Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Footing or foundation type – Socket
Reexamination Certificate
2002-05-22
2004-02-03
Yip, Winnie S. (Department: 3637)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Footing or foundation type
Socket
C052S704000, C052S296000, C248S519000, C182S108000, C439S100000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06684588
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed toward a bonded swimming pool ladder anchor socket and more particularly, toward a bonded swimming pool ladder anchor socket which provides means for allowing the electrical bonding connection to be tightened even after the anchor has been embedded in concrete adjacent the side of the swimming pool.
Typically, swimming pool ladders and similar devices are supported by anchors that are embedded in the cement or concrete that surrounds the swimming pool. These anchors are generally made of metal and have open tops which allow the tubular base of a ladder to be inserted therein. A set screw, wedge or the like maintains the ladder base in the anchor.
Codes or regulations in many communities require that all metallic structural parts and fittings of a swimming pool such as metallic parts of the pool structure (including re-enforcing metal of the pool shell and deck), underwater lighting, metal fittings, electrical equipment, etc. be bonded or electrically interconnected in order to eliminate voltage gradients in the pool area. With respect to metal swimming pool ladders and the like, this is frequently accomplished by securing an electrical bonding connector to the anchor socket and to the pool bonding grid which also connects to the various other metallic structural parts and fittings. When the ladder base is inserted into the anchor and held therein, it too is then bonded. The anchors are typically bonded by clamping the electrical conductor thereto with a screw or the like. After the anchors are properly bonded, they are held in place and cement or concrete is poured around the anchors and the, bonding conductors to secure everything in place.
Because of changes in temperature and humidity and settling earth, it is not uncommon for the electrical bonding connections to the anchors to loosen. Unfortunately there is no way to conveniently tighten the bonding screw as it is frequently embedded in cement along with the rest of the anchor. The anchor is, therefore, either left ungrounded or the cement around the anchor must be broken up so that the anchor can be removed to tighten the bonding screw. The properly bonded anchor can then be replaced and again covered with cement until the problem reoccurs. Obviously this is undesirable as it is a time consuming procedure that may leave the pool deck in less than an acceptable aesthetic condition.
Thus, a need exists for a swimming pool ladder anchor socket that includes an electrical bond, and which provides means for allowing the electrical bonding connection to be tightened even after the anchor has been embedded in concrete adjacent the side of the swimming pool without having to, remove the anchor from the concrete.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. It is an object of the present invention to provide a swimming pool ladder anchor socket that includes an improved electrical bonding terminal thereon.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a bonded swimming pool ladder anchor socket that allows the bonding connection to be tightened from the top of the anchor.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bonded swimming pool ladder anchor socket that allows the bonding connection to be tightened even after the anchor is embedded in concrete adjacent the swimming pool.
In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided a bonded swimming pool ladder anchor socket that includes a substantially hollow metal housing of substantially cylindrical configuration. The housing is embedded in concrete adjacent the swimming pool with the top of the housing being open and adapted to receive the cylindrically shaped base of a swimming pool ladder for supporting the ladder. The bottom of the housing is at least partially closed to act as a stop to prevent downward movement of said ladder base beyond said bottom. An electrical bonding clamp is carried by the housing on the outer surface thereof and is adapted to securely clamp an electrical bonding conductor in order to provide an electrical bond for the housing and for the ladder. The bonding clamp includes a fixed seat for supporting the conductor and a movable screw threaded through the lower wall of a chamber located above the seat. The screw includes a head at the top thereof which is adapted to be turned by a screw driver in order to move the screw toward or away from the conductor. The head of the said screw is accessible through an aperture in the top wall of the chamber so that the screw can be moved to tighten the same even after the housing has been embedded in cement.
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Lehrer Norman E.
Yip Winnie S.
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