Removable attachments and shields for aquatic recreation devices

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to auxiliary devices for aquatic recreation and treatment facilities including but not limited to swimming pools, hot tubs, thermal spas, exercise and conditioning pools and the like. More particularly the invention relates to the field of protective, shielding devices intended to preserve aesthetic features of the aquatic facility as well as to prolong the usable life of structural components thereof. In addition, the present invention includes embodiments for removable attachment devices for such aquatic facilities that provide modular and interchangeable platforms for entertainment, physical therapy appliances as well as for general comfort and serviceability of the facility.

1 . A removable device for use in aquatic facility, comprising; 
 an aquatic facility having a perimeter defined by an external end edge and a water containing zone and a non-water containing zone separated by a water line;    a first rigid element sized and configured to fit between the edge of the aquatic facility and an area of the water line of the aquatic facility defining an attachment zone, said first rigid element having a front face and a back face and a top and bottom edge;    an attachment device for connecting the first rigid element to said attachment zone, said attachment device connected to one of said front and back faces;    a flexible element disposed substantially over at least one of said front and back faces of said rigid element so as to provide a protective wrap for said first rigid element.    
     
     
         2 . A removable device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said protective wrap is provide with aesthetically pleasing patterns.  
     
     
         3 . A removable device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said attachment device extends substantially perpendicularly from said first rigid device.  
     
     
         4 . A removable device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said attachment device is selected from a group including magnetic, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . A removable device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said flexible element is selected from a group including foam, vinyl, plastic, rubber and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         6 . A removable device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said attachment device is disposed adjacent at least one of said top and bottom edges of said rigid element.  
     
     
         7 . A removable device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the removable device includes a second substantially rigid element extending substantially perpendicularly to said first rigid element.  
     
     
         8 . A removable device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said second substantially rigid element is used for physical therapy or training.  
     
     
         9 . A removable device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said second substantially rigid element is used for entertainment.  
     
     
         10 . A removable device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said second substantially rigid element includes a cushion or personnel support platform.  
     
     
         11 . A removable, modular system for use with aquatic facilities, comprising; 
 an aquatic facility having a perimeter defined by an external end edge and a water containing zone and a non-water containing zone separated by a water line;    a first rigid element sized and configured to fit between the edge of the aquatic facility and an area of the water line of the aquatic facility defining an attachment zone, said first rigid element having a front face and a back face and a top and bottom edge;    a first attachment device for connecting the first rigid element to said attachment zone, said attachment device connected to one of said front and back faces;    a second rigid element sized and configured to fit between the edge of the aquatic facility and an area of the water line of the aquatic facility defining an attachment zone, said first rigid element having a front face and a back face and a top and bottom edge; a second attachment device for connecting the second rigid element to said attachment zone, said second attachment device connected to one of said front and back faces of said second rigid element;    each of said first and second rigid elements are independently movable with respect to one another.    
     
     
         12 . A removable, modular system for use with aquatic facilities as recited in  claim 11 , wherein at least one of said first and second rigid elements provides a function selected from a group including entertainment, training, lifesaving or relaxation.  
     
     
         13 . A removable, modular system for use with aquatic facilities as recited in  claim 11 , wherein at least a third rigid element is provided and has a function selected from a group including entertainment, training or relaxation.  
     
     
         14 . A removable, modular system for use with aquatic facilities as recited in  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first and second rigid elements has a platform extending perpendicularly from said one of said first and second rigid elements.  
     
     
         15 . A removable, modular system for use with aquatic facilities as recited in  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first and second rigid elements has a detachable floatation aid.  
     
     
         16 . An interchangeable system for an aquatic facility, comprising 
 an aquatic facility having a perimeter sidewall defined by an external end edge and a water containing zone and a non-water containing zone separated by a water line;    at least first and second modules, each of said first and second modules are interchangeable with one another, each of said first and second modules having a rigid element having a front face, back face and top and bottom edges;    at least one of said first and second faces having a decorative covering applied thereto;    an attachment means for each of said first and second modules for removably attaching each of said modules to said sidewall of the aquatic facility; and    wherein said decorative covering on each of said first and second modules is complementary to each of said modules.    
     
     
         17 . An interchangeable system for an aquatic facility as recited in  claim 16 , wherein each of said modules are selected from a group including entertainment, training, conditioning, lifesaving, relaxation, therapy and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         18 . An interchangeable system for an aquatic facility as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said system includes a third module selected from a group including entertainment, training, conditioning, relaxation, lifesaving, therapy and combinations thereof.