An example would include canvas-type awning material that releases moisture but still provides protection. 
     In operation, the lift arm  46  and linear actuator  30  being configured and adapted such that movement of the linear actuator  30  between a first actuator position and a second actuator position that causes movement of the chair  86  between a first angular position and a second angular position, where the first angular position being a position in which the chair is above an edge of the pool as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  12 . There is a second angular position being a position in which at least a portion of the chair  86  is submerged in the water of the pool as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  14 . The chair  86  is moving along a curved path as the chair  86  moves between the first angular position and the second angular position through a middle position shown in  FIG. 13 . Preferably, this rotational movement is through a single plane. 
     Furthermore, it should be understood that when introducing elements of the present invention in the claims or in the above description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the terms “have,” “having,” “includes” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required.” Similarly, the term “portion” should be construed as meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies. 
     Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims that follow.