CA2676500A1 - Swimming pool cover - Google Patents

Swimming pool cover Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2676500A1
CA2676500A1 CA2676500A CA2676500A CA2676500A1 CA 2676500 A1 CA2676500 A1 CA 2676500A1 CA 2676500 A CA2676500 A CA 2676500A CA 2676500 A CA2676500 A CA 2676500A CA 2676500 A1 CA2676500 A1 CA 2676500A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
pool cover
fastening
peripheral edge
fastening tabs
recited
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA2676500A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter Hinsperger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hinspergers Poly Ind Ltd
Original Assignee
Hinspergers Poly Ind Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hinspergers Poly Ind Ltd filed Critical Hinspergers Poly Ind Ltd
Priority to CA2676500A priority Critical patent/CA2676500A1/en
Publication of CA2676500A1 publication Critical patent/CA2676500A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04HBUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/06Safety devices; Coverings for baths
    • E04H4/10Coverings of flexible material

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)

Abstract

A pool cover comprising first and second opposed surfaces and a peripheral edge. A plurality of resilient fastening tabs are spaced apart around the peripheral edge of the pool cover. A fastening binding secures the fastening tabs around the peripheral edge. The fastening tabs are unitary members having first and second portions, each of the first and second portions have an aperture. The fastening tabs are positioned around the outer peripheral edge of the pool cover wherein the first portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the first surface of the pool cover and the second portion of the fastening tab is adjacent said second surface of the pool cover.

Description

SWIMMING POOL COVER
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to covers for swimming pools. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reversible swimming pool cover having resilient tie down or fastening tabs.

Background of the Invention Many different types of pool covers are known. Pool covers are routinely used for many purposes, such as to prevent debris and the like from falling into a swimming pool, to retain heat within the swimming pool, to absorb or transmit solar energy, and as well for safety purposes.

Typically pool covers are of a tarpaulin-like material, nylon, or plastic material and will include means for securing or positioning the cover over the body of water in a swimming pool.
Also known are reversible pool covers where each side may have different properties, such as heat reflecting or heat absorbing properties.
As one form of tie down means, pool covers are typically provided with grommets spaced along the outer edges of the cover. The grommets are used in conjunction with ties to secure the pool cover to the pool structure.
One of the disadvantages of grommets is their tendency to rip the pool cover if too much tension is applied.

Another type of common tie down means is the provision of straps or loops of material spaced along the periphery of a pool cover. The loops are used to secure the cover to the pool through the use of ropes or ties.
Generally, the loops are made from the same material as the cover or of a nylon material. Such loops of material have the disadvantage that they can tear or become detached altogether from the pool cover and/or rip the pool cover if too much tension is applied.

Another type of tie down arrangement is shown in U.S. Patent 5,014,369 to Daus. This patent discloses a tie down member made from a rubber material which includes a keyhole at one end which is adapted to be secured to a cooperating anchor member on the pool deck or wall. The other end of the tie down member is of a bifurcated configuration and includes an upper portion having a projection and a lower portion having an opening which receives the projection. The grommet of the pool cover is received and secured between the upper and lower portions. Again, this relies on the provision of grommets through the pool cover which can be disadvantageous as noted above.

U.S. Patent 4,094,021 to Rapp shows an example of a strap tie down member. The strap tie means includes an upper relatively short tie member having a velcro fastener and a lower relatively long tie member (which extends through a slot formed in the cover) having mating velcro fasteners.
The tie straps are riveted to the cover and they are used in conjunction with U-shaped clip members on the pool side walls to retain the pool cover in position.

U.S. Patent 6,928,671 to Pagano et al. discloses another variation of a strap tie down member. It discloses a tie down assembly for pool covers which is comprised of a strap which is coupled to and extends outwardly from a peripheral edge of the pool cover. The free end of the strap is coupled to one end of a spring. The other end of the spring is coupled to an anchor which is secured to the pool deck.
Another method of securing a pool cover to a pool is shown in U.S.
Patent 5,924,144 to Peterson. In this patent, the pool cover is provided with hook like members at spaced intervals by elastic connectors along its periphery. The pool is provided with a series of loops sewn at spaced intervals along the side wall near the top edge. The hooks are engaged with the loops of the pool to secure the cover to the pool.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a pool cover having first and second opposed surfaces; a peripheral edge; a plurality of resilient fastening tabs spaced apart around the peripheral edge; and fastening means securing the fastening tabs around the peripheral edge. The fastening tabs are unitary members having first and second portions. Each of the first and second portions have an aperture. The fastening tabs are positioned around the outer peripheral edge of the pool cover such that the first portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the first surface of the pool cover and the second portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the second surface of the pool cover.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a pool cover comprising first and second opposed surfaces; a peripheral edge; a plurality of resilient fastening tabs spaced apart around the peripheral edge; and fastening means securing the fastening tabs around the peripheral edge. The fastening tabs are unitary semi-rigid members having first and second portions and a central hinge line. Each of the first and second portions have an aperture at a free end. The fastening tabs are bent around the outer peripheral edge of the pool cover at the hinge line such that the first portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the first surface of the pool cover and the second portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the second surface of the pool cover.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a reversible pool cover comprising: a layer of material having first and second opposed surfaces and a peripheral edge; a plurality of unitary fastening tabs spaced apart around the peripheral edge; binding means for securing the fastening tabs around the peripheral edge. The fastening tabs are in the form of a unitary strip folded to form a first looped portion, a second looped portion and a base. The first looped portion and the second looped portion are secured to the base. The fastening tabs are positioned about the periphery of the cover such that the first looped portion is adjacent the first surface, the second looped portion is adjacent the second surface, and the base portion abuts the peripheral edge.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the fastening tab of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an isolated view of the fastening tab shown in Figure 1, in position along the periphery of a pool cover;
Figure 3 illustrates a pool cover according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the fastening tab of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening tab shown in Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the pool cover of one embodiment of the present invention in use on a pool.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention is concerned with a pool cover having resilient tie down or fastening tabs for securing the pool cover to a swimming pool.
More specifically, the present invention provides a reversible pool cover having resilient fastening tabs where the fastening tabs are of a unitary construction and are positioned such that a portion of the tab is on one side of the pool cover and a portion of the tab is on the other side of the pool cover to permit securing of the pool cover about the pool with either surface of the cover facing towards the water of the pool. The reversible pool cover preferably has one side which has heat reflecting properties and the other side which has heat absorbing properties. In some preferred pool covers, the cover will include a layer which is black to block out sun penetration which could contribute to algae growth.

Reference will initially be made to Figure 1 which illustrates one embodiment of a tie down member/fastening tab of the present invention. The fastening tab 2 is an elongated unitary member having apertures 4 at each end.
Generally, centrally located is a fold line in the form of a hinge line 6 which permits the fastening tab to be "folded" in half in use to provide two half portions 12, 14.

Preferably the fastening tab 2 is made of a resilient, flexible semi-rigid material. Particularly suitable materials for this embodiment of fastening tab include thermoplastics, such as polyethylene.

The fastening tab 2 can be of any suitable dimension. Particularly preferred embodiments include members having a length of about 6 to 12 cm, more preferably about 9.5 cm, and a width dimension of about I to 3 cm, more preferably about 2 cm.

In preferred embodiments, the fastening tab 2 includes a raised reinforcing rib 22 extending substantially around the periphery of each aperture 4.

As illustrated in Figures 2 through 4, the fastening tab 2 is folded in half at the hinge line 6 and secured at spaced intervals along the peripheral edge 8 of a pool cover 10 such that one half 12 of the fastening tab 2 is adjacent the top surface 16 of the pool cover and the other half 14 of the fastening tab 2 is adjacent the bottom surface 18 of the pool cover 10.

An edge binding 20 is folded over the edge 8 of the pool cover 10 and covers a portion of the fastening tab 2 adjacent the hinge line 6. The binding is sewn around the periphery of the pool cover 10 to securely retain the fastening tab 2 in place along the edge 8 of the pool cover. The end apertures 4 of the fastening tab 2 are free from the binding 20.
The position of the fastening tab 2 provides for a tie down means 12, 14 on each side of the cover 10 which is beneficial in the case of a reversible pool cover.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a fastening tab, in the form of a looped fastening tab 24. As in the case of the fastening tab 2, the looped fastening tab 24 is a unitary member. The looped fastening tab 24 is comprised of a strip of material folded to provide two loops 26 and 28 and a base portion 30. The loops 26 and 28 are sewn in place through lines of stitching 32 along the base 30. The loops 26 and 28 are positioned about the periphery of the cover 10 such that one loop 26 is adjacent one surface 16 of the cover and the other loop 28 is adjacent the second surface 18 of the cover (as best shown in Figure 6). In this arrangement the binding 20 is placed around and sewn over at least the base portion 30, securing the binding 20 and the looped fastener 24 to the pool cover.

The positioning of the looped fastening tab 24 provides for a fastening loop 26, 28 on each side of a pool cover 10 which is beneficial in the case of a reversible pool cover.
Figure 7 illustrates the pool cover 10 of the present invention in use on a pool 34. As illustrated, a wire 36 extends through each of the apertures of the fastening tabs 2 and is used to encircle and secure the pool cover 10 around the top edge of the swimming pool 34.

Due to the configuration of the fastening tabs 2 and looped fastening tabs 24, i.e. the fact that the tabs are unitary members secured and sewn about the periphery of the pool cover through a binding such that a portion of the tab is on each surface of the cover, the tabs have superior strength to resist ripping or tearing. More specifically, the pool cover the present invention including the fastening tabs 2, 24 provides for a stronger cover which is completely reversible, and which has little risk of tearing as in the case of a conventional pool cover with grommets or tie down straps. In the case of grommets, as noted previously, these can push through or tear the cover due to tension applied through the use of ropes or cords through the grommets. In the case of conventional tie down straps, these also have a tendency to rip or tear in use.

Claims (21)

1. A pool cover comprising first and second opposed surfaces; a peripheral edge; a plurality of resilient fastening tabs spaced apart around the peripheral edge; and fastening means securing the fastening tabs around the peripheral edge, wherein the fastening tabs are unitary members having first and second portions, each of said first and second portions having an aperture, the fastening tabs being positioned around the outer peripheral edge of the pool cover wherein the first portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the first surface of the pool cover and the second portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the second surface of the pool cover.
2. The pool cover according to claim 1, wherein the fastening tabs further include a central hinge portion, which is bent around the outer peripheral edge of the pool cover.
3. The pool cover according to claim 1, wherein the fastening tabs are in the form of elongated unitary members, having free ends and a central hinge portion.
4. The pool cover according to claim 1, wherein the fastening tabs are in the form of a unitary strip of nylon material folded to provide said apertures and a base portion, the apertures being in the form of loops and the loops being secured to the base.
5. The pool cover as recited in claim 1 wherein said fastening means is a binding covering the peripheral edge of the pool cover and a portion of said fastening tabs adjacent the peripheral edge of the pool cover, said binding being sewn over said fastening tabs.
6. The pool cover as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein said fastening tabs are of a resilient semi-rigid flexible material.
7. The pool cover as recited in claim 3, wherein said fastening tabs are of a thermoplastic material.
8. The pool cover as recited in claim 5, wherein the binding is of the same material as the pool cover.
9. The pool cover as recited in claim 5 or 8, wherein the binding and the pool cover are of a polyethylene material.
10. The pool cover as recited in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a reinforcing rib extending substantially around the periphery of the apertures of the fastening tab.
11. The pool cover as recited in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first surface of the pool cover has heat reflecting properties and the second surface of the pool cover has heat absorbing properties.
12. The pool cover as recited in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said fastening tab has a length of about 6-12 cm.
13. The pool cover as recited in claim 12, wherein the length of the fastening tab is about 9.5 cm.
14. The pool cover as recited in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said fastening tab has a width of about 1 to 3 cm.
15. The pool cover as recited in claim 14, wherein the width of the fastening tab is about 2 cm.
16. A pool cover comprising first and second opposed surfaces; a peripheral edge; a plurality of resilient fastening tabs spaced apart around the peripheral edge; and fastening means securing the fastening tabs around the peripheral edge, wherein the fastening tabs are unitary semi-rigid members having first and second portions and a central hinge line, each of said first and second portions having an aperture at a free end, the fastening tabs being bent around the outer peripheral edge of the pool cover at the hinge line such that the first portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the first surface of the pool cover and the second portion of the fastening tab is adjacent the second surface of the pool cover.
17. The pool cover as recited in claim 16, further comprising a reinforcing rib extending substantially around a periphery of the apertures of the fastening tabs.
18. The pool cover as recited in claim 16, wherein the fastening tabs are of a molded plastic material.
19. A pool cover comprising: a layer of material having first and second opposed surfaces and a peripheral edge; a plurality of unitary fastening tabs spaced apart around the peripheral edge; binding means for securing the fastening tabs around the peripheral edge, wherein the fastening tabs are in the form of a unitary strip folded to form a first looped portion, a second looped portion and a base, said first looped portion and said second looped portion secured to the base; and wherein the fastening tabs are positioned about the periphery of the cover such that the first looped portion is adjacent the first surface, the second looped portion is adjacent the second surface, and the base portion abuts the peripheral edge.
20. The pool cover according to claim 19, wherein the binding is folded around the peripheral edge of the pool cover and positioned over a portion of the first looped portion and the second looped portion and sewn in place.
21. The pool cover according to claim 19, wherein the fastening tab is of a nylon material.
CA2676500A 2009-08-24 2009-08-24 Swimming pool cover Abandoned CA2676500A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2676500A CA2676500A1 (en) 2009-08-24 2009-08-24 Swimming pool cover

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2676500A CA2676500A1 (en) 2009-08-24 2009-08-24 Swimming pool cover

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2676500A1 true CA2676500A1 (en) 2011-02-24

Family

ID=43618900

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2676500A Abandoned CA2676500A1 (en) 2009-08-24 2009-08-24 Swimming pool cover

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2676500A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3028542A1 (en) * 2014-11-17 2016-05-20 Alain Bouvier REVERSIBLE SCREEN DEVICE FOR SWIMMING POOL STRUCTURE

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3028542A1 (en) * 2014-11-17 2016-05-20 Alain Bouvier REVERSIBLE SCREEN DEVICE FOR SWIMMING POOL STRUCTURE

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EEER Examination request

Effective date: 20140724

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20170109

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20170109