Abstract:
An apparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a surface of the structure, and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. A method of securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of the structure, positioning the liner atop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner in engagement with the mounting member.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for securing a flexible liner to a liquid containment structure. More particularly, the present invention method and apparatus relate to securing a flexible liner around an opening in a swimming pool, for example, an opening around swimming pool stairs. The invention can be used with new or existing liquid containment structures.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A variety of methods and apparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containment structure are known in the art. For example, methods and apparatus are known for securing a swimming pool liner around a module, such as a set of stairs.  
         [0003]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,177,501 (Kwake) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to a pool wall. The apparatus comprises a groove in the pool wall. The liner comprises an expanded bead around the perimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted into the groove to secure the liner within the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,071 (Hoch et al.) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner around the edge of an above-ground pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,162 (Hall) discloses a deck for an in-ground or aboveground pool that receives around the perimeter of the pool a plastic liner attached to a metal liner. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,732 (Engelhart) discloses an apparatus for securing an anchoring device in a lined pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,118 (Lankheet) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groove around the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around the perimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure the liner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,839 (Blakeway) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner comprising vinyl-covered steel sheet around the edge of an in-ground pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a flexible liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,658 (Hodak) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner around the edge of an in-ground pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,324 (Lankheet) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groove around the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around the perimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure the liner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,228 (Gardenier) discloses a device for securing a pool liner to a set of stairs in an in-ground pool. The device comprises a strip that is screwed to the stairs over the liner. This device requires drilling holes in the liner. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,710 (Swinburn) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner around the edge of an above-ground pool using a groove and bead and penetrating the liner around an opening for a spa jet. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,706 (Barnes) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to a drain fitting. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,631 (Friedman) discloses an apparatus for securing a liner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groove around the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around the perimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure the liner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,098 (Crelin) discloses a device for securing a pool liner to a set of stairs in an in-ground pool. The device comprises a strip that is screwed to the stairs over the liner. This device requires drilling holes in the liner. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.  
         [0016]     What is needed then is a means of securing, in a liquid containment structure, a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member that will not require puncturing the liner as part of its installation.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     In a first embodiment, the present invention broadly comprises an apparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure further comprising a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a surface of the structure and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. In a second embodiment, the invention broadly comprises an apparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising a flange arranged proximate a surface of the containment structure, a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to the flange, and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. The present invention also comprises an apparatus for repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure.  
         [0018]     The invention also broadly comprises a method of securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of the structure, positioning the liner atop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner in engagement with the mounting member. In another embodiment, the invention broadly comprises a method of securing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of arranging a flange proximate a surface of the liquid containment structure, fixedly securing a mounting member to the flange, positioning the liner atop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner in engagement with the mounting member. Finally, the invention comprises a method for repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure.  
         [0019]     A general object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to secure a liner to a surface of the structure without puncturing the liner.  
         [0020]     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to secure a liner to a flange of a module installed in a liquid containment structure without puncturing the liner.  
         [0021]     A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to repair a liner attached to a surface of the structure without puncturing the liner.  
         [0022]     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to repair a liner attached to a flange of a module installed in a liquid containment structure without puncturing the liner.  
         [0023]     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the invention in view of the drawings and claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention apparatus attached to a flange of a pool stair module;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus secured to a surface of a liquid containment structure;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details of  FIG. 2 ; and,  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details of  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0035]     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify substantially identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.  
         [0036]     Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.  
         [0037]     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.  
         [0038]     The present invention apparatus broadly comprises a mounting member operatively arranged to be secured to either a surface of a liquid containment structure or a flange of a module installed in a structure and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member. A flexible liner placed between the mounting and attaching members is sandwiched by the mounting and attaching members when these two members are engaged.  
         [0039]     Adverting now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of apparatus  100  of the present invention, shown attached to a flange of a pool stair module. Side  112  of a pool (not shown) includes stairway module  120  with flange  122 . Mounting member  130  is attached to flange  122 , liner  140  overlies mounting member  130  and attaching member  150  is connected to mounting member  130 , sandwiching liner  140 . In  FIG. 1 , member  130  is shown as a separate element from the flange  122 . In other embodiments described below, a respective mounting member is integral to a flange. In a preferred embodiment, the liner is flexible, although this is not a critical limitation of the invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus  100  secured to a surface of a liquid containment structure. Side  212  in a pool (not shown) includes stairway module  220  that is an integral part of the pool. Mounting member  430  is attached to side  212 , liner  140  overlies mounting member  430  and attaching member  150  is connected to mounting member  430 , sandwiching liner  140 . In  FIG. 2 , member  430  is shown as integral to side  212 . In other embodiments described below, a respective mounting member is a separate element from a surface.  
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the apparatus  100  showing further details of  FIG. 1 . Mounting member  230 , separately formed from flange  122  and having a gripping surface  231  and a mounting surface  232 , is securely attached to flange  122 . Mounting surface  232  is shaped to facilitate the interfacing of member  230  with flange  122 . Typically, mounting surface  232  is shaped to mirror the planar configuration of flange  122 , so that surface  232  has maximum contact with flange  122 . However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other shapes and configurations are possible for surface  232 , and such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0042]     Liner  140  is stretched over mounting member  230 . Attaching member  150  with pressing surface  151  and outside surface  152  is laid over liner  140 . Surface  151  is shaped to connect to gripping surface  231 . Force is applied to outside surface  152  in the direction of mounting member  230 , joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members  230  and  150  are connected, surfaces  231  and  151  are held in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces  231  and  151  interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface  231  and pressing surface  151  are further described below.  
         [0043]     Once connected, members  230  and  150  sandwich liner  140  and securely grip liner  140  between surfaces  231  and  151 , respectively. Advantageously, members  230  and  150  grip liner  140  without puncturing the liner. That is, because surfaces  231  and  151  interlock, there is no need to puncture liner  140  to attach member  150  to member  230  using mechanical fasteners. In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner  140  and member  150 . The present invention also advantageously avoids the use of adhesives on liner  140 .  
         [0044]     To accommodate mechanical fasteners, mounting member  230  includes a series of holes  233 . Two parallel rows of holes  233  are shown in  FIG. 3 . However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other groupings and combinations of holes  233  are possible, and such groupings and combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Mechanical fasteners  234  are inserted through holes  233  and then engaged to flange  122 , securely attaching member  230  to flange  122 . In  FIG. 3 , fasteners  234  are screws. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other fasteners such as rivets can be used and such fasteners are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. An embodiment describing adhesive fastening is described below.  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the apparatus  100  showing further details of  FIG. 1 . Mounting member  330  with gripping surface  331  is an integral part of flange  122 . That is, member  330  is formed as a part of flange  122 . Liner  140  is stretched over mounting member  330 . Attaching member  150  with a pressing surface  151  and an outside surface  152  is laid over liner  140  and force is applied to outside surface  152  in the direction of mounting member  330 , joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members  330  and  150  are connected, surfaces  331  and  151  are kept in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces  331  and  151  interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface  331  and pressing surface  151  are further described below.  
         [0046]     Once connected, members  330  and  150  sandwich liner  140  and securely grip liner  140  between surfaces  331  and  151 , respectively. Advantageously, members  330  and  150  grip liner  140  without puncturing the liner. That is, because surfaces  331  and  151  interlock, there is no need to puncture liner  140  to attach member  150  to member  330  using mechanical fasteners. In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner  140  and member  150 . The present invention also advantageously avoids the use of adhesives on liner  140 .  
         [0047]     The following discussion should be considered in light of both  FIGS. 3 and 4 . To accomplish the connection of mounting members  230  and  330  to attaching member  150 , surfaces  231  and  331 , respectively, and surface  151  are shaped into corresponding convex and concave shapes, particularly, protuberances and grooves (not shown), that interlock and matingly engage one another when members  230  and  330 , respectively, and member  150  are pressed together. For example, in some embodiments, surfaces  231  and  331  each include at least one protuberance with a specified shape and surface  151  includes a corresponding groove shaped to accommodate the protuberance in the surface  231  or  331 . In other embodiments, surface  151  includes at least one protuberance with a specified shape and surfaces  231  and  331  each include at least one groove shaped to accommodate the protuberance in surface  151 . Typically, a groove and corresponding protuberance are formed such that the protuberance substantially occupies the entire groove. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of shapes are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 3 . The following discussion should be considered in light of both  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Gripping surfaces  231  and  331  and pressing surface  151  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , respectively, can be configured with various combinations of protuberances and grooves to facilitate the interlocking of mounting members  230  and  330 , respectively, with attaching member  150 . The protuberances and grooves can be formed in a variety of cross-sectional geometric shapes, including but not limited to, round (semi-circular), polygonal (triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, etc.), or asymmetric. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other cross-sectional geometric shapes are possible, and such shapes are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  FIGS. 5 and 6  present two possible combinations of protuberances and grooves. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0050]     To facilitate the interlocking of member  150  with mounting members  230  and  330 , attaching member  150  is typically formed of elastic material and mounting members  230  and  330  are typically formed of a relatively rigid material. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of elastic and relatively rigid materials are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Typically, the flexible material is a plastic with UV and chlorine resistance. Plastics of this type are well known in the art. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other flexible materials are possible, and such materials are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. The rigid material can be plastic or metal. Typically, the rigid plastic has UV and chlorine resistance and is of a type well known in the art. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other rigid materials are possible, and such materials are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0051]     Returning to  FIG. 5 , gripping surface  231  is formed to have protuberances  235  and  236  and groove  237 , all substantially parallel. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation for the protuberances  235  and  236  and groove  237  are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface  151  is formed to have grooves  253  and  254 , corresponding to protuberances  235  and  236 , respectively, and protuberance  255 , corresponding to groove  237 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , when mounting member  230  and attaching member  150  are pressed together, the attaching member elastically stretches so that grooves  253  and  254  engage and interlock with protuberances  235  and  236 . Then, grooves  253  and  254  exert pressure on the protuberances  235  and  236 , drawing pressing surface  151  against gripping surface  231 , thereby sandwiching and securing liner  140 . In addition, the pressure noted above creates a liquid-tight seal between liner  140  and pressing surface  151 . The pressure noted above also pushes protuberance  255  into groove  237 , further helping to secure liner  140  between members  230  and  150 .  
         [0052]     Returning to  FIG. 6 , mounting member  230  is shown attached to flange  122  using adhesive. The type of adhesive used depends on the materials used to form flange  122  and member  230 . The selection of appropriate adhesives is well known in the art. Gripping surface  231  is formed to have substantially parallel grooves  238  and  239 . However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation for grooves  238  and  239  are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface  151  is formed to have protuberances  256  and  257 , corresponding to grooves  238  and  239 , respectively. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , when mounting member  330  and attaching member  150  are pressed together, attaching member  150  elastically deforms so that protuberances  256  and  257  engage and interlock with grooves  238  and  239 . The discussion regarding the interlocking of members  230  and  150  in the description for  FIG. 5  is applicable to  FIG. 6 , and for the sake of brevity, is not repeated here.  
         [0053]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 4 . Gripping surface  331  is formed to have protuberances  335  and  336  and groove  337 , all substantially parallel. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation for protuberances  335  and  336  and groove  337  are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface  151  is formed to have grooves  353  and  354 , corresponding to protuberances  335  and  336 , respectively, and protuberance  355 , corresponding to groove  337 . In  FIG. 7 , surfaces  331  and  151  are shaped the same as surfaces  231  and  151 , respectively, in  FIG. 5 . In addition, members  330  and  150  can be made of the same materials as members  230  and  150 , respectively, in  FIG. 5 . Therefore, the discussion in the description for  FIGS. 5 and 6  is applicable to  FIG. 7 , and in the interest of brevity is not repeated here.  
         [0054]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 4 . Gripping surface  331  is formed to have substantially parallel grooves  338  and  339 . However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation for grooves  338  and  339  are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface  151  is formed to have protuberances  356  and  357 , corresponding to grooves  338  and  339 , respectively. In  FIG. 8 , surfaces  331  and  151  are shaped the same as surfaces  231  and  151 , respectively, in  FIG. 6 . In addition, member  150  can be made of the same materials as member  150  in  FIG. 6 . Therefore, the discussion in the description for  FIGS. 5 and 6  is applicable to  FIG. 8 , and in the interest of brevity is not repeated here.  
         [0055]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the apparatus  100  showing further details of  FIG. 2 . Mounting member  530  with gripping surface  531  and mounting surface  532  is securely attached to side  212 . Mounting surface  532  is shaped to facilitate the interfacing of member  530  with side  212 . Typically, mounting surface  532  is shaped to mirror the planar configuration of side  212 , so that surface  532  has maximum contact with side  212 . However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other shapes and configurations are possible for surface  532 , and such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Liner  140  is stretched over mounting member  530 . Attaching member  150  with pressing surface  151  and outside surface  152  is laid over liner  140 . Surface  151  is shaped to connect to gripping surface  531 . Force is applied to outside surface  152  in the direction of mounting member  530 , joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members  530  and  150  are connected, surfaces  531  and  151  are held in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces  531  and  151  interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface  531  and pressing surface  151  are further described below.  
         [0056]     Once connected, members  530  and  150  sandwich liner  140  and securely grip liner  140  between surfaces  531  and  151 , respectively. Advantageously, members  530  and  150  grip liner  140  without puncturing the liner. That is, because surfaces  531  and  151  interlock, there is no need to puncture liner  140  to attach member  150  to member  530  using mechanical fasteners. In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner  140  and member  150 . The present invention also advantageously avoids the use of adhesives on liner  140 .  
         [0057]     Mounting member  530  can be affixed to side  212  using a variety of means including adhesion (not shown) and mechanical fasteners. The type of adhesive used depends on the materials used to form side  212  and member  530  and is readily known to those skilled in the art. To accommodate mechanical fasteners, mounting member  530  includes a series of holes  533 . Two parallel rows of holes  533  are shown in  FIG. 9 . However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other groupings and combinations of holes  533  are possible, and such groupings and combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Mechanical fasteners  534  are inserted through the holes  533  and then engaged to side  212 , securely attaching member  530  to side  212 . In  FIG. 9 , fasteners  534  are screws. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other fasteners such as rivets can be used and such fasteners are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0058]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the apparatus  100  showing further details of  FIG. 2 . Mounting member  630  with a gripping surface  631  is securely attached to side  212 . Mounting member  630  is formed as an integral part of side  112 . Liner  140  is stretched over mounting member  630 . Attaching member  150  with a pressing surface  151  and an outside surface  152  is laid over liner  140  and force is applied to the outside surface  152  in the direction of the mounting member  630 , joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members  630  and  150  are connected, surfaces  631  and  151  are held in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces  631  and  151  interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface  631  and pressing surface  151  are further described below.  
         [0059]     Once connected, members  630  and  150  sandwich liner  140  and securely grip liner  140  between surfaces  631  and  151 , respectively. Advantageously, members  630  and  150  grip liner  140  without puncturing the liner. That is, because surfaces  631  and  151  interlock, there is no need to puncture liner  140  to attach member  150  to member  630  using mechanical fasteners. In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner  140  and member  150 . The present invention also advantageously avoids the use of adhesives on liner  140 .  
         [0060]     The following discussion should be considered in light of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Mounting member  530  and attaching member  150  in  FIG. 9  can be formed in the shapes shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  for mounting member  230  and attaching member  150 . Therefore, the descriptions for  FIGS. 5 and 6  are applicable to  FIG. 9  and in the interest of brevity are not repeated here. Mounting member  630  and attaching member  150  in  FIG. 10  can be formed in the shapes shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  for mounting member  330  and attaching member  150 . Therefore, the descriptions for  FIGS. 7 and 8  are applicable to  FIG. 10  and in the interest of brevity are not repeated here.  
         [0061]     Mounting members  530  and  630 , respectively, and attaching member  150  in  FIGS. 9 and 10  can be formed of the materials discussed for mounting members  230  and  330 , respectively, and attaching member  150  in the descriptions for  FIGS. 5 through 8 . Therefore, the descriptions for  FIGS. 5 through 8  are applicable to  FIGS. 9 and 10  and in the interest of brevity are not repeated here.  
         [0062]     The following should be considered in light of  FIGS. 1 through 10 . Embodiments have been shown with a mounting member securely attached to a flange of a module and with a mounting member securely attached to a side of a liquid containment structure. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention embodiments having a mounting member attached to a side of a liquid containment structure can be used with a module having a flange and that such use is within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, module  120  shown in  FIG. 1  could be installed in a pool, but rather than having the mounting member attached to the flange as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  through  8 , the mounting member could be an integral part of the side of the pool as shown in  FIGS. 2, 9 , and  10 .  
         [0063]     In the preceding figures, the present invention is described with respect to a swimming pool. However, the present invention can be used with other recreational liquid containment structures, such as an in-ground swimming pool, an aboveground swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa, or a hot tub. It should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to only these examples of recreational liquid containment structures, and other examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. In the preceding figures, the present invention is described with respect to a side of a swimming pool. However, in general, the present invention can be applied to any surface of a liquid containment structure or to a flange arranged proximate any surface of a structure, for example, a bottom surface. In the preceding figures, the present invention is described with respect to a stairway module. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be used with other modules, such as drain covers, jet returns, skimmer covers, overflow vents, or vacuum covers and that use with these other modules is within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0064]     The present invention has been described in the context of securing a liner for a liquid containment structure as part of an installation of a module, such as a stairway module, in the liquid containment structure. However, returning to  FIGS. 3 and 9  particularly, the embodiments associated with these figure also can be used to repair a liner around an existing opening or module, in an existing liquid containment structure. For example, mounting member  230  in  FIG. 3  could replace an existing, prior art means of attaching a liner. The discussion in the descriptions for  FIGS. 5 and 6  also is applicable to embodiments associated with liner repairs.  
         [0065]     Returning to  FIG. 3 , the following discussion is applicable to each embodiment described above, however, to simplify the discussion that follows,  FIG. 3  will be used as an example. When members  230  and  150  are connected, securing liner  140 , the members are held together due to the interlocking of surfaces  231  and  151 . The interlocking is facilitated by forming member  230  or member  150  of an elastic material. Advantageously, with the proper application of force, the elastic member can be disconnected from the remaining member without damaging either member. This removal capability enables and simplifies installation and repair operations.  
         [0066]     Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.