Pool Fence and Method of Pool Fence Assembly

Abstract

A removable pool fence and pool fence system has a plurality of pool fence posts each with a luff groove extending approximately normal to the ground when the pool fence is installed. The luff groove accommodates a sliding mating portion such as a keder disposed on an edge of a fence panel. When assembled, fence panels have two edges, each slidingly engaged within a luff groove of one of two fence posts. Around the keder, flexible pool fence material is wrapped and maintained. The fence posts are removably supported on or within a pool deck such that the pool fence remains upright when installed.

Claims

1. A pool fence comprising: a flexible pool fence panel comprising a first keder along a first edge of the flexible pool fence panel, the flexible pool fence panel wrapped around the first keder.

2. A pool fence according to claim 1 comprising: a second other keder at a second opposing edge of the flexible pool fence panel, the flexible pool fence panel wrapped around the second keder.

3. A pool fence according to claim 1 wherein the keder comprises a rubber cylinder with the flexible pool fence panel material is wrapped around a circumference of the cylinder.

4. A pool fence according to claim 3 wherein the flexible pool fence panel material is fastened together at opposing circumferential ends in relation to the keder to hold the cylinder in place.

5. A pool fence according to claim 3 wherein the flexible pool fence panel material is melted together at opposing ends of the circumference to hold the cylinder in place.

6. A pool fence according to claim 2 wherein the flexible pool fence panel material is held in place by a sleeve about the circumference and into which the keder is inserted.

7. A pool fence according to claim 6 wherein the sleeve includes a reinforcement insert for fitting within a groove within the first fence post, the reinforcement insert extending from below the deck to above the deck and structurally reinforcing the fence post.

8. A pool fence according to claim 1 comprising: a first pool fence post having a length between a first end and a second opposing end thereof comprising first luff groove formed therein, the first luff groove for accepting the first keder in a first direction parallel with a height thereof when installed within a pool deck and for retaining the first keder above the pool deck and in a direction transverse the first direction.

9. A pool fence according to claim 8 comprising: a second pool fence post having a length between a first end and a second opposing end thereof comprising a second luff groove formed therein, the second luff groove for accepting the second keder in a first direction parallel a height thereof when installed within a pool deck and for retaining said second keder in a direction transverse the first direction.

10. A pool fence according to claim 9 wherein the first fence post and the second fence post are inserted within sleeves within a pool deck and maintained in substantially upright position for holding the pool fence panel in an upright orientation, and wherein the first fence post and the second fence post each comprise an insert at a bottom portion thereof and extending below and above the pool deck, the insert acting as both structural enhancement and a stop to prevent a keder from sliding beyond a known position within the fence post.

11. A pool fence according to claim 10 wherein the insert includes a groove for accommodating a bottom portion of the keder therein.

12. A pool fence according to claim 9 wherein the first fence post and the second fence post are inserted within sleeves within a pool deck and maintained in substantially upright position for holding the pool fence panel in an upright orientation, and wherein the first fence post comprises an insert at a bottom portion thereof, the insert forming a stop to prevent a keder from sliding downward beyond a known position within the fence post, the insert for engaging a top of the sleeve, the top of the sleeve maintaining the insert in position relative to the first fence post.

13. A pool fence according to claim 9 wherein the first fence post and the second fence post are inserted within sleeves within a pool deck and maintained in substantially upright position for holding the pool fence panel in an upright orientation, and wherein the sleeve comprises an insert at a top portion thereof, the insert forming a stop to prevent a keder from sliding downward beyond a known position within the fence post, the insert for engaging the first fence post, the top of the sleeve maintaining the insert in position relative to the first fence post.

14. A pool fence according to claim 1 wherein the keder consists of a single piece of material.

15. A pool fence according to claim 1 wherein the first keder comprises a stop at a top thereof for preventing the first keder from sliding within the luff groove beyond a known distance and for maintaining the flexible pool fence panel above the pool deck when inserted within the first pool fence post when the first pool fence post is inserted within a sleeve within a pool deck.

16. A pool fence according to claim 1 wherein the stop is integrated with the first keder.

17. A pool fence according to claim 1 comprising an intermediate keder intermediate the first keder and the second keder.

18. A pool fence according to claim 9 comprising an intermediate keder intermediate the first keder and the second keder ; and a third pool fence post having a third luff groove for accepting the intermediate keder, the third pool fence post, when installed, positioned between the first pool fence post and the second pool fence post along a permitter of the pool fence.

19. A pool fence according to claim 2 wherein the pool fence post is extruded and wherein the length is a length along a direction of extrusion.

20. A pool fence according to claim 18 wherein the extruded pool fence post is reinforced with a lattice internally to the pool fence post.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the several views, in which:

[0038] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a prior art removable pool fence section supported by a pool fence post on either side;

[0039] FIG. 2 is a simplified top view of a lower portion of a prior art fence post inserted within and supported by a sleeve installed within a pool deck;

[0040] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E are simplified top views of fence posts having luff grooves formed therein, for example by way of extrusion;

[0041] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are simplified diagrams of add on grooved connectors for addition to existing fence posts;

[0042] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E show a variety of flexible pool fence panels having edges for insertion within the luff grooves of the pool fence posts;

[0043] FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram showing how a simple flexible panel with a keder at each opposing edge is manufacturable for use with some of the herein described embodiments;

[0044] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of a keder between opposing edges of a flexible pool fence panel for additional support or for allowing flexible pool fence panels of greater length;

[0045] FIGS. 8A and 8B are a simplified side view of a terminal fence post for terminating a flexible pool fence panel before a keder thereof; and

[0046] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a fence post including a luff groove and a structural enforcement attached at a bottom end thereof.

DETAILED DESCRITPION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Definitions

[0048] Fence Post is a structural post for supporting a pool fence panel, often this is achieved by inserting a bottom end of a fence post into a sleeve in a pool deck to maintain the fence post approximately normal to the pool deck and then attaching the pool fence panel to the fence post.

[0049] Flexible panel is a panel of flexible material.

[0050] Groove is a is an opening within a solid that has a length and a cross section of similar size and shape allowing slidable engagement.

[0051] Slot is a groove, often open to the other side or partially open to the other side.

[0052] Luff groove is a groove comprising an opening and a slot in fluid communication with the opening. The Luff groove allows a slide to be inserted along a length of the luff groove and, when the kederthe slideis wider than the slot, to be retained within the luff groove when under tension transverse the groove, but to be removed from the luff groove when under tension parallel to the groove. For example, a luff groove in the shape of a cylinder with a slot narrower than a diameter of the cylinder retains a keder that is a cylinder of a diameter greater than the slot width and narrower than the luff groove.

[0053] Keder is a manufacturing term for something comprising two parts: a core cylinder or tubea regular object that is long in one direction and has a consistent cross section normal to its length such as a pole, a tube, a rectangular tube, etc.and fabric wrapped around the core and connected to itself for forming a loop about the cylinder or tube and to maintain the cylinder or tube. The core is often made from extruded PVC or another elastic material to allow flexibility. The keder fabric, which has exposed fibers on the outside, allows the keder to slide into an extrusion with a luff groovekeder track. Sometimes, the keder fabric is also adhered to the core to provide additional adherence. Often the keder fabric is selected to make sliding of the keder reasonably straightforward.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, shown is a prior art removable pool fence. A top portion of a cylindrical hollow post, 1 is shown. The post includes hole 6 therethrough. Through hole 6 is a connector 4 extending out of the post and connecting with a mating connector 3 in the form of a grommet within panel 2. Panel 2 is shown formed of mesh, but also includes rigid sides 2a. A nut 5 is disposed on the connector 4 on a side opposing the flexible panel. When a post sits between two panels, a connector nut would attach in place of nut 5 allowing another panel to be connected to the post 1 on opposing sides thereof.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, shown is a bottom portion of a fence post 1. The bottom portion of fence post 1 is shown inserted with and supported by sleeve 8 within, for example, a pool deck.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3E, shown are a number of different fence post designs in accordance with different embodiments. In FIG. 3A a fence post is shown from above with luff groovestwo circular openings extending the length of the fence post and in fluid communication with a slot extending the length of the fence post. The luff grooves are shown, one on either side of the fence post. The center of the fence post remains structural. Though the centre of the fencepost is shown as being small, typically, the luff grooves will be small relative to the diameter of the fencepost allowing for significant structural rigidity. Of course, one of skill in the art can design the fence post to meet a known structural load because the fence post is not modified, other than to be cut to length, after manufacture, for example through extrusion, and the fence post need not be modified during installation.

[0057] At FIG. 3B a fence post is shown having two triangular luff grooves. At FIG. 3C the luff grooves are rectangular. At FIG. 3D the grooves are rectangular but situated such that the flexible fence portion bends when inserted allowing the mating member to be other than in-line with the flexible fence panel. At FIG. 3E is shown a fence post wherein the fencepost is cylindrical and has a second outer wall including an opening in fluid communication with a luff groove such as those of FIGS. 3A-D. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3E the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical wall have a plurality of supports therebetween.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4A-D, shown are a number of backward-compatible add on grooved connectors for use with fence panels as described herein. Here, a sleeve is disposed on the fence post 1. The sleeve, for example as shown in FIG. 4A includes a luff groove extending a length thereof. A mating edge of a flexible pool fence panel is slid into the luff groove to maintain the flexible panel supported by the post. In this embodiment, the fence post can be an existing fence post, but can equally be a new cylindrical post. Alternatively, the post is not cylindrical but mates with the sleeve.

[0059] By retrofitting an existing post, the strength of the post is used along with additional material to maintain the fence structurally in place. For example, the sleeve is formed of metal. Further Alternatively it is formed of plastic. Alternatively, the sleeve is formed of fibreglass.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4B a sleeve is shown wherein the sleeve is for enclosing the fence post, but the connectors, instead of being a single luff groove extending a length thereof, are disposed intermittently along the sleeve. For example, such a sleeve could connect with a mating flexible fence panel that slides through the connectors and is held by the connectors at two or more locations. In FIG. 4B three locations are shown, but it will be well understood that a greater number of support locations is also possible. Shown in FIG. 4C is a sleeve such as that shown in FIG. 4A but in side view such that the sleeve appears as a cylinder when a fence panel is installed or as a cylinder with a groove on each side when the flexible panels are not installed. Of course, because the earlier shown fence post was formed through extrusion, it is often less costly to form a fence post than to manufacture the fence post from several parts.

[0061] FIG. 4C shows a top view of a sleeve for accepting a round end of a flexible pool fence panel. In use, the pool fence panel has a round edge applied along a side thereof. Alternatively, the flexible pool fence panel is manufactured with a round edge. The sleeve of FIG. 4C is installed on the pool fence post by feeding it from the top of the pool fence post until it covers the majority of the post. The round edge of the flexible pool fence panel is then fed through the round openings in the sleeve from the top in order to secure the panel in place. Though the term top is used, it is possible in some instances to feed the sleeve and/or the flexible panel via the bottom.

[0062] FIG. 4D shows a ring 404 for installation on the pool fence post. Here, the ring 404 comprises a set screw 405, but there are many known ways to fasten a loop to a cylindrical post. The ring 404 also comprises a luff groove 403 extending thereacross. Once the ring 404 is fastened to the pool fence post, the combination of the ring and of the pool fence post act to form a pool fence post such as those of FIGS. 3A-E.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5A-E, shown are a variety of flexible pool fence panels having edges for insertion within a luff groove. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, a flexible pool fence panel has mounted thereon two hemi-cylindrical strips 501 acting to stiffen the edge of the flexible panel, to hold the flexible panel in an unfolded orientation, and to mate with a similarly shaped slot in a pool fence post.

[0064] In FIG. 5B two triangular strips 502 are used to stiffen an edge of the flexible panel and to mate with a slot in a pool fence post. In FIG. 5C the end of the flexible panel is secured by a strip 503 having an approximately rectangular cross section. The strip is turned 90 degrees relative to the fence panel for insertion within a slot in the pool fence pole. Alternatively, the rectangular cross section is less a strip and slides into a mating slot in a pool fence post without a 90 degree turn.

[0065] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5D, here the flexible fence panel is held along an edge by an edge 504 in the form of a clip or by two pieces fastened or clipped together. The shape is such that trying to remove it from the pool fence post other than by sliding it along a longitudinal axis of the pool fence post results in a tightening of a fastening of the flexible panel within the edge. As can be seen in FIG. 5D pulling on the fence panel causes the two sides of the edge to press together, thereby increasing their retention of said flexible panel.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5E, shown is an edge 511 formed by a keder. Here, the keder includes a stiff rubber core 513 and is sewn at 515 to maintain the core 513 in place. Alternatively, the core is made of another material. Alternatively, instead of sewing, the flexible panel is adhered to itself by one of melting and adhesive.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 6, shown is a simple but effective method of forming a flexible panel. The flexible panel material has a keder 601 formed along each of two opposing edges. The material is folded around an insert 603 in the form of a stiff rubber core extending along a length thereof. The flexible panel material is then fastened at 605 to secure the insert 603 in place at an edge thereof forming the keder 601. A similar process is applied to the opposing end of the flexible panel. For example, as shown, a round rubber cylinder is enclosed by the fence panel material and then the fence panel is sewn to secure the rubber cylinder in place. The fence panel material encircles the rubber cylinder so the edge of the flexible fence panel has less friction than the rubber cylinder but can be as flexible as is specified. A stiff rubber cylinder allows the fence panel to be maintained upright when rolled up or held up and simplifies sliding of an edge of the flexible fence panel into the opening within a fence post. Other shapes of rubber cylinder such as a triangular or rectangular rubber cylinder are supported. Further, a plastic material or metal material is also useable as the cylinder, as are many other material choices. Typically, materials are selected to be resistant to corrosion by water or pool chemicals.

[0068] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the edge of the flexible pool fence panel is sewn. Alternatively, it is one or more of melted, glued, sewn, clamped, or otherwise affixed to maintain the flexible pool fence panel material about the cylinder such that pulling on the flexible pool fence panel at an opposing end thereof while the edge having the cylinder inserted within a fool fence post does not cause the flexible pool fence panel material to circumnavigate the cylinder and exit the slot in the pool fence post; effectively, the flexible pool fence panel edge is affixed around the cylinder such that it maintains the cylinder in response to radial tension and the cylinder, due to its diameter exceeding a width of the slot in the pool fence post, maintains the edge of the flexible pool fence panel within the fence post.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, shown is a cylinder of material affixed within the flexible pool fence panel between the pool fence panel edges and forming a keder 701 such that a single pool fence panel is supportable by four pool fence posts, one holding a keder 601 at each edge thereof and two others having a cylinder circumnavigated by flexible pool fence post material thereby forming keders 701 and inserted into an opening thereof and extending out a slot within the fence post. Alternatively, more than three pool fence posts support a single flexible fence panel.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 8A-B, shown is a terminal fence post designed to terminate a flexible fence panel midway thereon. Here, a fence post is formed of several parts 801, 802, each extruded, for being mated together. A flexible fence post panel is held in tension across a first portion of the terminal fence post and another portion of the terminal fence post is then attached locking the flexible fence panel therein, for example relying on bolt 805. Next, the flexible fence panel 807 is cut along an opposing edge of the terminal fence post resulting in a shorter fence panel, as is often needed in a pool fence installation. Alternatively, the flexible pool fence material is cut to length first, and then inserted within the terminal fence post and affixedtypically not under tensionand then the terminal fence post is installed within a pool deck. A second flexible panel couples to a luff groove within the terminal fence post. Alternatively, the terminal fence post is absent a luff groove and is intended for use where no further fence panel is to be added.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 9A-B, shown is a bottom perspective view of a pool fence post according to some embodiments of the present invention. The pool fence post 900 has accommodated an enforcing insert 901 at a lower end thereof, essentially filling in some or all of the grooves within the fence post 900 for a distance extending from below the pool deck to a height above the pool deck surface, when the pool fence post is installed in the pool deck. The enforcement adds to the structural rigidity of the pool fence post and makes breaking the pool fence post even harder as the fulcrumthe place where the fence post leaves the sleeveis reinforced with the insert. Additionally, the insert shown acts as a stop preventing a keder, or other insert, from sliding too far and thereby causing the pool fence panel to sit lower than anticipated. As shown in FIG. 9(b), further inserts 911 within other openings in the pool fence post 900 also add strength to the pool fence post and can extend from below the pool deck surface, when the pool fence post is installed in the pool deck, to a height of 2-14 inches above the pool deck surface, thereby strengthening the pool fence post further. The further inserts do not affect a position of the keder within the luff groove and as such are not limited in length or height when installed.

[0072] Though the term flexible panel is used to describe the fence panels, it is also possible to use fixed panels that are not flexible in accordance with the embodiments described herein.

[0073] When an edge strip is relied upon and installed on either side of the pool fence post, the edge of the pool fence panel that mates with the slot in the pool fence post is adhered to the pool fence panel material on opposite sides. This is effected by securing the two sides together, for example with screws. Alternatively, the two sides clip together. Further alternatively, the two sides are melted together. Yet further alternatively, the two sides are adhered one to another or each to the flexible panel itself. In an embodiment, the edge is hinged and clamps around an edge of the flexible pool fence panel. In an embodiment, the two sides are loosely affixed to the panel and sliding them within the slot in the pool fence post compresses the two sides together to maintain the pool fence panel material gripped within the pool fence panel edge that mates with the pool fence post slot. For example, the pool fence panel edge is formed of two tapered hemi-cylinders that mate; for example, one has pegs extending therefrom and the other has holes for accommodating the pegs. Thus, the two hemi-cylinders are placed on opposing sides of the fence panel material adjacent an edge thereof; the two hemi-cylinders are then pressed together causing the pegs to be within the mating holes. Then, the small end of the resulting cylinder is placed into the mating slot on the pool fence post and as it is slid within the slot, the two hemi-cylinders are biased one against the other for maintaining the pool fence panel material in place. Alternatively, the two hemi-cylinders are placed a distance from the edge of the pool fence panel material and excess material is then trimmed along an edge of the resulting cylindrical pool fence panel edge.

[0074] Of course, though cylindrical pool fence panel edges are contemplated above, similar embodiments operate with other shapes of pool fence panel edges such as rectangles, triangles, oval cylinders, etc. Non-cylindrical shapes also function. In an embodiment, the pool fence panel edge comprises a plurality of spheres for being slid into a cylindrical groove. Other shapes and connections are also supported.

[0075] In an embodiment, the pool fence panel edge acts to provide support along an edge of the pool fence panel for maintaining the panel somewhat rigid along an axis thereof and also acts to mate with a groove within the pool fence post. When disassembled, the pool fence panel, if flexible, can be rolled up and stacked with the pool fence posts either removed or remaining attached. In an embodiment, each pool fence panel edge includes a fastener for maintain the pool fence panel in its rolled-up configuration when rolled. For example, the fastener is Velcro. Such a fastener is disposed for fitting within the slot to extend outside the pool fence post when installed. Alternatively, such a fastener is disposed for being within the pool fence post groove when installed.

[0076] Alternatively, an insert is provided for resting on the pool deck and around the pool fence post. The insert includes portions for filling the luff groove within the pool fence post, such that the pool fence post is inserted into the insert and then into a sleeve within the pool deck. The insert, resting on the pool deck or on the sleeve, then prevents a keder within the luff groove from descending below a known height, here approximately the height of the pool deck.

[0077] Further alternatively, the sleeve itself is extruded with an insert such that inserting the pool fence post into the sleeve fills the luff grooves, thereby ensuring that the keder within the luff groove is at least above the pool deck.

[0078] Alternatively, the keder fits into a portion of a stop insert allowing the keder to descend below an upper limit of the stop insert. For example a structural insert extending 12 inches above the pool deck allows the keder to reach a few inches above the pool deck so that the bottom of the fence panel is at a safe height from the pool deck. This I accomplished, for example, by having a structural insert that does not occupy the space of the keder when the keder is at or above a safe height for the pool fence panel. For example, the insert fills several tube openings in the pool fence post, but only fills the luff groove up to a height a few inches above the pool deck.

[0079] Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.