Exercise and therapy pool structure

A pool structure uses an installation to receive a treadmill within the pool. The installation has a pan which is embedded within the floor of the pool. A duct projects from the pan through a sidewall of the pool. A motor uses a mechanical transmission extending through the sidewall to provide motive power to the treadmill. Anchoring studs, which are drilled into the pool floor, are attached to the pan via a structural angle weldment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to aquatic pools having equipment for hydrotherapy and exercise.

BACKGROUND

Aquatic/hydro therapy provides proven effective treatment for many health related concerns such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, rehabilitation for orthopedic joint sprains, surgeries and replacements, chronic pain relief, neurological and neuromuscular disorders, as well as a means for effective weight loss and improved balance and stability. Moreover, excellent exercise regimens for the professional athlete as well as the average health conscious individual are realizable using aquatic/hydro therapy equipment.

The effectiveness of aquatic/hydrotherapy provides an incentive for improvements to aquatic/hydrotherapy equipment. Opportunities for improvements in construction techniques, simplicity and efficiency of maintenance, and accommodation of a broad spectrum of users having different physical characteristics are a few examples of progress to be made.

SUMMARY

In one aspect the invention encompasses an installation comprising a pan. In an example embodiment the pan comprises a floor panel and a plurality of side panels attached thereto. The side panels extend transversely to the floor panel and define a receiving space between the floor panel and the side panels. An opening is positioned in one of the side panels. A duct has an open end attached to the pan at the opening. The duct extends transversely to the one side panel. Further by way of example a plurality of mounting brackets may be affixed to the floor panel. A frame surrounds the receiving space in example embodiments. A treadmill may be positioned within the receiving space. A pair of railings may be positioned in space relation on opposite sides of the treadmill.

An example installation may further comprise a motor positioned adjacent to the duct. A mechanical transmission extends through the duct. The mechanical transmission connects the motor to the treadmill for providing motive power thereto. In a particular example embodiment the mechanical transmission comprises a pulley assembly. In an example a plurality of studs are attached to and extend from the pan. By way of example the pay may comprise four side panels.

The invention also encompasses a pool structure. An example pool structure embodiment comprises a pool floor. A plurality of sidewalls are attached to one another and the pool floor. The sidewalls extend transversely to the pool floor and define a water receiving volume therebetween. A first pan is attached to the pool floor adjacent to one of the sidewalls. The first pan comprises a first floor panel and a plurality of first side panels attached thereto. The first side panels extend transversely to the first floor panel and define a first receiving space between the first floor panel and the first side panels. A first opening is positioned in one of the first side panels. A first duct has an open end attached to the first pan at the first opening. The first duct extends transversely to the one first side panel and through the one sidewall adjacent to the first pan, thereby positioning an opposite end of the first duct outside of the water receiving volume.

In an example embodiment a first treadmill is positioned within the first receiving space. By way of example the pool structure may further comprises a pair of railings positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the first treadmill. A motor is positioned adjacent to the first duct and a mechanical transmission extends through the first duct. The mechanical transmission connects the motor to the first treadmill for providing motive power thereto. In an example embodiment the mechanical transmission comprises a pulley assembly. Further by way of example a jet port is positioned in the one sidewall adjacent to the first pan. The jet port is aligned with the first treadmill. In an example embodiment the first pan is embedded within the pool floor. By way of example a plurality of studs are attached to and extend from the first pan. The studs are embedded within the pool floor.

In an example embodiment the pool floor has an upper surface, and the first treadmill has a belt positioned flush with the upper surface. Further by way of example a frame surrounds the first treadmill. The frame is positioned flush with the upper surface in an example embodiment. A plurality of mounting brackets may be affixed to the first floor panel. In a specific example embodiment the pool floor and the plurality of sidewalls are formed of concrete, gunite or shotcrete. Further by way of example, the pool structure may further comprise a second pan attached to the pool floor adjacent to one of the sidewalls. The second pan comprises a second floor panel and a plurality of second side panels attached thereto. The second side panels extend transversely to the second floor panel and define a second receiving space between the second floor panel and the second side panels. A second opening is positioned in one of the second side panels. A second duct has an open end attached to second pan at the second opening. The second duct extends transversely to the one second side panel and through the one sidewall adjacent to the second pan, thereby positioning an opposite end of second duct outside of the water receiving volume in this example.

By way of example a second treadmill may be positioned within the second receiving space. A pair of railings may be positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the second treadmill. In a further example embodiment, the pool structure comprises a motor positioned adjacent to the second duct. A mechanical transmission extends through the second duct. The mechanical transmission connects the motor to the second treadmill for providing motive power thereto. In an example embodiment the mechanical transmission comprises a pulley assembly. In an example embodiment a jet port is positioned in the one sidewall adjacent to the second pan. The jet port is aligned with the second treadmill. By way of example the second pan is embedded within the pool floor. In a further example a plurality of studs are attached to and extend from the second pan. The studs are embedded within the pool floor in this example embodiment. The pool floor has an upper surface in this example, and the second treadmill has a belt positioned flush with the upper surface. Further by way of example, a frame surrounds the second treadmill. The frame is positioned flush with the upper surface in an example embodiment. A plurality of mounting brackets may be affixed to the second floor panel in an example.

In another example embodiment according to the invention, a pool structure comprises a pool floor. A plurality of sidewalls are attached to one another and the pool floor. The sidewalls extend transversely to the pool floor and define a water receiving volume therebetween. A first pan is attached to the pool floor adjacent to one of the sidewalls. The first pan comprises a first floor panel and a plurality of first side panels attached thereto. The first side panels extending transversely to the first floor panel and defining a first receiving space between the first floor panel and the first side panels. A first opening is positioned in one of the first side panels. A first duct has an open end attached to the first pan at the first opening. The first duct extends transversely to the one first side panel and through the one sidewall adjacent to the first pan, thereby positioning an opposite end of the first duct outside of the water receiving volume. A second pan is attached to the pool floor adjacent to one of the sidewalls. The second pan comprises a second floor panel and a plurality of second side panels are attached thereto. The second side panels extend transversely to the second floor panel and define a second receiving space between the second floor panel and the second side panels. A second opening is positioned in one of the second side panels. A second duct has an open end attached to the second pan at the second opening. The second duct extends transversely to the one of the second side panels and through the one sidewall adjacent to the second pan, thereby positioning an opposite end of the second duct outside of the water receiving volume.

In an example embodiment a first treadmill is positioned within the first receiving space and a second treadmill positioned within the second receiving space. By way of example the first and second pans are embedded within the pool floor. A plurality of studs are attached to and extend from the first and second pans. The studs are embedded within the pool floor. In an example embodiment the pool floor comprises a first upper surface portion positioned at a first level and a second upper surface portion positioned at a second level. The second level is higher relative to the first level. The first pan is surrounded by the first upper surface portion and the second pan is surrounded by the second upper surface portion.

Further by way of example, the first treadmill has a belt positioned flush with the first upper surface portion and the second treadmill has a belt positioned flush with the second upper surface portion. Also by way of example, a first frame surrounds the first treadmill and a second frame surrounds the second treadmill. In an example embodiment the first frame is positioned flush with the first upper surface portion and the second frame is positioned flush with the second upper surface portion. A first motor is positioned adjacent to the first duct in an example embodiment. A first mechanical transmission extends through the first duct in an example. The first mechanical transmission connects the first motor to the first treadmill for providing motive power thereto. A second motor is positioned adjacent to the second duct, and a second mechanical transmission extends through the second duct in an example. The second mechanical transmission connects the second motor to the second treadmill for providing motive power thereto.

In an example embodiment the first mechanical transmission comprises a first pulley assembly and the second mechanical transmission comprises a second pulley assembly. An example embodiment may further comprise a first pair of railings positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the first treadmill and a second pair of railings positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the second treadmill. A further example embodiment comprises a first jet port positioned in the one sidewall adjacent to the first pan. The first jet port is aligned with the first treadmill. A second jet port is positioned in the one side wall adjacent to the second pan. The second jet port is aligned with the second treadmill in this example. By way of example the pool floor and the plurality of sidewalls are formed of concrete, gunite or shotcrete.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows an example pool structure10according to the invention. Pool structure10is advantageously formed of a reinforcing bar (rebar) framework over which a concrete mixture such as gunite or shotcrete is applied. Pool structure10comprises a pool floor12. A plurality of sidewalls14, in this example four side walls14a,14b,14cand14d, are attached to one another and to the pool floor12. The sidewalls14extend transversely to the pool floor and define a water receiving volume16therebetween.

As shown inFIG.2, an installation18is attached to the pool floor12adjacent to one of the sidewalls14a.FIG.3shows the installation18in detail which comprises a pan20. Pan20comprises a floor panel22and a plurality of side panels24attached thereto. In this example there are four side panels,24a,24b,24cand24d, which extend transversely to the floor panel22and define a receiving space26between the floor panel22and the side panels24. An opening28is positioned in one of the side panels24aand a duct30having an open end32is attached to the pan20at the opening28. The duct30extends transversely to the side panel24aand, as shown inFIG.4, through the pool sidewall14aadjacent to the pan20, thereby positioning an opposite end34of the duct30outside of the water receiving volume16.

As shown inFIG.2A, the pan20is advantageously embedded within the pool floor12using a plurality of anchoring studs36. As shown inFIG.2B, the studs36are drilled into the pool floor12within a recess37sized larger than pan20. Structural angle elements39are placed on the studs36. The stud and angle assembly is leveled and welded together. Pan20is then positioned within the recess37, welded to the angle elements39, and the recess37is backfilled with grout41around the pan. Pan20is advantageously formed of stainless steel which allows the installation18to be part of a weldment with the stud and angle assembly. As shown inFIGS.2,3and4, a plurality of mounting brackets38may be affixed to the floor panel22of pan20to permit mounting of a treadmill40positioned within the receiving space26of pan20. Example treadmills for aquatic use may be seen in the line of therapy pools provided by HYDROWORX of Middletown, Pennsylvania. Treadmill40comprises a moving belt42mounted on rollers44. A frame46surrounds the treadmill40. In this example both the belt42and the frame46are positioned flush with the upper surface48of the pool floor12as shown inFIG.1. Treadmill40may further comprise a pair of railings50positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the treadmill.

As shown inFIGS.2and4, treadmill40is powered by a motor52, in this example an electric motor, positioned adjacent to the duct30outside of the water receiving volume16. A mechanical transmission54extends through the duct30to connect the motor52to the treadmill40for providing motive power thereto. In this example embodiment the mechanical transmission comprises a pulley assembly56. Pulley assembly56comprises a transmission shaft58driven by a belt60from the motor52which, in turn, drives a second belt62which extends through the duct30and connects to the drive roller44of the treadmill40. As shown inFIG.1, the pool structure10may also comprise a jet port64positioned in the pool sidewall14aadjacent to the pan20(not visible). The jet port64is aligned with the treadmill40and may be used to provide a jet of water against a user of the treadmill for increased resistance to walking on the treadmill.

The pool structure10according to the invention may comprise multiple embedded installations18, each receiving a respective treadmill40powered by respective motors52via respective mechanical transmissions54. The treadmills40may be located side by side along the same pool sidewall14, or along different side walls, each treadmill having a dedicated jet port64. When multiple treadmills40are used as shown inFIG.5, it is advantageous to support the various treadmills at different depths within the water receiving volume16to accommodate users of different heights. The example pool structure embodiment10shown inFIG.5has two treadmills40aand40b. To support the treadmills at different depths the pool floor12comprises a first upper surface portion66positioned at a first level68and a second upper surface portion70positioned at a second level72. The second level72is higher relative to the first level68. This effect may be accomplished by making the pool floor12thicker in the region of the second upper surface portion70as shown. The first pan20which receives the first treadmill40ais surrounded by the first upper surface portion66and the second pan20which receives the second treadmill40bis surrounded by the second upper surface portion. Similar to the example embodiments previously described, the first treadmill40ahas a belt42and a frame46now positioned flush with the first upper surface portion66, and the second treadmill40bhas a belt42and a frame46positioned flush with the second upper surface portion70. The difference in height between the first and second levels68and72has the effect of placing the first treadmill40adeeper within the water receiving volume16than the second treadmill40b, thereby allowing the pool structure to accommodate users of different height. The pool structure10is of course not limited to two treadmills, as a plurality of treadmills may be installed to accommodate a wide range of user heights. Separating walls74may be included in the pool structure to help confine the resistance current from the jet ports64.

It is expected that pool structures and installations according to the invention will provide safe therapeutic benefits to a wide variety of users as well as a structure which is readily fabricated and efficient to operate and maintain.