Patent Publication Number: US-9903129-B1

Title: Insulating panels for above ground swimming pool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     N/A 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to swimming pools, but more particularly to insulating panels for an above ground swimming pool. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     During cold nights, the water temperature in an above ground pools drops significantly in comparison to the water temperature in an in-ground pool because above ground pools do not get the benefit of the soil as insulation. Some manufacturers found a partial solution by using wood instead of steel, which improves the insulation between the water and the outside air. The wood also adds a decorative element. However, wood is rather expensive and is not the best insulating material when you take into account cost, weight, and R-value. Consequently, a better way to insulate above ground pools is described herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the present invention an assembly is provided, comprising an above ground swimming pool having a circular wall and a plurality of support posts; a number of insulating panels configured and sized to fit between the plurality of support posts on the circular wall, wherein each of the number of insulating panels are held in place by arcuate bands and mounting brackets; and a number of decorative cladding sections positioned and placed over the insulating panels. 
     In one embodiment, each of the number of insulating panels is held in place by at least two arcuate bands. In another embodiment, each arcuate band is attached to each of the number of insulating panels via a pair of mounting brackets and a first set of mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, each mounting bracket is Z-shaped comprising a first section, a second section, and a third section. In yet another embodiment, the first section is inserted between the circular wall and a support post of the plurality of support posts. 
     In one embodiment, an insulating panel of the number of insulating panels has a first thickness, and an arcuate band of the at least two arcuate bands has a second thickness, wherein the second section extends perpendicularly from the first section and encompasses the first thickness of the insulating panel and the second thickness of the arcuate band. In another embodiment, the third section extends perpendicularly from the second section and parallel to the first section while covering an edge portion of the arcuate band, allowing the arcuate band to apply pressure and secure the insulating panel against the circular wall. 
     In one embodiment, each of the number of decorative cladding sections is attached via a second set of mechanical fasteners. In another embodiment, each of the number of insulating panels is constructed from an insulating material comprising a high thermal resistance value. In yet another embodiment, the insulating material is expanded polyethylene (EPE). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of insulating panels for an above ground swimming pool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view an above ground pool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a detailed view of a mounting bracket for an insulating panel for the above ground pool of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of a section of an above ground pool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of  FIG. 3A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide insulating panels for an above ground swimming pool. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of insulating panels  10  for an above ground swimming pool  12  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the above ground swimming pool comprises a circular wall  24  and support posts  16 , wherein the circular wall is constructed from a metallic material for retaining water as well known in the art. The insulation panels are configured and sized to fit between the support posts of the above ground pool. In one embodiment, the insulating panels are held in place by arcuate bands  18  and brackets  20  inserted between the support posts and the circular wall. 
     In one embodiment, the insulating panels are constructed from an insulating material chosen for its R-value and higher thermal resistance. An exemplary selection of the insulating material is Expanded Polyethylene (EPE), but other insulating materials may be used. When selecting the insulating material, aesthetic and durability properties are less critical than thermal resistance. Therefore, it is preferable to include a decorative cladding  22  positioned and placed over the insulating panels. In one embodiment, the decorative cladding is mechanically fastened to the brackets. In one embodiment, the decorative cladding is preferably constructed from a polymer having properties of Ultra Violet (UV) resistance, durability, and a material suitable for printing designs. However, it should be understood that as new material technologies emerge a single, integrated insulating panel and cladding may be used, and the step of including cladding for decorative purposes could be obsolete. Currently, the addition of decorative cladding is a viable option. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-B , a holding bracket  20  is insulated. The holding brackets are generally Z-shaped comprising a first section  26 , a second section  28 , and a third section  30 . The first section is inserted between the circular wall and the support posts. The second section extends perpendicularly from the first section and encompasses the thickness of the insulating panel and the arcuate band. The third section extends perpendicularly from the second section and parallel to the first section, while covering an edge portion  19  of the band allowing the band to apply pressure and secure the insulating panels against the circular wall. 
     In one embodiment, there are preferably two parallel bands per insulating panel, but more bands may be included, especially for very deep above ground pools. Any variety of mechanical fasteners  32  can be used for attaching the arcuate bands  18  to the insulating panels. In one embodiment, a separate set of mechanical fasteners  34  may be used to attach the decorative cladding. 
       FIGS. 3A-B  show a top view and an exploded view illustrating how the insulating panels, arcuate bands, and decorative cladding are held and attached to the above ground pool via the brackets and mechanical fasteners. 
     Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object. 
     In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.