US20140124053A1

Movatterモバイル変換

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Publication number: US20140124053A1
Application number: US13/672,540
Authority: US
Inventors: Boris Blank
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-11-08
Filing date: 2012-11-08
Publication date: 2014-05-08

Abstract

A reservoir accessory assembly comprises a flooring structure being configured to support a fluid processing accessory for the reservoir. The flooring structure comprises a cutout being configured to enable entrance of plumbing from the reservoir for connection to the fluid processing accessory. Side panels are joined to the flooring structure. The side panels comprise screened vents. A back panel is joined to the flooring structure. The back panel comprises a ventilation portion being configured to enable airflow with the vents. A front door is pivotally joined to one side panel to enable access to the fluid processing accessory. A top is configured to cover an interior formed by the flooring structure, the side panels, the back panel and the front door in which the fluid processing accessory is enclosed and accessible via the front door.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to pools. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to enclosing pool accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a swimming pool is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. Swimming pools include many standard sizes, the largest of which is the Olympic-size swimming pool. A swimming pool can be built either above or in the ground, and from materials such as concrete, metal, plastic, or fiberglass.

Typically, swimming pool water must maintain low levels of bacteria and viruses to prevent the spread of diseases and pathogens. Bacteria, algae, and insect larvae can enter the pool if water is not properly sanitized. Pumps, mechanical filters, and disinfectants are often used to filter the water.

Typically, the pumps, sanitization equipment and supplies, and electrical components of an outdoor swimming pool are exposed to the elements and to anyone. These accessories may result in loud noise, chemical seepage, and dangerous electrical currents.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary reservoir accessory assembly at least partially enclosing at least one accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of reservoir accessory assemblies that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir accessory assembly may provide a protective and decorative functional enclosure that at least partially enclosing at least one accessory. The reservoir accessory assembly may be configured into a plurality of sizes and dimensions suitable for enclosing the at least one accessory, including, without limitation, a box, a dome, a square, and a pyramid. In some embodiments, the assembly may include a modular design for segregating each accessory. In some embodiments, the at least one accessory may include an eclectic assortment of machines, housings, pipes, wires, and circuits configured to enhance a liquid reservoir. The at least one accessory may include, without limitation, a pump portion, a sanitization portion, a heating portion, an electrical portion, and at least one panel. However, other accessories that enhance or support functions of the liquid reservoir may also be enclosed by the reservoir accessory assembly. In some embodiments, the reservoir accessory assembly may protect and enhance the at least one accessory from various damaging elements, including, without limitation, water damage, rust, ultraviolet radiation, and debris. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that liquids, ultraviolet radiation, and wind may diminish the lifetime and quality of the at least one accessory. Conversely, the reservoir accessory assembly may restrict access to the at least one accessory. In this manner, undesired visitors and animals may be prevented from accessing the at least one accessory, including, without limitation, children, pets, vandals, and inspectors.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir accessory assembly may reduce noise levels that emit from the at least one accessory. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that pumps and heaters may generate excessive noise levels. A user may be hindered and inconvenienced by the high noise levels emitting from the at least one accessory. In some embodiments, the reservoir accessory assembly may provide a decorative enclosure for the at least one accessory. In this manner, unsightly pipes that extend from the pump portion and unsightly wires that extend from the electrical portion may remain out of sight.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir accessory assembly may include at least one gate portion for opening and closing access to the at least one accessory. In some embodiments, one gate portion may position in proximity to an individual accessory. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of gate portions may position in proximity to all of the accessories. In some embodiments, the reservoir accessory assembly may provide a modular design for facilitating access to the at least one accessory during maintenance. The maintenance may be facilitated by segregating each accessory into an individual area of the reservoir accessory assembly. In some embodiments, at least one panel may segregate each accessory. In this manner, maintenance may be facilitated, and safety may be enhanced. In some embodiments, a ventilation portion may allow for air circulation and release to and from the at least one accessory. The ventilation portion may position in a rear area of the reservoir accessory assembly. In some embodiments, the pump portion may pump a liquid from the liquid reservoir. In this manner, the liquid may pass through a filtration system. In some embodiments, a sanitization portion may include chlorine for sanitizing the liquid.

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary reservoir accessory assembly at least partially enclosing at least one accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, thereservoir accessory assembly100 may provide a protective and decorative functional enclosure that at least partially covers at least oneaccessory102. The reservoir accessory assembly may be configured into a plurality of sizes and dimensions suitable for at least partially enclosing the at least one accessory, including, without limitation, a box, a dome, a square, and a pyramid. The outer walls of the assembly may be insulated to minimize heat loss and reduce sound from the machinery. In some embodiments, the assembly may include a modular design for segregating each accessory. The assembly may fully encapsulate each accessory individually. However, in another embodiment, the assembly may encapsulate the totality of all the accessories together. In some embodiments, the assembly may be adjustable to uncover and cover the accessories as desired. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that liquid reservoirs may include a plurality of machines, pipes, levers, wires, and circuits for recycling, sanitizing, pumping, and providing aesthetics to the liquid. The liquid reservoir may include, without limitation, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa, a pond, and a bathtub. Suitable materials for the reservoir accessory assembly may include, without limitation, plastic, metal, wooden, high impact glass material decorated with iron caging elements. However, in another embodiment, the reservoir accessory assembly may be fabricated from glassfibre reinforced plastic and sandwiched between fire retardant CFC-free polyurethane insulation. The reservoir accessory assembly may further include durable insulated composite panels that inhibit rust, rot, and mildew. In yet another embodiment, the assembly may utilize steel or titanium reinforced outer walls for added security. In one alternative embodiment, the assembly may store various swimming pool tools, including, without limitation, a net, a vacuum, and a tarp. In one alternative embodiment, the assembly may be sealed to prevent chemicals from seeping through. In yet another alternative embodiment, the assembly may be insulated to prevent shock from contact with electricity.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir accessory assembly may include at least onegate portion104 for opening and closing access to the at least one accessory. The gate portion may open and close by various means, including, without limitation, sliding, hinging, extending, retracting, and detaching. In some embodiments, one gate portion may position in proximity to an individual accessory. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of gate portions may position in proximity to all of the accessories. The at least one gate portion may include a lockingportion105 to restrict access to the at least one accessory. In one alternative embodiment, the assembly may not utilize the gate portion, but rather lower down over all of the accessories.

In some embodiments, the reservoir accessory assembly may provide a modular design for facilitating access to the at least one accessory during maintenance. The maintenance may be facilitated by segregating each accessory into an individual area of the reservoir accessory assembly. In some embodiments, at least onepanel106 may segregate each accessory. In this manner, maintenance may be facilitated, and safety may be enhanced. In one embodiment, a top panel may provide the capability to open wide, vertically or slide-out, for complete access to the at least one accessory. A front panel may include cabinet doors that allow complete access to the at least one accessory. The front panel may include door shelves for the tools and pool accessories or chemicals. In yet another embodiment, the at least one panel may be equipped with lights for facilitated night access. The lights may be powered by a battery. Each panel may include snap-on storage shelves for inside walls and inside doors. The snap-on or stick-on accent panels may be interchangeable, or may be tailored based on a desired decorative design. The at least one panel may include various colors and compositions, including, without limitation, wood, stone, brick, stucco, glass, and custom design kit patterns. In one alternative embodiment, the modular design of the assembly may provide an entertainment module for docking portable electronic devices, including, without limitation, a speaker, a radio, an iPod, and exterior weather proof speakers.

In one embodiment of the present invention, aventilation portion108 may allow for air circulation and release to and from the at least one accessory. The ventilation portion may position in a rear area of the reservoir accessory assembly. In some embodiments, the ventilation portion may include a grill that is configured to be operable to allow air to pass through. In yet another embodiment, the ventilation portion may include a fan powered by a motor. The fan may rotate in two directions for controlling the circulation of air throughout the assembly. In this manner, a forced ventilation system may be provided. In some alternate embodiments, the ventilation portion may include an air filter to keep dust and debris from being blown into the assembly.

In one embodiment of the present invention, apump portion110 may pump a liquid from the liquid reservoir. In this manner, the liquid may pass through a filtration system, including, without limitation, charcoal, silica, paper, sand, chlorine, and gels. The liquid may also recycle to refresh the liquid reservoir. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that pumps may include a variety of levers, pipes, pressure rings, and storage tanks susceptible to rusting and mechanical wear. The flooring of the assembly may be padded and precut to provide a recess for the pipes and machinery associated with the pump portion. In some alternate embodiments, the flooring may also be precut to provide access to a drainage system to drain off liquids due to maintenance or equipment failure. In many instances, the liquid reservoir may not function without a pump. The pump portion may include, without limitation, a heat pump, a centrifugal pump, and a compression pump.

In one embodiment of the present invention, asanitization portion112 may sanitize the liquid in the liquid reservoir. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that bacteria, algae, and insect larvae may contaminate the liquid reservoir. Mechanical sanitization equipment may filter the liquid, including, without limitation, pumps, mechanical filters, and disinfectants. Chemical sanitization may include, without limitation, disinfectants, chlorine, hypochlorite salt, calcium hypochlorite, and bromine. The sanitization portion may join with the pump portion to receive and filter the liquid.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical portion may control the electrical communication and operation of the liquid reservoir and the accessories. The electrical portion may include, without limitation, wires, circuits, and switches. A power source may provide power to the electrical portion. In one embodiment, the electrical portion may provide illumination in proximity to both the assembly and the liquid reservoir.

Aheating portion114 may provide thermal energy to the liquid in the liquid reservoir. In one embodiment, the heating portion may join with the pump portion to allow the liquid to pass through piping in the heating portion. The heating portion may include an electrically heated component or gas fired component that provides thermal energy to the liquid as the liquid engages. In some embodiments, the heating portion may include a dial to control the temperature in the liquid reservoir. The dial may be operatively joined with a thermostat in the liquid. In some alternate embodiments, connections to a solar heating system may be provided. The connections may pass through a precut in the flooring or through openings in the back or side panels.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one accessory may include an eclectic assortment of components for operating and enhancing the liquid reservoir, including, without limitation, machines, housings, pipes, levers, wires, circuits, electrical and remote control panels, timers, automation systems, mineralization, ionization or chlorine generation systems monitors and controllers, external outlets, pool pumps, pool filters, air blowers, chlorine generators, chlorinators, mineral systems, ionization systems, automation systems, electrical and remote control panels, timers, receptacles, shelving, pool heaters and heat pumps. The accessories may be efficacious for operating and enhancing the liquid reservoir. In some embodiments, the at least one accessory may include, without limitation, a pump filtration portion, a sanitization portion, a heating portion, and an electrical portion. However, other accessories that enhance or support the liquid reservoir may also be enclosed by the reservoir accessory assembly. In one alternative embodiment, rhythmic, decorative lighting positioned inside the liquid reservoir may be controlled by an electrical control panel. In yet another alternative embodiment, the at least one accessory may operate a plurality of liquid reservoirs.

In some embodiments, the reservoir accessory assembly may protect and enhance the at least one accessory from various damaging elements, including, without limitation, water damage, rust, ultraviolet radiation, and debris. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that liquids, ultraviolet radiation, and wind may diminish the lifetime and quality of the at least one accessory. Conversely, the reservoir accessory assembly may restrict access to the at least one accessory. In this manner, undesired visitors and animals may be prevented from accessing the at least one accessory, including, without limitation, children, pets, vandals, and inspectors. In some alternate embodiments, the assembly may include an alarm system to indicate an unauthorized entry.

All the features or embodiment components disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features or components serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent, suitable, or similar results by such alternative feature(s) or component(s) providing a similar function by virtue of their having known suitable properties for the intended purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent, or suitable, or similar features known or knowable to those skilled in the art without requiring undue experimentation.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a protective enclosure for pool accessories according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the protective enclosure for pool accessories may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the described in the foregoing were principally directed to protective enclosures for pool pumps, pipes, chlorine, and electrical components implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to a protective enclosure in the bathroom to secure plumbing equipment and cleaning chemicals, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A reservoir accessory assembly comprising:

at least one flooring structure being configured to support at least one fluid processing accessory for the reservoir, said flooring structure comprising at least one cutout being configured to enable entrance of plumbing from the reservoir for connection to the fluid processing accessory;

side panels being joined to said flooring structure, said side panels comprising screened vents;

at least one back panel being joined to said flooring structure, said back panel comprising a ventilation portion being configured to enable airflow with said vents;

at least one front door being pivotally joined to one side panel to enable access to the fluid processing accessory; and

at least one top being configured to at least cover an interior formed by said flooring structure, said side panels, said back panel and said front door in which the fluid processing accessory is enclosed and accessible via said front door.

2. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which said top is removable to enable access to said interior.

3. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 2, in which said top is pivotally joined to said back panel.

4. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which the reservoir accessory assembly is modular in design to enable enclosure of additional accessories.

5. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 4, further comprising an additional flooring structure, an additional back panel, an additional front door and an additional top.

6. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which said cutout is further configured to enable entrance of electrical wiring.

7. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which said front door further comprises a locking mechanism to restrict access.

8. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which said ventilation portion is further adaptable to a forced air system.

9. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which said flooring structure, said side panels, said back panel, said front door and said top further comprise an insulation material for noise reduction.

10. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which said flooring structure further comprises a padding material.

11. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which the reservoir comprises a swimming pool.

12. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which the fluid processing accessory comprises a water pump and filtration system.

13. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 1, in which the reservoir accessory assembly comprises fire retardant materials and steel reinforcement.

14. A reservoir accessory assembly comprising:

means being configured for supporting at least one fluid processing accessory for the reservoir, and for enabling entrance of plumbing and electrical wiring;

means being joined to said supporting means for enclosing sides of the assembly and for venting;

means being joined to said supporting means for enclosing a back of the assembly and for enabling airflow for said venting;

means being pivotally joined to a side enclosing means for accessing the fluid processing accessory from a front of the assembly; and

means being configured for at least removably covering a top of an interior formed by said supporting means, side enclosing means, said back enclosing means and said front accessing means in which the fluid processing accessory is enclosed and accessible via said front accessing means and said top covering means.

15. A reservoir accessory assembly comprising:

at least one flooring structure being configured to support at least one fluid processing accessory for the reservoir, said flooring structure comprising a fire retardant, noise insulated, padded and steel reinforced material having at least one cutout being configured to enable entrance of plumbing from the reservoir and electrical wiring for connection to the fluid processing accessory;

side panels being joined to said flooring structure, said side panels comprising a fire retardant, noise insulated, and steel reinforced material having screened vents;

at least one back panel being joined to said flooring structure, said back panel comprising a fire retardant, noise insulated, and steel reinforced material having a ventilation portion being configured to enable airflow with said vents, said ventilation portion being further adaptable to a forced air system;

at least one front door being pivotally joined to one side panel to enable access to the fluid processing accessory, said front door comprising a fire retardant, noise insulated, and steel reinforced material, and a locking mechanism to restrict access; and

at least one top being configured to at least removably cover an interior formed by said flooring structure, said side panels, said back panel and said front door, said top comprising a fire retardant, noise insulated, and steel reinforced material, in which the fluid processing accessory is enclosed and accessible via said front door and said top.

16. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 15, in which said top is pivotally joined to said back panel.

17. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 15, in which the reservoir accessory assembly is modular in design to enable enclosure of additional accessories.

18. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 17, further comprising an additional flooring structure, an additional back panel, an additional front door and an additional top.

19. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 15, in which the reservoir comprises a swimming pool.

20. The reservoir accessory assembly as recited inclaim 15, in which the fluid processing accessory comprises a water pump and filtration system.