CA2822427C - Clip for attaching a pool cover - Google Patents
Clip for attaching a pool cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2822427C CA2822427C CA2822427A CA2822427A CA2822427C CA 2822427 C CA2822427 C CA 2822427C CA 2822427 A CA2822427 A CA 2822427A CA 2822427 A CA2822427 A CA 2822427A CA 2822427 C CA2822427 C CA 2822427C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pool
- ring member
- clip
- attaching
- cover
- 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.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
- E04H4/10—Coverings of flexible material
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Sheet Holders (AREA)
Abstract
The clip (20) for attaching a pool cover (10) provides a device for securing the protective cover (10) to an aboveground swimming pool (12). The clip (20) is designed with a unique clamping assembly that functions to attach the cover (10) to the rim of the pool (12) in such a manner that no piercing of the cover (10) material occurs. The clip (20) includes handle members (22, 24) pivotally attached to each other and spring-biased to form clamping jaws for attachment to the frame of an aboveground swimming pool (12). A ring member (38) having an annular groove (38b) defined in its circumference is clipped to the outer surface of one of the handle members (22, 24) by resilient prongs (28) inserted through a hole (38a) in the center of the ring member (38). A keyhole-shaped clamp member (34) defines a hoop (34a) that snaps into the annular groove (38b) to clamp the pool cover (10) between the clamp member (34) and the ring member (38).
Description
CLIP FOR ATTACHING A POOL COVER
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to attachment devices, and particularly to a clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground swimming pool.
BACKGROUND ART
The modern homeowner is constantly seeking ways to incorporate more recreational and exercise facilities in and around the home. In recent years the backyard swimming pool has increasingly become a popular addition as an at-home recreational outlet.
A major drawback, however, is that maintenance of a pool requires a considerable expenditure of to time. This time spent for maintenance cuts into the time that might be spent for relaxation and desired exercise. One way to shorten the maintenance time is to provide a suitable, lightweight cover for daily or even weekly application on the pool. Providing such a cover minimizes debris, insects and animal matter that contaminates the pool and discolors the water when the pool is not in use. In the past, clips have been utilized to attach the cover to the rim of the pool. These clips are exemplified in the inventors' prior US
Patent No.
7,143,455, issued December 5, 2006. However, the clips disclosed in the aforementioned patent pierce the cover material and are not movable when attached without further piercing the cover. This piercing can cause the relatively thin cover material to unravel around the pierced holes and deteriorate, thereby hastening the need for a replacement cover. Providing an improved clip that could be utilized to quickly and efficiently install and easily remove a pool cover without damaging the cover material would certainly be a welcome addition to the art. Thus, a clip for attaching a pool cover solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The clip for attaching a pool cover provides a device for securing a protective cover to an aboveground swimming pool. The clip is designed with a unique clamping assembly that functions to attach the cover to the rim of the pool in such a manner that no piercing of the cover material occurs. The clip includes handle members pivotally attached to each other and spring-biased to form clamping jaws for attachment to the frame of an aboveground swimming pool. A ring member having an annular groove defined in its circumference is attached to the outer surface of one of the handle members by resilient prongs inserted
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to attachment devices, and particularly to a clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground swimming pool.
BACKGROUND ART
The modern homeowner is constantly seeking ways to incorporate more recreational and exercise facilities in and around the home. In recent years the backyard swimming pool has increasingly become a popular addition as an at-home recreational outlet.
A major drawback, however, is that maintenance of a pool requires a considerable expenditure of to time. This time spent for maintenance cuts into the time that might be spent for relaxation and desired exercise. One way to shorten the maintenance time is to provide a suitable, lightweight cover for daily or even weekly application on the pool. Providing such a cover minimizes debris, insects and animal matter that contaminates the pool and discolors the water when the pool is not in use. In the past, clips have been utilized to attach the cover to the rim of the pool. These clips are exemplified in the inventors' prior US
Patent No.
7,143,455, issued December 5, 2006. However, the clips disclosed in the aforementioned patent pierce the cover material and are not movable when attached without further piercing the cover. This piercing can cause the relatively thin cover material to unravel around the pierced holes and deteriorate, thereby hastening the need for a replacement cover. Providing an improved clip that could be utilized to quickly and efficiently install and easily remove a pool cover without damaging the cover material would certainly be a welcome addition to the art. Thus, a clip for attaching a pool cover solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The clip for attaching a pool cover provides a device for securing a protective cover to an aboveground swimming pool. The clip is designed with a unique clamping assembly that functions to attach the cover to the rim of the pool in such a manner that no piercing of the cover material occurs. The clip includes handle members pivotally attached to each other and spring-biased to form clamping jaws for attachment to the frame of an aboveground swimming pool. A ring member having an annular groove defined in its circumference is attached to the outer surface of one of the handle members by resilient prongs inserted
2 through a hole in the center of the ring member. A keyhole-shaped clamp member defines a hoop that snaps into the annular groove to clamp the pool cover between the clamp member and the ring member. A plurality of the clips is releasably disposed around the perimeter of the pool frame as needed to secure the pool cover to the swimming pool frame.
In a second embodiment, a nylon tie or the like is employed to secure the clip to a pool having tubular framework.
Accordingly, the invention provides a swimming pool cover assembly especially adapted for an aboveground swimming pool. The cover prevents access of environmental debris, insects and animals when the pool is not in use. The assembly includes unique clips to for effectively securing the cover to the edge of pool without causing damage to the cover material. The invention provides improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of an exemplary aboveground swimming pool having a pool cover attached thereto.
Fig. 2 is a partial environmental side view in section showing the pool cover of Fig. 1 secured to the swimming pool frame by a clip for attaching a pool cover according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an environmental, partially exploded view of the clip of Fig. 2, shown exploded from a fragment of the pool cover to show details of the clip.
Fig. 4 is a partial environmental side view showing the pool cover secured to a tubular swimming pool frame.
Fig. 5 is an environmental, partially exploded view of the clip assembly of Fig. 4.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Fig. 1 shows an exemplary pool cover 10 mounted atop an aboveground swimming pool 12. The cover 10 is preferably woven as an open mesh and is fabricated from one
In a second embodiment, a nylon tie or the like is employed to secure the clip to a pool having tubular framework.
Accordingly, the invention provides a swimming pool cover assembly especially adapted for an aboveground swimming pool. The cover prevents access of environmental debris, insects and animals when the pool is not in use. The assembly includes unique clips to for effectively securing the cover to the edge of pool without causing damage to the cover material. The invention provides improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of an exemplary aboveground swimming pool having a pool cover attached thereto.
Fig. 2 is a partial environmental side view in section showing the pool cover of Fig. 1 secured to the swimming pool frame by a clip for attaching a pool cover according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an environmental, partially exploded view of the clip of Fig. 2, shown exploded from a fragment of the pool cover to show details of the clip.
Fig. 4 is a partial environmental side view showing the pool cover secured to a tubular swimming pool frame.
Fig. 5 is an environmental, partially exploded view of the clip assembly of Fig. 4.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Fig. 1 shows an exemplary pool cover 10 mounted atop an aboveground swimming pool 12. The cover 10 is preferably woven as an open mesh and is fabricated from one
3 hundred percent polyester yarn having a weight of approximately 0.85 ozs./sq.
yd. The yarn has a bursting strength of 30 as measured by ASTM Test Method D3787-89. This construction permits the cover 10 to be lightweight for easy handling and strong enough to retain most environmental debris without rupturing. The cover 10 is fabricated to be substantially colorfast under most conditions likely to be encountered. A flap 14 is disposed to cover an opening 14a at one circumferential area of the cover 10. The opening 14a is provided to accommodate a pool ladder 16. The peripheral edge of the cover 10 may be provided with a reinforced binding (not shown) around the edge thereof, if desired.
As best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the clip for attaching a pool cover includes a spring-biased clip assembly 20 that is utilized to secure the cover 10 to the pool coping 12a. The clip assembly 20 comprises two flat handle members 22 and 24 that are pivotally attached to each other. At their upper ends, each handle member has gripping teeth 22a, 24a disposed on respective inside surfaces. A spring member 26 is disposed between the handle members 22, 24 and functions to bias the gripping teeth toward each other, thereby forming clamping jaws.
The head portion of the handle member 24 has two, pointed, resilient prongs 28 integral with and extending from the outside face thereof. The prongs 28 are adapted to be inserted into an opening 38a in the center or hub of a ring member 38 to secure the flat undersurface of the ring member 38 onto the outside face of the handle member 24. The ring member 38 is provided with an annular groove 38b defined in its circumference or periphery.
A clamp member 34 is designed with a keyhole-shaped configuration defining a hoop 34a that snaps into the annular groove 38b to sandwich the edge of the cover member 10 therebetween without piercing the cover 10. As contemplated, a plurality of clip assemblies 20 is spaced around the periphery of the pool 12 to firmly secure the cover 10. All edges of the clip assembly 20 are smooth and/or rounded to prevent snags. Although the cover 10 is circular in the drawings, it is obvious that the cover 10 could be made in other configurations, if desired.
In situations where the framing of the pool lacks coping structure and presents tubular structure as shown at 42 in Fig. 4, the part of the clip having gripping teeth will not be used.
As best seen in Fig. 5, ring member 38 is provided with openings at 37a and 37b to receive a tie member 40 therethrough. The tie member is utilized to secure member 38 to tubular pool frame member 42.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
yd. The yarn has a bursting strength of 30 as measured by ASTM Test Method D3787-89. This construction permits the cover 10 to be lightweight for easy handling and strong enough to retain most environmental debris without rupturing. The cover 10 is fabricated to be substantially colorfast under most conditions likely to be encountered. A flap 14 is disposed to cover an opening 14a at one circumferential area of the cover 10. The opening 14a is provided to accommodate a pool ladder 16. The peripheral edge of the cover 10 may be provided with a reinforced binding (not shown) around the edge thereof, if desired.
As best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the clip for attaching a pool cover includes a spring-biased clip assembly 20 that is utilized to secure the cover 10 to the pool coping 12a. The clip assembly 20 comprises two flat handle members 22 and 24 that are pivotally attached to each other. At their upper ends, each handle member has gripping teeth 22a, 24a disposed on respective inside surfaces. A spring member 26 is disposed between the handle members 22, 24 and functions to bias the gripping teeth toward each other, thereby forming clamping jaws.
The head portion of the handle member 24 has two, pointed, resilient prongs 28 integral with and extending from the outside face thereof. The prongs 28 are adapted to be inserted into an opening 38a in the center or hub of a ring member 38 to secure the flat undersurface of the ring member 38 onto the outside face of the handle member 24. The ring member 38 is provided with an annular groove 38b defined in its circumference or periphery.
A clamp member 34 is designed with a keyhole-shaped configuration defining a hoop 34a that snaps into the annular groove 38b to sandwich the edge of the cover member 10 therebetween without piercing the cover 10. As contemplated, a plurality of clip assemblies 20 is spaced around the periphery of the pool 12 to firmly secure the cover 10. All edges of the clip assembly 20 are smooth and/or rounded to prevent snags. Although the cover 10 is circular in the drawings, it is obvious that the cover 10 could be made in other configurations, if desired.
In situations where the framing of the pool lacks coping structure and presents tubular structure as shown at 42 in Fig. 4, the part of the clip having gripping teeth will not be used.
As best seen in Fig. 5, ring member 38 is provided with openings at 37a and 37b to receive a tie member 40 therethrough. The tie member is utilized to secure member 38 to tubular pool frame member 42.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (10)
1. A clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool, comprising:
first and second elongate handle members, each of the handle members having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the handle members being pivotally attached to each other;
teeth formed on the inner surface of each of the handle members;
a spring disposed between and attached to the first and second handle members, thereby forming spring-biased jaws adapted for gripping a frame of the aboveground pool;
a ring member releasably attached to the outer surface of one of the handle members, the ring member having a circumference and an annular groove defined in the circumference;
and a clamping member defining a hoop, the hoop forming a snap fit into the annular groove in the ring member in order to clamp an edge of the pool cover between the ring member and the clamping member, thereby releasably securing the pool cover to the frame of the aboveground pool.
first and second elongate handle members, each of the handle members having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the handle members being pivotally attached to each other;
teeth formed on the inner surface of each of the handle members;
a spring disposed between and attached to the first and second handle members, thereby forming spring-biased jaws adapted for gripping a frame of the aboveground pool;
a ring member releasably attached to the outer surface of one of the handle members, the ring member having a circumference and an annular groove defined in the circumference;
and a clamping member defining a hoop, the hoop forming a snap fit into the annular groove in the ring member in order to clamp an edge of the pool cover between the ring member and the clamping member, thereby releasably securing the pool cover to the frame of the aboveground pool.
2. The clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool according to claim 1, wherein said teeth are disposed at the first end of each said handle member.
3. The clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool according to claim 1, wherein said spring is disposed adjacent the second end of each said handle member.
4. The clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool according to claim 1, further including resilient prongs formed on the outer surface of the handle member having said ring attached thereto for releasably attaching said ring member to the handle member.
5. The clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool according to claim 1, further including resilient prongs formed on the outer surface of the handle member having said ring attached thereto for releasably attaching said ring member thereto, said ring member having a hub defining an opening, the resilient prongs extending through the opening and releasably gripping the hub.
6. A clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool, comprising;
first and second elongate handle members, each of the handle members having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the handle members being pivotally attached to each other;
teeth formed on the inner surface of each of the handle members at the first end thereof;
a spring disposed between and attached to the first and second handle members, thereby forming spring-biased jaws adapted for gripping a frame of the aboveground pool;
a ring member releasably attached to the outer surface of one of the handle members, the ring member having a circumference and an annular groove defined in the circumference;
and a clamping member defining a hoop having a key-hole configuration, the hoop forming a snap fit into the annular groove in the ring member in order to clamp an edge of the pool cover between the ring member and the clamping member, thereby releasably securing the pool cover to the frame of the aboveground pool.
first and second elongate handle members, each of the handle members having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the handle members being pivotally attached to each other;
teeth formed on the inner surface of each of the handle members at the first end thereof;
a spring disposed between and attached to the first and second handle members, thereby forming spring-biased jaws adapted for gripping a frame of the aboveground pool;
a ring member releasably attached to the outer surface of one of the handle members, the ring member having a circumference and an annular groove defined in the circumference;
and a clamping member defining a hoop having a key-hole configuration, the hoop forming a snap fit into the annular groove in the ring member in order to clamp an edge of the pool cover between the ring member and the clamping member, thereby releasably securing the pool cover to the frame of the aboveground pool.
7. The clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool according to claim 6, wherein said spring is disposed adjacent the second end of each said handle member.
8. The clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool according to claim 6, further including resilient prongs formed on the outer surface of the handle member having said ring attached thereto for releasably attaching said ring member to the handle member.
9. The clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool according to claim 6, further including resilient prongs formed on the outer surface of the handle member having said ring attached thereto for releasably attaching said ring member thereto, said ring member having a hub defining an opening, the resilient prongs extending through the opening and releasably gripping the hub.
10. A clip for attaching a pool cover to an aboveground pool, comprising;
first and second elongate handle members, each of the handle members having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the handle members being pivotally attached to each other;
teeth formed on the inner surface of each of the handle members at the first end thereof;
a spring disposed between and attached to the first and second handle members, the spring being disposed adjacent the second end of each of the handle members, thereby forming spring-biased jaws adapted for gripping a frame of the aboveground pool;
a ring member having a circumference and an annular groove defined in the circumference, the ring member being releasably attached to the outer surface of one of the handle members, the outer surface of the handle member having resilient prongs formed thereon, the ring having a hub defining an opening in the ring member, the resilient prongs extending through the opening and releasably gripping the hub;
additional openings provided in said ring member adjacent said hub; and a clamping member defining a hoop having a key-hole shape, the hoop forming a snap fit into the annular groove in the ring member in order to clamp an edge of the pool cover between the ring member and the clamping member, thereby releasably securing the pool cover to the frame of the aboveground pool.
first and second elongate handle members, each of the handle members having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the handle members being pivotally attached to each other;
teeth formed on the inner surface of each of the handle members at the first end thereof;
a spring disposed between and attached to the first and second handle members, the spring being disposed adjacent the second end of each of the handle members, thereby forming spring-biased jaws adapted for gripping a frame of the aboveground pool;
a ring member having a circumference and an annular groove defined in the circumference, the ring member being releasably attached to the outer surface of one of the handle members, the outer surface of the handle member having resilient prongs formed thereon, the ring having a hub defining an opening in the ring member, the resilient prongs extending through the opening and releasably gripping the hub;
additional openings provided in said ring member adjacent said hub; and a clamping member defining a hoop having a key-hole shape, the hoop forming a snap fit into the annular groove in the ring member in order to clamp an edge of the pool cover between the ring member and the clamping member, thereby releasably securing the pool cover to the frame of the aboveground pool.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201061425618P | 2010-12-21 | 2010-12-21 | |
| US61/425,618 | 2010-12-21 | ||
| PCT/US2011/066029 WO2012088040A2 (en) | 2010-12-21 | 2011-12-20 | Clip for attaching a pool cover |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2822427A1 CA2822427A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
| CA2822427C true CA2822427C (en) | 2015-03-03 |
Family
ID=46314829
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2822427A Expired - Fee Related CA2822427C (en) | 2010-12-21 | 2011-12-20 | Clip for attaching a pool cover |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2822427C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2012088040A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10876309B2 (en) | 2017-11-28 | 2020-12-29 | Voice Technology Solutions, Inc. | Pool cover anchor |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1284422C (en) * | 1986-11-25 | 1991-05-28 | Abram Ewert | Snap-on fastener for web-like articles |
| US5800089A (en) * | 1996-06-03 | 1998-09-01 | Donaton; William S. | Adjustable detachable pool cover anchor |
| US6804866B2 (en) * | 2002-04-08 | 2004-10-19 | Daniel L. Lemke | Cannula clip and associated method of use |
| US7143455B2 (en) * | 2003-11-25 | 2006-12-05 | Cordray Steven J | Pool cover |
-
2011
- 2011-12-20 WO PCT/US2011/066029 patent/WO2012088040A2/en active Application Filing
- 2011-12-20 CA CA2822427A patent/CA2822427C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2822427A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
| WO2012088040A3 (en) | 2012-11-08 |
| WO2012088040A2 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4637164A (en) | Squirrel guard | |
| US6161235A (en) | Bed sheet securing device | |
| CA2822427C (en) | Clip for attaching a pool cover | |
| US20100180537A1 (en) | Method for Protecting a Plant Structure Against Wind Damage | |
| US7143455B2 (en) | Pool cover | |
| US2595966A (en) | Anchor | |
| US9540839B1 (en) | Adjustable universal post cap | |
| FR3131853A3 (en) | safety trampoline | |
| EP3502376A1 (en) | Lane divider for swimming pools | |
| US5450635A (en) | Domed cover for swimming pools | |
| JP6213930B2 (en) | Exhaust valve device and cover for underground structure provided with exhaust valve device | |
| US20180057317A1 (en) | Lifting Apparatus and Method of Use | |
| WO2008057279A3 (en) | Fence post cap assembly | |
| JP3194776U (en) | Herbicidal sheet with a fungicide function | |
| KR101340756B1 (en) | Cover for keeping watermelon | |
| US10473188B2 (en) | Shackle guard and spacer with tether | |
| AU2010201930B2 (en) | Fall arrest safety net | |
| KR200481883Y1 (en) | Detachable connecting clip detachably attached to post supporting crops | |
| US20110011677A1 (en) | Fall arrest safety net | |
| AU746624B2 (en) | Net support post cap | |
| US7281349B1 (en) | Stake assembly for animal traps | |
| US7458898B1 (en) | Play area cover | |
| AU2013100255A4 (en) | Gate latch retainer clamp | |
| GB2368789A (en) | Cover apparatus for a garden pond | |
| KR101955507B1 (en) | Weed prevention plate having reflection function |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20130619 |
|
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20211220 |