Abstract:
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a safety mechanical barrier for use with a ladder for an above-ground swimming pool that is easy to install and provides safety from children accessing the pool via the ladder. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a safety mechanical barrier that blocks access to the ladder itself, thereby restricting access to an above-ground pool by unsupervised minors.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/089,495, entitled “SAFETY MECHANICAL BARRIER AND SYSTEM FOR ABOVE-GROUND POOL LADDERS,” filed Dec. 9, 2014, the entirety of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pool ladder safety system for above-ground pools (AGPs) and, more specifically, to a safety system for blocking access to the steps of an above-ground pool ladder. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Art 
         [0005]    Above-ground swimming pools (AGPs) are known in the art. The most common types of AGPs are constructed of steel, resin, plastic, or other materials. AGPs generally are constructed using a perimeter frame, of various designs, with a heavy plastic, vinyl, or fabric liner to contain water. AGPs may also be collapsible to enable convenient storage. 
         [0006]    In-ground pools provide easy access because they are, by definition, at the level of the ground around them. One can simply step off of the pool deck and into the in-ground pool, though steps or a ladder are often provided. Therefore, with an in-ground pool one has only to lower themselves into the water. 
         [0007]    Most AGPs, however, are constructed entirely above-ground. In other words, a suitably level site is chosen and the pool is assembled and filled in place. Accordingly, accessing an AGP can become a challenge. The frame provided with an AGP often is designed only to retain the shape of the liner and provide structural support. Thus, the frame may lack the structural rigidity for use as a method to enter the pool. Further, many would find it inconvenient, if not impossible, to climb into an above-ground pool using only the frame, regardless of structural considerations. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, to access an AGP, a ladder, deck, or other apparatus often must be provided to allow the user to first climb up to the level of the pool and aid ingress and egress. The sides of an AGP generally are not sufficiently rigid to support the ladder. Thus, the ladder must be supported by the pool deck, which itself is free-standing, or the ladder must be a self-supporting A-frame-type ladder. Traditional A-frame-type ladders generally rest on the bottom of the pool on one side, and on the ground upon which the AGP is assembled and filled on the other. Accordingly, the steps or rungs on the outside of the AGP that provide ingress into and egress out of the AGP are exposed and easily accessible. In particular, the ladder is accessible to children or inexperienced swimmers who may gain unsupervised access to the pool, which can lead to a life-threatening situation. 
         [0009]    Thus, it would be desirable to develop an improved mechanical barrier for AGP pool ladders that is easy and convenient to install while being difficult for a child or minor to operate. It is to the foregoing that the present disclosure is primarily directed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Various features and advantages of the present disclosure may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing sheets. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional A-frame-type above-ground pool ladder. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a safety mechanical barrier installed on an A-frame-type above-ground pool ladder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is another perspective view of a safety mechanical barrier installed on an A-frame-type above-ground pool ladder with the safety mechanical barrier in an open position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a detailed view of an attachment mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an attachment mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the backside of a safety mechanical barrier and latching mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a clamp of a latching mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates a method for installing a safety mechanical barrier to an A-frame-type ladder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective exploded view of a safety mechanical barrier being installed on an A-frame-type above-ground pool ladder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the examples included herein. Before the exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to the present disclosure are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that embodiments are not limited to those described within this disclosure. Numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and remain within the scope of the disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0021]    Unless otherwise noted, the terms used herein are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. In addition to any definitions of terms provided below, it is to be understood that as used in the specification and in the claims, “a” or “an” can mean one or more, depending upon the context in which it is used. 
         [0022]    Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. As used herein, the term “pool” shall refer to and include any above-ground or free-standing swimming pool, spa, water tank, or other above-ground liquid containment enclosure. Further, as used herein, the term “ladder” shall refer to any structure comprising rungs, steps, or other means for providing ingress or egress to or from a pool. 
         [0023]    To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are explained hereinafter with reference to their implementation in an illustrative embodiment. Such illustrative embodiments are not, however, intended to be limiting. 
         [0024]    The materials described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention, for example. 
         [0025]    Referring now to the figures,  FIG. 1  depicts a conventional A-frame type above-ground pool (AGP) ladder  100 . Mounting a ladder to the sidewall of an AGP pool can be undesirable, or impossible, due to the construction of AGPs. For example, AGP frames often are constructed to support the liner and retain the liner&#39;s shape but are not sufficiently strong to support a ladder. Ladders for AGPs, therefore, tend to be free-standing A-frame-type ladders  100 . Ladder  100  can comprise outer ladder  110  resting on foot  150  on the ground outside the pool, which is represented in  FIG. 1  by dotted line  155 . Outer ladder  110  can be in communication near its top with inner ladder  105 , forming A-framed ladder  100 . Similar to outer ladder  110 , inner ladder  105  can rest on foot  150  on the bottom of the pool. 
         [0026]    Both outer ladder  110  and inner ladder  105  may comprise a plurality of rungs  115  and vertical rails or stiles  120 . While rungs  115  shown in  FIG. 1  are depicted as being substantially flat (akin to step treads), rungs  115  may be substantially tubular in shape or be other suitable shapes. Further, while vertical rails  120  shown in  FIG. 1  are depicted as having a rectangular shape (similar to a two-by-four), vertical rails  115  may likewise be substantially tubular in shape or be other suitable shapes. 
         [0027]    As discussed, because such A-frame-type ladders are supported outside the pool by the ground  155 , the ladder may provide easy pool access to unsupervised children or others who are not able to swim. This easy access can create a dangerous situation as an unsupervised child can use the easily accessible rungs  115  to climb the ladder  100  and enter the pool. In such a case, the possibility for injury and/or death may be imminent. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates safety mechanical barrier (SMB)  210 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Alternatively, SMB  210  may be referred to as a “rung guard,” “ladder guard,” or “ladder door.” As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, SMB  210  may be installed onto A-frame-type pool ladder  100  comprising inner ladder  105 , which may be positioned within the perimeter of the pool, and outer ladder  110 , which may be positioned outside the perimeter of the pool. In some embodiments, SMB  210  comprises panel  212 , which comprises outer surface  215  and inner surface  315  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). As shown in  FIG. 2 , SMB  210  is in a closed position with outer surface  215  facing outward and inner surface (not shown) facing the rungs of outer ladder  110 . According to some embodiments, when in a closed position, SMB  210  can occupy space generally directly in front of the rungs of outer ladder  110 . Accordingly, as will be understood and appreciated, SMB  210  can help prevent a child or anyone else from using the rungs of ladder  100  to climb into the pool. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is another perspective view of SMB  210  installed on outer ladder  105  of A-frame-type pool ladder  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , SMB  210  is in an open position. Accordingly, rungs  115  of outer ladder  110  are exposed to allow a user to enter or exit the pool and SMB  210  is positioned away from rungs  115 . As shown in  FIG. 3  and as will be discussed further herein, in some embodiments, SMB  210  may attach to and pivot around vertical rail  120   a  via one or more attachment mechanisms  305 . As will be understood and appreciated, in some embodiments, attachment mechanism  305  for use in an embodiment of the present disclosure allows for easy installation of SMB  210  onto ladder  100  while also securely connecting SMB  210  onto ladder  100 . Further, though  FIG. 3  shows attachment mechanisms  305  attached to vertical rail  120   a , it will be understood that in some embodiments, attachment mechanisms  305  can attach to vertical rail  120   b  in which case SMB  210  pivots around vertical rail  120   b.    
         [0030]    In some embodiments, panel  212  of SMB  210  can be constructed from a resilient material compatible with the pool environment, such as, for example and not limitation, nylon, polyester, canvas, an outdoor performance material (e.g., Sunbrella®), or other suitable material. In alternate embodiments, SMB  210  can be constructed from a rigid material such as metal, plastic, or other suitable material. According to some embodiments, attachment mechanism  305  can be molded directly into SMB  210 . For instance, in some embodiments, attachment mechanism  305  can be a molded aperture. For example, attachment mechanism  305  can be a molded tube through which vertical rail  120   a  can be inserted. In other embodiments, attachment mechanism  305  can be molded U-shaped channels capable of snapping over or securely receiving vertical rail  120   a  of outer ladder  110 . Such U-shaped channels can securely, yet removably, attach SMB  210  to outer ladder  110 . In yet other embodiments, as discussed, the attachment mechanism  305  can be a c-style clamp, a collar-style clamp, a split collar clamp, or a quick release clamp for removably affixing SMB  210  to outer ladder  110 . As will be understood, in such configurations, one or more attachment mechanism  305  is in mechanical communication with vertical rail  120   a  and detachably attaches SMB  210  to vertical rail  120   a.    
         [0031]    In some embodiments, SMB  210  may comprise a latching mechanism  310  for locking or securing SMB  210  in a closed position when ladder  100  is not in use. For example, in some embodiments, latching mechanism  310  may fix and lock onto vertical rail  120   b , which is opposite vertical rail  120   a  to which attachment mechanism  305  engages. In some embodiments, latching mechanism  310  may be configured such that the component used for disengaging latching mechanism  310  (e.g., a knob or handle) is at an elevation sufficiently out of the reach of children or infants. For example, a knob or handle for disengaging latching mechanism  310  may be positioned near a top corner of SMB  210 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is a detailed view of an exemplary attachment mechanism  305 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, attachment mechanism  305  may comprise quick-release clamp  405  for releasably attaching SMB  210  to vertical rail  120   a  of outer ladder  110 . In some embodiments, attachment mechanism may comprise a c-style clamp, a collar-style clamp, a split collar clamp, or other suitable clamp for removably affixing SMB  210  to outer ladder  110 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , according to some embodiments, quick-release clamp  405  may comprise operating member  410  and latch member  415 , which may allow easy engagement and disengagement of quick-release clamp  405  to and from vertical rail  210   a . In some embodiments, in addition to being secured to vertical rail  120   a , attachment mechanism  305  may be supported by rung  115  of ladder  100 . As will be appreciated, supporting attachment mechanism  305  on rung  115  can alleviate downward force on attachment mechanism  305  that can cause stress that causes attachment mechanism  305  to unduly fail. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of various components that may comprise attachment mechanism  305 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, attachment mechanism  305  may comprise a quick-release clamp  405  configured to detachably attach SMB  210  with ladder  100 . As discussed in relation to  FIG. 4 , quick-release clamp  405  may be configured to releasably attach SMB  210  to vertical rail  120   a . Further, as shown in  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, quick-release clamp  405  may comprise operating member  410  and latch member  415  that allow for easy engagement and disengagement of quick-release clamp  405  to vertical rail  120 . Further, in some embodiments, quick-release clamp  405  may comprise lip  508  with which latch member  415  may engage to provide a secure connection. 
         [0034]    Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, quick-release clamp  405  may comprise insert cavity  507  configured for receiving insert  505 , which may aid in securing quick-release clamp  405  to vertical rail  120   a . For example, in some embodiments, insert  505  may comprise inner surface  510 , which may be coated in a substance that aids in securing quick-release clamp  405  to vertical rail  120   a . In some embodiments, for example, inner surface  510  may have a rubber surface having a higher coefficient of friction with the material comprising the vertical rail  120   a  than the material comprising quick-release clamp  405 . Additionally, inner surface  510  may comprise one or more ridges  512 , which may likewise aid in providing a more secure connection to vertical rail  120   a . Accordingly, as will be understood and appreciated, quick-release clamp  405  used in conjunction with insert  505  may provide for more secure engagement of SMB  210  to ladder  100  than a quick-release clamp  405  having no such insert  505 . 
         [0035]    As further shown in  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, quick-release clamp  405  may comprise vertical cylindrical cavity  515  configured to receive hinge pin  520 . Further, in some embodiments, attachment mechanism  305  may comprise hinge eye  525 , which may comprise attachment bracket  530  via which SMB  210  can be removably secured to attachment mechanism  305 . For example, in some embodiments, SMB  210  can be affixed to attachment mechanism  305  via attachment bracket  530  using an attachment means such as, for example, screws, rivets, or nuts and bolts. In some embodiments, hinge pin  520  can be inserted into hinge eye  525  and cylindrical cavity  515 , thereby creating a hinge that allows SMB  210  to pivot around vertical rail  120  such that SMB  210  can be opened (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) and closed (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 5 , attachment mechanism  305  may further comprise spring  535  having a diameter sufficient to receive hinge pin  520 . In some embodiments, spring  535  may be adapted for insertion into hinge eye  525  and cylindrical cavity  515  along with hinge pin  520 . Spring  535  may provide a rotating force to SMB  210  which may automatically bring SMB  210  to a closed position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) when a user releases SMB  210  from an open position. In some embodiments, spring  535  may provide a rotating force to SMB  210  that is sufficient to automatically bring SMB  210  to a closed position when released by a user, but the rotating force provided by spring  535  to SMB  210  is such that it takes sufficient time for SMB  210  to come to a closed position and to allow a user to completely exit ladder  100  and clear themselves from SMB  210 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, hinge eye  525 , cylindrical cavity  515 , hinge pin  520 , and spring  535  may be brought together such that they substantially align along a vertical axis represented by dashed line  522 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the rotating force provided by spring  535  may be counteracted by a delaying mechanism to help slow the speed at which SMB  210  automatically closes. As will be appreciated, once SMB  210  is in an open position, it is not necessarily convenient for a user to hold SMB  210  in the open position. For example, if a user is exiting a pool utilizing inner ladder  105 , it may not be convenient for the user to open SMB  210  and hold SMB  210  in an open position while the user attempts to exit the pool. Thus, in some embodiments, a mechanism such as a pneumatic door closer may be used to counteract the force provided by spring  535 . A pneumatic door closer may be configured such that the force counteracting the rotating force provided by spring  535  is adjustable, thereby allowing a user to adjust the speed with which SMB  210  automatically closes. In some embodiments, a one-way rotary damper may be included to help slow the speed at which SMB  210  automatically closes. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of inside surface  315  of SMB  210  upon which an embodiment of latching mechanism  310  is attached. As shown in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, latching mechanism  310  may comprise elongate member  605  positioned generally parallel to the length of SMB  210  and disposed between clamps  610   a  and  610   b , which can be configured as a pair for latching SMB  210  to vertical rail  120  of outer ladder  110 . In some embodiments, clamps  610   a  and  610   b  are rotatable and thus capable from rotating from an open position to a closed position in which they latch to vertical rail  120 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, latching mechanism  310  may comprise handle  615  for disengaging latching mechanism  310  from a locked or secured position. Put differently, handle  615  can transition clamps  610   a  and  610   b  from an open position to a closed position, and vice versa. Although shown as a handle  615  in  FIG. 6 , the mechanism for disengaging latching mechanism  310  from locked or secured position may be configured as a knob or any other suitable configuration. Additionally, in some embodiments, handle  615  may be positioned sufficiently high on SMB  210  such that it is out of reach from children or infants. 
         [0038]    Further, in some embodiments, latching mechanism  310  and mechanism for disengaging the latching mechanism (e.g., handle  615 ) may be configured such that even if it were reached by a child or other potential user, it would be challenging to disengage latching mechanism  310  from ladder  100 . For example, in some embodiments, latching mechanism  310  may be configured such that handle  615  must first be lifted vertically (i.e., toward the top of ladder  100 ) and then rotated to disengage latching mechanism  310 . In some embodiments, handle  615  may comprise a trigger mechanism for disengaging latching mechanism  315 . Additionally, in some embodiments, latching mechanism  310  may comprise a keyed lock or combination lock that must first be unlocked before latching mechanism  310  can be disengaged. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of various components that may compose clamp  610  of latching mechanism  310 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, clamp  610  may comprise elongate member (e.g., horn)  703  for engaging vertical rail  120   b  to secure or latch SMB  210  to ladder  100 . According to some embodiments, clamp  610  may further comprise housing  705 , which may be adapted to receive horn  703  via vertical concavity  708  and allow horn  703  to pivot within vertical concavity  708  such that horn  703  can engage and disengage from vertical rail  120   b.    
         [0040]    Housing  705  may further comprise attachment bracket  710  via which SMB  210  can be removably secured to latching mechanism  310 . For example, in some embodiments, SMB  210  can be affixed to latching mechanism  310  via attachment bracket  710  using an attachment means such as, for example, screws, rivets, or nuts and bolts. Further, in some embodiments, housing  705  may comprise concave side wall  715  adapted to abut vertical rail  120   b , thereby allowing latching mechanism  310  to more securely engage vertical rail  120   b  by providing more surface area contact between horn  703  and vertical rail  120   b . Likewise, horn  703  may comprise extended member  718  adapted to abut vertical rail  120   b  to allow horn  703  to more securely engage vertical rail  120   b.    
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, clamp  610  may further comprise spring  720  and spring cap  725 . According to some embodiments, spring  720  may be adapted for placement within vertical concavity  730  of horn  703 , and spring cap  725  may be adapted to enclose spring  720  within vertical concavity  730  of horn  703  and to affix to housing  705 . In some embodiments, spring  720  may provide a rotating force that may automatically bring horn  703  into a closed or latched position when a user releases, via handle  615 , horn  703  from an open position. For example, after using handle  615  to disengage latching mechanism  310 , which may cause elongate member  703  to move into an open position, spring  720  may cause horn  703  to return to a closed position upon release of handle  615  by the user. As further shown in  FIG. 7 , spring cap  725 , spring  720 , vertical concavity  730 , vertical concavity  708 , and substantially align along vertical axis  721  to which elongate member  605  is parallel. 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  illustrates a method for installing an embodiment of SMB  210  onto exterior ladder  110  of A-framed ladder  100 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, attachment mechanisms  305   a  and  305   b  may be configured to securely affix SMB  210  to vertical rail  120   a  of outer ladder  110 . Further, attachment mechanisms  305  may be configured to allow SMB  210  to pivot around vertical rail  120   a  such that SMB  210  can be put in open positions (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) and closed positions (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and various positions in between. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, latching mechanism  310  may comprise clamps  610   a  and  610   b , which may be adapted for latching SMB  210  to vertical rail  120   b.    
         [0043]      FIG. 9  is a perspective exploded view of SMB  210  being installed onto outer ladder  105  of A-frame-type pool ladder  100 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , SMB  210  is in an open position. As previously discussed, in some embodiments, SMB  210  is detachably attachable to vertical rail  120   a  via one or more attachment mechanisms  305 , which allows SMB  210  to pivot around vertical rail  120   a . As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, attachment mechanisms  305  may be affixed to or detachably attached to vertical attachment bracket  910 . Extended arm  915  may further extend at a normal angle from vertical attachment bracket  910 . Extended arm  915  may be configured to releasably attach to vertical rail  120   b . For example, in some embodiments, extended arm  915  may comprise a molded channel  920  capable of snapping over or securely receiving vertical rail  120   b . As will be appreciated, vertical attachment bracket  910  and extended arm  915 , which may be referred to collectively as a “structure system,” may provide additional rigidity to SMB  210  and help maintain proper alignment between SMB  210  and A-frame-type pool ladder  100  when SMB  210  is in operation. Further, in some embodiments, the structure system may be constructed from steel, resin, plastic, or various other materials. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, attachment mechanism  305  may comprise one-way rotary damper  925 . For example, in some embodiments, one-way rotary damper  925  may be adapted for insertion into cylindrical cavity  515  and/or hinge eye  525  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, one-way rotary damper  925  may provide a force that counters SMB  210  as SMB  210  transitions from an open position to a closed position. Further, in some embodiments, one-way rotary damper  925  may comprise an aperture sufficient to receive hinge pin  520 . Accordingly, as will be appreciated, one-way rotary damper  925  may slow the speed at which SMB  210  transitions from open to closed positions, which can allow a user time to safely exit outer ladder  105  before SMB  210  closes. In some embodiments, the speed at which SMB  210  transitions from open to closed positions may be predetermined, and one-way rotary damper  925  may be configured to provide sufficient force such that SMB  210  closes at the predetermined rate. 
         [0045]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made to the embodiments presented herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, while disclosed for use with a ladder for an above-ground pool, the safety mechanical barrier can readily be adapted for use with other ladders. The materials and configurations disclosed herein are intended to serve illustrative and explanatory purposes only and should not be construed, in any way, as a limitation to the present disclosure.