Abstract:
This application teaches the construction of an above ground pool with minimal labor and time. The actual construction can be accomplished by one person. Through use of a series of interlocking panels, and rods to secure the panels in place the construction of a pool can be accomplished. Additionally the use of an outer skin provides both an aesthetic compliment as well as additional integrity to the structure of the pool.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the construction and assembly of above ground pools so that it can be accomplished with only one person. 
     B. Prior Art 
     Many pool contractors and homeowners have been tasked with the job of assembling an above ground pool to add on to the backyard. However, there have been numerous issues and problems arising out of constructing the above ground pool. The first problem is that the current method of construction requires a minimum of two people to construct the pool. Although the idea of using panels to construct an above ground pool is largely understood in the industry, there is not a product or method available to the public that would enable one to construct an above ground pool single handedly. 
     Furthermore, the pools available to the public and disclosed in patents, patent application publications, and publications are not meant to be built and disassembled multiple times. 
     The U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,099, by Duffy, describes an above ground pool fabricated with pre-manufactured panels. Duffy is distinguished from the presented application in that it does not have two rows of panels, but rather only one row. In addition, the panels in Duffy are taught to attach to each other with a tongue and groove assembly only. 
     The present invention uses tabs, slots, through-holes, rods and a reinforcing outer skin to attach the panels together and give the pool structural integrity and cosmetic appeal at the same time. In addition, the present invention does not use a track to hold the panels in place which is necessary for various above ground pools sold to the public today. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has resulted from a substantial number of prior art issues ranging from construction of the pool walls to the durability of the pool over long periods of time. The pool being proposed in the present application is intended to decrease the costs of pool construction while also increasing the pool&#39;s durability. 
     The majority of circular pools sold today require a track that is laid on the ground; the pool structure is placed on the track while the pool is being constructed. The use of the track drastically reduces the durability of the above ground pool, especially if the pool is constructed and disassembled multiple times and the inevitable wear and tear that results from assembling and disassembling a structure. The present invention addresses this issue and is intended to provide an option to consumers that does not exist in the market place today. 
     The pool being disclosed in this application is intended to be assembled and disassembled many times, so that it may be rented for parties or events and then returned potentially the same day. It is also designed to be a premium durable product for long term ownership, if desired. 
     In essence, the invention is comprised of multiple panels that are connected side-by-side in order to produce a circular pool and once assembled can accommodate different designs on its exterior outer skin to lend aesthetic appeal. The panels are pre-fabricated and connect with a tab and slot assembly coupled with a rod and through-hole assembly. The tabs, slots and through-holes are pre-fabricated as part of the panel. 
     The panels would also have a cove that is pre-fabricated as part of the panel. The cove, which is found in all above ground pool, is a reinforced part of the pool near the bottom of the pool. The cove is at the bottom of the interior of the pool and gives the pool added strength at the bottom of the interior of the pool. 
     In many above ground pools sold today the cove is often damaged thereby causing the walls of the pool to be damaged or moved off the track that is used in the prior art. Some coves are made of dirt that is shoveled up against the above ground pool wall and some coves are made of foam and laid around the bottom inner edge of the above ground pool. 
     At the opposite end of the cove is the top surface of the wall. On the top surface of the wall panel a removable top rail will be included. This will allow the end user to customize the particular look of this type of pool. For instance, the pattern on the removable panel may match the color on the deck that surrounds a pool. Additionally, the removable panel will make the manufacture of the panels less complicated. 
     A beaded receiver will be built into the top rails as well. This will be used for the pool liner, which is used in all above ground pools. Having the beaded receiver built into the panels streamlines construction time and enhances the durability of the pool. Furthermore, it allows the owner to switch out liners in the pool more easily. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an above ground pool according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmented view of the panels with a cross section of the interior of a panel depicting one rod construction according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmented cross-sectional view according to line  3 - 3  on  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmented isometric view of a panel with tabs and a panel with slots according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmented exploded frontal view of a panel with tabs and a panel with slots according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view according to line  6 - 6  on  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmented frontal view of the second embodiment where each panel has a set of tabs and a set of slots. 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmented view of the panels with a cross section of the interior of a panel depicting one rod construction combined with a removable top rail. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view according line  9 - 9  on  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmented exploded cross-sectional view of the third embodiment, showing how the top rail connects to the panel. 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmented isometric view of a first wall panel, second wall panel, and each of the panels having a removable top rail according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmented exploded frontal view of a panel with tabs, a panel with slots, and each panel having a removable top siding according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmented frontal view of the fourth embodiment where each panel has a set of tabs, a set of slots, and a removable top siding. 
     
    
    
     NUMBERING REFERENCE 
     
         
           5 —Pool 
           10 —First Panel 
           15 —Second Panel 
           20 —Interior Construction of Panel 
           25 —Tab 
           30 —Slot 
           35 —Through-Hole 
           36 —Recessed Portion of the Through Hole 
           40 —Cap 
           45 — Rod 
           50 —Cove 
           55 —Beaded Receiver 
           60 —Interior Flange 
           65 —Overlapped Area 
           110 —First Panel with Tabs and Slots 
           115 —Second Panel with Tabs and Slots 
           120 —Top Rail 
           121 —First Wall Panel 
           122 —Second Wall Panel 
           125 —Tongue 
           130 —Groove 
           135 —Top Rail Tab 
           140 —Top Rail Slot 
           145 —First Wall Panel with Tabs and Slots 
           150 —Second Wall Panel with Tabs and Slots 
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     This application is comprised of four embodiments. Each embodiment discloses a different apparatus and method for at least one person to construct a pool. The pool is uniquely manufactured so that it may be constructed by a single person. This is unique from all other above ground pools today, which require at least two individuals for construction. 
     For purposes of this application the pool will be an above ground pool and its wall will be circular, which is a very common shape for above ground pools such as depicted in  FIG. 1 . However, it is contemplated that the panels can be used to make various other shapes of above ground pools, such as but not limited to, oval or kidney shaped pools. It is additionally contemplated that while the pool described herein will primarily be used for residential purposes, it may also be used for industrial or commercial purposes. The first through fourth embodiments are described respectively below. The panels are manufactured with a honeycomb interior construction  20  to provide added strength to the panel while reducing the weight of each panel. 
     First Embodiment 
     The device  5  is an above ground pool. The device may also be built by either an above ground pool company or a homeowner. The above ground pool is comprised of a plurality of pool panels and a liner (not depicted). Pool liners are common in the prior art and no specific liner is contemplated or claimed. A liner is used in all above ground pools. 
     Each panel is comprised of tabs  25 , slots  30 , through-holes  35 , a cove  50 , a beaded receiver  55 , and an interior flange portion  60  of the panel that mates with a corresponding overlapped portion  65  of the opposite panel on the interior of the pool. This construction provides added strength. A gasket material is added to both surfaces to insure that the pool is watertight. The top portion of the through-hole is slightly recessed  36  to accommodate a cap  40  so that the rod  45  is hidden from view during normal use. The recessed hole also permits an individual to retract the rod  45  to dissemble the pool. 
     A first panel  10  and a second panel  15 , each having a first side and a second side, are provided. Slots  30  are provided on the first side of both panels  10  and  15 . Tabs  25  are provided on the second side of both panels  10  and  15 . The second side of the first panel  10  will mate with the first side of the second panel  15  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The tab of the first panel is designed to fit within the slot that is provided on a corresponding second panel. Each tab  25  and slot  30  has a through-hole  35  as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Each through-hole  35  aligns and creates a cylindrical hole, which runs from the top of the panels to just above the bottom of the panels, through the tabs and slots. A rod  45  is placed inside the cylindrical hole. The rod  45  is intended to reinforce the strength of the panels&#39; connection, thereby helping to insure the integrity of the pool while used. A cap  40  is then placed on top surface of the panel, to reduce potential injuries and snags on swim wear as well as for cosmetic appeal. 
     The tab and slots panel construction are significant to permit the pool to be constructed with only one individual. The tab and slots would allow one person to initially construct portions of the pool wall. After connecting several pieces together with the tabs and slots, the rods can be placed to hold the panels together more securely. The builder may then add the pool panels accordingly until the pool is constructed. 
     The use of tabs, slots, rods, and through-holes make it unique in that it can be easily constructed and deconstructed multiple times while still remaining structurally sound. 
     A liner is then placed in the pool by attaching it to the beaded receiver  55 . When the liner is installed it will cover the extended portion and the recessed portion of the panels as well as the cove of the pool. 
     Additionally, a picture or print can be placed on an outside skin of the pool as well. The skin could be manufactured to also provide some additional structural integrity to the pool. 
     Second Embodiment 
     In this second embodiment, the above ground pool panels such as shown in  FIG. 7  is comprised of a first panel  110  and a second panel  115 . Each panel has both tabs  25  and slots  30 , each alternating down the length of each side of the panel. 
     There are through-holes  35  in each tab and slot attached to the first panel  110  and through-holes  35  in each tab and slot attached to the second panel  115 . When the first panel and second panel are joined together the through-holes align, thereby creating a hole that extends from the top surface to the bottom of the panel. A pair of rods  45  are placed in each cylindrical hole to complete the attachment of the two panels. This is then repeated until the panels create a circle. 
     The central idea of using multiple tabs and slots with through-holes, which align to create a larger cylindrical hole, with the use of rods remains the same in this embodiment. Additionally, the use of a pair of rods will further increase the structural integrity of the pool. 
     Third Embodiment 
     In this third embodiment the device  5  is comprised of a plurality of pool wall panels, a liner (not depicted), and a top rail  120 . Each wall panel is comprised of tabs  25 , slots  30 , through-holes  35 , a cove  50 , a tongue  125 , and an extended portion  60  of the panel that mates with a corresponding recessed portion  65  of the opposite panel on the interior of the pool. This construction provides added strength. A gasket material is added to both surfaces  60  and  65  to insure that the pool is watertight. 
     The plurality of pool wall panels is further comprised of a first panel  121  and a second panel  122 , each having a first side and a second side. Slots  30  are provided on the first side of both panels  121  and  122 . Tabs  25  are provided on the second side of both panels  121  and  122 . The second side of the first panel  121  will mate with the first side of the second panel  122  as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Each top rail is comprised of a beaded receiver  55 , a groove  130 , a top rail tab  135 , a top rail slot  140 , a through-hole  35 , and a recessed portion of the through-hole  36 . This top rail is intended to be manufactured separately from the plurality of wall panels in order to help reduce manufacturing costs and streamline production. Additionally, the end user would have the option to buy a top rail that aesthetically matches the surroundings of the area to which the pool would be placed. 
     The top rail&#39;s groove  130  fits flush up against the tongue  125  of the wall panel as shown in Figure ii. The top portion of the through-hole  36  is slightly recessed to accommodate a cap  40 . The top rail tab  135  and top rail slot  140  are located at opposing ends of the top rail  120 . The top rail tab  135  of a first top rail is designed to fit within the top rail slot  140  that is provided on a corresponding second top rail. The recessed hole  36  also permits an individual to retract the rod  45  to dissemble the pool. 
     The wall panel  121  will fit into and flush up against the wall panel  122 . The tab  25  of a first wall panel  121  is designed to fit within the slot  30  that is provided on a corresponding second wall panel  122 . Each tab  25  and slot  30  has a through-hole  35 . Each through-hole  35  aligns and creates a cylindrical hole, which runs from the top rail  120  to just above the bottom of the plurality of wall panels. A rod  45  is placed inside the cylindrical hole. The rod  45  is intended to reinforce the strength of the wall panels&#39; connection, thereby helping to insure the integrity of the pool while used. A cap  40  is then placed on top of the rod  45  and inside the recessed hole  36 , to reduce potential injuries and snags on swim wear. 
     The tab and slot wall panel construction coupled with the tongue and groove top rail and wall panel construction are significant to permit the pool to be constructed with only one individual. The tabs  25  and slots  30  would allow one person to initially construct portions of the pool wall. After connecting several pieces together with the tabs and slots, the top rails can be slipped onto the wall panels. Next, the rods  45  can be placed in to hold the plurality of wall panels and top rails  120  together more securely. The builder may then add the pool wall panels and top rail sections accordingly until the pool is constructed. 
     The use of tabs, slots, tongues, grooves, rods, and through-holes make it unique in that it can be easily constructed and deconstructed multiple times while still remaining structurally sound. 
     A liner is then placed in the pool by attaching it to the beaded receiver. When the liner is installed it will cover the extended portion and the recessed portion of the panels as well as the cove of the pool. 
     Additionally, a picture or print can be placed on an outside skin of the pool as well. The skin could be manufactured to also provide some additional structural integrity to the pool. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     In this fourth embodiment, the above ground pool panels such as shown in  FIG. 14  is comprised of a first wall panel  145 , a second wall panel  150 , and a top rail  120 . Each wall panel has both tabs  25  and slots  30 , each alternating down the length of the panel, as well as a cove  50 , an interior flange  60 , an overlapped area  65 , and a tongue  125 . There are also through-holes  35  in each tab and slot attached to the first panel  145  and through-holes  35  in each tab and slot attached to the second panel  150 . 
     Each top rail is comprised of a beaded receiver  55 , a groove  130 , a top rail tab  135 , a top rail slot  140 , through-holes  35 , and a recessed portion of each through-hole  36 . The groove located on the top rail slides over the tongue of the panel wall. As described in the third embodiment, the top rail fits together with other corresponding top rails. 
     When the first wall panel, second wall panel, and top rail  120  are joined together the through-holes  35  align, thereby creating a cylindrical hole that extends from the top surface to the bottom of the panel. A pair of rods  45  are placed in each cylindrical hole to complete the attachment of the two panels. This is then repeated until the panels create a circle. The central idea of using multiple tabs and slots with through-holes, which align to create a larger cylindrical hole, with the use of rods remains the same in this embodiment, although the use of a pair of rods will increase the structural integrity of the pool. 
     While the embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, certain modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to modify the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.