Abstract:
An open mesh basket designed to be hung on the side of above ground pools for storing pool toys, tools, goggles, and other pool accessories is herein disclosed. The basket takes the form a rectangular mesh box with two (2) long adjustment hooks along side surfaces being slidably received within integral sleeves and secured thereto a desired length with a fastening mechanism. The hooks wrap around and clamp to the upper rail portion of an above-ground pool along an outside edge. The basket further comprises a lockable lid to secure said pool related items therein. The position of the basket allows user&#39;s to enjoy easy access thereto pool accessories from both inside and outside the pool. The mesh construction of the basket allows water to quickly drain out and enables included items to dry quickly.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 60/936,329 filed on Jun. 21, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to pool accessory retaining and storage device mountable thereon a pool, comprising an adjustable mesh basket having a first embodiment comprising an open accessible device and a second embodiment comprising a closable and securable device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Very few leisure time activities rival that of spending a warm summer day in a swimming pool. Those who have a back yard above-ground pool are able to enjoy the relaxation and health benefits that are derived from swimming from the comfort of their backyard. Typically, pool users enjoy a wide array of pool accessories to entertain and provide comfort during pool activities. Such accessories range from pool toys, to floatation aids, swimming masks, goggles, cleaning tools, chemicals, and much more. Typically, these objects are stored in a shed, a garage, or just left in the pool. However, these locations present disadvantages from difficult access, clutter, wet floors, and the like. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which pool accessories can be kept handy and easily accessible from inside or outside of an above-ground pool but without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present device herein described fulfills this need. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 342,142 issued to Jablonski discloses a pool safety basket. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to disclose a device that is similar to in appearance to the disclosed invention nor does the cited patent appear to disclose a device that possesses adjustment hooks and other mechanisms to attach the basket to the upper rail of an above-ground pool nor does it possess a lockable lid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,403 issued to Wheaton discloses a poolside accessory attachment system. Unfortunately, this patent does not disclose a hanging accessory basket. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,147 issued to Wheaton discloses an underwater attachment system. Unfortunately, this patent does not disclose a hanging accessory basket. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,438 issued to Lovett discloses a pool accessory storage unit. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a hanging accessory basket for an above ground pool possesses adjustment hooks and other mechanisms to attach the basket to the upper rail of an above-ground pool nor does it possess a lockable lid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,193 issued to Sadler and Bryan discloses a container for swimming pool maintenance accessories. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a hanging accessory basket for an above ground pool possesses adjustment hooks and other mechanisms to attach the basket to the upper rail of an above-ground pool nor does it possess a lockable lid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,171 issued to Hicks discloses a suspended detachable swimming pool accessory. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,122 issued to Robertson discloses a hanger/hook accessory for pools. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,363 issued to Huff discloses a hanging wall table for swimming pools. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a hanging accessory basket for an above-ground pool. 
     It is an object of the hanging accessory basket for an above-ground pool to store pool toys, tools, goggles, and other pool accessories. 
     It is a further object of the hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools to attach to the upper rail portion of the pool which will permit easy access to a user in the pool to the items contained within the hanging accessory basket. 
     It is another object of the hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools to possess a rectangular open mesh basket to permit drainage of water from items contained therein. 
     Yet another object of the hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools is to prevent damage to the apparatus from environmental elements and keep children and animals away from contents through the use of a lid and integral locking mechanism. 
     An aspect of the hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools comprises a rectangular open mesh storage basket to allow for drainage, a pair of adjustable “J”-shaped hooks, a storage basket lid, and a lid locking mechanism. The basket is envisioned to be fabricated of non-corrosive materials and may be provided having a variety of sizes and dimensions. 
     Another aspect of the hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools comprises a mesh storage basket of varying dimensions based upon particular storage needs. The storage basket comprises an open-top five-sided vessel made using molded plastic mesh or fabricated metal sheet. The storage basket further comprises a plurality of linear frame members comprising a plurality of flat and angle-shaped elements along outer edges being attached thereat intersecting corners to form a box-like structure. The frame provides structural integrity to the apparatus and an inserting attachment means thereto a pair of hook adjustment sleeves. 
     A further aspect of the hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools comprises adjustment sleeves composed of formed flat metal bars approximately two (2) inches wide and one-half (½) inch thick. The adjustment sleeves comprise low-profile rectangular tubing providing inside dimensions suitable to receive the proximal end portion of an adjustment hook. The apparatus is removably attached thereto the upper rail portion of the above-ground pool by the adjustment hooks which comprise “J”-shaped fixtures made of a durable non-corrosive metal such as stainless steel. The adjustment hooks are particularly sized and contoured to fit against the inner edges of the upper rail portions. 
     Yet another aspect of the hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools comprises adjustment hooks possessing a protective plastic or rubber coating over the “J”-shaped distal end portions to provide protection from scratching of the upper rails during use. Each adjustment hook provides a lateral direction of adjustment thereto a desired length and is secured thereat said length via a plurality of drilled or molded circular adjusting apertures located along side surfaces of the adjustment hooks and hook adjustment sleeves. The adjusting fasteners comprise common pin-type locking fasteners such as button activated quick-disconnect pins, hitch pins, or the like also constructed out of a durable and non-corrosive metal. 
     Yet a further aspect of the hanging accessory basket for above ground pools comprises a lid to provide a securing means to the storage basket via a hinge and a locking device. The lid comprises a flat upper panel and three (3) downwardly extending vertical edge portions being approximately one (1) inch high. The lid provides a pivoting attachment means thereto the storage basket via a piano-type hinge device located along an edge of the lid opposite the locking device and extending therebetween the two (2) adjustment hooks. The locking device is preferably located along an edge portion of the lid furthest from the pool and comprises a common latching key-lock or combination locking device. 
     The hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools, in an alternate embodiment thereof, further comprises the above described apparatus without a lid portion in order to provide a simplified version of the device. The alternate unsecured embodiment comprises similar materials, construction, adjustment, and attachment as the preferred embodiment. 
     A method for installing and utilizing the hanging accessory basket for above-ground pools may be done by performing the following steps: removing the adjusting fasteners from the adjustment hooks, if previously installed; extending the adjustment hooks in a lateral direction so as to provide clearance over the upper rail portion of the pool; placing the device against the above-ground pool by setting the adjustment hooks at a desired location on the upper rail; readjusting the adjustment hooks within the hook adjustment sleeves in a lateral direction, positioning said adjustment hooks until the storage basket tightly abuts side surfaces of the above-ground pool and the adjustment hooks captivate the upper rail portion; securing the position of the adjustment hooks by inserting the adjusting fasteners therein aligned pairs of adjusting apertures; releasing the locking mechanism; opening the lid; placing pool related equipment and items within the storage basket; closing the lid; securing said lid therewith the locking mechanism; removing pool items as needed using the locking mechanism in an expected manner; removing the device by reversing the steps described above; storing the device during unseasonable months, if desired; and, benefiting from convenient secured storage of pool related equipment and items using the present invention. 
     A method of installing and utilizing the alternate unsecured embodiment may be achieved in like manner as the preferred embodiment. Access to contained items therein the storage basket may take place in an unsecured manner without needing to open and close the lid during each use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a hanging accessory basket  10  for above-ground pool installed upon an above ground pool  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a hanging accessory basket  10  for an above-ground pool, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a hanging accessory basket  10  for an above-ground pool, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a hanging accessory basket  10  for an above-ground pool, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a hanging accessory basket  10  for an above-ground pool, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of a hanging accessory basket  10  for an above-ground pool, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a hanging accessory basket  10  for an above-ground pool, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate unsecured embodiment  80  of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  hanging accessory basket for an above ground pool 
               20  storage basket 
               25  frame 
               30  adjustment hook 
               33  hook adjustment sleeve 
               35  adjusting apertures 
               36  adjusting fastener 
               37  direction of adjustment 
               38  coating 
               40  storage basket lid 
               42  hinge 
               45  locking mechanism 
               50  above ground pool 
               55  upper rail 
               80  alternate unsecured embodiment 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7  and in terms of an alternate embodiment, herein depicted within  FIG. 8 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a hanging basket device for above-ground pools (herein described as the “device”)  10  for storing pool toys, tools, goggles, and other pool accessories. The device  10  is attached thereto an upper rail portion  55  of the pool  50  allowing users easy access thereto pool accessories from both inside and outside the pool. The device  10  comprises a rectangular open mesh storage basket  20  to allow for drainage, a pair of adjustable “J”-shaped hooks  30 , a storage basket lid  40 , and a lid locking mechanism  45 . The lid  40  and integral locking mechanism  45  prevent damage to the apparatus  10  from environmental elements and keep children and animals away from contents. The device  10  is envisioned to be fabricated of non corrosive materials and may be provided having a variety of sizes and dimensions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , various views of the device  10  are disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  provides effective storage of pool items in a mesh storage basket  20  approximately three (3) feet long by one (1) foot high and one (1) foot wide; however, the storage basket  20  may be provided having various dimensions based upon particular storage needs and as such should not be considered a limiting factor of the device  10 . The device  10  is envisioned to be fabricated of non corrosive materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, stainless steel, and the like. The device  10  is envisioned being made using common manufacturing processes such as, but not limited to: plastic injection molding technologies, extrusion molding, heat welding, metal welding, soldering, and the like. The storage basket  20  comprises an open-top five-sided vessel made using molded plastic mesh or fabricated metal sheet. The storage basket  20  further comprises a frame  25  having a plurality of linear frame members comprising a plurality of flat and angle-shaped elements along outer edges being attached thereat intersecting corners to form a box-like structure. The frame  25  provides structural integrity thereto the device  10  and an inserting attachment means thereto a pair of hook adjustment sleeves  33  extending horizontally along outside upper edges of the storage basket  20  which extend outwardly toward the pool  50 . The adjustment hooks  30  comprise formed flat metal bars approximately two (2) inches wide and one-half (½) inch thick. The adjustment sleeves  33  comprise low-profile rectangular tubing providing inside dimensions suitable to slidingly receive therein a proximal end portion of the adjustment hook  30 . The device  10  is removably attached thereto the upper rail portion  55  of the above-ground pool  50  via the adjustment hooks  30  which comprise “J”-shaped fixtures made of a durable non-corrosive metal such as stainless steel at a distal end thereof particularly sized and contoured to fit snugly thereagainst inner edges of said upper rail portions  55 . The adjustment hooks  30  further comprise a protective plastic or rubber coating  38  over the “J”-shaped distal end portions which provides protection from scratching of the upper rails  55  during use. Each adjustment hook  30  provides a lateral direction of adjustment  37  thereto a desired length and is secured thereat said length via a plurality of drilled or molded circular adjusting apertures  35  located along side surfaces of the adjustment hooks  30  and hook adjustment sleeves  33 . In use, a pair of adjusting fasteners  36  is manually inserted therethrough aligned pairs of adjusting apertures  35 , thereby securing the adjustment hooks  30  thereat desired lengths. The adjusting fasteners  36  comprise common pin-type locking fasteners such as button activated quick-disconnect pins, hitch pins, or the like also constructed out of a durable and non-corrosive metal. The lid  40  provides a securing means thereto the storage basket  20  via a hinge  42  and a locking device  45 . The lid  40  comprises a flat upper panel and three (3) downwardly extending vertical edge portions being approximately one (1) inch high. The lid  40  provides a pivoting attachment means thereto the storage basket  20  via a piano-type hinge device  42  located along an edge of the lid  40  opposite the locking device  45  and extending therebetween the two (2) adjustment hooks  30 . The locking device  45  is preferably located along an edge portion of the lid  40  furthest from the pool  50  and comprises a common latching key-lock or combination locking device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of an alternate unsecured embodiment  80 , is herein disclosed. The device  10  is illustrated here without a lid portion  40 , thereby providing a simplified version of the device  10  and reducing manufacturing costs. The alternate unsecured embodiment  80  comprises similar materials, construction, adjustment, and attachment as the preferred embodiment  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by a common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training, but most typically is intended for individuals whom own above-ground pools  50  for containing items such as, but not limited to pool toys, flotation aids, swimming masks, cleaning tools, goggles, pool chemicals, and lotions that can be easily accessed from inside or outside of an above-ground pool  50 . After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 7 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the preferred embodiment of the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing the adjusting fasteners  36  therefrom the adjustment hooks  30 , if previously installed; extending the adjustment hooks  30  in a lateral direction  37  so as to provide clearance over the upper rail portion  55  of the pool  50 ; placing the device  10  against the above-ground pool  50  by setting the adjustment hooks  30  at a desired location on the upper rail  55 ; readjusting the adjustment hooks  30  therewithin the hook adjustment sleeves  33  in a lateral direction  37 , positioning said adjustment hooks  30  until the storage basket  20  tightly abuts side surfaces of the above-ground pool  50  and the adjustment hooks  30  captivate the upper rail portion  55 ; securing the position of the adjustment hooks  30  by inserting the adjusting fasteners  36  therein aligned pairs of adjusting apertures  35 ; releasing the locking mechanism  45 ; opening the lid  40 ; placing pool related equipment and items within the storage basket  20 ; closing the lid  40 ; securing said lid  40  therewith the locking mechanism  45 ; removing pool items as needed using the locking mechanism  45  in an expected manner; removing the device  10  by reversing the steps described above; storing the device  10  during unseasonable months, if desired; and, benefiting from convenient secured storage of pool related equipment and items using the present invention  10 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the alternate unsecured embodiment  80  may be achieved in like manner as the preferred embodiment  10 . Access to contained items therein the storage basket  20  may take place in an unsecured manner without needing to open and close the lid  40  during each use. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.