Abstract:
A personal immersion tank and aquarium combination, comprising a first tank having vertical walls and a bottom for allowing water to be contained therein, wherein one of the walls at least is translucent for viewing therefrom, a second tank disposed adjacent the first tank and constructed to contained sea life and water for supporting such sea life, the second tank having vertical sides and a bottom with a portion of the vertical sides adjacent to and in contact with the at least one translucent wall of the first tank being also translucent such that a viewer that is positioned outside of both the first tank and the second tank can see through the walls of the second tank to the first tank and a person immersed in the first tank can see through the walls of the second tank through the at least one translucent wall in the first tank.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/827,377, filed on May 24, 2013, entitled SWIMMING POOL DESIGN, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]    For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
           [0003]      FIG. 1A  illustrates one embodiment of a structure where one portion is a swimming pool and another portion is an aquarium, which share a common wall; 
           [0004]      FIG. 1B  illustrates one embodiment of a top view of the structure of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0005]      FIG. 1C  illustrates one embodiment of a side view of one of the walls of the structure of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0006]      FIG. 1D  illustrates one embodiment of a side view of yet another wall of the structure of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0007]      FIG. 1E  illustrates one embodiment of an end view of yet another two walls of the structure of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the common wall of the structure of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A  that includes swimming pool equipment and aquarium equipment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , the aquarium portion positioned to share two walls with the swimming pool portion; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , the aquarium portion positioned to share three walls with the swimming pool portion; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , wherein the structure of  FIG. 1A  includes a curved outer wall; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , wherein the structure of  FIG. 1A  includes a curved outer wall; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , wherein the structure of  FIG. 1A  includes a second aquarium positioned opposite the first aquarium; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , wherein the structure of  FIG. 1A  includes a second aquarium positioned opposite the first aquarium; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , wherein the structure of  FIG. 1A  includes a single aquarium and two adjacent swimming pools; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a possible cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8C  illustrates another possible cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , wherein the aquarium surrounds the swimming pool; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a possible cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 9A , wherein the structure is anchored to a wall. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10B  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11A  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1A , wherein the aquarium surrounds the swimming pool; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11B  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 11A , wherein one or more walkways is included; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11C  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 11A , wherein the aquarium is larger on one side of the swimming pool; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11D  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 11A , wherein the structure is curved; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 11E  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the structure of  11 D, wherein the structure includes two aquariums. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of a swimming pool design are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments. 
         [0029]    Swimming pools and aquariums commonly have relatively standard designs. While combinations of swimming pools and aquariums exist, the aquarium is typically placed within or otherwise supported by the swimming pool to allow people in the swimming pool to see the aquarium. However, this makes it difficult for those outside of the swimming pool to see the aquarium, as the water level of the aquarium must rise above the water level of the swimming pool in order for the contents of the aquarium to be easily viewable from outside the swimming pool. This requirement diminishes the design options and may be less visually pleasing. Furthermore, as such swimming pools are typically in-ground, neither the swimmers nor the contents of the aquarium are easily visible from outside the swimming pool. Accordingly, a design that addresses these issues may be desirable for facilities that want to maximize the visual impact of the swimming pool/aquarium combination. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , one embodiment of a structure  100  is illustrated with one portion that is a swimming pool  102  and another portion that is an aquarium  104 . In the present example, the swimming pool  102  is substantially rectangular in shape and includes walls  106 ,  108 ,  110 , and  112 , and a floor  114 . The swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104  share the wall  106 , and the aquarium  104  further includes walls  116 ,  118 , and  120  and a floor  122 , and is also substantially rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the aquarium  104  may also include a partial or complete top (not shown) that partially or completely shields the aquarium from the environment, may be transparent, and/or may be strong enough to be used as a walkway. It is understood that the aquarium  104  (and any aquarium discussed herein) may actually be two or more distinct aquariums, rather than the single aquarium shown in the present embodiment. 
         [0031]    At least the common wall  106  and the wall  118  are made of a material (e.g., glass or plastic) that is relatively transparent, thereby allowing a user to see through the wall  118 , through the wall  106 , and into the swimming pool  102 . This requires that the wall  118  is viewable, meaning that the wall  118  is either above ground (e.g., some or all of the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104  are above ground) or that the wall  118  is set into another wall or area where it is viewable (e.g., in a below ground level room such as a restaurant, lounge, or other area). In some embodiments, the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104  may be completely or partially above ground. In such embodiments, most or all of the walls  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  116 ,  118 , and/or  120 , as well as the floors  114  and/or  122  may be transparent. It is noted that although the swimming pool  102  is larger than the aquarium  104  in the present embodiment, in other embodiments the aquarium may be larger than the swimming pool or the aquarium and the swimming pool may be the same size. 
         [0032]    With additional reference to  FIG. 1B , a top view of the structure  100  of  FIG. 1A  is provided. In the present example, the swimming pool  102  has a length L1 defined by wall  110  and a length L3 defined by the common wall  106 . The aquarium  104  has a length L2 defined by wall  118  and length L3 defined by the common wall  106 . As the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104  are rectangles of the same length, the lengths L1, L2, and L3 are equal. The width of the swimming pool  102  is defined by widths W1 and W2 (which are equal in this example) provided by walls  108  and  112 , respectively. The width of the aquarium  104  is defined by widths W3 and W4 (which are equal in this example) provided by walls  116  and  120 , respectively. 
         [0033]    With additional reference to  FIGS. 1C-1E , additional views of the structure  100  of  FIG. 1A  are provided, including a side view of the wall  110  ( FIG. 1C ), a side view of the wall  118  ( FIG. 1D ), and an end view of walls  108  and  116  ( FIG. 1E ). Heights H1, H2, H3, and H4 are equal in the present example. 
         [0034]    It is understood that some or all of the lengths L1-L3, widths W1-W4, and/or heights H1-H4 may be different from one another. For example, the bottom  114  of the swimming pool  102  may slope downwards from a shallower end at the wall  108  to a deeper end at the wall  112 . In this case, the height H1 of wall  112  would be greater than the height H2 of wall  108 . The bottom  122  of the aquarium  104  may mimic the slope of the bottom  114  or not, depending on the visual aspect desired for the structure  100 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the wall  106  is illustrated. In the present example, the wall  106  defines widths W1-W4. The widths W1-W4 may be equal or may be different depending on the particular design of the structure  100 . The widths W1-W4 may typically be selected to provide optimal visibility while ensuring that the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104  remain separated. For example, the widths W1-W4 may be selected to both contain the water present in the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104 , as well as to withstand impacts from swimmers. In some embodiments, the widths W1-W4 may be sufficient to allow one of the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104  to be empty of water while the other is full of water, thereby allowing maintenance to be performed on the one without impacting the other. In other embodiments, the widths W1-W4 may not be sufficient for separate maintenance and a certain level of water may need to be maintained in both the swimming pool  102  and the aquarium  104  to provide support to the wall  106 . 
         [0036]    Although the wall  106  is shown as a single transparent wall in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 2 , it is understood that some of the wall may be translucent or opaque. For example, only the upper half may be transparent, while the lower half may be made of a non-transparent material. Accordingly, by varying the design of the wall  106 , different visual designs may be implemented. In addition, while shown as a single wall, it is understood that the wall  106  may be multiple layers in some embodiments, with or without separation (e.g., air or water) between the individual layers forming the wall  106 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the structure  100  of  FIG. 1A  is illustrated with swimming pool equipment  200  and aquarium equipment  202 . The swimming pool equipment  200  may include filter(s), pump(s), heater(s), cleaner(s), light(s), and/or other equipment used in the operation and maintenance of a swimming pool. The aquarium equipment  202  may include filter(s), pump(s), heater(s), cleaner(s), light(s), and/or other equipment used in the operation and maintenance of an aquarium. The equipment  200  and  202  may include both equipment located with the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104 , as well as equipment positioned outside of the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of a structure  400  is illustrated with a swimming pool  402  and an aquarium  404 . The structure  400  is similar to the structure  100  of  FIG. 1A  and like parts are numbered as in  FIG. 1A . However, the aquarium  404  of the structure  400  is positioned along the wall  108  of the swimming pool  402  as well as along wall  106  as shown in  FIG. 1A . Accordingly, the aquarium  402  includes additional walls  406  and  408 . At least the walls  106  and  118  are transparent as described with respect to  FIG. 1A , and the walls  108  and  406  are also transparent in this embodiment. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , one embodiment of a structure  500  is illustrated with a swimming pool  502  and an aquarium  504 . The structure  500  is similar to the structure  400  of  FIG. 4  and like parts are numbered as in  FIG. 4 . However, the aquarium  504  of the structure  500  is positioned along the wall  110  of the swimming pool  502  as well as along walls  106  and  108  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Accordingly, the aquarium  502  includes additional walls  506  and  508 . At least the walls  106 ,  108 ,  118 , and  402  are transparent as described with respect to  FIG. 4 , and the walls  110  and  506  are also transparent in this embodiment. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , one embodiment of a structure  600  is illustrated in perspective and top views, respectively, with a swimming pool  602  and an aquarium  604 . The structure  600  is similar to the structure  100  of  FIG. 1A  but is different in shape. Accordingly, the swimming pool  602  includes a curved outer wall  606  (that may or may not be transparent) and a transparent inner wall  610  that is shared with aquarium  604 . The aquarium  604  also has an outer wall  608  that is transparent. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , one embodiment of a structure  700  is illustrated in perspective and top views, respectively, with a swimming pool  702  and an aquarium  704 . The structure  700  is similar to the structure  600  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  and like parts are numbered as in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . However, the structure  700  includes a second aquarium  702  positioned opposite the aquarium  604 . The aquarium  702  shares a common wall  704  with swimming pool  602  and also has a curved outer wall  706 . The walls  608  and  610  are transparent as described with respect to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , and the walls  704  and  706  are also transparent in this embodiment. In some embodiments, the portions of the wall  606  that are not adjacent to an aquarium may not be transparent. 
         [0042]    Referring to the following embodiments generally, various examples of structures are illustrated. Although the swimming pool  102  and aquarium  104  are illustrated in preceding embodiments as being substantially rectangular in shape, it is understood that the structure  100  may be configured in many different ways. For example, the swimming pool may include one or more curves or other non-linear shapes and the aquarium may follow the lines of the swimming pool. In other embodiments, the aquarium may not follow the lines of the swimming pool, but may have a different shape as defined by the aquarium walls not shared with the swimming pool. Accordingly, various alternative embodiments are illustrated in the following figures, although it is understood that many other configurations may be used and the provided embodiments are for purposes of example only and are not intended to be limiting. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8C , a top view of one embodiment of a structure  800  is illustrated with a swimming pool  802  and two aquariums  804  and  806 . An alternative embodiment may reverse this arrangement, with a single aquarium  802  and two adjacent swimming pools  804  and  806 .  FIG. 8B  illustrates one possible cross-sectional view, with the aquariums  804  and  806  maintained separately.  FIG. 8C  illustrates another possible cross-sectional view, with the aquariums  804  and  806  connected underneath the swimming pool  802  by a fluid passage  808 , which may serve as the floor of the swimming pool  802  in some embodiments. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a top view of one embodiment of a structure  900  is illustrated with a swimming pool  902  and an aquarium  904 .  FIG. 9B  illustrates one possible cross-sectional view, with the aquarium  904  serving as some or all of the ceiling of an area underneath the aquarium  904 , such as a room. Walls, columns, or other supports (not shown) in the lower area may be used to support the aquarium  904  in some embodiments. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a top view of one embodiment of a structure  1000  is illustrated with a swimming pool  1002  and an aquarium  1004 . The structure  1000  is anchored to a wall  1004 .  FIG. 10B  illustrates one possible side view, with the aquarium  1004  overhanging an empty space. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 11A , a top view of one embodiment of a structure  1100  is illustrated with a swimming pool  1102  and an aquarium  1104 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 11B , a top view of one embodiment of a structure  1110  is illustrated with a swimming pool  1112  and an aquarium  1114 . One or more walkways  1116  may be positioned to provide access to the swimming pool  1112 . The walkway  1116  may be over the aquarium  1114  so that the aquarium  1114  runs underneath the walkway  1116 , or may run be through all or a portion of the aquarium  1114 . 
         [0048]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 11C , a top view of one embodiment of a structure  1120  is illustrated with a swimming pool  1122  and an aquarium  1124 . As illustrated, the aquarium  1124  is larger on one side of the swimming pool  1122  than on the other two sides. 
         [0049]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 11D , a top view of one embodiment of a structure  1130  is illustrated with a swimming pool  1132  and an aquarium  1134 . 
         [0050]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 11E , a top view of one embodiment of a structure  1140  is illustrated with a swimming pool  1142  and two aquariums  1144  and  1146 . 
         [0051]    Although the aquariums described herein are generally illustrated as positioned on the ground or in the ground, it is understood that they may be positioned in other ways. For example, an aquarium may be suspended (e.g., by cables), placed on a stand or other structure, wrapped around a column, or otherwise supported. Accordingly, the disclosure herein is directed to the placement of an aquarium relative to a swimming pool and need not be limited to particular support structures. 
         [0052]    Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.