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US-20260125918-A1 - SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A CONTAINER WITH PORTHOLES

US20260125918A1US 20260125918 A1US20260125918 A1US 20260125918A1US-20260125918-A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a container, such as an above-ground pool, with an improved porthole. The container can include a base, a side wall joined to the base, and at least one porthole. The porthole can comprise an aperture in the side wall and a generally transparent window sheet attached to the side wall and completely covering the aperture in the side wall. Such a design can be stronger and more durable than conventional portholes. The pool can also have portability and storability characteristics that are superior to those of conventional pools.

Inventors

  • Chi Yin Alan LEUNG
  • Ricky Tong

Assignees

  • POLYGROUP MACAU LIMITED (BVI)

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20251229

Claims (20)

  1. 1 - 20 . (canceled)
  2. 21 . A pool comprising: a base; a side wall joined to the base; a frame comprising vertical rib supports attached to the side wall; a substantially transparent porthole comprising: a window sheet comprising a reinforcing mesh; and a flotation device positioned on the pool.
  3. 22 . The pool of claim 21 , wherein the flotation device is further configured to provide buoyancy to the side wall.
  4. 23 . The pool of claim 21 , wherein the floatation device is an inflatable ring.
  5. 24 . The pool of claim 21 , wherein the floatation device is bendable.
  6. 25 . The pool of claim 21 , wherein the vertical rib supports are collapsible.
  7. 26 . The pool of claim 21 , further comprising support members comprising one of: inflatable bladders, collapsible foam, or removable support members.
  8. 27 . The pool of claim 21 , further comprising: a pocket sheet attached to the side wall; and a bracing sheet located between the pocket sheet and the side wall.
  9. 28 . The pool of claim 27 , wherein the bracing sheet is more rigid than the pocket sheet.
  10. 28 . The pool of claim 21 , further comprising a pump device.
  11. 29 . The pool of claim 21 , further comprising a drainage assembly, wherein the drainage assembly is configured to be removable from the pool.
  12. 30 . The pool of claim 21 , wherein the window sheet is attached via at least one weld.
  13. 31 . The pool of claim 21 , wherein the side wall includes an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall sealed to the outer wall.
  14. 32 . The pool of claim 21 , where in the at least one substantially transparent porthole is configured to drain the pool.
  15. 33 . The pool of claim 21 , further including a ladder.
  16. 34 . A method for assembling a pool, comprising: providing a base; joining a side wall constructed from a plastic to the base, the side wall having an aperture; welding a transparent window sheet to the side wall to cover the aperture; coupling vertical rib supports to the side wall of the pool by attaching the vertical rib supports to the material of the side wall and to a ring proximate to a top of the pool; and attaching a floatation device to the pool.
  17. 35 . The method of claim 34 , further comprising embedding the window sheet with polyester mesh.
  18. 36 . The method of claim 34 , further comprising welding a pocket sheet to an interior of the side wall to create a pocket.
  19. 37 . The method of claim 36 , further comprising placing a bracing sheet in the pocket.
  20. 38 . The method of claim 34 , wherein the side wall and the window sheet are constructed from polyvinyl chloride.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY CLAIM This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/565,640 entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A CONTAINER WITH PORTHOLES,” filed 10 Dec. 2014, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/915,221 , filed 12 Dec. 2013, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A CONTAINER WITH PORTHOLES,” the entire contents and substance of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below. BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to collapsible containers and, more specifically, to swimming pools having improved portholes. 2. Description of Related Art A variety of above-ground swimming pools are known. The most common types of above ground pools are formed from molded plastic and permanently take on the shape of a small, portable swimming pool. These pools exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and consumers are able to choose a specific portable pool that suits their particular needs. One problem with the conventional above-ground pools, however, is that there is not a manner of viewing the inside of the pool from outside the pool, other than from above. It is desirable, however, for a person to be able to see inside the pool from the outside, as this provides a way for the person to watch what is happening inside of the pool without getting in the pool. A parent, for example, could watch his or her children as they swim in the pool, thereby increasing the child's safety without requiring the parent to get wet. Likewise, it is enjoyable for a person in the pool, such as a child, to be able to watch and communicate with people outside the pool. Windows and portholes can provide this functionality. However, there are generally not windows or portholes in conventional above-ground pools. While attempts have been made to manufacture above-ground pools with portholes, these attempts have encountered several quality-related obstacles. Commonly, for example, the porthole designs lack sufficient structural integrity, and often leak or cause structural failure, thereby shortening the useful life of the pool. Another problem associated with above-ground pools is that they are cumbersome. Because the pools often have an awkward size and shape, they are often difficult to transport, as they can be larger than many vehicles. Thus, to transport a conventional pool, a consumer must typically strap it to the roof of a vehicle, or if the pool is too large, the consumer must make arrangements for oversized vehicle transport. Moreover, such pools are often difficult and awkward to handle or carry, even for short distances. In addition to the problems associated with transporting conventional pools, the pools are generally so large that they are difficult to store. In fact, among certain consumers, the pools have become disposable due to the difficulties of storage. Oftentimes, for example, consumers will purchase one of these portable pools at the beginning of the summer swimming season, and simply discard it during the colder months when it would otherwise need to be stored. This practice, however, is viewed by many as wasteful, and is preferably avoided. Another problem with conventional molded plastic pools is that they are easily breakable. Because of this problem, the difficulty in storing such items is exacerbated as they cannot easily be bent or manipulated without the risk of breaking the item. Additionally, because of the manner in which children play in and around an above-ground pool, the fact that they are easily breakable is highly undesirable since it could potentially cause or contribute to injuries. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an above ground pool with portholes or windows. The portholes, however, should be sufficiently strong to prevent leaks and structural failure. Moreover, it would be desirable to develop a pool that exhibits the portability of an inflatable pool, but which does not require the same time and energy expenditure. Finally, it would be desirable for such a pool to be simple to store. It is to these needs, as well as others, that embodiments of this invention are directed. SUMMARY A collapsible container with improved portholes is described. Specifically, in some embodiments, the invention provides a collapsible swimming pool with improved portholes. The portholes can be attached to the pool with multiple welds in a concentric pattern, making the portholes stronger than conventional portholes and less likely to fail. The swimming pool exhibits the portability and ease of storage of an inflatable or portable pool without the need for great expenditure of time and/or energy prior to use, such as the difficulties that might generally be associated with an inflatable pool. Moreover, the swimming pool of the present invention is robust, and is not easily broken, punctured, torn, or otherwise dam