POOL EXPANSION JOINT COVER AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME

Abstract

A covering made from plasticized material for gaps and expansion joints in artificial pools. The covering may be formed as a thin, elongated, and flexible strip having one or more perforations for separating the strip into partitions. The covering may be treated with an ultraviolet inhibitor and may have a textured or scored surface for bonding with an adhesive. The covering is particularly adapted for concealing and protecting expansion joints located between a row of tile and the deck, or coping, of a swimming pool.

Claims

1. A covering for an expansion joint of an artificial pool, comprising: a. an ultraviolet stabilizer; b. at least one vertical perforation and at least one horizontal perforation for separating said covering into at least two partitions; and c. at least one side having a scored surface for bonding with an adhesive; wherein said covering is formed as an elongated strip and is constructed from a plastic polymer.

2. The covering of claim 1, wherein said at least one perforation is substantially straight.

3. The covering of claim 1, wherein said at least one perforation is curved.

4. The covering of claim 1, wherein said at least two partitions are uniformly shaped.

5. The covering of claim 1, wherein said at least two partitions are irregularly shaped.

6. The covering of claim 1, wherein said ultraviolet stabilizer comprises a hindered amine light stabilizer.

7. The covering of claim 1, wherein said at least one side of said covering further comprises a protrusion for insertion into said expansion joint.

8. A method for concealing an expansion joint of an artificial pool using a first covering, wherein said first covering is formed as an elongated strip and comprises a first side, a second side, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a perforation for forming two partitions, and a scored surface on said second side, and wherein said expansion joint is between a row of tiles and a coping of an artificial pool, said method comprising the steps of: a. separating said first covering along said perforation to form a first partition and a second partition, each having a first side and a second side; b. preparing said expansion joint and said first partition for adhesion; and c. placing a portion of said first partition over said expansion joint, wherein said second side of said first partition is bonded with said expansion joint.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of preparing said expansion joint and said first partition for adhesion comprises filling said expansion joint with an adhesive.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of preparing said expansion joint and said first partition for adhesion comprises applying an adhesive to said scored surface.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of preparing said expansion joint and said first partition for adhesion comprises removing an existing seal within said expansion joint.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein said second side of said first partition of said first covering comprises a protrusion.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of placing a portion of said first partition of said first covering over said expansion joint further comprises inserting a portion of said protrusion into said expansion joint.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising using a second covering, wherein said second covering is formed as an elongated strip and comprises a first side, a second side, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a perforation for forming two partitions, and a scored surface on said second side, said method further comprising the steps of: d. separating said second covering along said perforation to form a first partition and a second partition, each having a first side and a second side; e. preparing said expansion joint and said first partition of said second covering for adhesion; and f. placing a portion of said first partition of said second covering over said expansion joint, wherein said second side of said first partition of said second covering is bonded with said expansion joint.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said first partition of said second covering is abuttingly engaged with said first partition of said first covering.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: g. inserting a protruding edge of said first partition of said second covering into a slotted edge of said first partition of said first covering.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of: g. preparing said expansion joint and said second partition of said second covering for adhesion; and h. placing a portion of said second partition of said second covering over said expansion joint, wherein said second side of said second partition of said second covering is bonded with said expansion joint and wherein said second partition of said second covering is abuttingly engaged with said first partition of said second covering.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said first partition of said second covering is abuttingly engaged with said first partition of said first covering.

19. A system for concealing an expansion joint of an artificial pool comprising at least two coverings and an expansion joint, said at least two coverings comprising: a. at least one perforation for forming at least two partitions; and b. at least one side adapted to bond with an adhesive within said expansion joint; wherein said at least two coverings are formed as elongated strips, wherein said at least two coverings are constructed from a plastic polymer, and wherein said at least one perforation of a first one of said at least two coverings is adapted to abuttingly engage said at least one perforation of a second one of said at least two coverings.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said at least one perforation of said first one and said second one of said at least two coverings comprises a chamfered edge.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein said at least one perforation of said first one of said at least two coverings comprises a protruding edge and wherein said at least one perforation of said second one of said at least two coverings comprises a slotted edge.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein said slotted edge is adapted to mate with said protruding edge.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1A is a front view diagram illustrating an exemplary covering in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 1B is a rear view diagram of the exemplary covering illustrated in FIG. 1A.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view diagram illustrating an exemplary covering in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view diagram illustrating an exemplary covering in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view diagram illustrating an exemplary covering in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view diagram illustrating an exemplary covering in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6A is a side view diagram illustrating a pair of exemplary coverings, each having a chamfered edge.

[0022] FIG. 6B is a side view diagram of the exemplary coverings of FIG. 6A adjoined along the chamfered edges thereof.

[0023] FIG. 7A is a side view diagram illustrating a first exemplary covering having a slot formed along an edge and a second exemplary covering having a protrusion formed along an edge.

[0024] FIG. 7B is a side view diagram illustrating the exemplary coverings of FIG. 7A, wherein the protrusion of the second exemplary covering is shown inserted into the slot of the first exemplary covering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The invention, in its various aspects, will be explained in greater detail below. While the invention will be described in conjunction with several exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments themselves do not limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, where like elements have like numerals, do not limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments and/or invention, including any length, angles, or other measurements provided. Rather the invention, as defined by the claims, may cover alternatives, modifications, and/or equivalents of the exemplary embodiments.

[0026] The present invention generally concerns a covering, preferably made from plasticized material, which can be used to cover, conceal, and/or protect gaps and joints in artificial pools. In preferred embodiments, a covering can be used to conceal a joint between a wall and a deck, or coping, of a swimming pool. For example, a covering may be used to seal an expansion joint between the uppermost edge of a row of pool tiles and the bottom edge, or surface, of the pool coping. It is to be appreciated, however, that applications of the present invention may not be limited to swimming pools. For example, and without limitation, a covering may also be used in the construction or repair of spas or artificial ponds, and the like.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a covering may be formed as an elongated strip which may be substantially thin (i.e., less than 1 centimeter in thickness), pliable, and durable. In some embodiments, a covering may have a width of between about 0.5 inches and 2 inches, but preferably about 1.25 inches. It is to be appreciated, however, that a covering may be wider or narrower depending on the size of an area to be covered. A covering may be adapted to be engaged or adjoined with another covering, either along a lateral edge or along a perforation. In some embodiments, a covering may be adapted to abuttingly engage another covering.

[0028] A covering may be constructed, in whole or in part, from flexible and water-resistant material, such as a plastic or vinyl polymer, but preferably from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some embodiments, a covering may be coated or treated with a protectant to increase moisture resistance. In preferred embodiments, a covering may also be treated with an ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer, absorber, or blocker, or combinations thereof, to prevent degradation, corrosion, and/or damage caused by UV light. For example, a covering may be treated with a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS).

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, a covering may have one or more perforations for separating the covering into two or more partitions (or segments, sections, pieces, portions, etc.). In some embodiments, the width of a partition may be between about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch, but preferably about of an inch. In preferred embodiments, a perforation may be formed into a covering such that the covering may be separable, or torn, by hand along the perforation. In some embodiments, a perforation may be formed in a widthwise or lengthwise direction of a covering, allowing the covering to be quickly and easily sized according to one's desired specifications. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a covering 10 may have a vertical perforation 11 and a horizontal perforation 12, formed in a widthwise and lengthwise direction, respectively, of covering 10allowing covering 10 to be separated into two or more partitions comprising sections 10A, 10B, 10C, and/or 10D. It is to be appreciated that a covering may be separated into a partition which may comprise one or multiple sections of a covering. For example, covering 10 may be separated to form a partition comprising: i) only one of sections 10A, 10B, 10C, or 10D; ii) combinations of two of sections 10A, 10B, 10C, or 10D; or iii) combinations of three of sections 10A, 10B, 10C, or 10D.

[0030] In some embodiments, a covering may have protrusions, bumps, indentations, and/or ridges, or the like, which may provide a textured, or scored, surface for bonding with one-part or two-part adhesives, such as, but not limited to, silicone-based or epoxy-based adhesives. One or more protrusions may form linear, cross-hatched, or wavelike patterns, or any other patterns or combinations thereof, which may extend over a portion of a side of a covering. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, covering 10 may include one or more protrusions 13 on a back side 19 for providing a scored surface for bonding with an adhesive. In certain embodiments, a covering may have one or more elongated protrusions which may extend in a lateral direction from a side of the covering, which can be positioned in a joint or gap. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a large wedge-shaped protrusion 130 may be provided on a back side 190 of a covering 100, which may allow for better adhesion between covering 100 and a joint. It is to be appreciated, however, that a covering may have any number of protrusions and a protrusion may rounded, pointed, squared, or any other shape. In some embodiments, a protrusion may be scored and/or may have a plurality of bumps, indentations, ridges, or the like formed thereon.

[0031] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, one or more perforations of a covering may be straight, curved, or irregular. In preferred embodiments, a covering may have a plurality of substantially straight perforations which may be parallel to a lateral edge of the covering. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a covering 200 may have a first perforation 210A, a second perforation 210B, and a third perforation 210C, each of which may be substantially parallel to a first edge 214 and a second edge 216. In preferred embodiments, one or more perforations may be formed in a covering such that, when the covering is separated at a perforation, equally sized and uniform partitions may be formed. For example, as further illustrated in FIG. 3, the distances between i) first edge 214 and first perforation 210A, ii) first perforation 210A and second perforation 210B, iii) second perforation 210B and third perforation 210C, and iv) third perforation 210C and second edge 216, represented by D.sub.1, D.sub.2, D.sub.3, and D.sub.4, respectively, may be substantially equal. It is to be understood, however, that each, or some, of distances D.sub.1, D.sub.2, D.sub.3, and D.sub.4 may be different from another. In some embodiments, a perforation may be oriented in a diagonal direction, relative to a lateral edge of a covering, such that the partitions of the covering have graduated widths (i.e., widths which increase or decrease in a lateral direction). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a perforation 310 may be formed in a covering 300, extending from one corner to an opposite corner thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments, a covering may have one or more perforations which may be irregular (i.e., not straight). For example, a perforation may be curved and/or patterned (e.g., wave, sawtooth, semicircle, etc.) such that the resulting partitions of a covering are irregularly shaped. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a covering 400 may have a curved perforation 410, which may have a curvature that increases or decreases toward a lateral edge of covering 400. In some embodiments, a covering may be colored and may have decorative features or designs. For example, two or more colors may be used to distinguish between different types of coverings (e.g., to distinguish between coverings of varying thicknesses, widths, flexibility, partition sizes, etc.).

[0033] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a covering may have edges which may be flat or rounded. In some embodiments, one or more edges may be chamfered or beveled which may useful in certain cases, such as when joining two coverings together. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, a pair of coverings 500A and 500B may each have a chamfered edge which may be complementary to each other. Thus when, for example, coverings 500A and 500B are overlapped, or adjoined, such that the chamfered portions of each covering abut each other, the adjoined coverings may give the appearance of a smooth, continuous surface, as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

[0034] In some embodiments, a covering may have a slotted edge which may abuttingly engage, or mate with, a protruding edge of another covering, which may create a tight seal therebetween (i.e., having little or no play). A slotted edge and/or a protruding edge may be formed along a lateral edge, or a perforation, of a covering. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, a covering 600 may have a slotted edge 610 and a covering 700 may have a complementary protruding edge 710 which may be inserted into, or mate, with slotted edge 610. When covering 600 and covering 700 are adjoined (i.e., when protruding edge 710 is inserted into slotted edge 610), there may be little to no play therebetween, as illustrated in FIG. 7B.

[0035] One or more coverings, as described herein, may be used to conceal and protect gaps or joints in artificial pools. In a preferred implementation, a covering (or plurality of coverings) may be used in a swimming pool to conceal an expansion joint between the top edge of a row of pool tiles and the bottom edge, or surface, of the pool deck or coping. For example, a method of concealing an expansion joint of a pool using a covering of plasticized material may include the steps of: (i) measuring the area to be sealed by the covering; (ii) cutting, or tearing, the covering according to the measured specifications; (iii) filling the joint with an effective amount of an adhesive (i.e., an amount which can create a sufficient bond) for the covering to bond to; (iv) extruding an effective amount of an adhesive on the side of the covering having a textured or scored surface; (v) either positioning the covering such that the adhesive coated side is placed over the joint, or inserting the covering (or portion thereof) within the joint; and (vi) pressing firmly down on the covering to ensure a sufficient bond with the adhesive within the joint.

[0036] When replacing an existing covering or concealing a sealed expansion joint, an existing joint seal may need to be removed first before filling with the joint with adhesive. For example, an existing seal may be damaged or cracked, which may prevent a strong bond from forming between a covering and the seal. Therefore, the existing seal may need to be removed (e.g., carved out and discarded) and resealed. In some cases, an existing seal may still be viable (e.g., without cracks or other types of damage), in which case a fresh layer of adhesive may be applied over the existing seal before bonding to a covering.

[0037] In some applications of the present invention, two or more coverings may be used to cover a relatively large area. For example, if the area to be covered is wider than a covering, a user may need to apply a second covering directly above or below a first covering to ensure complete coverage. In some implementations, a user may place a second covering over a first covering, such that a portion of the second covering overlaps the first covering, which may provide for a better seal therebetween. If coverings having beveled or chamfered edges are used, a user may overlap two coverings along the beveled portions thereof. If coverings having slots and/or protruding edges are used, a user may insert a protruding edge of a first covering into a complementary slot of a second covering before placing the coverings over the area to be concealed.

[0038] In some cases, such as, for example, for relatively small joints or gaps, a whole (i.e., unseparated) covering may not be needed to cover an entire area. Accordingly, a user may cut, or tear, a covering along a perforation to obtain a narrower partition. In other cases, an area to be sealed may not be uniform. For example, the width of an area to be sealed may increase or decrease in a lateral direction, requiring coverings of varying sizes. In such cases, a user may utilize, for example, a covering with partitions which may have graduated widths (i.e., a covering having a diagonally formed perforation) to account for non-uniform joints or gaps. For relatively large, non-uniform areas, an irregularly shaped partition of one covering may be combined with a covering which has not been cut, torn, or otherwise separated into partitions. For example, a partition of one covering with a graduated width may be placed above (or below) an unseparated covering in order to cover an area which is wider than a single unseparated covering, but has a variable width in a lateral direction. It is to be appreciated, however, that a user may utilize any number or type of coverings, and/or partitions thereof, and may also cut a covering into any desired shape or size in order to cover a given area.

[0039] It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. Thus, although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.