Above-Ground Pools and Above-Ground Pool Band-Frame Connector Device

The present disclosure relates generally to above-ground pools, including apparatus, systems, and methods for installing above-ground pools.

A pool frame supports a pool liner that contains water in a determined volume and provides the support to hold water against the weight of the water and the liner. An above-ground pool takes advantage of avoiding the cost and effort involved with digging or otherwise excavating a space for a pool. Additionally, above-ground pools take advantage of being installed in locations where digging or excavating is impracticable or impossible. A pool liner ideally contains water in a determined volume against the weight of the held water and without leaking.

The frame and the liner may be installed as an intertwined unit. One or more frame members may be laced through one or more sleeves in the liner as the pool is being constructed. During disassembly for maintenance or to move the pool, the frame members may be disconnected as a section or individually to remove the frame members from the sleeves. In a different location, the frame members may be reconnected and laced through one or more sleeves in the liner.

illustrates a conventional above-ground pool having a frame including a liner and a band that extends around the circumference of the pool to help support the weight of the pool when it is filled with water. As shown in, conventional above-ground pools include frames in which the vertical frame members are threaded between the liner and the band. Once the above-ground pool is filled with water, the vertical frame members press against the band, as shown in the conventional above-ground pool in, and gaps can form between the band the liner. An above-ground pool design is desired that does not include the gaps shown in the conventional above-ground pool in.

Embodiments of present disclosure provide an above-ground pool and an above-ground pool band-frame connector device. The above-ground pool includes a pool liner and a band coupled to the exterior of the pool liner. Furthermore, the above-ground pool includes an above-ground pool frame with a plurality of above-ground pool horizontal frame members and a plurality of above-ground pool vertical frame members. The above-ground pool frame can be coupled with the pool liner. The above-ground pool further includes a first above-ground pool band-frame connector device, wherein the first above-ground pool band-frame connector device couples a first of the plurality of above-ground pool vertical frame members to the band.

The following disclosure provides many different exemplary embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific simplified examples of components and arrangements are described below to explain the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art and in the specific context where each term is used. The use of examples in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the present disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

In this document, the term “coupled” may also be used to indicate that two or more elements cooperate or interact with each other. Furthermore, the term “coupled” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are removably coupled, in that they can be uncoupled.

is an illustration of an above-ground poolaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, above-ground poolmay include an above-ground pool frame. In accordance with the present disclosure, some embodiments of the above-ground pool framemay include one or more above-ground pool horizontal frame membersand one or more above-ground pool vertical frame members. Additionally, some embodiments of the above-ground poolmay include pool liner, which provides a water impermeable surface on the inside to retain the water of the above-ground poolwhen filled. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the above-ground pool, the pool lineris in partial communication with the above-ground pool frameto provide the structure of the above-ground pool. Accordingly, the pool linermay be configured to hold water within above-ground pool frame. In some embodiments of the above-ground pool, pool linermay be configured to take up the volume within above-ground pool frame.

As shown in, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground poolcan include a band. The band, in some embodiments, is separate from pool linerand provides additional support for the pool linerand the above-ground pool frameto contain the bulging force created by water in the above-ground pool. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the bandmay be a reinforcement of pool liner. As shown in, in some embodiments, the bandmay configured around the entire outer circumference of the pool linerproximate the lower portion of the above-ground pool. In some embodiments, the bandis made of durable and robust material capable of withstanding force applied by the weight of the water in above-ground pool. In some embodiments, the bandis made of similar material to the pool linerof above-ground pool. In other embodiments, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the bandis made of a different material than the pool linerof above-ground pool. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the bandand the pool linerserve to contain water in a determined volume against the weight of the held water and without leaking.

As shown in, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground poolcan be configured such that the above-ground pool vertical frame membersare connected to the bandand the pool linerwith an above-ground pool band-frame connector device. The above-ground pool band-frame connector device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, can be configured to couple an above-ground pool vertical frame memberwith the bandand the pool liner. As shown in, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground poolcan be configured such that the bandis in close contact with the pool linerwith minimal gaps present when the above-ground poolis filled with water. More specifically, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the above-ground poolis filled with water, the bandis pulled taut against the pool linerand minimal gaps are present between the pool linerand band. Also, as shown in the embodiment in, the above-ground pool vertical frame membersof the above-ground pool framecan be secured against the bandand pool linerby the above-ground pool band-frame connector device. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground pool vertical frame memberscan be coupled to a coupling ring of the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceand a protrusion of the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan be inserted into an aperture between the bandand the pool liner. As shown in, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the above-ground poolis filled with water, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis pulled taut with the bandand pool linerthereby securing the above-ground pool vertical frame memberagainst the side of the above-ground pool. As shown in embodiment of above-ground poolin, the above-ground pool vertical frame membersare not threaded between the bandand the pool linerbut are configured external to both the pool linerand the band. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan promote a secure, supported, and stable configuration of the above-ground poolwhen the above-ground poolis filled with water without having the above-ground pool vertical frame membersplaced between the pool linerand band. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment of the above-ground poolin, minimal gaps are presented between the bandand pool liner. Accordingly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, there are no gaps that could by perceived by a user of the above-ground poolas a step to be stepped on by the user. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, no surfaces are presented between the bandand pool linerthat might be perceived by a user of the above-ground poolas a place to stand or step on the side of the above-ground pool.

is an illustration of a pool linerof an above-ground poolaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, above-ground poolmay include a bandand pool liner. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the bandcan be securely attached to the pool liner. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of suitable techniques to attach the bandto the pool liner. For example, as shown in the embodiment in, the bandcan be welded to the pool linerto create a secure, durable, and reliable attachment. Those of skill in art will appreciate that there a number of techniques to weld the bandto the pool liner, including Radio Frequency (“RF”) welding and dielectric welding. For example, with RF welding, a high frequency electric field can be applied to the bandand the pool linerto heat and melt the base materials of the bandand the pool linerwhile clamped together and the clamping force can be maintained until the weld solidifies. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the technique for attaching the bandto the pool linercan vary in accordance with the type of material used for the bandand/or the pool liner. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in the embodiment in, bandcan be attached to the above-ground poolat multiple points along the circumference of the bandaround the exterior of the above-ground pool. For example, as shown in the embodiment in, the bandcan be attached to the pool linerat band attachment pointA and band attachment pointB. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the proximity of the band attachment pointA and band attachment pointB can create a connector receiving aperturebetween the bandand the pool linerto receive the above-ground pool band-frame connector device. More specifically, connector receiving aperturecan provide an opening between the bandand the pool linerto receive the insertion of above-ground pool band-frame connector device.

is an illustration of above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA can include a coupling ring. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the coupling ringis configured to receive the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frame. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA can include a flex slot, which extends for a distance less than the full length of the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the flex slotof the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA is configured to allow expansion and contraction of the coupling ring; thereby, enabling the coupling ringto expand to receive the above-ground pool vertical frame memberupon insertion of the vertical fame memberupon the construction of the above-ground pool frameor to expand to allow removal of the above-ground pool vertical frame memberfrom the above-ground pool frameupon deconstruction of the above-ground pool frame. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA can provide a connector protrusion, which can be inserted into a connector receiving aperturebetween the bandand the pool linerof above-ground pool.

is an illustration of above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB can include a coupling ring. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the coupling ringis configured to receive the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frame. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB can include a flex slot. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the flex slotcan extend the full length of the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the flex slotof the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA is configured to allow expansion and contraction of the coupling ring; thereby, enabling the coupling ringto expand to receive the above-ground pool vertical frame memberupon insertion of the memberupon the construction of the above-ground pool frameor to expand to allow removal of the above-ground pool vertical frame memberfrom the above-ground pool frameupon deconstruction of the above-ground pool frame. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB can provide a connector protrusion, which can be inserted into a connector receiving aperturebetween the bandand the pool linerof above-ground pool.

is an illustration of a portion of the side of an above-ground poolaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure.provides an illustration of the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the above-ground pool vertical frame memberhas been coupled with the coupling ring. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the connector protrusionof the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA can be inserted into a connector receiving aperturebetween the bandand the pool linerof above-ground pool. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, insertion of the connector protrusionof the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA into the connector receiving aperturebetween the bandand the pool linerof above-ground poolprovides a stable and secure connection between the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frameand the pool liner. Accordingly, when forces act to separate, compress, tear, otherwise distort the structure and integrity of the above-ground pool, the connection enabled by the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceA provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure can aid in securing and maintaining the structure and integrity of the above-ground pool. Those of skill in the art will appreciate in some embodiments, the above-ground poolis heavy when filled with water, and the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan aid in ensuring the structure and integrity of the above-ground poolwhen fully installed and configured.

provide a step-by-step illustration of coupling the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB with the above-ground poolin accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool vertical frame membercan be constructed proximate to the bandsurrounding the pool linerof the above-ground pool. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the flex slotof the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB can be flexed to open and expand the coupling ringto receive the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frame. Accordingly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB can be removably coupled to the above-ground pool vertical frame member. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the connector protrusionof the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB can be inserted into a connector receiving aperturebetween the bandand the pool linerof above-ground poolby sliding the connector protrusioninto the connector receiving aperture. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB can be configured to removably couple the bandand the pool linerto the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frame. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, once the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceB is coupled to the bandit can increase the stability of the above-ground pool. Therefore, with some embodiments of the present disclosure, above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan be configured such that it can be removably inserted into the connector receiving aperture, which enables easy and convenient installation of the above-ground pooland easy and convenient deconstruction of above-ground pool.

is an illustration of a portion of the side of an above-ground poolaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment in, the above-ground poolcan include a plurality of cradles, such as cradle. The cradle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, can be coupled to the band. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that there are a number of suitable ways to connect cradleto the band. For example, cradlecan be welded to band, such as with an RF welding technique, heat welding, an adhesive technique, fasteners, or over-molding. Alternatively, cradlecan be coupled to bandwith a friction fit in which two components of the cradleare joined together with the bandin between, such that the cradle iscoupled via a friction fit with the band. As shown in the embodiment in, a pole-band, such as pole bandA,B, can be removably coupled with cradlesuch that the pole-band secures the above-ground pool vertical frame memberand restricts its movement. As shown in the embodiment in, the above-ground pool vertical frame membercan be inserted into a shoe, such as shoe, and then a pole-band, such a pole bandA,B, can be removably coupled to the cradle. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cradlecan provide two receiving slots into which a portion of the pole bandA,B can be inserted. In some embodiments, cradleand pole bandA,B may implement a tongue and groove connecting configuration to secure the above-ground pool vertical frame membersto increase the stability of the above-ground pool. For example, in this embodiment, the cradlemay include at least one tongue or groove. The pole bandA,B may also comprise at least one tongue or groove. The spacing between the at least one tongue and groove of the cradlemay be greater than a diameter of the above-ground pool vertical frame member. The spacing between the at least one tongue and groove of the pole bandA,B may be greater than a diameter of the above-ground pool vertical frame member. In some embodiments, the cradlemay comprise two tongues configured to securely connect with two grooves of the pole bandA,B. In other embodiments, the cradle may include one tongue and one groove configured to securely connect with one groove and one tongue of the pole bandA,B, respectively.

In other embodiments, cradleand pole bandA,B may each include at least one hole. When the pole bandA,B is wrapped around the above-ground pool vertical frame member, the at least one hole of the cradleand pole bandA,B may be aligned. Plugs may pass through the aligned holes of both the cradleand pole bandA,B to secure the cradleto pole bandA,B and confer stability to the above-ground pool.

In accordance with some other embodiments, the cradlemay be conjoined with pole bandA,B on one side of the cradle. The free end of the cradleand pole bandA,B may comprise a portion of a zip-tie or ratchet. The free end of the cradlemay comprise a head including a slot located therein. The slot may include a tongue, where the tongue includes at least one serration. The free end of the pole bandA,B includes a plurality of serrations. To engage the free ends of the cradleand pole bandA,B, pole bandA,B may be wrapped around the above-ground pool vertical frame member. Then, the plurality of serrations of the pole bandA,B may be fed into the slot of the cradle. The cradleand pole bandA,B have a ratchet connection where at least one serration of the tongue of the cradleis engaged with the plurality of serrations of the pole bandA,B. The ratchet connection entails that the pole bandA,B may slide within the slot of cradlein a first direction but is locked from sliding within the slot of the cradlein a direction opposite to the first direction. To tighten the engagement of the cradleand pole bandA,B around the above-ground pool vertical frame member, the pole bandA,B may be pulled on its free end in the first direction. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, once the pole bandA,B is coupled to the cradle, thereby securing above-ground pool vertical frame member, it can increase the stability of the above-ground pool. Therefore, with some embodiments of the present disclosure, pole bandA,B can be configured such that it can be removably inserted into the cradle, which enables easy and convenient installation of the above-ground pooland easy and convenient deconstruction of above-ground pool. As shown in the embodiment in, after installation, pole bandA,B can provide a stable and secure connection between the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frameand the bandand pool linerof the above-ground pool.

In some embodiments, the pole bandA,B and cradlemay be comprised of a plastic material. The plastic material of the pole bandA,B or cradlemay impart a semi-rigid or flexible property. For example, in some embodiments, the plastic material may comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, high-density polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, silicone, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pole bandA,B and cradlemay be comprised of the same material having different densities or different materials having different densities.

is an illustration of a portion of the side of an above-ground poolaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment in, the above-ground poolcan include loop straps, such as loop strapsA andB. The loop strapsA andB, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, can be coupled to the bottom of the pool liner. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that there are a number of suitable ways to couple loop strapsA andB to the pool liner. For example, loop strapsA andB can be welded to pool liner, such as with an RF welding technique, heat welding, or adhesive techniques. Alternatively, loop strapsA andB can be removably coupled with the pool linerwith a fastening mechanism. As shown in the embodiment in, the loop straps can be removably coupled with to the above-ground pool vertical frame members. As shown in the embodiment in, the above-ground pool vertical frame membercan be inserted into a shoe, such as shoe, and then a loop strap, such a loop strapA, can be removably coupled to the shoe. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, once the loop strapA is coupled to the shoeholding above-ground pool vertical frame member, thereby securing above-ground pool vertical frame member, the loop strapA can increase the stability of the above-ground pool. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, once the loop strapA is coupled to the shoeholding above-ground pool vertical frame member, the above-ground pool vertical frame membercan be pulled such that the pool lineris pulled taunt thereby removing wrinkles from the pool liner. Therefore, with some embodiments of the present disclosure, loop strapA can be configured such that it can be removably coupled with the shoeholding above-ground pool vertical frame member, which enables easy and convenient installation of the above-ground pooland easy and convenient deconstruction of above-ground pool. In alternative embodiments, the loop strapA can be permanently affixed to shoefor a convenient and easy construction with the above-ground pool vertical frame member. As shown in the embodiment in, after installation, loop strapA can provide a stable and secure connection between the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frameand the pool linerof the above-ground pool.

is an illustration of a portion of the side of an above-ground poolaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment in, the above-ground pool vertical frame membercan be coupled to the bottom of the pool linerwith a pulling sheet. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pulling sheetcan be configured to couple with the shoeinto which the above-ground pool vertical frame memberis inserted. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the shoeinto which the above-ground pool vertical frame memberis inserted can be coupled to a pulling sheet. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the pulling sheetcan be configured to extend beneath the pool liner. In some embodiments, pulling sheetcan extend the full diameter of the above-ground pooland pulling sheetcan connect two above-ground pool vertical frame memberson opposite sides of the above-ground pool. In these embodiments, the pulling sheetcan be configured beneath the pool liner and may not be attached to the pool liner. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the user constructs the above-ground poolby inserting the above-ground pool vertical frame memberinto shoe, placing the pulling sheetat least partially under the pool liner, and coupling the pulling sheetto the shoe. In this embodiment, once the above-ground poolis filled with water, the weight of the water can apply force to the pulling sheet. In other embodiments, the pulling sheetdoes extend for the full diameter of the above-ground pool. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the pulling sheetis not physically attached to the pool liner, and just the weight of the water in the pool is used to restrict the movement of the pulling sheet. In other embodiments, the pulling sheetcan be coupled to the pool liner. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that numerous attachment techniques can be used to couple the pulling sheetwith the pool liner, including RF welding, heat welding, attachment with an adhesive, or physical attachment with a fastening mechanism. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the pulling sheetcan aid in resisting forces applied to above-ground pool vertical frame memberonce the above-ground poolis filled with water. As shown in the embodiment in, after installation, pulling sheetcan provide a stable and secure connection between the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frameand the pool linerof the above-ground pool.

is an illustration of a portion of the side of a pulling sheetaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment in, one end of the pulling sheetcan provide a tabconfigured to be coupled with the shoe. In the embodiment shown in, tabprovides an aperture into which a portion of the shoecan be inserted and then coupled to remainder of the tab. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in, the above-ground pool vertical frame membercan be inserted into the shoe. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in, the above-ground pool vertical frame member, shoe, and pulling sheetcan be removably coupled together. Therefore, with some embodiments of the present disclosure, pulling sheetcan be configured such that it can be removably coupled with the shoeholding above-ground pool vertical frame member, which enables easy and convenient installation of the above-ground pooland easy and convenient deconstruction of above-ground pool.

is an illustration of a portion of the side of a pulling sheetaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment in, one end of the pulling sheetcan provide a tabconfigured to be coupled with the shoe. In the embodiment shown in, tabprovides four apertures for receiving a bottom plate. As shown in the embodiment shown in, the bottom plate can be coupled with the tabof the pulling sheetand screws can be inserted to couple the bottom plate, taband the shoetogether. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment shown in, the above-ground pool vertical frame membercan be inserted into the shoe. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in, the above-ground pool vertical frame member, shoe, bottom plate, and pulling sheetcan be removably coupled together. Therefore, with some embodiments of the present disclosure, pulling sheetcan be configured such that it can be removably coupled with the shoeholding above-ground pool vertical frame member, which enables easy and convenient installation of the above-ground pooland easy and convenient deconstruction of above-ground pool.

are illustrations of a portion of the side of an above-ground poolaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay include a coupling ringand connector ring. The above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay be comprised of a metal such as stainless steel, a steel alloy, aluminum, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay be comprised of a plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, high-density polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, silicone, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay be comprised of both a metal and plastic. For example, a metallic above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay be coated with plastic. In certain embodiments, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay have a figure-eight or lemniscate shape, which may be formed by bending a planner figure-eight or lemniscate at the intersection of its two loops. The coupling ringand connector ringmay be angled with respect to each other. In some embodiments, a plane coinciding with the coupling ringmay be angled at° with respect to a plane coinciding with the connector ring. In some embodiments, the plane coinciding with the coupling ringmay be angled from 45° to 135°, 55° to 125°, 60° to 120°, 65° to 115°, 70° to 110°, 75° to 105°, 80° to 100°, or 85° to 95° with respect to a plane coinciding with the connector ring. In some embodiments, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis comprised of a single rod or wire bent or twisted to have the figure-eight or lemniscate shape. In other embodiments, the coupling ringand connector ringare each fabricated and attached to one another, for example, through a welding process.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the coupling ringis configured to receive the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool framethrough coupling ring openingof the coupling ring. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan include a connector ringcomprising a connector ring openinglocated therein. As seen in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis engaged with the above-ground pool vertical frame member. In order for the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceto receive the above-ground pool vertical frame member, the above-ground pool vertical frame memberpasses through the coupling ring openingof the above-ground pool band-frame connector device.

provide a step-by-step illustration of coupling the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicewith the above-ground poolin accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As can be seen in the embodiment depicted in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceincludes coupling ringand connector ring. Additionally, the coupling ringcomprises a coupling ring openingand connector ringcomprises a connector ring opening.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool vertical frame memberis inserted within the coupling ringof the above-ground pool band-frame connector device. Once the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicehas received the above-ground pool vertical frame member, an end of the above-ground pool vertical frame memberis inserted into an opening located in shoe. In this configuration, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay slide along the length of the above-ground pool vertical frame member. In some embodiments, the shoeprevents the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicefrom sliding off an end of the above-ground pool vertical frame member.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the connector ringof the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan be slotted into a connector receiving aperturelocated between the bandand the pool linerof the above-ground pool. In some embodiments, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis slid in a downward direction such that the connector ringis positioned between the bandand pool liner.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan be configured to removably couple the bandand the pool linerto the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frame. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, once the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis coupled to the bandit can increase the stability of the above-ground pool. Additionally, while in the coupled configuration, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis supported by the band. Therefore, with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan be configured such that it can be removably inserted into the connector receiving aperture, which enables easy and convenient installation of the above-ground pooland easy and convenient deconstruction of above-ground pool. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay be configured to be removably slid into the connector receiving aperture. In some embodiments, the connector receiving aperturemay be defined by the band, pool liner, and band attachment points. In some embodiments, each above-ground pool vertical frame membermay be associated with two band attachment points. In some embodiments, the band attachment pointmay connect the bandand pool liner. The band attachment pointmay comprise a welding or stitching connecting the bandand pool liner. In some embodiments, the band attachment pointmay comprise multiple parallel weld lines or stitching line. In some embodiments, each band attachment pointmay span the entire height of the band. In other embodiments, each band attachment pointmay span only a portion of the height of the band.

In some embodiments, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay be fabricated through a wire drawing process. For example, a metal precursor object through at least one die to produce a metal wire, where a cross section of the metal wire is smaller than a cross section of the metal precursor object. The metal wire may then be cut according to a length of the above-ground pool band-frame connector device. The severed metal wire may then be twisted and bent according to the desired configuration of the above-ground pool band-frame connector device. For example, a connector ringmay be bent to an angle ranging from 45° to 135°, 55° to 125°, 60° to 120°, 65° to 115°, 70° to 110°, 75° to 105°, 80° to 100°, or 85° to 95° with respect to the coupling ring. In some embodiments, the metal wire may be coated prior to cutting the metal wire. The present disclosure relates to a method for coating a metal wire, comprising the following steps: First, a plastic material is introduced into an extruder. The plastic material is then subjected to heating within the extruder to form a molten plastic. Subsequently, the metal wire is directed through the extruder, wherein the alignment of the metal wire with an extruder die is facilitated by a guide. The molten plastic is conveyed through the extruder such that it surrounds at least a portion of the guide. Finally, the metal wire is coated with the molten plastic, resulting in a coated metal wire that exits the extruder die. This method ensures that the metal wire is uniformly coated with the molten plastic, thereby enhancing its protective and functional characteristics.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in, the band attachment pointsare configured to restrict the horizontal or circumferential movement of the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicewhile in the coupled configuration. By doing so, the stability of the above-ground poolis improved. Specifically, because the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceconnects the above-ground pool vertical frame memberto the connector receiving aperture, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis able to absorb greater forces as compared to configurations in the prior art where the above-ground pool vertical frame memberis directly slotted into a connector receiving aperture.

As can be seen in the embodiment depicted in, the above-ground pool vertical frame membermay be inserted within the coupling ringof the above-ground pool band-frame connector device. Once the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicehas received the above-ground pool vertical frame member, an end of the above-ground pool vertical frame memberis inserted into an opening located in shoe. In some embodiments, the above-ground poolcomprises at least one band segment section. In some embodiments, the above-ground poolcomprises a plurality of band segment sections. In some embodiments, the number of band segment sections of the plurality of band segment sectionsmay be two, four, six, eight, or ten. In some embodiments, each band segment section of the at least one band segment sectionmay be spaced apart from at least one adjacent band segment sectionby regular, fixed intervals circumferentially around the pool liner. In other words, in some embodiments there are gaps in a circumferential direction located between each band segment section of the plurality of band segment sections. Each band segment section of the at least one band segment sectionmay be affixed or connected to the pool liner. Specifically, in some embodiments, each band segment section of the at least one band segment sectioncomprises at least one band attachment pointcomprising a welding or stitching connecting each band segment section of the at least one band segment sectionsto the pool liner. In some embodiments, there are two band attachment pointsfor each band segment section of the at least one band segment sections.

As can be seen in the embodiment depicted in, the connector ringof the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan be slotted into the connector receiving aperturelocated between each band segment section of the at least one band segment sectionand the pool linerof the above-ground pool. In some embodiments, the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis slid in a downward direction such that the connector ringis positioned between the band segment sectionof the at least one band segment sectionsand pool liner.

As can be seen in the embodiment depicted in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecan be configured to removably couple the band segment sectionof the at least one band segment sectionand the pool linerto the above-ground pool vertical frame memberof the above-ground pool frame. In some embodiments, each above-ground pool band-frame connector devicecorresponds to each band segment sectionof the at least one band segment section. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the number of band segment sectionsof the at least one band segment sectioncorresponds to the number of the above-ground pool vertical frame members.

is an illustration of a portion of the side of an above-ground poolaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be seen in the embodiment depicted in, the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay include a coupling ringand a connector ring. The above-ground pool band-frame connector devicedepicted inis substantially the same as the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicedepicted in, with the following description focusing primarily on the differences therebetween.

In the above-ground pool band-frame connector devicedepicted in, the coupling ringand the connector ringare connected by a flex slot. Specifically, the coupling ring opening of the coupling ringand the connector ring opening of the connector ringcan be in communication with each other through the flex slot. The transverse dimension of the flex slot(i.e., the dimension perpendicular to the vertical frame member) may be smaller than the transverse dimensions of the coupling ringand the connector ring. The coupling ring, the flex slot, and the connector ringmay form a shape resembling an hourglass. The above-ground pool band-frame connector devicemay also be formed by bending or twisting a single rod or wire.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the flex slotof the above-ground pool band-frame connector deviceis configured to allow for expansion and contraction of the coupling ring; thereby, enabling the coupling ringto expand to receive the above-ground pool vertical frame memberupon insertion of the vertical fame memberupon the construction of the above-ground pool frameor to expand to allow removal of the above-ground pool vertical frame memberfrom the above-ground pool frameupon deconstruction of the above-ground pool frame.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the body of the connector ring(i.e., the ring portion defining the connector ring opening) is configured in a wavy shape to increase the friction between the connector ringand the bandwhen the connector ringis inserted into the connector receiving aperturebetween the bandand the pool linerof the above-ground pooland to prevent the connector ringfrom disengaging from the connector receiving apertureduring use.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.