Abstract
A fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) plate is disclosed and used in a zero edge pool embodiment according to this invention to permit grass to grow above the FRC plate while providing sufficient load-bearing strength to support the soil there-above to allow the growth of grass up to the water's edge.
Claims
1. A fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) plate as shown and described herein.
2. A zero edge pool structure comprising the FRC plate as shown and described herein.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The novel features characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1A provides a cross-sectional schematic view of prior art overflow collection trough construction (prior art collection trough assembly type 1) wherein a series of metal support structures are laid around the pool to provide a coping support, as in FIG. 1B.
[0014] FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of prior art overflow collection trough construction (prior art collection trough assembly type 2), substantially in accordance with the teachings of WO2019089849.
[0015] FIG. 3 provides a side sectional view of an embodiment of the Aqua Zero Edge with a fabric reinforced concrete (FRC) plate replacement of the metal plates included in the zero edge according to FIG. 2 assembled substantially as taught in WO2019089849.
[0016] FIG. 4 provides a detailed side sectional view of an embodiment of the Aqua Zero Edge FRC Plate according to this invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 a top view of the FRC plate according to this invention with suggestive but non-limiting dimensions.
[0018] FIG. 6 provides a side sectional view of the FRC plate according to this invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 provides an elevational view of the FRC plate according to this invention.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION; WRITTEN AND ENABLING DESCRIPTION
[0020] The overall features of the zero-edge pool aspect of the instant invention can best be understood by review of FIG. 1, a prior art zero edge pool construction system which includes metal plates which present an electrocution and electrical conduction hazard, which adds significant cost, and which cannot easily be modified on site as needed.
[0021] FIG. 2 herein and the disclosure found in WO2019089849 provides the essential structure of a zero-edge pool in which the component described herein below provides a significant alternate and non-obvious embodiment and improvement. FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of pool/spa shell 4B, which is initially constructed in accordance with known prior-art methods, but with the following modifications: the inclusion of 6″ deep and 8″ wide cut-out 4B1, and the placement of suitably spaced rebar pins 4B2 to be used for anchoring the distinctive dam element 7. Dam element 7 comprises an elongate element with a cross-section forming a right-triangle and having suitable sockets for mounting to spaced rebar pins 4B2 with its flat upright side positioned towards the pool edge. After this, a waterproofing membrane/material 8 may be advantageously installed over the dam 7, back down through trough 5A, and then up onto a rear high-point of the ledge of shell 4B. Following this, a waterline finish material such as the illustrated planar granite member 9 is installed on a leading side of the dam 7 to create a static water level with the top of said member forming the weir over which water spills into trough 5A via slot 3. (As will be noted, dam 7 has routed grooves on all three outward surfaces that will, on installation, be adjacent pool/finish material 9, trough 5A and shell 4B, so as to form strong mechanical bonds when appropriate sealants or other appropriate bonding/finishing materials are used to connect these elements). Next, mounting plate 10 and associated elements are installed between the high-point of the ledge and the dam 7 so as to span the trough 5A created thereby. Then to complete construction, the coping/finish material 2B for the shell 4B is installed on top of the mounting plate 10 so as to be even with its upper surface at the same elevation as the top of the waterline finish material 9.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a novel zero-edge arrangement and components according to the present invention. Most significantly, as can be seen by comparison with FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, this embodiment of the present invention includes a fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) plate to replace the metal component utilized in an installation such as that shown in FIG. 1, thereby alleviating and overcoming the limitations of that former design and components used therein, as discussed above.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a zero edge pool embodiment 100 according to this invention comprises the following interlocking and linked elements, elements including: An AZE dam 101, modified thin set 102 to adhere the dam, rebar pin 103, micro-fracture mitigation fabric waterproofing membrane 104, a modified AZE plate 105, over which is situated the FRC plate 106 of sufficient load-bearing strength to support enough soil there-above to permit grass to grow right up to the edge of the plate proximate the water's edge. Corbel 107 mates with dam 101 at 108, thus providing support to the modified AZE plate 105 and the FRC plate 106, all adhered to each other with modified thin set.
[0024] FIG. 4 provides a detailed view of the FRC plate 106, the corbel 107 which is cut or modified to match the dam on site install. Suggested but non-limiting dimensions are provided in the figure to provide enabling disclosure and written description to those skilled in the art seeking to practice the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 provides a tip view of the FRC plate 106 according to this invention. Again, suggested non-limiting dimensions are provided to enable those wishing to practice this invention under license to do so. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different dimensions may be used to suit a particular install site. The FRC plate 106 is easily modified, e.g. by cutting it with an appropriate blade known in the art, at the site of install, as and when needed.
[0026] FIG. 6 provides a sectional view of the FRC plate 106 according to the invention, with, again, suggestive but non-limiting dimensions provided.
[0027] FIG. 7 provides a top view of the FRC plate 106 according to this invention.
[0028] In view of the foregoing, it should be clear that numerous changes, equivalents, and variations can be made to various dimensions, aspects and elements of the invention disclosed herein without exceeding the scope of the inventive concept described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) of the invention herein described is/are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiment(s) is not intended to limit the scope of the claims included herein.
