111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US 20040040082Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Fireman et al.
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0040082 Al
`Mar. 4, 2004
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) SELF-RISING SWIMMING POOL
`CONSTRUCTION
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Simon Fireman, Avon, MA (US); Paul
`A.T. Hoiriis, Northboro, MA (US);
`Steven M. Berenson, Canton, MA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`FOLEY HOAG, LLP
`PATENT GROUP, WORLD TRADE CENTER
`WEST
`155 SEAPORT BLVD
`BOSTON, MA 02110 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/360,520
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb.6,2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/398,461, filed on Jul.
`25,2002.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.7
`
`....................................................... E04H 4/00
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................................................................. 4/506
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Disclosed herein is a self-rising swimming pool employing
`side walls sufficiently translucent to allow those outside the
`swimming pool to monitor the underwater activities of the
`pool's occupants, as well as to allow more efficient solar
`beating of the water contained in the swimming pool,
`compared to swimming pools constructed with totally
`opaque walls.
`
`In one embodiment, a self-rising swimming pool may com(cid:173)
`prise an inflatable toroidal top member, a base member, and
`a flexible wall attached to the top member and attached to
`the base member, the flexible wall and base member together
`defining an interior region into which water may be intro(cid:173)
`duced, and at least a portion of the flexible wall is suffi(cid:173)
`ciently translucent to permit observation of the pool's occu(cid:173)
`pants.
`
`In another embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible wall
`may be comprised of a layer of mesh interposed between a
`two layers of translucent polyvinyl chloride.
`
`-1-"2
`I
`
`l'b 0
`
`I
`I
`
`··~
`
`/b
`
`,.
`
`H·
`
`li
`
`4
`
`4
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0001
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`US 2004/0040082 A1
`
`(') = """" .... 0 =
`~ -....
`(') = """" .... 0 =
`> :g -....
`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 4, 2004 Sheet 1 0f 5
`
`··-t
`
`4
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`z.o
`
`I
`-r'"2
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0002
`
`|PR2017-O1655
`
`t
`
`4
`
`!Y> 0
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0002
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 4, 2004 Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 2004/0040082 Al
`
`.20
`
`----------------,
`I~ Ck __ ----1--~
`(
`\
`---- ···------------_)
`
`FIG.2
`
`3D n, ____ ) '
`
`c,~
`
`FIG. 3
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0003
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Mar. 4, 2004 Sheet 3 of 5
`
`US 2004/0040082 Al
`
`-... ,
`
`", ...
`..... ,
`....
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`\
`\
`\
`\
`\
`\
`
`\
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`20
`
`\.
`
`' ' '
`
`__
`-.. _________ _
`
`'<
`'
`
`' ' ' "
`
`'\
`\
`
`\
`
`\
`\
`\
`\
`\
`I
`\
`\
`I
`1..
`I
`j
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`/
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0004
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 4, 2004 Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 2004/0040082 Al
`
`~
`t
`t
`
`A
`
`, ...
`
`- -
`
`40
`
`40
`
`~I
`
`40
`
`- 42
`
`-
`
`;
`
`t
`
`~
`i
`
`B
`
`Figure 5
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0005
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 4, 2004 Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 2004/0040082 Al
`
`50
`
`52
`
`10
`
`52
`
`30~
`
`Figure 6
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0006
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`US 2004/0040082 Al
`
`Mar. 4, 2004
`
`1
`
`SELF-RISING SWIMMING POOL
`CONSTRUCTION
`
`REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`Patent Application No. 60/398,461 filed Jul. 25, 2002, and
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Self-rising above-ground swimming pools are
`commonly constructed of a flexible bottom, a flexible wall
`attached to the bottom, and an inflatable toroidal tube
`attached to the top of the wall to define the opening of the
`pool. The process of[]filling the pool entails spreading
`out the bottom and the side wall on the ground, positioning
`the inflatable tube so that it lies above them, and then
`inflating the tube. Water is then introduced within the
`opening defined by the inner circumference of the tube so
`that, as the water rises, the pool wall bulges outwardly
`beyond the perimeter of the annular tube, and the tube is
`supported by the rising water. Pool manufacturers heretofore
`have constructed the pool wall from a relatively thick layer
`or layers of opaque polymer material, compared to conven(cid:173)
`tional inflatable pools, to provide the strength necessary to
`withstand the outwardly-directed hydraulic pressure gener(cid:173)
`ated by the water in the pool. However, \vith such pools, the
`occupants of the pool cannot be fully seen by those outside
`the pool, since the opacity of the pool side wall at least
`partially hides the occupants from view. In addition, the
`opaque side walls of the pool may hinder the sun's rays from
`most efficiently warming the water contained in the pool.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0003] Disclosed herein are self-rising swimming pool
`constructions employing side walls sufficiently translucent
`to allow those outside the swimming pool to monitor the
`underwater activities of the swimming pool's occupants.
`Translucent side walls have the additional benefit of allow(cid:173)
`ing more efficient solar heating of the water contained in the
`swimming pool, compared to swimming pools constructed
`with totally opaque side walls.
`[0004]
`In one exemplary embodiment, a self-rising swim(cid:173)
`ming pool may comprise an inflatable toroidal top member,
`a base member, and a flexible wall attached to the top
`member and attached to the base member, the flexible wall
`and base member together defining an interior region into
`which water may be introduced, and at least a portion of the
`flexible wall being sufficiently translucent to permit obser(cid:173)
`vation of the underwater activities of the occupants of the
`swimming pool.
`[0005]
`In another exemplary embodiment, a self-rising
`swimming pool may comprise an inflatable toroidal top
`member, a base member, and a flexible wall attached to the
`base member at a base seam and attached to the top member
`at the underside of the top member, defining an interior
`region for receiving water, at least a portion of the flexible
`wall being comprised of a layer of mesh interposed between
`a first layer of translucent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a
`second layer of translucent PVC.
`[0006]
`In a further exemplary embodiment, a self-rising
`sv,rimming pool may comprise a flexible wall, at least a
`
`portion of which is comprised of a layer of mesh interposed
`between a first layer of translucent PVC and a second layer
`of translucent PVC, an inflatable toroidal top member, the
`top member having a first flexible flap and a second flexible
`flap extending downward from its underside , the first
`flexible flap of the top member being affixed to an inner
`surface of the flexible wall, and the second flexible flap of
`the top member being affixed to an outer surface of the
`flexible wall, and a base member affixed to the flexible wall
`at a base seam, defining an interior region for receiving
`water.
`[0007]
`In a further exemplary embodiment, a self-rising
`swimming pool may further comprise a removably attach(cid:173)
`able flexible translucent cover. In one exemplary embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the cover may be removably attachable to the top
`member. Alternatively, the cover may be removably attach(cid:173)
`able to the side wall.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0008] These and other features and advantages of the
`self-rising swimming pools disclosed herein will be more
`fully understood by reference to the following detailed
`description, in conjunction with the attached drawings in
`which like reference numerals refer to like elements through
`the different views. The drawings illustrate principles of the
`apparatus disclosed herein, and are not to scale.
`[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary
`embodiment of a self-rising swimming pool, showing the
`swimming pool in an upright or filled condition;
`[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
`swimming pool of FIG. 1, illustrating the attachment of the
`top member to the flexible wall and of the flexible wall to the
`base member;
`[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible wall
`of the swimming pool at the location of a seam;
`[0012] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the swimming pool;
`[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically an exemplary
`three-layer construction of the swimming pool's flexible
`side wall or side wall panels, or flexible translucent cover;
`and
`[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates schematically an embodiment of
`the swimming pool including a cover.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0015] To provide an overall understanding, certain illus(cid:173)
`trative embodiments will now be described; however, it will
`be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
`devices and methods described herein can be adapted and
`modified to provide devices and methods for other suitable
`applications and that other additions and modifications can
`be made without departing from the scope of the systems
`described herein.
`[0016] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodi(cid:173)
`ments can be understood as providing exemplary features of
`varying detail of certain embodiments, and therefore, unless
`otherv.rise specified, features, components, modules, and/or
`aspects of the illustrations can be otherwise combined,
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0007
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`US 2004/0040082 Al
`
`Mar. 4, 2004
`
`2
`
`specified, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing
`from the disclosed devices or methods. Additionally, the
`shapes and sizes of components are also exemplary, and
`unless otherwise specified, can be altered without affecting
`the disclosed devices or methods.
`
`liquid form of the polymer. In embodiments employing the
`three-layer construction of FIG. 5, the three-layer flexible
`wall material may be manufactured using any of the above
`processes, including a hot lamination or a cold lamination
`procedure to bind the layers of polymer and mesh together.
`
`[0017] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
`self-rising swimming pool. The swimming pool features an
`inflatable toroidal top member 10, which may be constructed
`of a flexible polymer, such as, for example, polyvinyl
`chloride (PVC), other vinyl or plastic, natural or synthetic
`rubber or latex, or other suitable materials used in the
`construction of inflatable and self-rising swimming pools.
`Affixed to the underside of the top member 10 is a flexible
`wall 12. The flexible wall 12 is in turn affixed to a base
`member 30, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. The flexible wall
`12 and base member 30 together define an interior region 20
`of the swimming pool, into which water may be introduced.
`As the interior region 20 is filled, the inflatable top member
`10 floats atop the accumulating water, and raises the flexible
`wall 12 into the approximately upright position shown in
`FIG. 1.
`
`[0018]
`In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of
`the flexible wall12 is made of material sufficiently translu(cid:173)
`cent to allow those outside the pool to monitor the under(cid:173)
`water activities of the swimming pool's occupants, enhanc(cid:173)
`ing the safety of the swimming pool. In addition, the use of
`a flexible wall 12 at least a portion of which is translucent
`enhances the efficiency of solar heating of the water con(cid:173)
`tained in the pool, compared to a pool with an entirely
`opaque flexible wall.
`
`[0019]
`In some embodiments, the translucent portion of
`the flexible wall 12 may have a multi-layer construction,
`such as, for example, the three-layer construction illustrated
`in FIG. 5. FIG. SA illustrates a schematic cutaway view of
`the three-layer construction, and FIG. SB is a schematic
`cross-sectional view of the three-layer construction. The
`three-layer construction illustrated includes a layer of mesh
`42 interposed between two layers 40 of a translucent flexible
`polymer, such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
`other vinyl or plastic, natural or synthetic rubber or latex, or
`other suitable materials used in the construction of inflatable
`and self-rising swimming pools. The mesh 42 may be a
`monofilament mesh, or constructed of bundled threads
`woven into mesh form, and may be constructed of polyester,
`polypropylene, or other polymer, as well as cotton fiber, or
`other natural or synthetic materials suitable for molding or
`weaving into mesh form. In an exemplary embodiment, the
`mesh layer is constructed of fine polyester fibers bundled
`into threads approximately 1 mm in thickness, woven into a
`mesh of a density approximately 36 squares per square inch.
`The polymer layers 40 are water resistant and nonporous,
`and inhibit water from leaking through the wall of the
`swimming pool. The mesh layer 42 enhances the tensile
`strength of the flexible wall 12, increasing the durability of
`the structure and allowing larger swimming pools to be
`constructed, compared to flexible walls made without a
`reinforcing mesh layer.
`
`[0020] The polymer material of which the flexible wall12
`is constructed may be formed using any of the processes
`known in the art for forming flexible polymer sheets, includ(cid:173)
`ing but not limited to calendaring, lamination, pressing,
`molding, extrusion, or a spray coating process employing a
`
`[0021]
`In the exemplary embodiment, the hot lamination
`procedure employs an arrangement of rolls containing trans(cid:173)
`lucent PVC stock and mesh stock. The rolls containing the
`PVC stock may be heated to soften the PVC. The stock is
`then fed off the rolls, into rollers or other compression
`means, in such a manner that the mesh layer is interposed
`between the two PVC layers. The three layers are then
`compressed together in the rollers or other compression
`means so that the each PVC layer bonds to the mesh and to
`the other PVC layer in the interstices of the mesh. Referring
`to the schematic illustration of FIG. 5, during this process
`the interstices of the mesh 42 are substantially filled by the
`PVC. In one embodiment, the mesh may be precoated with
`PVC to improve bonding with the outer layers and inhibit
`shredding of the mesh. In a variation of this procedure, the
`mesh layer may first be hot laminated to one layer of PVC,
`and the second layer of PVC, in liquid form, may then be
`sprayed, poured, or otherwise made to coat the mesh layer,
`solidifying as it cools. In the cold lamination procedure, at
`least one of the PVC layers is first coated with adhesive, and
`the three layers are then pressed through rollers or other
`compression means to bind them, \vithout heating. The total
`thickness t of the three-layer materials as showing in FIG.
`5 may vary from about 0.55 mm to about 0.75 mm or more.
`
`[0022] The thickness of the flexible wall12 may be chosen
`with regard to the water capacity of the swimming pool, as
`larger pools may require thicker walls to resist the force
`exerted radially outward by the water on the walls. In some
`embodiments, a wall thickness t of 0.55 mm may be used for
`pools accommodating at least about 286 gallons of water
`when filled to 80% capacity. A wall thickness t of 0.60 mm
`may be used for pools accommodating at least about 939
`gallons of water when filled to 80% capacity. In addition, a
`wall thickness t of 0.65 mm may be used for pools accom(cid:173)
`modating at least about 1,759 gallons of water when filled to
`80% capacity; a wall thickness t of 0.70 mm may be used for
`pools accommodating at least about 3, 712 gallons of water
`when filled to 80% capacity; and a wall thickness t of 0.75
`mm may be used for pools accommodating at least about
`5,634 gallons of water when filled to 80% capacity.
`
`[0023] The flexible wall12 may be comprised of multiple
`panels 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. The panels may
`be bound at seams 16, using similar lamination methods to
`those described above. Alternatively, the panels may be
`bound together v.rith adhesive. In some embodiments,
`including the embodiment shown in cross section in FIG. 2,
`a base member 30 is affixed to the flexible wall 12 by a
`similar seam, base seam 32.
`
`[0024] Also illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a reinforcing
`band 18, which may be added in certain embodiments to
`increase the strength of the flexible wall12. The reinforcing
`band 18 may be particularly useful in larger embodiments of
`the swimming pool, where the force exerted radially out(cid:173)
`ward upon the wall by the water in the pool is increased.
`
`[0025] The height of the flexible wall 12 may vary
`depending upon the size of swimming pool desired. In some
`exemplary embodiments, the length of the flexible wall 12,
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0008
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`US 2004/0040082 Al
`
`Mar. 4, 2004
`
`3
`
`measured from the base seam 32 to the underside of the top
`member 10 may be between at least about 17.5 inches and
`at least about 44 inches.
`[0026]
`In some embodiments, a filtration pump may be
`employed to keep the water in the swimming pool clean
`during use andior between uses. The embodiment illustrated
`in FIG. 1 includes a pump outlet 22 where water exits the
`sv,rimming pool and flows to the pump, and a pump inlet 24
`where the filtered water returns to the swimming pool.
`[0027] The cross sectional view of the swimming pool of
`FIG. 2 also illustrates other features of some embodiments
`of the swimming pool. In the embodiment pictured in FIG.
`2, the toroidal top member 10 has two flexible flaps 34
`extending downward from it<> underside. As illustrated in
`FIG. 2, one of the flexible flaps 34 is affixed to the inner
`surface of the flexible wall 12, while the other flexible flap
`34 is affixed to the outer surface of the flexible wall12. In
`some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the flexible
`flaps 34 and the toroidal top member 10 are formed from a
`single piece of material rolled into an approximate cylinder
`comprising the top member 10, with excess material com(cid:173)
`prising the flexible flaps 34. In other embodiments, the
`flexible flaps 34 may be formed from separate pieces of
`polymer or other suitable material and bonded to the toroidal
`top member 10. The flexible flaps 34, like the toroidal top
`member 10, may be constructed of flexible polymer, such as,
`for example, PVC, other vinyl or plastic, natural or synthetic
`rubber or latex, or other suitable materials used in the
`construction of inflatable and self-rising swimming pools.
`However constructed, the use of two flexible flaps 34, one
`bonded to each of the inner and outer surfaces of the flexible
`wall 12, enhances the strength and durability of the swim(cid:173)
`ming pool.
`[0028]
`In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
`inflatable toroidal top member 10 may be inflated and sealed
`using an air valve 26. The air valve 26 may be the Air Valve
`for an Inflatable Device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,
`711, or the Air Valve for an Inflatable Device described in
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,143, the contents of which patents are
`herein incorporated by reference, or another suitable air
`valve.
`
`[0029]
`In some embodiments, a swimming pool cover
`may be employed to cover the filled swimming pool when
`the pool is not in use, to prevent dirt, debris, pets, children,
`or other items from falling into the water. At least a portion
`of the swimming pool cover may, in one embodiment, be
`constructed of a translucent polymer material, to further
`enhance the efficiency of solar heating of the water in the
`swimming pool, compared to an entirely opaque swimming
`pool cover. The swimming pool cover may be constructed of
`flexible polymer, such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride
`PVC, other vinyl or plastic, natural or synthetic rubber or
`latex, or other suitable materials used in the construction of
`inflatable and self-rising swimming pools. The material used
`to construct the swimming pool cover may be the same as or
`different from the material used to construct the toroidal top
`member 10. Alternatively, the
`three-layer construction
`described above for the flexible wall12 may also be used to
`construct the swimming pool cover.
`
`[0030] An exemplary embodiment of a swimming pool
`including a cover is illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. The
`cover 50 may be constructed of a sheet of a suitable material
`
`cut into a circle large enough to fit over the outer circum(cid:173)
`ference of the inflatable top member 10. The cover may be
`lowered over the filled swimming pool as illustrated sche(cid:173)
`matically by arrows 52.
`[0031]
`In some embodiments, the cover may be remov(cid:173)
`ably attachable to the top member or side wall of the
`swimming pool, to prevent the cover from blowing off in the
`wind, while allowing quick removal when use of the pool is
`desired. Means for removably attaching the swimming pool
`cover may include a plurality of buttons, pegs, or similar
`attachments spaced along the side wall12 of the swimming
`pool, which mate with a plurality of corresponding loops
`affixed to the lower edge of the cover 50. Alternatively, the
`cover may be removably attached to the pool by means of
`snaps. A plurality of snap sockets may be placed on flaps
`spaced around the circumference of the side wall 12, and
`made to mate \Vith corresponding snap studs on flaps affixed
`to the lower edge of the cover 50. It will be understood that
`the placement of the sockets and studs may be reversed so
`that the sockets are on the flaps on the cover 50, while the
`studs are on the flaps on the side wall 12.
`[0032] Alternatively, a hook-and-loop type closure may be
`used to removably secure the cover 50. In such an embodi(cid:173)
`ment, fabric comprising the loop portion of a hook-and-loop
`closure may be affixed to the side wall 12, either placed in
`discrete spots around the circumference of the side wall12,
`or forming a continuous band around it. Flaps comprising
`the hook portion of the hook-and-loop closure may be
`affixed to the lower edge of the cover 50 to mate with the
`corresponding loop portion on the side wall 12. It will be
`understood that the placement of the hook and loop portions
`may be reversed, so that the hook portion of the hook-and(cid:173)
`loop closure is on the side wall12, while the loop portion is
`on the flaps attached to the cover 50.
`[0033]
`In still another embodiment, the cover may be
`removably attached to the swimming pool by means of a
`draw string sewn into the lower edge of the cover 50.
`Tightening such a string would cause the edge of the cover
`50 to cinch around the inflatable top member 10, gripping it
`securely but removably. Alternatively, the cover 50 can be
`made to removably grip the top member 10 by means of an
`elastic strip embedded in the lower edge of the cover 50,
`similarly to the way a fitted sheet grips a mattress.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A self-rising swimming pool comprising
`
`an inflatable toroidal top member;
`
`a base member; and
`
`a flexible wall attached to the top member and attached to
`the base member, the flexible wall and base member
`together defining an interior region into which water
`may be introduced, and at least a portion of the flexible
`wall being sufficiently translucent to permit observa(cid:173)
`tion of the underwater activities of the occupants of the
`swimming pool.
`2. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 1, wherein the
`translucent portion of the flexible wall is constructed of a
`first layer of translucent PVC, a layer of mesh, and a second
`layer of translucent PVC, the layer of mesh being interposed
`between the first layer of PVC and the second layer of PVC.
`3. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 2, wherein the
`layer of mesh is constructed of polyester.
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0009
`IPR2017-01655
`
`

`

`US 2004/0040082 Al
`
`Mar. 4, 2004
`
`4
`
`4. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 1, wherein
`
`18. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 17, wherein
`
`the flexible wall has an inner surface facing the interior
`region, and an outer surface facing away from the
`interior region;
`
`the top member further comprises a first flexible flap and
`a second flexible flap extending downward from the
`underside of the top member; and
`
`the first flap is attached to the outer surface of the side wall
`member, and the second flap is attached to the inner
`surface of the side wall member.
`5. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 4, wherein the
`interior region is at least large enough to contain at least
`about 286 gallons when the swimming pool is filled to 80%
`capacity.
`6. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 5, wherein the
`interior region is at least large enough to contain at least
`about 939 gallons when the swimming pool is filled to 80%
`capacity.
`7. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 6, wherein the
`interior region is at least large enough to contain at least
`about 1,759 gallons when the swimming pool is filled to
`80% capacity.
`S. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 7, wherein the
`interior region is at least large enough to contain at least
`about 5,634 gallons when the swimming pool is filled to
`80% capacity.
`9. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 4, wherein the
`thickness of the flexible wall is at least about 0.55 mm.
`10. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 9, wherein the
`thickness of the flexible wall is at least about 0.65 mm.
`11. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 10, wherein
`the thickness of the flexible wall is at least about 0.70 mm.
`12. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 11, wherein
`the thickness of the flexible wall is at least about 0.75 mm.
`13. A self-rising s\vimming pool as in claim 1, further
`comprising a flexible translucent cover, wherein the cover is
`removably attachable to the flexible wall.
`14. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 13, wherein
`at least a portion of the flexible translucent cover is com(cid:173)
`prised of a layer of mesh interposed between a first layer of
`translucent PVC and a second layer of translucent PVC.
`15. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 1, further
`comprising a flexible translucent cover, wherein the cover is
`removably attachable to the top member.
`16. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 15, wherein
`at least a portion of the flexible translucent cover is com(cid:173)
`prised of a layer of mesh interposed between a first layer of
`translucent PVC and a second layer of translucent PVC.
`17. A self-rising swimming pool comprising
`
`an inflatable toroidal top member;
`
`a base member; and
`
`a flexible wall attached to the base member at a base seam,
`and attached to the top member at the underside of the
`top member, defining an interior region for receiving
`water, at least a portion of the flexible wall being
`comprised of a layer of mesh interposed between a first
`layer of translucent PVC and a second layer of trans(cid:173)
`lucent PVC.
`
`the length of the flexible wall, measured from the base
`seam to the underside of the top member, is at least
`about 17.5 inches.
`19. A self-rising S\Vimming pool as in claim 18, wherein
`
`the length of the flexible wall, measured from the base
`seam to the underside of the top member, is at least
`about 23.5 inches.
`20. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 19, wherein
`
`the length of the flexible wall, measured from the base
`seam to the underside of the top member, is at least
`about 32 inches.
`21. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 20, wherein
`
`the length of the flexible wall, measured from the base
`seam to the underside of the top member, is at least
`about 44 inches.
`22. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 17, further
`comprising a flexible translucent cover, wherein the cover is
`removably attachable to the flexible wall.
`23. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 17, further
`comprising a flexible translucent cover, wherein the cover is
`removably attachable to the top member.
`24. A self-ri'iing swimming pool comprising:
`
`a flexible wall, at least a portion of which is sufficiently
`translucent to permit observation of the occupants of
`the swimming pool;
`
`an inflatable toroidal top member affixed to a top edge of
`the flexible wall;
`
`a base member, affixed to the flexible wall at a base seam,
`defining an interior region for receiving water; and
`
`a removably attachable flexible translucent cover.
`25. A self-rising swimming pool comprising:
`
`a flexible wall, at least a portion of which is comprised of
`a layer of mesh interposed between a first layer of
`translucent PVC and a second layer of translucent
`PVC;
`
`an inflatable toroidal top member, having a first flexible
`flap and a second flexible flap extending downward
`from the underside of the top member, the first flexible
`flap of the top member being affixed to an inner surface
`of the flexible wall, and the second flexible flap of the
`top member being affixed to an outer surface of the
`flexible wall; and
`
`a base member, affixed to the flexible wall at a base seam,
`defining an interior region for receiving water.
`26. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 25, further
`comprising a flexible translucent cover, wherein the cover is
`removably attachable to the flexible wall.
`27. A self-rising swimming pool as in claim 25, further
`comprising a flexible translucent cover, wherein the cover is
`removably attachable to the top member.
`
`* * * * *
`
`BESTWAY EXHIBIT 1003-0010
`IPR2017-01655
`
`