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`US 20160222686Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Liu
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2016/0222686 Al
`Aug. 4, 2016
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) ABOVE GROUND POOL
`
`(71) Applicant: Bestway Inflatables & Material Corp.,
`Shanghai (CN)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Feng Liu, Shanghai (CN)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/671,845
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. 27, 2015
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jan. 29, 2015
`
`(CN) ......................... 201520065126.7
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`E04H 4100
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC .................................... E04H 410056 (2013.01)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An above ground pool is provided. The above ground pool
`includes a support frame and a pool liner. The pool liner is
`affixed to and supported by the support frame to form a body
`for holding water within the pool. The support frame includes
`a series of horizontal support members and vertical support
`members, each having an elliptical cross-section. The sym(cid:173)
`metric shape of the cross-section of the elliptical tubes
`reduces the difficulties inherent in machining tube bends,
`simplifies the manufacturing of the tubes, effectively
`improves the support frame's stability, and facilitates quality
`control. The horizontal support members and vertical support
`members are coupled together by one or more connectors to
`form an enclosed or ring structure.
`
`11
`
`13
`
`120
`
`12
`
`13
`
`12
`
`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 1
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 1 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`13
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`11
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`11
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`13
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`120
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`12
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`12.
`
`FIG. 1
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`13
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`11
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`11
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`13
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`1 0
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`12
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`12
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`12
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`FIG. 2
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 2
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 2 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`FIG. 3
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 3
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 3 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`12
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`120 d
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`FIG. 4
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 4
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 4 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`110
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`-2
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`FIG. 6
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 5
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 5 of 19
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`153
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`FIG. 7
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`152
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`FIG. 8
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 6
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 6 of 19
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`152
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`53
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`FIG. 9
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 7
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 7 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`15
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`~
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`153
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`FIG. 11
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 8
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 8 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`100
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`~
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`11
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`13
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`6
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`FIG. 13
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 9
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 9 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`21
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`21
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`22
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`FIG. 14
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`20
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`21
`
`23
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`FIG. 15
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 10
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 10 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`FIG. 16
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`FIG. 17
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 11
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 11 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`211
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 12
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 12 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`231
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`23
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`FIG. 20
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 13
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 13 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`231
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`231
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`232
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`233
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`FIG. 21
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`23
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`FIG. 22
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 14
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 14 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`FIG. 23
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`25
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`252
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`FIG. 24
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 15
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 15 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`25
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 16
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 16 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 17 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`31
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 18
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 18 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`3
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`33
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`FIG. 33
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`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 19
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 4, 2016 Sheet 19 of 19
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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`33
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`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
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`

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`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`Aug. 4, 2016
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`1
`
`ABOVE GROUND POOL
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Applica(cid:173)
`tion No. CN201520065126.7, entitled "ABOVE GROUND
`POOL," filed on Jan. 29, 2015, the disclosure of which is
`incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND INFORMATION
`
`[0002]
`1. Technical Field
`[0003] The present invention relates to pools, and more
`specifically, to an above ground pool.
`[0004] 2. Background
`[0005] An above ground pool is a facility installed on a
`piece of vacant land for recreational usage. For example, it
`can be installed on the yard of a house or a piece of vacant land
`elsewhere for adults and children to play together. Due to its
`ease of installation and usage, above ground pools have
`become very popular.
`[0006] Currently, above ground pools can be mainly cat(cid:173)
`egorized into two types: frame pools and inflatable pools.
`There are a variety of structures and forms for frame pools. A
`round frame pool is the most typical above ground pool,
`which mainly includes a series of horizontal support mem(cid:173)
`bers, vertical support members and a pool liner. In these types
`of above ground pools, the horizontal support members are
`connected in sequence via connecting members to form a
`circular structure. The vertical support members support the
`circular structure so as to form a support frame, and then the
`pool liner is affixed to the support frame to form a pool body.
`The pool body forms an above ground pool or basin for
`holding water. When a frame pool of this structure is fully
`filled with water, the water can exert a significant amount of
`pressure on the pool body, thus the support frame must be
`sturdy enough to withstand extremely high pressure forces.
`[0007] However, most horizontal support members, verti(cid:173)
`cal support members, and connecting members used in the
`support frames of traditional round frame pools comprise
`tubes having a D-shaped cross-section. In practical applica(cid:173)
`tions, these "D-shaped tubes" have a number of disadvan(cid:173)
`tages. For example, such tubes are difficult to manufacture
`and control their manufacturing process due to the asymmet(cid:173)
`ric shape of the tubes' cross-section. These D-shaped tubes
`typically have a structure without a narrowed mouth at a tube
`end, so the clearance fit between the tube end and a corre(cid:173)
`sponding connector is relatively large, resulting in poor over(cid:173)
`all stability. Since the shape of the D-shaped tube is asym(cid:173)
`metric, it is more difficult to cut to form arcuate comers. Also,
`the manufacturing cost is fairly costly. All of these factors
`result in great difficulty in the machining of connector
`elbows.
`[0008]
`In addition, the connection between corresponding
`D-shaped tubes is achieved by engagement at single point,
`such that the connection has a relatively poor firnmess and
`strength. Therefore, support frames formed by the use of
`D-shaped tubes mentioned above have a lower bearing capac(cid:173)
`ity, thus compromising the safety and performance of the
`above ground pool.
`[0009] Overall, the bearing performance of the support
`frame of an above ground pool may have a direct impact on
`the stability of the entire above ground pool. Due to the
`factors discussed above, conventional above ground pools are
`
`prone to collapse and cause injury accidents. Thus, a need
`therefore exists for an above ground pool having a sturdy
`support frame that is easy to assemble.
`
`SUMMARY
`[0010] An above ground pool according to the present
`invention is provided in order to solve the technical problems
`present in support frames of conventional above ground
`pools, namely, the poor bearing capacity of existing above
`ground pool support frames.
`[0011] One example of an above ground pool of the present
`invention includes a support frame and a pool liner. The
`support frame includes a series of horizontal support mem(cid:173)
`bers and vertical support members. The horizontal support
`members and the vertical support members each include an
`elongated tube with an elliptical cross-section.
`[0012] The pool liner is affixed to the support frame. The
`pool liner is supported by the support frame to form a body for
`holding water within the pool.
`[0013]
`In some implementations, the support frame further
`includes a plurality of T-shaped connectors for coupling the
`horizontal support members and the vertical support mem(cid:173)
`bers together. Each T-shaped connector includes a horizontal
`tubular member and a vertical tubular member transverse to
`the horizontal tubular member. The horizontal tubular mem(cid:173)
`ber and the vertical tubular member each has an elliptical
`cross-section.
`[0014]
`In some implementations, the T-shaped connectors
`couple two corresponding horizontal support members
`together in sequence to form a substantially circular ring(cid:173)
`shaped structure. In some implementations, the ring-shaped
`structure may be oval in shape. In some implementations, the
`vertical tubular member is coupled to a corresponding verti(cid:173)
`cal support member.
`[0015]
`In some implementations, a first end of the horizon(cid:173)
`tal tubular member is detachably connected to an end of a first
`corresponding horizontal support member and a second end
`of the horizontal tubular member is detachably connected to
`an end of a second corresponding horizontal support member.
`The first corresponding horizontal support member and the
`second corresponding horizontal support member may be
`connected to the first end of the horizontal tubular member
`and the second end of the horizontal tubular member by a
`retainer located proximal the respective points of attachment.
`[0016]
`In some implementations, the retainer is a retaining
`pin configured to pass through a first set of positioning holes
`and a corresponding second set of positioning holes. The first
`set of positioning holes is formed at the first end of the
`horizontal tubular member and the second end of the hori(cid:173)
`zontal tubular member. The corresponding second set of posi(cid:173)
`tioning holes is formed at ends of the corresponding horizon(cid:173)
`tal support members. The retaining pin is configured to lock
`the horizontal tubular member and the corresponding hori(cid:173)
`zontal support members together.
`[0017]
`In some implementations, the vertical tubular mem(cid:173)
`ber is detachably connected to a corresponding vertical sup(cid:173)
`port member by a spring-loaded latch coupled to an end of the
`vertical support member. The latch is configured to engage an
`aperture formed at an open end of the vertical tubular mem(cid:173)
`ber.
`[0018]
`In some implementations, the spring-loaded latch
`includes a pin boss that houses a spring element and detent
`pin. The pin boss is mounted inside one end of the vertical
`support member and configured such that the detent pin is
`
`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 21
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

`

`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`Aug. 4, 2016
`
`2
`
`outwardly biased by the spring element to engage the aper(cid:173)
`ture. The detent pin is configured to lock the vertical tubular
`member and the vertical support member together.
`[0019]
`In some implementations, the above ground pool
`further includes a plurality of tensioning devices coupled to
`an outer surface of the body of the pool and a tensioning belt.
`Each tensioning device is coupled to the outer surface of the
`body in-between two neighboring vertical support members.
`The tensioning belt may be alternately weaved about the outer
`surface of the body through the tensioning devices and over
`the vertical support members to retain the vertical support
`members close to the body. In some implementations, the
`tensioning belt is arranged about the body of the pool at a
`height equal to approximately one-third of the height of the
`body of the pool. In some implementations, the above ground
`pool further includes a plurality of support bases coupled to a
`bottom end of the vertical support members.
`[0020] A second example of an above ground pool of the
`present invention is further provided. The above ground pool
`includes a support frame and a pool liner. According to this
`example, the support frame includes a series of horizontal
`support members, connectors, and U-shaped support mem(cid:173)
`bers. The horizontal support members and connectors may
`each have a circular cross-section. The U-shaped support
`members may have an elliptical cross-section.
`[0021] The pool liner is affixed to the support frame. The
`pool liner is supported by the support frame to form a body for
`holding water within the pool.
`[0022]
`In some implementations, the horizontal support
`members are coupled together in series by the connectors to
`form a ring-shaped structure. In some implementations, the
`ring-shaped structure forms a rectangle, square, or other poly(cid:173)
`gon shape. In some implementations, the connectors are each
`L-shaped.
`[0023]
`In some implementations, the above ground pool
`further includes couplings coupled to free ends of the
`U-shaped support members. The couplings detachably con(cid:173)
`nect the U-shaped support members to the ring-shaped struc(cid:173)
`ture to support the ring-shaped structure in an oblique fash(cid:173)
`ion.
`[0024]
`In some implementations, each free end of the
`U-shaped support member includes a reduced diameter por(cid:173)
`tion. The reduced diameter portion includes a first set of
`latching holes spaced apart from a second set of latching
`holes.
`[0025]
`In some implementations, the coupling further
`includes a flexible V-shaped pin and a hollow casing. The
`flexible V-shaped pin includes a first pair of studs spaced apart
`from a second pair of studs. The hollow casing includes a pair
`of orifices. The flexible pin is disposed within the reduced
`diameter portion of U-shaped support members such that the
`first pair of studs extends through the second set of latching
`holes to engage the pair of orifices, and the second pair of
`studs extends through the first set oflatching holes.
`[0026]
`In some implementations, the casing is a tube hav(cid:173)
`ing an oval cross-section corresponding with the cross-sec(cid:173)
`tion of the U-shaped support members.
`[0027]
`In some implementations, the above ground pool
`further includes a plurality of support belts coupled to and
`arranged about a bottom portion of the body of the pool. Each
`support belt is coupled between the bottom portion of the
`body of the pool and a horizontal portion of a corresponding
`U-shaped support member.
`
`[0028]
`implementations, each support belt
`In some
`includes a sleeve for passing the horizontal portion of the
`U-shaped support member therethrough.
`[0029] A first example of a support frame for an above
`ground pool of the present invention is provided. The support
`frame includes a plurality of horizontal support members and
`a plurality of vertical support members, where a pool liner
`may be affixed to and supported by the support frame to form
`a body for holding water within the pool.
`[0030] The horizontal support members may include an
`elongated tube with an elliptical cross-section. The vertical
`support members may be coupled to the horizontal support
`members. The vertical support members may include an elon(cid:173)
`gated tube with an elliptical cross-section.
`[0031]
`In some implementations, the support frame further
`includes a plurality of T-shaped connectors for coupling the
`horizontal support members and the vertical support mem(cid:173)
`bers together. The T-shaped connector including a horizontal
`tubular member and a vertical tubular member transverse to
`the horizontal tubular member. The horizontal tubular mem(cid:173)
`ber and the vertical tubular member each has an elliptical
`cross-section.
`[0032]
`In some implementations, the T-shaped connectors
`couple two corresponding horizontal support members
`together in sequence to form a substantially circular ring(cid:173)
`shaped structure. In some implementations, the ring-shaped
`structure may be oval in shape.
`[0033]
`In some implementations, the vertical tubular mem(cid:173)
`ber is coupled to a corresponding vertical support member. In
`some implementations, a first end of the horizontal tubular
`member is detachably connected to an end of a first corre(cid:173)
`sponding horizontal support member and a second end of the
`horizontal tubular member is detachably connected to an end
`of a second corresponding horizontal support member. The
`first corresponding horizontal support member and the sec(cid:173)
`ond corresponding horizontal support member are connected
`to the first end of the horizontal tubular member and the
`second end of the horizontal tubular member by a retainer
`located proximal the respective points of attachment.
`[0034]
`In some implementations, the retainer is a retaining
`pin configured to pass through a first set of positioning holes
`formed at the first end of the horizontal tubular member and
`the second end of the horizontal tubular member, and a cor(cid:173)
`responding second set of positioning holes formed at ends of
`the corresponding horizontal support members. The retaining
`pin is configured to lock the horizontal tubular member and
`the corresponding horizontal support members together.
`[0035]
`In some implementations, the vertical tubular mem(cid:173)
`ber is detachably connected to a corresponding vertical sup(cid:173)
`port member by a spring-loaded latch coupled to an end of the
`vertical support member. The latch is configured to engage an
`aperture formed at an open end of the vertical tubular mem(cid:173)
`ber.
`[0036]
`In some implementations, the spring-loaded latch
`includes a pin boss that houses a spring element and detent
`pin. The pin boss is mounted inside one end of the vertical
`support member and configured such that the detent pin is
`outwardly biased by the spring element to engage the aper(cid:173)
`ture. The detent pin is configured to lock the vertical tubular
`member and the vertical support member together.
`[0037]
`In some implementations, the support frame further
`includes a plurality of tensioning devices coupled to an outer
`surface of the body of the pool and a tensioning belt. Each
`tensioning device may be coupled to the outer surface of the
`
`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 22
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

`

`US 2016/0222686 Al
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`Aug. 4, 2016
`
`3
`
`body in-between two neighboring vertical support members
`The tensioning belt may be alternately weaved about the outer
`surface of the body through the tensioning devices and over
`the vertical support members to retain the vertical support
`members close to the body.
`[0038]
`In some implementations, the tensioning belt is
`arranged about the body of the pool at a height equal to
`approximately one-third of the height of the body of the pool.
`In some implementations, the above ground pool further
`includes a plurality of support bases coupled to a bottom end
`of the vertical support members.
`[0039] A second example of a support frame for an above
`ground pool of the present invention is further provided. The
`support frame includes a plurality ofhorizontal support mem(cid:173)
`bers, a plurality of connectors, and a plurality of U-shaped
`support members, where a pool liner may be affixed to and
`supported by the support frame to form a body for holding
`water within the pool.
`[0040] The plurality horizontal support members each
`include an elongated tube with a circular cross-section. Each
`of the connectors that couple corresponding horizontal sup(cid:173)
`port members together comprise an L-shapes tube with a
`circular cross-section.
`[0041] Each of U-shaped support members comprise a
`U-shaped tube with an elliptical cross-section. In some imple(cid:173)
`mentations, the horizontal support members are coupled
`together in series by the connectors to form a ring-shaped
`structure. In some implementations, the ring-shaped structure
`forms a rectangle, square or other polygon shape.
`[0042]
`In some implementations, the above ground pool
`further includes couplings coupled to free ends of the
`U-shaped support members. The couplings detachably con(cid:173)
`nect the U-shaped support members to the ring-shaped struc(cid:173)
`ture to support the ring structure in an oblique fashion.
`In some implementations, each free end of the U-shaped
`support member has a reduced diameter portion, the reduced
`diameter portion having a first set of latching holes spaced
`apart from a second set oflatching holes.
`[0043]
`In some implementations, the coupling further
`includes a flexible V-shaped pin including a first pair of studs
`spaced apart from a second pair of studs and a hollow casing.
`The hollow casing includes a pair of orifices. The flexible pin
`is disposed within the reduced diameter portion ofU-shaped
`support members such that the first pair of studs extends
`through the second set of latching holes to engage the pair of
`orifices, and the second pair of studs extends through the first
`set of latching holes. In some implementations, the casing
`includes a tube with an oval cross-section corresponding with
`the cross-section of the U-shaped support members.
`[0044]
`In some implementations, the support frame further
`includes a plurality of support belts coupled to and arranged
`about a bottom portion of the body of the pool. Each support
`belt may be coupled between the bottom portion of the body
`of the pool and a horizontal portion of a corresponding
`U-shaped support member. In some implementations, each
`support belt includes a sleeve for passing the horizontal por(cid:173)
`tion of the U-shaped support member therethrough.
`[0045] Advantageously, support frames of above ground
`pools according to the present invention are at least partially
`composed of tubes with an elliptical cross-section. The sym(cid:173)
`metric shape of the cross-section reduces the difficulty in
`machining a tube bend, lowers the complexity in manufac(cid:173)
`turing the tubes, effectively improves the stability, and facili(cid:173)
`tates quality control. Meanwhile, a slight clearance fit
`
`between the tube end of the elliptical tubes and the connector
`may be achieved. This enables the support frame to withstand
`large mechanical stresses and provide stability and enhanced
`structural support. In addition, a bolt connection is utilized
`between the tube end of the elliptical tubes and the connector.
`Such bolt connection is secure and provides greater strength.
`Therefore, support frames formed by elliptical tubes provide
`better bearing performance, thereby improving the stability
`of the entire above ground pool and providing an excellent
`safety performance.
`[0046] Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, fea(cid:173)
`tures and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become
`apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the
`following figures and detailed description. It is intended that
`all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages
`be included within this description, and be protected by the
`accompanying claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0047] The above-mentioned and other features, properties
`and advantages of the present invention will become more
`apparent from the following description of embodiments with
`reference to the accompany drawings, in which:
`[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one example
`of an implementation of a support frame of an above ground
`pool according to the teachings of the present invention.
`[0049] FIG. 2 is a front view of the support frame illustrated
`in FIG.1.
`[0050] FIG. 3 is a top view of the support frame illustrated
`in FIG.1.
`[0051] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the support
`frame of FIG. 1, illustrating how corresponding horizontal
`support members are coupled with a vertical support member
`by a T-shaped connector.
`[0052] FIG. 5 is another partial exploded view of the sup(cid:173)
`port frame of FIG. 1, illustrating how corresponding horizon(cid:173)
`tal support members are coupled with a vertical support mem(cid:173)
`ber by a T-shaped connector.
`[0053] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the support
`frame ofFIG. 1, illustrating how a horizontal support member
`is coupled to the T-shaped connector.
`[0054] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a spring-loaded latch
`for connecting a vertical support member and a T-shaped
`connector in the support frame of FIG. 1.
`[0055] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the spring-loaded latch
`illustrated in FIG. 7.
`[0056] FIG. 9 is a side view of the spring-loaded latch
`illustrated in FIG. 7.
`[0057] FIG. 10 is a front view of the spring-loaded latch
`illustrated in FIG. 7.
`[0058] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the
`spring-loaded latch illustrated in FIG. 7.
`[0059] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an above
`ground pool incorporating the support frame illustrated in
`FIG. 1.
`[0060] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a second
`example of an implementation of a support frame of an above
`ground pool according to the teachings of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`[0061] FIG.14 is a top view of the support frame illustrated
`inFIG.13.
`[0062] FIG. 15 is a front view of the support frame illus(cid:173)
`trated in FIG. 13.
`
`BESTWAY EX. 1006; Pg 23
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

`

`US 2016/0222686 Al
`
`Aug. 4, 2016
`
`4
`
`[0063] FIG. 16 is a side view of the support frame illus(cid:173)
`trated in FIG. 13.
`[0064] FIG. 17 is a partial exploded view of the support
`frame of FIG. 13, illustrating how corresponding horizontal
`support members are coupled with the U-shaped support
`members.
`[0065] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a horizontal support
`member of the support frame illustrated in FIG. 13.
`[0066] FIG. 19 is a side view of the horizontal support
`member illustrated in FIG. 18.
`[0067] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a U-shaped support
`member of the support frame illustrated in FIG. 13.
`[0068] FIG. 21 is a front view of the U-Shaped support
`member illustrated in FIG. 20.
`[0069] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sup(cid:173)
`port frame of FIG. 13 illustrating how the U-shaped support
`members are coupled to the horizontal support members.
`[0070] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sup(cid:173)
`port frame of FIG. 13 illustrating how the neighboring hori(cid:173)
`zontal support members are coupled together.
`[0071] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a positioning mem(cid:173)
`ber of the support frame illustrated in FIG. 13.
`[0072] FIG. 25 is a front view of the positioning member
`illustrated in FIG. 24.
`[0073] FIG. 26 is a top view of the positioning member
`illustrated in FIG. 24.
`[0074] FIG. 27 is a side view of the positioning member
`illustrated in FIG. 24.
`[0075] FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating an above
`ground pool incorporating the support frame illustrated in
`FIG. 13.
`[0076] FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a third
`example of an implementation of a support frame of an above
`ground pool according to the teachings of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`[0077] FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the portion A in FIG.
`29.
`[0078] FIG. 31 is a front view of the support frame illus(cid:173)
`trated in FIG. 29.
`[0079] FIG. 32 is a side view of the support frame illus(cid:173)
`trated in FIG. 29.
`[0080] FIG. 33 is a top view of the support frame illustrated
`in FIG. 29.
`[0081] FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating an above
`ground pool incorporating the support frame illustrated in
`FIG. 29.
`[0082] FIG. 35 is a top view illustrating a fourth example of
`an implementation of a support frame of an above ground
`pool according to the teachings of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0083] The present invention will be further described
`below in conjunction with particular example implementa(cid:173)
`tions and the accompanying drawings. Further details are
`provided in the following description in order for the present
`invention to be fully understood. However, the present inven(cid:173)
`tion can be implemented in various ways other than those
`described herein. A person skilled in the art can make similar
`analogies and modifications according to practical applica(cid:173)
`tions without departing from the spirit of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, and therefore the contents of the particular examples
`herein should not be construed as limiting to the scope of the
`present invention.
`
`[0084] FIGS. 1-30 illustrate various implementations of a
`support frame for an above ground pool according to the
`teachings of the present invention. Referring now to FIGS.
`1-3, FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one example of
`an implementation of a support frame 10 of an above ground
`pool according to the teachings of the present invention. FIG.
`2 is a front view of the support frame 10. FIG. 3 is a top view
`of the support frame 10.
`[0085] As shown, the support frame 10 includes a plurality
`of horizontal support members 11 and a plurality of vertical
`support members 12. The horizontal support members 11 and
`the vertical support members 12 each include an elongated
`tubular member with an elliptical cross-section. The vertical
`support members 12 are coupled to the horizontal support
`members 11. The support frame 10 may further include a
`plurality of T-shaped connectors 13 that are mainly used to
`couple the horizontal support members 11 and the vertical
`support members 12 together.
`[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, FIG. 4 is a partial
`exploded view of the support frame 10 illustrating how cor(cid:173)
`responding horizontal support members 11 are coupled with
`a vertical support member 12 by the T-shaped connector 13.
`FIG. 5 is another partial exploded view of the support frame
`10 illustrating how corresponding horizontal support mem(cid:173)
`bers 11 are coupled with a vertical support member 12 by a
`T-shaped connector 13. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional
`view of the support frame 10 illustrating how a horizontal
`support member 11 is coupled to the T-shaped connector 13.
`[0087] As shown, the T-shaped connector 13 includes a
`horizontal tubular member 130 and a vertical tubular member
`131. The vertical tubular member 131 is transversely
`arranged on the horizontal tubular member 130. In particular,
`the vertical tubular member 131 is transversely perpendicular
`to the horizontal tubular member 130. The horizontal tubular
`member 130 and the vertical tubular member 131 each have
`an elliptical cross-section.
`[0088] The T-shaped connectors 13 couple two neighbor(cid:173)
`ing horizontal support members 11 together in sequence by
`means of the horizontal tubular member 130. In this way, the
`horizontal support members 11 may be coupled together to
`form a substantially circular ring structure (as best shown in
`FIG. 3).
`[0089] Turning back to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first end 132 of the
`horizontal tubular member 130 of each T-shaped connector
`13 may be detachably coupled to an end 112 of a first corre(cid:173)
`sponding horizontal support member 110.