Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a device for facilitating the quick exchange of one pool appliance for another. The device includes a housing, which spans the opening in the upstanding wall of an above ground pool. The opening is typically used by existing above ground pools for water intake and outlet, filtering, water leveling and the like. On the interior side of the pool, the waterside, the housing includes a quick release receptacle adapted to fit a variety of pool appliances. The receptacle includes means to conduct electricity usable for such pool appliances. On the exterior side of the pool, the housing includes an adapter designed to accept a pool power head. The power head connects to a residential or similar power source and is converted to a usable power supply for pool appliances. The receptacle allows exchange of appliances to be made even while the connective portion of the appliance is underwater.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is related to application Ser. No. 12/843,624, (our file JHUI1953) filed by co inventor, Wing-kin HUI, for A Power Head for Above Ground Pools, filed on Jul. 26, 2010. This application is specifically incorporated herein and is to be used for any and all purposes consistent with incorporation by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention generally relates to the field of automated pool products. More particularly, this invention relates to above ground pools having a facility for a return water flow head. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In order to properly operate and maintain a pool and its contents, it is necessary to have a variety of electrical appliances. For example, a pool cleaner, which sweeps and cleans the pool water, requires electrical power. Additional electrical appliances, such as salt chlorinator generators and mineral sanitizing devices are used to maintain the proper pH levels in the pool. 
         [0004]    Other electrical appliances are used to enhance the usability and the beauty of the swimming pool. For example, pool lights used to illuminate the pool at night to facilitate night swimming are powered by electricity. Additionally, a color wheel may be used as decoration to give the pool the special effects desired by the pool owner. Such a color wheel is likewise an electrical appliance. 
         [0005]    Typically, the user now runs electrical lines or cords from the domestic residence to the site of the pool. This naturally would mean that electrical cords are spread out all over the area adjacent the pool. Naturally this is not a desirable condition. This condition is exacerbated when there is more than a single cord from the domestic residence to more than one electrical appliance. The likelihood of someone being injured by tripping on the cords increases exponentially. Obviously this creates a safety hazard and liability issues for the pool owner. 
         [0006]    In addition to the likelihood of injury, the beauty and general attractiveness of the user&#39;s yard is dramatically and negatively affected by the messiness of having one or more cords lying around. It is quite clearly an unsightly and undesirable condition. 
         [0007]    Additionally, each of the cords must be placed in storage after usage. First, the user must lay out the cord and then the user connects the cord to the electrical appliance desired to be used. The cords lay on the ground during usage and then upon completion of device usage, they must be disconnected from the electrical appliance and then stored. 
         [0008]    Cleary having to do each of these steps, each and every time an electrical appliance is used becomes tiresome, if not downright tedious. There are certainly better ways for a pool owner to spend his/her time, for example enjoying his/her pool. 
         [0009]    What is needed is the ability to exchange one pool appliance with the other easily. This means without have to drain the pool or substantial portions of the pool. Clearly, have to remove and then add water after draining is both expensive and time consuming. 
         [0010]    Ideally, what is sought is the ability to make the exchange of one appliance for another without affecting the level of the pool in any way. This may mean that the exchange would need to take place underwater. Quick clearly, a new design for interconnection between pool power head and pool appliance would be required. 
         [0011]    What is needed is a structure that allows the above ground pool user the ability to easily and efficiently connect one or more electrical appliances to a pool power head without affecting the level of the water. The exchange must be able to be made quickly and simply without requiring a pool owner to completely redesign his pool or his pool appliances. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    A primary object of this invention is to create a user-friendly environment for exchanging on appliance for another in an above ground pool environment. By providing a receptacle member having quick release means for facilitating the quick exchange on the waterside or the interior of the above ground pool, a user can easily change one appliance for another without affecting the water level. 
         [0013]    Thus, It is an object of the device in accordance with this invention is to provide a structure for facilitating the quick exchange of one pool appliance for another in an above ground pool environment. 
         [0014]    It is another object of this invention to provide a device, which includes structure to allow a power head to be connected to such a device. 
         [0015]    It s an additional object of this invention to provide such a device which releasably connects to a variety of different pool appliances for an above ground pool. 
         [0016]    It s an additional object of this invention to provide such a device which releasably connects to a variety of different pool appliances for an above ground pool even where the connection to the appliance is made underwater and where the water level is not affected by the exchange of devices. 
         [0017]    In accordance with the above objects of the invention as well as those discussed below as well as the advantages of the invention, one exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, includes, a device for facilitating the exchange of pool appliances for an above ground pool, the above ground pool have a pool wall separating the wet side from the dry side the device comprising: 
         [0018]    a housing adapted for location proximate the pool wall, a portion of the housing extending into the dry side and a portion extending into the wet side 
         [0019]    the portion of the housing extending into the dry side adapted to receive means for powering electrical pool appliances, the housing including means for transmitting electrical power from the dry side to the wet side; 
         [0020]    the portion on the wet side defining a receptacle member and the receptacle member adapted to releasably accept various pool appliances requiring electrical power, and 
         [0021]    structural means for fixing the housing on the pool wall. 
         [0022]    In other exemplary embodiments, the receptacle is adapted to exchange the pool appliance underwater. 
         [0023]    In another exemplary embodiment, the receptacle is adapted to exchange the pool appliance underwater using a snap connection. 
         [0024]    In another exemplary embodiment, the receptacle is adapted to exchange the pool appliance underwater using a snap connection and additionally designed for quick release of the pool appliance. 
         [0025]    It is an advantage of the device in accordance with this invention to provide a convenient means for exchanging one pool appliance for another. 
         [0026]    It is an additional advantage of the device of the instant invention to provide such a device, which allows the user exchange one pool appliance for another underwater. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0027]    For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an above ground pool in the prior art. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the interior portion of the housing having the receptacle member. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 3 &amp; 4  illustrate in perspective view the exterior portion of housing on the dry side of an above ground pool, in accordance with this invention. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 5 &amp;6  illustrate attachment of one pool appliance, namely a light assembly to the receptacle in accordance with the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  illustrates attachment of another pool appliance, namely a water feature to the receptacle in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    In order to appreciate the invention herein, one must appreciate the need in the art as set forth in the Background. Most importantly, the structure herein for resolving the long felt need to be able to quickly exchange one appliance for another, even under water in an above ground pool environment. 
         [0034]    With particular reference to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an above ground swimming pool. As seen, a pool wall  10  surrounds and encloses the pool defining an interior for holding the water  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , pool wall  10  has an opening  14  defining an outlet and a second opening  16  defining an intake. A pump  18  includes conduit  20  between the intake and outlet. A power head  22  such as that described in application Ser. No. 12/843,524, is connected to the pump  18 . The power head  22  is connected to the residential power or A/C. The power head  22  converts the residential power into usable electrical power for various pool appliances. 
         [0035]    In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device  50  is shown generally in  FIGS. 2-6 . As seen the device  50  resides between the interior and exterior of the pool. In more advanced above ground pools, there is one opening in the pool wall and that serves as both the inlet and the outlet. In this embodiment, the device spans the interior and exterior of the pool and on the dry side includes connection to the power head and on the wet side includes a receptacle  50  for facilitating quick exchange of various electrical pool appliances, even under water. 
         [0036]    The device  50 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , illustrates the interior portion of the device connected to the pool wall  10 . The device  50  includes a housing  52 . On the interior side of the pool wall  10  when the housing  52  is connected.  FIG. 2  illustrates the housing  52  having the receptacle member  54  in accordance with this invention. 
         [0037]    The housing  52  has a central opening  56 , which in Fig. would span either the intake or outlet. In the more advanced above ground pool design, it would be the single opening in the pool wall  10 . The opening  56  defines a water channel. Water flows in and out of the water channel through the intake and outlet. Using structure and methods already known in the art, the dry side stays dry and the interior or pool side is freely submerged in the water. The receptacle member  54  does not interfere with the ability of the housing to carry out this function. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the exterior of the housing  52 . As noted above, the housing extends from the pool or interior or wet side through the pool wall opening and terminating at the dry side or exterior of the pool. On the exterior of the pool, the housing includes a power head adapter  58  sized and shaped for compatible mating fit with a pool power head of the kind earlier described with respect to application Ser. No. 12/843,624. The adapter  58  includes electrical connectors  60 , which electrically engage the power head electrical connectors. 
         [0039]    The housing  52  also includes a nut fitting  62  and a washer  64  as well as a sleeve member  66 . The housing  52  includes threaded member  68 , which is inserted through the nut fitting  62  and washer  64 . The threaded member  68  mates compatibly by threading with the nut fitting  62 . 
         [0040]    The interior portion of the housing  52  similarly includes electrical connectors  70 . Additionally, the interior portion of the housing  52  includes a threaded member  72 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , each end of the sleeve member  66  is likewise threaded and is compatible with threaded mating connection of each of the threaded members  68  and  72 , respectively. 
         [0041]    The electrical connectors  70  are male and the exterior electrical connectors have a matching female members (not shown). Upon threaded each of the threaded members  68  and  72  to the sleeve member  66 , a push fit electrical contact is made between the male electrical connectors  70  and the female portion of the electrical connectors  60 . Electrical connection is thereby carried from the residence through the power head, converted to usable power and made available at the electrical connectors  60 . Through connection of the exterior portion of the housing  52  to the interior portion and the electrical connectors  72 , usable electrical power is made available to a pool appliance at the receptacle  54  by connection thereto. 
         [0042]    After connection of the interior and exterior portions of the housing  52  through the sleeve member  66 , the housing must be affixed in a semi-permanent position on the pool wall  10  at the pool opening. By rotating nut-fitting member  62  in the direction indicated in  FIG. 4 , the housing is at least semi-permanently connected to the pool wall  10 . 
         [0043]    In another embodiment of the device  50  in accordance with this invention, the sleeve member  66  has no threads whatsoever. The interior and exterior portions of the housing  52 , each have a central opening. The exterior circumference of the sleeve member  66  matches the interior circumference of the central openings of each of the interior and exterior portions in such a manner as to create a force fit between the portions of the housing  52 . The portions are aligned, including the electrical connectors  60  and  72  ( FIG. 3 ), and then force is applied to each portion, urging them against one another until a secure fit is made. As in the earlier described embodiment, the nut fitting  62  is then rotated is the manner shown in  FIG. 4  until a semi-permanent connection is made. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 5 &amp; 6  illustrate a pool appliance, namely a lighting fixture, generally denoted by the numeral  90 , being connected to the receptacle member  54  in accordance with the present invention. The lighting fixture  90  is of the type discussed in Applicant&#39;s previously filed application, namely, application Ser. No. 13/013,459, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0045]    The lighting fixture  90  has an electrical connector  92 , which mates with a force fit into the previous described electrical connection. In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle  54  includes no electrical connectors. The receptacle  54 , simply has an opening, which permits the electrical connectors  92  to directly engage and be electrically conductive with exterior portion electrical connectors  60 . 
         [0046]    After aligning the light fixture  90  with the receptacle  54 , the components are pressed together into mating contact. Upon achieving mating contact, as seen in  FIG. 6 , the components are rotated for a locking fit as described earlier with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0047]    With respect to  FIG. 7 , there is shown another appliance, namely, a water feature apparatus, generally shown by the numeral  100 , attached to the receptacle  54  in accordance with the invention. The water feature  100  snaps into the receptacle  54  in a manner discussed above. 
         [0048]    First, the appliance already on the receptacle  54  is removed. This is done by reversing the twist shown in  FIGS. 4 &amp; 6  and the pulling the appliance from the receptacle, so as not to damage the electrical connections. As stated above, the act of removing and adding an appliance to the receptacle  54  is done either dry or wet. The pool water does not need to be removed or lowered in order to accomplish the exchange. 
         [0049]    Once the earlier appliance is remove, the water feature  100  or whatever appliance desired, can be connected to the receptacle  54 . Of course, the water feature  100  attaches to the device, generally shown by the numeral  50 , in the manner described earlier and are similarly removed. 
         [0050]    With respect to  FIG. 8 , there is shown an additional appliance attached to the device  50  of the invention, a water game, generally denoted by the numeral  120 . The water game  120  includes an electrical motor  122 , which is connected to the device  50  using the electrical contacts of the device  50 . Thus, electrical power is supplied to this appliance by device  50 . 
         [0051]    The motor is connected to a rod  124 , which rotates consistently with the rotation of the electrical motor  122 . A game  120  including a wheel  126  and a paddle  128 . Through a series of gears, such as those shown in  FIG. 9 , the wheel  126  rotates, while paddle contact engages and disengages the electrical motor depending upon contact. 
         [0052]    With respect to  FIG. 9 , there is shown another appliance connected to the device  50 , a current creating device, generally denoted by the numeral  130 . The current creating device  130  includes a set of gears  132  for converting the rotation energy of the motor  124  into rotational energy of the rod  124 . The current creating device  130  includes a fan  134  also rotationally connected to the rod  124 . The gears  132  incrementally turn the wheel  126 . The gears  132  are likewise connected to the shutter member  138 , which depending upon the position of the switch  140 . 
         [0053]    The rotational action of the fan, together with the up and down movement of the shutter member creates currents and wave that are tailored to the user&#39;s desire. The waveform and current are regulated and customized by the speed and period and frequency of the shutter member  138  and the fan  134 . 
         [0054]    With respect to  FIG. 10 , there is shown an additional appliance, an induction coil member, generally denoted by the numeral  140 . The induction coil member  140  attaches to member  50  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ). An induction circuit is created by the induction coil  142 . A cleaner  150  is powered by the induction circuit. The cleaner  150  includes a male member  152  for insertion and connection with the induction coil  142 . 
         [0055]    Thus, the inclusion of the induction member  140  allows the cleaner  150  to be connected with the induction circuit and thereby be powered by it. Thus, using the device  50 , the appliance connected is a induction-powered pool cleaner. 
         [0056]    While the foregoing detailed description has described several embodiments of the power head for an above ground pool in accordance with this invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below.