Patent Description:
Simply described, pools are containers of water for people to swim, wade, relax, and play in. In their many forms, pools can be above-ground pools that extend up from the ground, or below-ground pools that extend down into the ground. Above-ground pools can sometimes be temporary, providing relaxation and enjoyment along with the ability to be removed and stored after use. Below-ground pools, however, are usually more permanent. Many types of above-ground pools exist. Some designs, for example, can be inflatable. Other designs can have metal frames and sidewalls, or modular panels that attach to one another. Above-ground pools can come in any number of different shapes and sizes. While above-ground pools provide the convenience of storage and flexibility of being temporary, the need remains to assemble the pool before use and disassemble the pool when it is no longer needed.

No matter the design, shape, or size of the above-ground pool, all pools must be assembled and disassembled to retain the advantage of storage and modularity of the above-ground pool. These processes are labor and time intensive, especially when considering a pool with a metal frame. Whenever it is desired to assemble the pool, all portions of the pool frame must be assembled properly to retain the structural integrity of the pool. When using such a rigid frame, the user may experience difficulty in fitting the proper pieces together. Disassembling the pool is equally as important for the benefit of storage but can be equally as difficult when considering a rigid frame. <CIT> discloses oval frame ponds, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose pools with an elliptical frame, <CIT> discloses ways in which panels of insulation may be attached to the exterior face of the walls of above ground swimming pools, <CIT> discloses an above ground pool, <CIT> discloses a storage container, <CIT> discloses a support frame unit for a swimming pool assembly and <CIT> discloses a prefabricated swimming pool. Improved methods for assembling and disassembling a pool and improving the user experience while maintaining the benefits of an above-ground pool are desirable.

The invention is defined by a frame joint for an above-ground pool according to claim <NUM>. As a consequence, frame portions of such a pool are more easily joined to each other. The frame portions retain the modularity and storage convenience of the pool while improving the ease of operation and time consumed for the assembling and disassembling process. Embodiments of the present disclosure address this need as well as other needs that will become apparent upon reading the description below in conjunction with the drawings.

A collapsible container with a frame and joints for joining frame components is disclosed. Specifically, in some embodiments, the disclosed technology can provide a collapsible swimming pool with a frame comprising a plurality of improved joints. In some embodiments, the pool can comprise a base, at least one sidewall defining the entire pool area and joined to the base, and a support element (i.e., frame) for keeping the sidewall elevated off the ground. In some embodiments, the frame can comprise a plurality of horizontal support members and vertical support members, and a plurality of joints configured to join two horizontal support members and one vertical support member. In some embodiments, a first end of a vertical support member can be affixed to the ground, and the second end can be received into one of the joints. Additionally, according to the invention the frame joints comprise two cutaway portions configured to each laterally receive a horizontal support member. The pool can further comprise insertable elements for connecting the joint and the horizontal support member and for connecting the joint and the vertical support member. In some embodiments, the horizontal and vertical support members can be selected from the group consisting of a flexible pole, a rod, and a bar.

As disclosed herein, the at least one sidewall can be a unitary sidewall formed from a single sheet. In some embodiments, the base can be rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, square, square with rounded corners, circular, oval, oblong, elliptical, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or decagonal. Accordingly, the at least one sidewall and base can comprise polyurethane, PVC, nylon, vinyl, or a textile coated with a material impermeable to water.

The pool can be described as incorporating a side wall, as a preferred embodiment which can comprise a circular-shaped pool having but a single side, but as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the pool may include more than one side or a plurality of sides.

In some embodiments, the pool can comprise at least one drainage aperture in the side wall and a drain. The drain can further comprise a drain hole configured to fit within the drainage aperture. The drain can further comprise a drain plug member and a locking member. In some embodiments, the drain plug member can be configured to detachably attach to the drain hole in a closed position. In other embodiments, the drain plug member can be configured to detachably attach to the locking member in an open position. In some embodiments, the drain assembly can be disposed on a side wall of the pool through a standard attachment method such as welding. Additionally, the drain itself can be disposed on a side wall of the pool through a standard attachment method such as welding.

In some embodiments, the pool comprises a base, a side wall joined to the base, and at least one porthole comprising a transparent material. In other embodiments, the fluid container comprises a base, and a side wall, having a substantial portion being transparent, joined to the base, and a drain. For example, the side wall can comprise a generally transparent sheet attached to the side wall. The transparent sheet can be attached to the side wall by one or more welds. In some embodiments, the side wall may comprise a single, transparent layer.

In accordance with some embodiments, the pool can be supported by a frame. For example, support members such as vertical rib supports, can be coupled proximate the side wall of the pool. The supports can be attached to some of the material making up the side wall and can also be attached to a support ring proximate the top of the pool.

Further features of the invention, and the advantages offered thereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are indicated by like reference designators.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate multiple embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter and serve to explain the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter in any manner.

Although certain embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated, all within the scope of the appended claims.

As described above, a problem with existing above-ground pools is that all pools must go through an assembly and disassembly process with every use. These processes are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require pinpoint accuracy to ensure proper assembly. Improved methods for assembling and disassembling a pool and improving the user experience while maintaining the modularity of an above-ground pool are desirable.

A support element and/or shape retaining element may be formed from one or more support members having at least a portion coupled proximate to the side wall of the pool. For example, vertical rib supports may be used as an upward force providing member, a shape-retaining member, or both. Such vertical ribs may be formed from individual inflatable portions, or may be a foam insert, metal or polymer rod, or the like. According to some embodiments, such vertical ribs may be collapsible, being formed from collapsible inflatable portions, collapsible foam portions, or other suitable compositions. Additionally, horizontal supports may be used as a shape-retaining member or other support element.

When assembling a frame or other support element for a pool wherein the joints require insertion of the support members, a user of the pool may be required to bend or otherwise deform the frame in order to properly insert the support members and join them together. Such a process can be made quite difficult with the rigidity of the frame and as the frame nears completion.

In some embodiments, the support element can comprise a plurality of joints for joining the support members in a predetermined shape or pattern. For example, the plurality of joints can comprise T-shaped joints to join the vertical members to two or more horizontal members. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, while the vertical members provide an upward force, the horizontal members provide a shape-retaining force. In some embodiments, the horizontal members can be inserted in the joint. In other embodiments, the joint can be inserted in the horizontal members. A difficulty that arises with such embodiments, however, is the insertion of the last joint in the pool frame. The rigidity of the pool support element and frame provides resistance to completing the last attachment. Using frame joints according to claim <NUM> would provide easier attachment and assembly of the support element while maintaining the structural rigidity of the pool. In some embodiments, the joint can have a cutaway notch to laterally slide a horizontal member into the joint. According to the invention, the faces of the two receiving ends of the frame joint can be cutaway to laterally receive a horizontal member as opposed to insertion.

In some embodiments, a pool can be provided comprising a base, a side wall, and at least one transparent porthole. The transparent portholes can comprise a window sheet made of a transparent material such as PVC. The window sheets can be welded to the side wall to prevent leaks and maintain structural integrity. The transparent material can be provided such that no additional support or mesh is required. Such an embodiment would allow for an unobstructed porthole that can maintain the structural integrity of the pool without failing. In some embodiments, the entire side wall can be made from the transparent material. In other embodiments, the side wall can comprise side wall sections wherein some of the side wall sections are made from the transparent material.

In some embodiments, the pool can further comprise a drain assembly configured to fit within a drain aperture. The drain assembly can comprise a plastic material and can be welded to the side wall to prevent leaks and maintain structural integrity. In some embodiments, the drain assembly can comprise a drain hole, a drain plug member, and a locking member. The drain plug member can be configured to detachably attach to the drain hole through an interference fit in a closed position. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the interference fit can be further sealed by the hydrostatic pressure of the pool, thus sealing the drain plug member in the drain hole. Additionally, the drain plug member can be configured to detachably attach to the locking member in an open position such that the drain hole remains substantially unobstructed during drainage.

In some embodiments, pools are generally formed by joining a base, along its perimeter, to an erected side wall at or near one edge of the side wall. Along the edge of the side wall and not joined to the base, either an upward force providing member or a shape retaining member, or a combination of the two, may be positioned. The upward force providing member or shape retaining member generally has at least a portion coupled proximate the end of the side wall not joined to the base (i.e., the top of the side wall). The upward force providing member may comprise a variety of different elements capable of aiding the transformation of the collapsible container from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration by erecting the side wall. For example, the upward force providing member might be a floating device that floats on liquid deposited in the container, causing the side wall to rise as more liquid is deposited in the container. The upward force providing member may also be a ring, such as an inflatable ring, attached to the side wall and supported by support members.

In describing the embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Herein, the use of terms such as "having," "has," "including," or "includes" are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as "comprising" or "comprises" and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as "can" or "may" are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosure, all within the scope of the claims.

According to an embodiment of the invention, <FIG> shows a container, or swimming pool, comprising a side wall with transparent portions. As shown in <FIG>, an above-ground swimming pool (hereinafter "pool") <NUM> has a base <NUM>, a side wall <NUM>, support members (alternatively, "structural supports," "supports," "external braces," "braces," or "frames") <NUM>, and portholes <NUM>. According to another embodiment of the invention, <FIG> shows a container, or swimming pool, comprising a side wall with transparent portions. As shown in <FIG>, pool <NUM> has a base, a side wall <NUM>, portholes <NUM>, support members <NUM>, and at least one joint <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, pool <NUM> can comprise a support element, such as a scaffold or a frame. In some embodiments, the support element can comprise a plurality of support members to provide modular assembly and disassembly of pool <NUM>. For example, the support member can comprise a series of rods or bars that can be detachably attached to one another to form a scaffold or a frame. The support member can additionally comprise joints to join the plurality of support members together.

As shown in <FIG>, pool <NUM> can comprise a support element <NUM> (e.g., a frame) comprising a plurality of vertical and horizontal support members. In some embodiments, the support element can maintain the structural integrity and shape of the pool. For instance, the support element can take the shape of a circular frame for use with a circular pool. In some embodiments, the support element can be configured to support a unitary sidewall <NUM>. In other embodiments, the support element can be configured to support one or more sidewall sections. For instance, the support element can support four sidewalls of a rectangular pool. In other words, the support element can be configured to confer a desirable shape to the pool supported by the support element.

The presently disclosed support element can comprise a plurality of vertical and horizontal support members. The plurality of support members would provide for modularity, ease of storage, and quick set-up. In some embodiments, each vertical support member can be detachably attached to at least one horizontal support member by way of a joint. For example, a substantially t-shaped joint can join a vertical support member to two horizontal support members. In some embodiments, the support members can comprise rigid materials for structural integrity. For instance, the support members can be steel rods or poles, other metal or metallic alloys, PVC or other hard plastics, a combination thereof, and the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a joint <NUM> for a pool <NUM>. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can be configured to detachably attach to a vertical support member 210b (as shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can additionally be configured to detachably attach to two or more horizontal support members 210a (as shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can be configured to connect to support members <NUM> by inserting support members <NUM> into joint <NUM>. In other words, joint <NUM> can be configured to receive support members <NUM>. In such an embodiment, support members <NUM> may be detachably attached to joint <NUM> through a friction fit or interference fit. Alternatively, support members <NUM> and joint <NUM> may have holes <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) configured to align and receive a fastening pin <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) or other such device when aligned. While some embodiments can provide joint <NUM> configured to receive support members <NUM> via insertion, some embodiments can provide joint <NUM> with at least a cutaway portion <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) to laterally receive at least one support member <NUM>. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can still receive vertical support member 210b via insertion but can laterally receive at least one horizontal support member 210a. For instance, vertical support member 210b can be inserted into joint <NUM> along with a first horizontal support member 210a, while a second horizontal support member 210a is laterally received by joint <NUM>. Alternatively, joint <NUM> can laterally receive two or more horizontal joints 210a. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, such embodiments remove the need for insertion into joint <NUM>, which can be made difficult by the large size and weight of the support element or frame and the rigidity of the support members.

In some embodiments, the at least a cutaway portion <NUM> can comprise two ends with open faces, as depicted in <FIG>. The open faces can be configured to laterally receive the horizontal support members 210a. In some embodiments, the joint <NUM> can still insertably receive a vertical support member 210b, as shown. Additionally, the joint <NUM> can further comprise a fastening pin <NUM> or other such device to fasten the horizontal support members 210a to the joint <NUM> when aligned. Such an embodiment would provide for no need to struggle with inserting the rigid horizontal support members 210a, which can become difficult as the frame becomes assembled.

In some embodiments, the at least a cutaway portion <NUM> can be configured such that the whole joint has an open face, as depicted in <FIG>. The open face can be configured to laterally receive the horizontal support members 210a. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can still insertably receive a vertical support member 210b, as shown. Additionally, joint <NUM> can further comprise a first fastening pin (or device) <NUM> or other such device to fasten horizontal support members 210a to joint <NUM> when aligned. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can further comprise a face plate <NUM> configured to detachably attach to joint <NUM> and enclose horizontal support members 210a. In other words, face plate <NUM> can sandwich horizontal support members 210a between face plate <NUM> and joint <NUM>. Such an embodiment can provide the same security as inserting horizontal members 210a into joint <NUM> while maintaining the ease of laterally receiving support members <NUM>. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can further comprise a second fastening pin <NUM> or other such device to fasten face plate <NUM> to horizontal support members 210a. In some embodiments, second fastening pin <NUM> can be configured to detachably attach to first fastening pin <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the at least a cutaway portion can comprise a cutaway notch <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>. Cutaway notch <NUM> can be configured to laterally receive at least one horizontal support member 210a. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can comprise an enclosed portion for inserting a horizontal support member 210a, in addition to cutaway notch <NUM> for laterally receiving a horizontal support member 210a, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can still insertably receive a vertical support member 210b, as shown. Additionally, joint <NUM> can further comprise at least one fastening pin <NUM> or other such device to fasten horizontal support members 210a to joint <NUM> when aligned. Cutaway notch <NUM> can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes as desired to increase the ease of assembling the pool, as shown in <FIG>. As would be appreciated by one or ordinary skill in the art, such an embodiment would provide the ease of lateral receiving of horizontal members 210a combined with the security of inserting horizontal members 210a into joint <NUM>. Cutaway notch <NUM> can be cut such that minimal bending or deformation of the support element is required to insert the at least one horizontal support member 210a into joint <NUM>.

As shown in the Figures, the presently disclosed joints <NUM> can comprise at least a cutaway portion <NUM>, such as a cutaway notch in <FIG> or an entire open face as in 4b. Such embodiments increase the ease of assembly, and specifically remove the need to twist or otherwise deform the pool frame to insert the support members into joints. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can comprise a face plate <NUM> to enclose horizontal members 210a such that horizontal members 210a are enclosed as if inserted into the joint. Other means may be used to mimic the security of insertion while maintaining the ease of laterally receiving a support member, such as a cutaway notch <NUM> leading to an insertable portion of the joint.

In other embodiments, the at least a cutaway portion <NUM> can comprise a retractable portion configured to expose an open face of the joint to laterally receive at least one horizontal support member 210a. In some embodiments, the retractable portion can be spring loaded and configured to be depressed by a horizontal support member 210a and revert to an original position to substantially enclose the horizontal support member 210a. In some embodiments, joint <NUM> can comprise a hinged face plate configured to swing open to allow a horizontal support member 210a to be received by an open face of joint <NUM>. Additionally, the hinged face plate can swing closed to secure horizontal support member 210a to joint <NUM>.

In some embodiments, fastening pin <NUM> or other such device can be removed from joint <NUM> and any other adjoining pieces. For instance, fastening device <NUM> can be a pin inserted into fastening holes <NUM> by the user when support members <NUM> are aligned with joint <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, fastening device <NUM> can comprise multiple pieces or can fasten different components or other fastening devices. For example, in <FIG>, a first fastening device <NUM> can be inserted by a user to fasten a support member <NUM> to joint <NUM> followed by a second fastening device <NUM> to fasten a face plate <NUM> to support member 210a. Additionally, face plate <NUM> can be fastened to joint <NUM> by attaching second fastening device <NUM> to first fastening device <NUM>. In some embodiments, fastening pin <NUM> or other such device can be interconnected with joint <NUM> and configured to engage with a horizontal support member 210a or other adjoining pieces (such as a face plate <NUM>) upon laterally receiving said components. For example, a fastening pin <NUM> can be attached to joint <NUM> and spring loaded such that, after laterally receiving a horizontal support member 210a in a cutaway notch <NUM> and insertion into joint <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), fastening pin <NUM> depresses to receive horizontal support member 210a and pops up into fastening holes <NUM> when horizontal support member 210a is aligned with joint <NUM>. In some embodiments, fastening pin <NUM> or other such device can be spring loaded in a depressed position to receive support members <NUM> and pushed into an engaged position by the user when support members <NUM> are aligned with joints <NUM>. In some embodiments, fastening device <NUM> can be interconnected with support members <NUM> such that each support member <NUM> is configured to fasten itself to a joint <NUM>. For example, support members <NUM> can comprise spring loaded pins configured to pop into fastening holes <NUM> when aligned with joints <NUM>.

Additional exemplary embodiments of fastening device <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. As shown, fastening device <NUM> can comprise an upper wing <NUM>, a lower wing <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>. In some embodiments, fastening device <NUM> can be configured to flex from a first (i.e., neutral) position to a second inward position to clear a joint <NUM> or a support member <NUM> and then return to the neutral position where each is held in place. In such an embodiment, upper wing <NUM> and lower wing <NUM> may flex towards each other. Fastening device <NUM> can further comprise an upper notch <NUM> disposed on upper wing <NUM>, and a lower notch <NUM> disposed on lower wing <NUM>. With upper wing <NUM> and lower wing <NUM> flexed towards each other, such a position can allow for the passing of upper notch <NUM> and lower notch <NUM> into joint <NUM> or support member <NUM>. When in use, the spring action of fastening device <NUM> can be twofold, provided by spring <NUM> and the flexing of the wings. When inserted into joint <NUM> or support member <NUM>, the spring action of fastening device <NUM> can return fastening device <NUM> to the first (i.e., neutral) position wherein upper notch <NUM> and lower notch <NUM> are aligned with and received by fastening holes <NUM>. It is understood that the spring action of fastening device <NUM> can be achieved through only using one of the flexing of the wings and spring <NUM>. Additional methods of providing a spring-like force can be used, so long as fastening device <NUM> is operable to return to a first position when aligned with joint <NUM> or support members <NUM>.

In some embodiments, upper wing <NUM> and/or lower wing <NUM> can further comprise contouring to match the curve of joint <NUM> or support member <NUM> when inserted. Such an embodiment would provide a smooth and robust interface between fastening device <NUM> and whichever member it was inserted into. Additionally, upper notch <NUM> can be configured to not protrude through fastening holes <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, upper notch <NUM> can remain flush with fastening holes <NUM> without sticking out of the joint assembly. Alternatively, a support member (e.g., 210a) may be provided without a fastening hole (e.g., fastening hole <NUM>) through the top surface and instead may include a notch on the interior surface of the support member for receiving upper notch <NUM>. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, such embodiments would increase the safety of the user when grabbing onto the pool frame, reduce the risk of the sidewall material to be caught or tear on a protruding piece, and increase the overall aesthetics of the pool.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a method for assembling an above ground pool, as shown in <FIG>. As shown in step <NUM>, at least one joint can be provided comprising at least a cutaway portion. In step <NUM>, a first horizontal support member can be inserted into the joint while a second horizontal support member can be laterally received by the at least a cutaway portion. In step <NUM>, the second horizontal support member can be pushed into the joint after the lateral receiving such that the second horizontal support member is enclosed in the joint as if it were inserted into the joint. In step <NUM>, one or more fastening pins or other such devices can be inserted into holes in the joint and/or the horizontal support members to fasten the horizontal support members to the joint. Additionally, the holes can indicate to a user of the pool that the horizontal support members are properly aligned with the joint.

Pool <NUM> may be made in a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, as shown in <FIG>, elliptical, as shown in <FIG>, rectangular, square, oblong, oval-shaped, rectangular with rounded corners, and the like. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the configuration of pool <NUM> may be many shapes. Additionally, pool <NUM> may be made in a variety of sizes. The varied sizes and shapes of pool <NUM> may result in pool <NUM> having more than one side wall <NUM> forming the perimeter of pool <NUM>.

Pool <NUM> may be a frame pool, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, or a pop-up type of pool, both of which are collapsible in nature. The pop-up pool is adapted to rise with the amount of water inserted into pool. In some embodiments, a pop-up pool <NUM> may also be outfitted with external braces or frames <NUM> for additional support. The frame pool is typically pre-fabricated and includes a plurality of external vertical braces or frames for supporting the frame pool above the ground. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a frame pool <NUM> may comprise external vertical braces and top braces. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, other types of pools may be used with the present invention.

As previously discussed, pool <NUM> is formed from a base <NUM> and at least one side wall <NUM>. Base <NUM> and side wall <NUM> may be formed from multiple varied materials. Base <NUM> and side wall <NUM> may be formed of the same material or different materials, and in embodiments involving more than one side wall <NUM>, each side wall <NUM> may be formed of the same or different materials. For example, in some embodiments, base <NUM> and side wall <NUM> of pool <NUM> may be formed from a natural textile (e.g., burlap, jute, etc.) or synthetic material (e.g., plastic, polyurethane, PVC, nylon, etc.). In some embodiments, base <NUM> may be formed from a natural textile and side wall <NUM> may be formed of a synthetic material. Many materials (especially water-permeable textiles, etc.) may be used to construct a pool; the materials, however, should be treated to retain water. For example, such materials could be adhered to, laminated with, coated with, or bonded to a material impermeable to water. In accordance with some embodiments, base <NUM> may be formed from a nylon shell, which may be laminated or otherwise treated to hold water. For example, the nylon shell might be bonded to another material, such as a polyurethane, PVC, vinyl, or other suitable impermeable lining to provide the desirable waterproof qualities, and to provide a more pleasing tactile quality to the interior of pool <NUM>. Similarly, the wall <NUM> of pool <NUM> may be constructed from these materials, or other materials having similar suitable qualities. Many of the materials that are used may be selected for their durability.

For example, base <NUM> may be formed from materials that are more durable than the side wall <NUM>, as this section of pool <NUM> would likely be subjected to more wear than that experienced by side wall <NUM>. Also, as described, base <NUM> and side wall <NUM> may be formed from a combination of materials, which may be adhered or bonded together. The materials used for the various portions of pool <NUM>, including, for example, base <NUM> and side wall <NUM>, may be joined by way of a number of commonly known suitable techniques, such as sewing, adhesives, bonding, lamination, RF welding, other suitable joining techniques, and the like. The connection of base <NUM> to side wall <NUM> may be along the bottom <NUM> of side wall <NUM>. Base <NUM> can include a perimeter, wherein side wall <NUM> may be connected about the perimeter of base <NUM>.

In some embodiments, side wall <NUM> may include an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM>. Inner wall <NUM> may be sealable to outer wall <NUM> by welding, adhesives, or the like. Side wall <NUM> may be inflatable or non-inflatable. Further, side wall <NUM> may be non-spring activated. In some embodiments, side wall <NUM> can further comprise a drain aperture. The drain aperture can pass through inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM> providing an outlet for fluid to flow out of the container. In some embodiments, base <NUM> can comprise a drain aperture to provide an outlet for fluid to flow out of the container. In some embodiments, the drain aperture can be cut from an area between side wall <NUM> and base <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bottom <NUM> of side wall <NUM> can comprise the drain aperture.

In some embodiments, a large portion of side wall <NUM> may be transparent in nature. Such a portion would be larger than portholes <NUM> and would comprise a portion or all of side wall <NUM> itself. In some embodiments, half of side wall <NUM> may be transparent in nature. In some embodiments, the entire side wall <NUM> may be transparent. It is desirable to consumers for side walls <NUM> to have a substantial portion being transparent, as they enable a significantly larger viewing area, enabling a view into or out of the pool.

In some embodiments, side wall <NUM>, having a substantial portion being transparent, may comprise a clear window sheet attached between a clear inner wall <NUM> and a clear outer wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, multiple clear window sheets, of sufficient size, may be welded together to form a unified side wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, a single clear window sheet, of sufficient thickness, may form a unified side wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the unified side wall <NUM>, having a substantial portion being transparent, takes the place of side wall <NUM> with portholes <NUM>, with all other components of pool <NUM> attaching to side wall <NUM> as described elsewhere in this disclosure. In some embodiments, side wall <NUM> can comprise a plurality of side wall sections (e.g., two or more side wall sections). In some embodiments, multiple clear window sheets, of sufficient size, may be welded together to form a side wall section. In some embodiments, some side wall sections can be transparent while other side wall sections can be solid. For example, the side wall sections can alternate between transparent and solid or be arranged in any other pattern. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, such an embodiment would provide greater transparency than simply having portholes and provide another level of user customization to arrange the transparent side walls sections as desired.

As shown in <FIG>, pool <NUM> may comprise a porthole <NUM>, or a plurality thereof. Portholes <NUM> may be similar to a window permitting one to see into pool <NUM> or out of pool <NUM>. Portholes <NUM> may further enable one to determine the level of liquid within pool <NUM>.

As also shown, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, portholes <NUM> may be of a particular shape. In some embodiments, the shape of portholes <NUM> may be determined by the shape of apertures cut into walls <NUM>, <NUM> of pool <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the shape of portholes <NUM> may be elliptical or substantially elliptical. As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the shape of portholes <NUM> may be circular or substantially circular. As shown in <FIG> additionally, in some embodiments, the shape of portholes <NUM> may be substantially rectangular with rounded corners. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, portholes <NUM> may be many shapes, such as square, rectangular, oblong, and the like. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, portholes <NUM> may be spaced evenly about side wall <NUM>.

Portholes <NUM> may comprise a generally transparent a window sheet that is attached to side wall <NUM> (or inner wall <NUM>). The window sheet may be attached to side wall <NUM> by welding the window sheet to side wall <NUM> with one or more welds. In some embodiments, the welds may be made around the circumference of the aperture cut into side wall <NUM> and may have substantially the same shape as the aperture. The welds may be continuous welds, which may help prevent the fluid in pool <NUM> from leaking. Successive welds may be concentric and further extend from the center of the aperture in side wall <NUM>. Specifically, there may be two welds, three welds, four welds, five welds, or more, moving outward from the center of the aperture in side wall <NUM>. The successive welds may aid in reinforcing porthole <NUM> to make it more durable than known portholes. That is, since there may be a plurality of welds, if one weld fails, the other welds may maintain the integrity of porthole <NUM> and thus pool <NUM>.

Alternatively, or additionally, the window sheet may be attached to side wall <NUM> by using an adhesive substance.

The window sheet may be substantially similar in shape to the aperture in side wall <NUM>, but it may also be of a different shape. If the window sheet is a different shape than the aperture it covers, the window sheet may still be attached by welding or adhesive, however the welds need not be concentric. For example, there may be a weld near the outer edge of the window sheet, and a second weld closer to and surrounding the aperture in the wall.

In some embodiments, the window sheet is attached to side wall <NUM> by securing it between inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM>. In such an embodiment, welding or adhesives may be used in a manner similar to that discussed above.

In some embodiments, the window sheet may comprise a clear flexible polymer, such as flexible PVC. In some embodiments, side wall <NUM> (or inner wall <NUM>) may also be a flexible polymer, such as flexible PVC. The use of two similar materials may make attaching the window sheet and side wall <NUM> easier and also increase the strength of the attachment. Specifically, in some embodiments, such as embodiments employing high frequency welding (or RF welding) to form one or more welds, it is desirable to have materials with similar melting points and chemical compositions to form a stronger weld and make the welding process less complex.

In some embodiments, a porthole <NUM> may further include two additional components. Porthole <NUM> may comprise a clear window sheet attached to side wall <NUM> of the pool. In some embodiments, the window sheet may be attached to inner wall <NUM> or outer wall <NUM> of side wall <NUM> of pool <NUM>. Moreover, the window sheet may be attached between inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM>. In other words, the window sheet may be "sandwiched" to and between inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM>, and attached to both walls by conventional means, such as by a weld, adhesive, or the like. In some embodiments, therefore, the shape of porthole <NUM> may be determined by the shape of the apertures cut into walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

The window sheet can comprise a plastic material such as PVC. The window sheet can further comprise a plasticizer material. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the addition of a plasticizer would reduce the brittleness of the pure PVC material and increase the overall material strength of the window sheet. The addition of a plasticizer would increase the flexibility and durability of the window sheet. Such an embodiment can provide numerous advantages, such as retaining structural integrity and resisting rupture while being a flexible and easily collapsible material. In other words, the window sheets may be bent, flexed, and strained during storage and packaging, but will remain robust and structurally sound when the pool is filled and in use.

In some embodiments, portholes <NUM> may aid in safety, as portholes <NUM> may enable improved viewing into pool <NUM> through side wall <NUM>. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, such an embodiment would be improved provided the window sheets in the portholes were sufficiently strong to not require a wire mesh or any reinforcing material. For example, the window sheet in portholes <NUM> can comprise a plastic material and a plasticizer to provide sufficient strength to eliminate the need for a mesh or reinforcing material. If portholes <NUM> are removably designed by suitable means, a porthole <NUM> may also be used as a drainage device, enabling quick emptying of the liquid of pool <NUM>. Thus, portholes <NUM> may be integrally formed during manufacturing of side wall <NUM>, or may be removable, wherein the various sheets are removably attached via a waterproof and leak-proof method. Portholes <NUM>, however, may also be attached via a non-removable method.

Pool <NUM> may further include a pump device. The pump device can be adapted as a circulation system and, beneficially, a cleaning system. The pump device can comprise a first tube coupling a suction port of the pump in fluid communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning device which draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the pool. The pool pump may further comprise a second tube to a coupling device which diverts a small portion of pool "return" water pumped from an outlet port of the pump. Further, the pump may be adapted to provide a jet of air bubbles in the water, for a Jacuzzi or spa effect.

<FIG> illustrates pool <NUM> having a brace or structural support <NUM>. Support <NUM> may include vertical rib supports and may be coupled proximate to side wall <NUM> of pool <NUM>. For example, support <NUM> may be inserted within the material making up side wall <NUM>. The support members may comprise at least a portion of flotation device <NUM> or a support member and may have at least a portion coupled to the top of side wall <NUM> and vertically along side wall <NUM> to provide buoyancy and/or rigidity to side wall <NUM>. Support members <NUM> may comprise, for example, one or more inflatable bladders, collapsible foam, removable support members, or the like.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that support members <NUM> may be used on a frame pool, as well as a pop-up pool for supporting the pool above the ground. In some embodiments, support members <NUM> are positioned outside pool <NUM>.

Pool <NUM> may include a ladder <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) to enable one to enter and/or exit pool <NUM>. Ladder <NUM> may be integral with brace <NUM>, or not. Ladder <NUM> may further be insertable into pool <NUM>, enabling one to exit pool <NUM>. Because a rim of pool <NUM> is above the ground, ladder <NUM> is preferably flush with the rim for easy entry/exit from pool <NUM>.

Because pool <NUM> is collapsible, the liquid in pool <NUM> should be drainable. Preferably, a drainage assembly is integral with pool <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drainage assembly can be a cork or like device, that is removeable from pool <NUM>, such that, when removed the water from pool <NUM> may be drained. The drainage assembly may also be a valve enabling control of draining pool <NUM>. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the drainage assembly may be many devices enabling easy draining of pool <NUM>, safely and environmentally. The drain assembly may also comprise a hard or soft plastic material and can be disposed substantially within a drain aperture in side wall <NUM>.

In some embodiments disclosed herein, the drain assembly can be disposed on a side wall <NUM> of the pool and can substantially surround a drain hole aperture formed in a side wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drain assembly can be disposed on a base <NUM> of the pool. In some embodiments, the drain assembly can be disposed on a bottom <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drain assembly can be disposed on an area substantially between side wall <NUM> and base <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the drain can comprise a drain plug member and a locking member. In some embodiments, the drain plug member can be configured to detachably attach to the drain hole in a closed position. Additionally, the drain plug member can be configured to detachably attach to the locking member in an open position. In other words, the open position can provide for the drain hole remaining substantially unobstructed by the drain plug member during the draining process.

Claim 1:
A frame joint (<NUM>) for an above-ground pool (<NUM>), the frame joint configured to receive two support members for the above-ground pool, characterized in that the frame joint comprises:
a first cutaway portion (<NUM>) on a first end of the joint, the first cutaway portion (i) configured to laterally support a first support member (210a) of the two support members and (ii) comprising a first set of apertures (<NUM>) configured to align with a set of apertures (<NUM>) in the first support member;
a second cutaway portion on a second end of the joint, the second cutaway portion (i) configured to laterally support a second support member (210a) of the two support members and (ii) comprising a second set of apertures (<NUM>) configured to align with a set of apertures (<NUM>) in the second support member; and
a set of fastening pins (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to (i) fasten the first support member (<NUM>) to the first cutaway portion (<NUM>) via the first set of apertures (<NUM>) and the set of apertures (<NUM>) in the first support member (210a) and (ii) fasten the second support member (210a) to the second cutaway portion (<NUM>) via the second set of apertures (<NUM>) and the set of apertures (<NUM>) in the second support member (210a).