Patent Publication Number: US-6209147-B1

Title: Underwater attachment system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention, in general relates to swimming pool accessories and, more particularly, to a system for interchangeably attaching umbrellas, tables, stools, benches, games, and other accessories to a base structure that is disposed underwater. 
     When lounging in a swimming pool or a hot tub an umbrella that is attached underwater and which extends above the surface of the water would produce shade and is therefore, desirable. A table that is disposed above the water surface would also be useful for serving food and drinks and even for reading. A bench or stool that is slightly submerged upon which one could sit would similarly also be valuable. It would also be desirable to be able to attach a game, such as a pole supporting a backstop and hoop so that a type of basketball could be played while in the pool. The ability to detach any of the above accessories to provide an open aquatic area or to be able to substitute other accessories would also be especially desirable. 
     Accordingly there exists today a need for an underwater attachment system that includes a base underneath the water to which a variety of objects such as are mentioned hereinbefore and hereinafter are detachably-attachable. 
     Clearly, such a system would be useful and desirable. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Underwater attachments for devices such as umbrellas or tables are, in general, known. However, these types of devices, once installed, are permanent. They do not permit removal of the umbrella or table for more open use of the area nor do they permit the interchange of other types of devices. For example, it is not possible to remove the umbrella and substitute in its place a basketball post. 
     While the structural arrangements of the above described devices, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an underwater attachment system that can be used with a swimming pool. 
     It is also an important object of the invention to provide an underwater attachment system that can be used with a hot tub. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that includes a base disposed underneath the water that can receive and support an accessory that is attached thereto. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that includes a base adapted to detachably receive an accessory that is useful in an aquatic environment. 
     Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that can be used to attach a support pedestal to a base. 
     Yet another important object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that includes a support pedestal, detachably attachable to an underwater base. 
     Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that can provide a table. 
     One other important object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that can provide an umbrella. one further important object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that can provide a bench. 
     One still further important object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that can provide a stool. 
     Yet one more important object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that can provide a support for a game. 
     One still further especially important object of the invention is to provide an underwater attachment system that includes a base having a twist-on and twist-off type of a mounting system for attaching and detaching a support pedestal. 
     Briefly, an underwater attachment system for use in an aquatic environment that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a base attached to a structure under the water with its top nearly flush with the top surface of the structure to which it is attached. The base includes a method to detachably-attach a support pedestal thereto. The support pedestal is adapted to provide support for a variety of devices that are attached thereto. For example, it can provide support for an umbrella (to provide shade) or for a table, or for both simultaneously. The support pedestal can also provide support for a stool to sit on or, when used in concert with at least one additional base, a bench. It can be used to support any desired device, including a variety of games. For example the support pedestal when attached to the base can be used to support a basketball hoop and backboard. As the support pedestal is detachable apart from the base, it can be removed to provide an open area or it can be replaced when desired by another support pedestal adapted to provide an alternative benefit. According to a preferred embodiment, the support pedestal is adapted to twist on or off from the base and uses a type of “bayonet” mounting system. The base is attached to the bottom of the structure and the pedestal support is detachably-attachable thereto or a modified base is attached to the side of the structure and a modified pedestal support is detachably-attachable thereto. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of a base installed underwater. 
     FIG. 2 is a view as shown in FIG. 1 as seen along the lines  2 — 2  therein. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of a pedestal support adapted to cooperate with the base of FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the underwater attachment system at a pool showing several preferred embodiments of the system. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of a recreational use of the system. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the underwater attachment system with a modified base attached to the side wall of a pool and a modified pedestal support attached thereto. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1 is shown, a base, identified in general by the reference numeral  10 . Water  12  is above the base  10 . A surface  14 , which forms the bottom of a pool, hot tub, or similar structure is disposed under the water  12  at a predetermined depth. 
     The surface  14  is typically the top of a structure that is formed of gunite, identified in general by the reference numeral  16 . Gunite  16  is a type of air-blown concrete that is well known in the swimming pool construction arts and, as shown, surrounds the base  10 . 
     The base  10  includes a plurality of holes  18   a-f . The holes  18   a-f  are used to better secure the base  10  to the gunite  16  as during installation when the gunite  16  fills in certain of the holes  18   b ,  18   d ,  18   e , and  18   f , and which therefore better secures the base  10  to the gunite  16  when it is placed so that a top  19  is nearly flush with the surface  14 . Two of the holes  18   a  and  18   c  have a reinforcing bar  20   a  and  20   b  passing through them and into the gunite  16 . The reinforcing bars  20   a ,  20   b  are also useful in securing the base  10  in the proper position by fastening them to other reinforcing bars (not shown) that are dispersed throughout the area that is to be filled with the gunite  16 . 
     Another way to better secure the base  10  to the gunite  16  is by the use of a plurality of protrusions  22   a    22   b  that are formed as part of the base  10 . 
     The base  10  includes the top  19 , and a plurality of tapered members  24   a ,  24   b , and  24   c  that are wider where they are attached to the top  19  and narrower at an opposite or bottom end. A fourth tapered member (not shown in this drawing) is disposed on the side opposite the second tapered member  24   b.    
     A center cylindrical member  26  extends from the top  19  to the bottom of the tapered members  24   a-c . The tapered members  24   a-c  are attached to the center cylindrical member  26  along its entire length. The tapered members  24   a-c  each function as a gusset intermediate the center cylindrical member  26  and the top  19  and add strength to the overall assembly (as well as in helping to secure the base  10  to the surrounding gunite  16 ). 
     The center cylindrical member  26  includes a hollow interior  28  that extends from the top  19  to a bottom plate  29  that forms a seal at the bottom of the base  10 . 
     A first arcuate slot  30  and a second arcuate slot  32  (a third arcuate slot is not shown in this drawing) are provided in the top  19 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the third arcuate slot  34  is shown along with the first and second arcuate slots  30 ,  32 . They are each constructed so as to be the same and so the following detail of construction for the first arcuate slot  30  applies to all of them. 
     The first arcuate slot  30  includes a large circular opening  36  at one end that is open to the top  19 . A narrower curved opening  37  extends from the circular opening  36  to its point of termination which is called a first stop  38 . An interior slot  40  matches the curvature of the curved opening  37  and is as wide as is the large circular opening  36 . The first arcuate slot  30  including the circular opening  36 , the narrower curved opening  37  and the interior slot  40  are contained within the top  19 . 
     The second and third arcuate slots  32 ,  34  are similarly constructed and are spaced equidistant with respect to each other. The first second and third arcuate slots  30 ,  32 ,  34  are used to form a mounting system to attach a pedestal support  50  (see FIG. 3) thereto. This type of a mounting system is known as a “bayonet” mount and is described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, the pedestal support  50  includes a circular base plate  52  to which are attached a first T-shaped member  54 , a second T-shaped member  56 , and a third T-shaped member  58 . 
     An upright pedestal  60  extends upward at a right angle with respect to the plane defined by the base plate  52 . A plurality of gusset plates  62   a,b,c  provide strength to the upright pedestal  60  and are disposed intermediate the upright pedestal  60  and the base plate  52 , to which they are each attached. 
     The upright pedestal  60  includes a hollow interior opening  64  that extends longitudinally along the length of the upright pedestal  60  and which extends through the base plate  52 . The base plate  52  includes a tapered edge  66  around the circumference thereof that includes an angled surface so that the base plate  52  has a greater diameter at the bottom and a lesser diameter at the top (closer to the upright pedestal  60 ). The tapered edge  66  prevents the toes of a user (not shown) from being stubbed by bumping up against what would otherwise be a flat edge. 
     In use, the pedestal support  50  is attached to the base  10  during use and is removable therefrom as desired. To attach the pedestal support  50  to the base  10 , it is held above the base  10  and lowered so that one of the T-shaped members  54 ,  56 ,  58  aligns with and enters into the large circular opening  36  of the first arcuate slot  30  and the remaining two of the three T-shaped members  54 ,  56 ,  58  align with and enter into a corresponding large circular opening  32   a  of the second arcuate slot  32  and a large circular opening  34   a  of the third arcuate slot  34 . The pedestal support  50  is then rotated clockwise to move the T-shaped member (either  54 ,  56 , or  58 ) along the narrower curved opening  37  until it reaches the first stop  38 . The remaining two T-shaped members similarly rotate within the second and the third arcuate slots  32 ,  34  thereby securing the pedestal support  50  in a position of cooperation adjacent the base  10 . This type of a mounting, as mentioned hereinabove, is sometimes called a “bayonet” mount. To remove the pedestal support  50  from the base  10  the procedure is merely reversed by rotating the pedestal support  50  fully counterclockwise and lifting it off of the base  10 . When the pedestal support  50  is attached to the base  10  as described hereinabove a tight secure alignment is achieved that positively holds the pedestal support  50  in an upright orientation. 
     The base  10  and the pedestal support  50  are formed of any desired material. Fiberglass, plastics, composites like graphite, and even certain metals are all candidate materials. The selection of the material used for the base  10  and the pedestal support  50  (as well as all remaining component parts as are discussed in greater detail hereinbelow) is based upon various considerations involving manufacturing costs and ease, aesthetics, durability, and weight to name just a few. Another important consideration is the load that they will be subjected to. For example, a table  118  (FIG. 4) is shown attached to the upright pedestal  60  of the pedestal support  50  and is discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. If the table  100  is large and heavy then a stronger base  10  and pedestal support  50  will be required. This obviously affects the choice of materials including the schedule (thickness of the material) that is selected. 
     If desired the top  19  of the base  10  can be set slightly below the plane of the surface  14  so that when the base plate  52  is attached to the base  10  the top of the base plate  52  is flush with the plane of the surface  14 . In this instance the tapered edge  66  can be eliminated if desired as there is no danger that the toes of the user can impact upon it. 
     Thus far the construction and the cooperative use of the pedestal support  50  and the base  10  have been discussed. The pedestal support  50  provides a structure that serves as a platform for attaching numerous accessories that improve the aquatic environment. As such they form the essential building blocks of the underwater attachment system. 
     Referring now also to FIG. 4, is shown an underwater attachment system, identified in general by the reference numeral  100  in use at an aquatic environment such as a swimming pool, hot tub, spa, or the like. 
     A first base  102 , a second base  104 , a third base  106 , and a fourth base  108  secure a first pedestal support  110 , a second pedestal support  112 , a third pedestal support  114 , and a fourth pedestal support  116  thereto respectively. Each of the bases  102 - 108  are identical and so any of the pedestal supports  110 - 116  could be placed in any of them. 
     If for some special reason this were not desired, then certain of the bases could be made of a different size or with a different pattern of T-shaped members (see above) and arcuate slots (see above) that would allow only certain of the pedestal supports  110 - 116  to cooperate with them. For example, the first pedestal support  110  is used to provide support for a table  118  and an umbrella  120 . If it were important to ensure that this particular pedestal support (the first pedestal support  110 ) could only cooperate with the first base  102 , then a modification to both, as described above, is required. 
     In general, they are all identical so that the vast majority of pedestal supports  110 - 116  cooperate with the vast majority of bases  102 - 108 , thereby permitting the maximum amount of flexibility in setup and use of the system  100 . 
     The first pedestal support  110  includes a first upright pedestal  122  that extends to a predetermined distance above a water level  124 . All of the bases  102 - 108 , including the first base  102 , are anchored to the structure (typically formed of gunite, however, not so limited) under a floor level  126  of the pool. 
     The table  118  may be any desired size or shape, formed of any desired material. It can be attached to the first upright pedestal  122  so that it is an integral part of it, although a preferred embodiment is as shown where the table  118  includes an opening  128  in the center through which the first upright pedestal  122  passes. 
     A pin  130  passes through a first opening  132  through the first upright pedestal  122  and upon which the table  118  is supported. A second opening  134  is provided to adjust the height of the table  118 . Additional openings (not shown) are included, as desired, to further adjust the height of the table  118 . 
     An optional thermometer hook  136  is used to suspend a thermometer  138  in the water. An optional cable  140  is used to supply electrical power to the first base  102  and to a pair of contacts  142  that are attached to the first base  102  and to the first pedestal support  110  so as to cooperate with each other when the first pedestal support  110  is properly attached to the first base  102 . 
     Electrical power is conducted up through the first upright pedestal  122  to an electrical outlet  144  where it is used by an electrical device  146 . For safety reasons, low voltage direct current, such as 12 volts DC, is typically used. 
     It is noted that all of the features disclosed for use with any of the pedestal supports  110 - 116  are optional devices that are included at the discretion of the manufacturer in accordance with the individual needs of each consumer. As such, the use of electrical power is also optional. 
     A battery powered digital clock  148  is shown attached to the first upright pedestal  122  above the table  118  that does not require electrical power being supplied thereto through the cable  140 . As such any battery operated device or appliance (not shown) may be similarly used with the system  100 . 
     The umbrella  120  includes a crank  150  useful to tilt the umbrella  120  and/or to open and collapse it, both of which are well known in the construction of umbrellas generally. 
     The umbrella  120  includes a pole  152  that extends down from the top of the umbrella  120  as far as desired. As shown, the pole  152  extends down into and entirely through the hollow interior opening (as exemplified by reference numeral  64  in FIG. 3) of the first upright pedestal  122 , passing through an aperture (as exemplified by reference numeral  53  in FIG. 3) in the circular base plate (as exemplified by reference numeral  52  in FIG. 3) and through the hollow interior (as exemplified by reference numeral  28  in FIG. 2) of the center cylindrical member (as exemplified by reference numeral  26  in FIG. 2) of the first base  102  until contact with the bottom plate  29  occurs. 
     Having the pole  152  fit into the first upright pedestal  122  provides two benefits. The first, and perhaps the most important, is that the extra length of the pole  152  allows for the umbrella  120  to be positioned at whatever height (elevation) is desired. 
     The umbrella  120  is maintained at the desired elevation by tightening a wing-nut  154  that passes through a threaded opening disposed on one side of the upright pedestal  122  until it (the wing-nut  154 ) bears against the pole  152  and secures it in position. To remove the umbrella  120 , the wing-nut  154  is loosened and the pole  152  is lifted to remove it from the first upright pedestal  122 . 
     Secondly, the pole  152  supplies additional strength to the first pedestal support  110  assembly when it is disposed therein. When it is allowed to pass all the way to the first base  102 , maximum support for the umbrella  120  is provided. This is an important consideration because when, for example, the wind blows there is considerable side-loading of the umbrella and therefore of the first pedestal support  110  assembly that occurs. 
     Attached to an edge of the table  118  is an infant seat  156  that includes a pair of arms  158  that are disposed on the top of the plane of the table  118  and a pair of sides  160  that are disposed under the table  118  and which, together, maintain the infant seat  156  in a position of cooperation with the table  18 . An infant (not shown) is then placed in or removed from the infant seat from above. This provides a way to safely secure the infant in position in an aquatic environment thereby alleviating a certain amount of risk and attention that would otherwise have to be paid to the infant. 
     A floating chair  162  is tethered to the table  118  by a pair of tethers  164 , each of which are attached to the table  118  by a hook and loop fastener  166  (as is sold under the tradename VELCRO). The floating chair  162  is intended to represent any device that floats including floating lounge chairs and floating types of aquatic toys. The benefit thus provided is that the system  100  functions as an aquatic center of interest where users can congregate to enjoy he aquatic environment. 
     A stool  168  is attached to the top of the second pedestal support  112  and provides a seat that is disposed under the water level  124 . A back rest  170  is shown in dashed lines to indicate a possible modification to the stool  168 . When the back rest  170  is included with the stool  168  it is then more accurately referred to as being a chair. The second pedestal support  112  is clearly adapted to support either the stool  168  or the chair, as desired. 
     The third base  106  is disposed a predetermined distance apart from the fourth base  108  so that the third and fourth pedestal supports  114 ,  116  are properly positioned to receive a pin  172  that enters into the top of the third pedestal support  114  and a sleeve  174  that passes over the top of the fourth pedestal support  116 . The pin  172  and the sleeve  174  are attached to the bottom of a bench  176 . The bench  176  extends from the third pedestal support  114  to the fourth pedestal support  116  and, if desired, a small amount past them. 
     If desired a second pin (not shown) or a second sleeve (not shown) could be used as well, however this does not provide any method to ensure that the bench  176  is properly attached. If the bench  176  includes a curvature that matches that of, the table  118  for example, it may be desirable to guide a user in its proper installation which is quite simple. The bench  176  is merely oriented above the third and fourth pedestal supports  114 ,  116  and lowered into proper position so that the pin  172  enters into the third pedestal support  114  and the sleeve  174  passes over the fourth pedestal support  116 . This of course can occur only after the third and fourth pedestal supports have been properly attached to their respective third and fourth bases  106 ,  108 . Removal of the bench  176  is merely a reversal of the procedures described. 
     Referring now also to FIG. 5, a second pole  200  is shown entering into a fifth pedestal support assembly  202 , passing down into a fifth base  204  and extending down through the bottom of the fifth base  204  and to the bottom plate  29 . The second pole  200  extends all the way to the bottom plate  29  to achieve maximum strength and support. 
     A backboard  206  is attached to the top of the second pole  200  to which a basketball rim and hoop  208  are attached. The table  118 , umbrella  120 , and pole  152  (of FIG. 4) can be removed from the first pedestal assembly  110  (of FIG. 4) and the second pole  200  can be substituted in their place. 
     This would change the aquatic area from that of primarily a lounging, eating, and shaded area into a sport-recreational area. If the second pole  200  were to extend below the level of the first base  102  (of FIG. 4) the cable  140  would have to be routed so as not to interfere with the second pole  200 , if it were also included. 
     A sixth base  210  is shown with the plane of its top being disposed parallel to and slightly below the plane of the floor level  126  and a cover  212  attached thereto, the top of which is equal to the plane of the floor level  126 . This type of installation for the sixth base  210  is preferred and may be used for all embodiments as described hereinabove. The advantage is that when any of the pedestal support assemblies is removed and the cover  212  is added, a smooth surface even with the floor level  126  results. This can prevent a user (not shown) from stubbing his or her toe (not shown). The cover  212  twists on and off of the sixth base  210  as does the fifth pedestal support assembly  202 . 
     Of course, any number of additional bases (not shown) may be positioned where desired (such as around the table  118 ) to provide for as many stools  168 , chairs, or benches  176  as desired and where desired. Similarly, any number and type of modifications can be made to provide a modified pole (not shown) or modified pedestal support assembly to satisfy any requirement. For example, a pair of modified poles could be used to support a volley ball net (not shown). The variety of possible uses for the system  100  are unlimited. 
     As another example, a tapered opening  214  (FIG. 4) is provided through the table  118  to permit placing a cup  216  therein. Similar improvements reflect the quality of components and the market they are intended to serve. A high end application of the table  118  would include a tiled surface  218  of any size, pattern, or location, as desired. This might be done in such a manner so as to match (color coordinate) the appearance of the table  118  with the border tile work (not shown) of the pool or hot tub in which it is placed. 
     Another example of a possible modification to the cable  140  would be the addition of fiber optic cables therein to act as a high-speed optical interface. A portable computer (not shown) when used on the table  118  could benefit from such an interface. Certainly the user would enjoy working at the “office of the future” while at home and when sitting on the stool  168  under the shade of the umbrella  120 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, is shown a modified base  300  attached to a side wall  302  of a swimming pool, identified in general by the reference numeral  304 . The modified base  300  is generally constructed identical with that of the base  10 , the first base  102 , the second base  104 , the third base  106 , the fourth base  108 , and the fifth base  204  and is, instead, installed on the side wall  302  of the pool  304 . 
     A modified pedestal support  310  is formed similar to those types previously described except that it includes a 90 degree bend  312  and, as shown, a pair of eye bolts  314 ,  316 . The eye bolts  314 ,  316  hold the top and bottom of one side of a volley ball net  318 . The opposite side (not shown) of the net  318  is similarly supported by a second modified pedestal support (not shown) attached to a second modified base (not shown). 
     In use, when the modified pedestal support  310  is installed in the modified base  300  it is installed at a slight angle so as to properly align the T-shaped members (not shown) with the large circular openings of the arcuate slots (not shown). The modified pedestal support  310  is then rotated so the T-shaped members reach the stops (not shown). At this time a terminal portion of the modified pedestal support  310  extends vertically above the water level  124 . This allows use of the system in the side wall  302  of the pool  304 , hot tub, spa, and similar structure. 
     Of course any number of devices (not shown) are anticipated for use with the modified pedestal support including stools, benches, umbrellas, ladders (to climb in and out of the pool  304 ), basketball hoops and backboards, and the like. 
     The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.