US20050072055A1 - Support assembly for holding a swimming poolcover in place on a swimming pool - Google Patents
Support assembly for holding a swimming poolcover in place on a swimming pool Download PDFInfo
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- US20050072055A1 US20050072055A1 US10/665,054 US66505403A US2005072055A1 US 20050072055 A1 US20050072055 A1 US 20050072055A1 US 66505403 A US66505403 A US 66505403A US 2005072055 A1 US2005072055 A1 US 2005072055A1
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- pool
- support assembly
- straps
- end portion
- cover support
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- 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
- E04H4/108—Coverings of flexible material supported by frames
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to swimming pools and more particularly to assemblies for use with a swimming pool cover to support the cover in place over a swimming pool.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,327 discloses a swimming pool cover support system having a central post with a base arranged to be disposed in the center of an above-ground pool.
- the central post is extendable so that its upper end can be located at an elevation above the coping on the edge of the pool.
- On the top of the post there is a hub or center joint from which a plurality of rigid support arms extend.
- a side brace arranged for disposition on the coping or rim of the pool.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,773 discloses a pool cover support frame having a central vertical support member arranged to be disposed on the base of the pool, that is, at the center of the bottom of the pool. Extending upward from the base is a telescoping vertical support member. At the top of the support member is a hub from which plural slightly arcuate spokes extend. The spokes attach to the edge of the pools via clamps to cause them to flex to form a dome shape.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,077 discloses a pool cover in the form of an extendable post which is mounted via four extending ropes or cables from its bottom end to the coping on an above-ground pool.
- the top end of the post includes a cap over which a cover may be placed so that the cover will be conical in shape.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,635 discloses a domed cover for use with swimming pools which include a framework structure having a central hub from which a plurality of arms extend outward and downward. Each of the arms is a rigid member. At the lower end of each arm is a bracket with a screw to form a vice-like arrangement for securement to the edge of the pool.
- a pool cover support assembly for supporting a pool cover, e.g., a flexible sheet or panel, over a swimming pool, e.g., an above ground pool.
- the pool has a bottom surface and a side wall. The sidewall of the pool terminates in a top surface disposed above the surface of the water in the pool.
- the cover support assembly basically comprises a central upstanding post and plural flexible non-self supporting straps.
- the upstanding post e.g., plural telescoping sections, has a bottom end portion, e.g., a flanged base, and a top end portion, e.g., a domed cap.
- the bottom end portion of the upstanding post is adapted for disposition on the bottom surface of the pool.
- the top end portion of the upstanding post is located above the top surface of the sidewall of the pool.
- Each one of the plurality of flexible straps includes a first end portion arranged for securement to the top end portion, e.g., the domed cap, of upstanding post and a second end portion for releasable securement to a portion of the pool adjacent the top surface of the sidewall.
- Each of the straps is arranged to be tightened to cause it to assume a generally linear configuration, whereupon when the first end portion of each of the straps is releasably secured to the top end portion of the upstanding post and the second end portion of each of the straps is releasably secured to the pool adjacent the sidewall of the pool and the straps are tightened, the straps form a generally downwardly directed conically shaped umbrella-like-frame over which the pool cover can be disposed.
- each of the straps includes a buckle for adjusting the length of the strap.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one preferred embodiment of the pool cover support assembly of this invention shown in place ready for supporting a conventional flexible sheet pool cover over a conventional above-ground swimming pool, with a portion of the pool being cut-away so that a portion of the assembly can be seen;
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view like that of FIG. 1 , but showing the pool cover disposed over the pool cover support assembly, and with portions of the pool cover and pool being cut-away so that a portion of the assembly can be seen;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion, e.g., a cap for the central support post, of the assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portion of the pool cover support assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the swimming pool shown within the circular area of FIG. 1 designated by the legend “ FIG. 5 ” and showing a portion of the pool cover support assembly.
- FIG. 1 one exemplary embodiment of a swimming pool cover support assembly constructed in accordance with this invention.
- the assembly 20 basically comprises a post 22 , a base sub-assembly 24 , a cap sub-assembly 26 and a plurality of extendable straps 28 .
- Each of those components will be described in detail later. Suffice it to state that the cover support assembly 20 is arranged to be used with any type of swimming pool cover 10 ( FIG.
- the cover is a flexible sheet which has the ability to generally conform to the shape of anything over which it is draped, and with any type of swimming pool 12 , so long as the swimming pool has some peripheral portion, e.g., a top rail of a sidewall, to which the extendable straps 28 of the assembly 20 can be releasably secured.
- the pool 12 is in the form a conventional above-ground pool of circular shape.
- the pool 12 includes a bottom wall or surface 12 A and a circular, peripheral sidewall 12 B.
- the top surface of the sidewall 12 B is in the form of a coping or rail 12 C.
- the rail is formed of a plurality of arcuate sections (not shown), which are secured together to form a circle, with the number of sections being dependent upon the diameter of the pool.
- the circular top rail has a downwardly extending peripheral edge 12 D ( FIG. 2 ).
- the downwardly extending edge 12 D is arranged to serve as a connection point for each of the extendable straps 28 of the cover support assembly 20 (as will be described later).
- the pool's sidewalls are reinforced by plural supports 12 E, each of which includes a cap 12 F ( FIG. 1 ) that is secured to the pool's top rail.
- the caps 12 F add strength to the top rail.
- the number of sidewall supports 12 E is also a function of the diameter of the pool. It should be pointed out at this juncture that the pool 12 is merely exemplary of many types of above-ground or in-ground pools, spas, etc. for which the subject invention has application.
- the pool cover 10 is a sheet of flexible material, e.g., vinyl, rubber, rubberized cloth, plasticized non-woven fabric, etc.
- the material of the cover is resistant to weather, ultraviolet rays, insects, etc. and is rugged and strong since the cover will likely be exposed to the elements for extended periods of time, e.g., in the winter, when the pool is not in use.
- the cover can be of any shape, e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular, depending upon the shape of the pool to be covered, provided that the size of the cover is sufficient to cover the entire surface of the pool and some portion of the pool's sidewall or periphery.
- the cover 10 is preferably round and of sufficient size so that its peripheral edge 10 A extends beyond the periphery of the pool's sidewall 12 B and drapes below the downwardly extending peripheral edge 12 D of the top rail 12 C.
- the post 22 serves as a central support member for the cover 10 and is preferably in the form of a tubular member, such as conventional plastic tubing used for plumbing applications.
- the lower end of the post 22 is arranged to be releasably secured within the base 24 so that when the post is inserted therein (as will be described shortly) it extends in a vertically upward orientation, like shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 .
- the base 24 provides stability to the post.
- the base comprises a hollow member having circular planar bottom wall 24 A and a conically shaped sidewall 24 B projecting upward therefrom at an acute angle.
- the top end of the sidewall 24 B merges into a tubular socket 24 C.
- the bottom wall 24 A of the base is arranged to be disposed on the bottom wall or surface 12 A of the pool 12 .
- the socket 24 C of the base 24 is arranged to receive the lower end of the post 22 .
- To that end the socket 24 C is of circular cross section having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of post 22 to enable the post to be fit therein.
- the diameter of the bottom wall 24 A is sufficiently large to provide stability to hold the post 22 in a vertical orientation.
- the base 24 is preferably constructed of the same material as the post section 22 .
- the cap sub-assembly 26 is mounted and secured on the upper end of the post 22 .
- the cap sub-assembly 26 basically comprises a somewhat dome shaped circular member 26 A having a plurality of slots 26 B equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the member 26 A.
- the number of slots 26 B in the member 24 is dependent on the number of straps used in the system, since each slot serves as a connection point for a respective strap.
- a hole 26 C is located in the center of the member 26 A.
- a downwardly extending cup shaped socket 26 D is secured to the undersurface of the member 26 A by means of a bolt 26 E extending through the hole 26 C and an associated nut 26 F.
- the socket 26 D is arranged to receive the upper end of the post 22 .
- the socket 26 D is of circular cross section having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the post 22 to enable the post to be fit therein.
- the socket 26 D is preferably constructed of the same material as the post section 22 .
- the dome-shaped member 26 A is preferably formed of metal to provide some weight to the assembly 20 , i.e., to enable the member to serve as a ballast to hold the assembly. If desired, however, the member 26 B may also be constructed of the same material as the post and base assembly 24 .
- the cover support assembly 20 When the cover support assembly 20 is assembled and in place within the pool, water from the pool is enabled to enter into the hollow post and base to displace any air therein, which may tend to cause the assembly to move, drift or otherwise be unstable. Moreover, the weight provided by the metal, dome-shaped member 26 A of the cap assembly 26 provides additional ballast weight to ensure that the assembly 20 remains in place and doesn't drift or otherwise become displaced from the position in which it is put by the user.
- each of the slots 26 B of the dome member 26 is arranged to releasably secure a respective one of the extendable straps 28 of the cover support assembly 20 to it.
- Each of the extendable straps 28 is an elongated flexible, flaccid (non-self supporting) member having an inner end 28 A ( FIG. 4 ) and an outer end 28 B ( FIGS. 2 and 5 ).
- the inner and outer ends 28 A and 28 B, respectively, of each of the straps 28 is of identical construction.
- each end of each strap 28 includes a J-shaped clip 30 and a retainer sleeve 32 .
- the free end of the strap 28 at the inner end 28 A is extended through the retainer sleeve 32 , through a slot 34 in the J-clip 30 , and back through the retainer sleeve 32 .
- the retainer sleeve 32 is a conventional member that frictionally holds the strap portions passing through it in place.
- the free end of the J-clip 30 is in the form of a lip or flange (not shown).
- the J-clip 30 at the inner end of each strap 28 is arranged to be inserted into an associated slot 26 B in the dome-shaped member of the cap sub-assembly to releasably secure the strap to that member.
- the straps 28 are then extended outward and downward for connection to the periphery of the pool, e.g., the peripheral edge 12 D of the top rail 12 C. This is accomplished by placing the J-clip 30 on the outer end 28 B of each strap so that its lip (not shown) extends under the periphery of the top rail as shown in FIG. 5 . Then the user pulls on the outer free end of the strap 28 to cause it to slide with respect to the clip 30 and retainer sleeve 32 to apply tension to the strap to shorten the strap.
- each strap can be tightened further to make each strap as straight as possible.
- the cover 10 can then be placed or draped over the assembly 20 so that it drapes downward from the cap sub-assembly in a manner similar to the roof portion of a circular circus tent. Since the cover 10 drapes downward from the apex to the periphery of the pool, it will be resistant to the accumulation of snow, leaves, and/or other debris thereon, i.e., such materials will fall off of the cover. This is of particular importance in cold weather applications where snow and/or sleet is a concern, and in any areas where the accumulation of falling debris, such as leaves, is a concern.
- the cover is preferably pulled taut after it is draped over the assembly 20 .
- This action prevents the cover from sagging in spots, which could serve as the site for the accumulation of debris.
- the cover 10 is held in its taut state by use of plural conventional cover locks 14 ( FIG. 2 ) secure the cover to the pool's top rail.
- the cover locks 14 also serve to prevent the cover 10 from blowing or otherwise becoming displaced in adverse weather conditions. In the embodiment shown four cover locks are used per top rail section.
- each of the straps 28 can be of any construction so long as it is flaccid, e.g., can be rolled up or otherwise folded into a very compact configuration for storage and then extended and tightened to straighten it.
- each strap can be a web of a woven, moisture impervious rugged and strong material (e.g., nylon).
- each strap 28 can be a single or multiple strand member such as a rope or cable of nylon or any other suitable material.
- the assembly is arranged so that when it is assembled the cap sub-assembly 26 is located at a desired height above the peripheral edge, e.g., the top rail of the pool 12 .
- the post 22 may only include a single section, whose length is sufficient to hold the cap sub-assembly at the desired height with respect to the pool or may be made up of plural telescoping sections to provide adjustability for the height of the post.
- the post may be made of two sections that can be telescoped together for any desired amount of overlap so that the height of the cap sub-assembly can be adjusted with respect to the pool's top rail.
- This adjustability can be accomplished in various ways.
- One way makes use of a plural longitudinally spaced holes (not shown) in the two telescoping sections which can be aligned to establish the desired height of the post, and then a pin, screw or some other member (not shown) can be placed in the aligned holes to hold the two sections in that position.
- the cover support assembly 20 of this invention is simple in construction, has a low parts count, can be readily assembled and disassembled and when disassembled can be stored away in a compact state, e.g., the flaccid straps can be readily rolled up or otherwise configured into a very compact state.
- the subject invention can be used with any size or shape of pool, even irregularly shaped pools, since each strap can be individually adjusted to the desired length to reach the portion of the periphery of the pool to which that strap will be connected.
- the cover support assembly 20 of this invention may be provided to the user in a fully pre-assembled state, in a partially pre-assembled state (e.g., the subassembly 26 may be pre-assembled and/or the straps connected to it) or the assembly 20 may be provided to the user in the form of a kit of parts where none of the components are pre-assembled.
- the assembly is provided as a kit of parts, the straps need not be pre-made. Instead, the kit may include continuous roll of strap material to enable the user to cut the desired number and length of straps 28 for the assembly. The clips and buckles for each of the straps can then be attached to the straps by the user.
- the straps need not be releasably securable to the cap subassembly, but they should be releasably securable to the pool.
Abstract
A pool cover support assembly for supporting a pool cover over a swimming pool. The assembly basically comprises a central upstanding post and plural, flexible, flaccid straps. The upstanding post is arranged to extend upward from the bottom surface of the pool to a point above the sidewall of the pool. Each strap is arranged for securement to the top of the post and to be extended for releasable securement to the pool adjacent the pool's sidewall and tightened to form a generally downwardly directed conically shaped umbrella-like-frame over which the pool cover can be disposed.
Description
- This invention relates generally to swimming pools and more particularly to assemblies for use with a swimming pool cover to support the cover in place over a swimming pool.
- Various United States patents disclose supports for swimming pool covers to hold the covers in place over a pool, so that when the cover is in place it serve to protect the pool, e.g., prevent debris from entering the pool, or protect persons or animal from falling into the pool. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,327 (Del Gorio, Sr.) discloses a swimming pool cover support system having a central post with a base arranged to be disposed in the center of an above-ground pool. The central post is extendable so that its upper end can be located at an elevation above the coping on the edge of the pool. On the top of the post there is a hub or center joint from which a plurality of rigid support arms extend. At the free end of each of the support arms is a side brace arranged for disposition on the coping or rim of the pool.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,773 (Kopyar et al.) discloses a pool cover support frame having a central vertical support member arranged to be disposed on the base of the pool, that is, at the center of the bottom of the pool. Extending upward from the base is a telescoping vertical support member. At the top of the support member is a hub from which plural slightly arcuate spokes extend. The spokes attach to the edge of the pools via clamps to cause them to flex to form a dome shape.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,077 (Hager et al.) discloses a pool cover in the form of an extendable post which is mounted via four extending ropes or cables from its bottom end to the coping on an above-ground pool. The top end of the post includes a cap over which a cover may be placed so that the cover will be conical in shape.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,635 (Coffey) discloses a domed cover for use with swimming pools which include a framework structure having a central hub from which a plurality of arms extend outward and downward. Each of the arms is a rigid member. At the lower end of each arm is a bracket with a screw to form a vice-like arrangement for securement to the edge of the pool.
- Other United States Patents disclosing swimming pool covers and/or supports are: U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,427 (Burkholz et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,809 (Bellas et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,926 (La Madeleine), U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,432 (Genzel), U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,767 (Brashears), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,734 (First).
- While the devices of the foregoing may be generally suitable for their intended purposes they still leave much to be desired from the standpoints of ability to be stored in a compact state until ready for use, ease of assembly and disassembly, simplicity of construction and low cost.
- A pool cover support assembly for supporting a pool cover, e.g., a flexible sheet or panel, over a swimming pool, e.g., an above ground pool. The pool has a bottom surface and a side wall. The sidewall of the pool terminates in a top surface disposed above the surface of the water in the pool.
- The cover support assembly basically comprises a central upstanding post and plural flexible non-self supporting straps. The upstanding post, e.g., plural telescoping sections, has a bottom end portion, e.g., a flanged base, and a top end portion, e.g., a domed cap. The bottom end portion of the upstanding post is adapted for disposition on the bottom surface of the pool. The top end portion of the upstanding post is located above the top surface of the sidewall of the pool. Each one of the plurality of flexible straps includes a first end portion arranged for securement to the top end portion, e.g., the domed cap, of upstanding post and a second end portion for releasable securement to a portion of the pool adjacent the top surface of the sidewall.
- Each of the straps is arranged to be tightened to cause it to assume a generally linear configuration, whereupon when the first end portion of each of the straps is releasably secured to the top end portion of the upstanding post and the second end portion of each of the straps is releasably secured to the pool adjacent the sidewall of the pool and the straps are tightened, the straps form a generally downwardly directed conically shaped umbrella-like-frame over which the pool cover can be disposed.
- In accordance with one preferred aspect of this invention each of the straps includes a buckle for adjusting the length of the strap.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one preferred embodiment of the pool cover support assembly of this invention shown in place ready for supporting a conventional flexible sheet pool cover over a conventional above-ground swimming pool, with a portion of the pool being cut-away so that a portion of the assembly can be seen; -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view like that ofFIG. 1 , but showing the pool cover disposed over the pool cover support assembly, and with portions of the pool cover and pool being cut-away so that a portion of the assembly can be seen; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion, e.g., a cap for the central support post, of the assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portion of the pool cover support assembly shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the swimming pool shown within the circular area ofFIG. 1 designated by the legend “FIG. 5 ” and showing a portion of the pool cover support assembly. - Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown at 20 in
FIG. 1 one exemplary embodiment of a swimming pool cover support assembly constructed in accordance with this invention. Theassembly 20 basically comprises apost 22, abase sub-assembly 24, acap sub-assembly 26 and a plurality ofextendable straps 28. Each of those components will be described in detail later. Suffice it to state that thecover support assembly 20 is arranged to be used with any type of swimming pool cover 10 (FIG. 2 ), so long as the cover is a flexible sheet which has the ability to generally conform to the shape of anything over which it is draped, and with any type ofswimming pool 12, so long as the swimming pool has some peripheral portion, e.g., a top rail of a sidewall, to which theextendable straps 28 of theassembly 20 can be releasably secured. In the embodiment shown thepool 12 is in the form a conventional above-ground pool of circular shape. - Before describing the cover support assembly 20 a brief description of the
pool cover 10 and of thepool 12 is in order. To that end, as can be seen inFIG. 1 thepool 12 includes a bottom wall orsurface 12A and a circular,peripheral sidewall 12B. The top surface of thesidewall 12B is in the form of a coping orrail 12C. The rail is formed of a plurality of arcuate sections (not shown), which are secured together to form a circle, with the number of sections being dependent upon the diameter of the pool. The circular top rail has a downwardly extendingperipheral edge 12D (FIG. 2 ). The downwardly extendingedge 12D is arranged to serve as a connection point for each of theextendable straps 28 of the cover support assembly 20 (as will be described later). - As is also conventional the pool's sidewalls are reinforced by
plural supports 12E, each of which includes acap 12F (FIG. 1 ) that is secured to the pool's top rail. Thecaps 12F add strength to the top rail. The number of sidewall supports 12E is also a function of the diameter of the pool. It should be pointed out at this juncture that thepool 12 is merely exemplary of many types of above-ground or in-ground pools, spas, etc. for which the subject invention has application. - As best seen in
FIG. 2 thepool cover 10 is a sheet of flexible material, e.g., vinyl, rubber, rubberized cloth, plasticized non-woven fabric, etc. Preferably the material of the cover is resistant to weather, ultraviolet rays, insects, etc. and is rugged and strong since the cover will likely be exposed to the elements for extended periods of time, e.g., in the winter, when the pool is not in use. The cover can be of any shape, e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular, depending upon the shape of the pool to be covered, provided that the size of the cover is sufficient to cover the entire surface of the pool and some portion of the pool's sidewall or periphery. In the embodiment shown, since thepool 12 is of circular shape, thecover 10 is preferably round and of sufficient size so that itsperipheral edge 10A extends beyond the periphery of the pool'ssidewall 12B and drapes below the downwardly extendingperipheral edge 12D of thetop rail 12C. - Turning now to
FIGS. 1 and 3 -5, the details of the components of thecover support assembly 20 will now be described. Thepost 22 serves as a central support member for thecover 10 and is preferably in the form of a tubular member, such as conventional plastic tubing used for plumbing applications. The lower end of thepost 22 is arranged to be releasably secured within thebase 24 so that when the post is inserted therein (as will be described shortly) it extends in a vertically upward orientation, like shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 4. Thebase 24 provides stability to the post. - As best seen in
FIG. 4 , the base comprises a hollow member having circular planarbottom wall 24A and a conically shapedsidewall 24B projecting upward therefrom at an acute angle. The top end of thesidewall 24B merges into atubular socket 24C. Thebottom wall 24A of the base is arranged to be disposed on the bottom wall orsurface 12A of thepool 12. Thesocket 24C of thebase 24 is arranged to receive the lower end of thepost 22. To that end thesocket 24C is of circular cross section having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter ofpost 22 to enable the post to be fit therein. The diameter of thebottom wall 24A is sufficiently large to provide stability to hold thepost 22 in a vertical orientation. Thebase 24 is preferably constructed of the same material as thepost section 22. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the details of thecap assembly 26 will be described. Thecap sub-assembly 26 is mounted and secured on the upper end of thepost 22. Thecap sub-assembly 26 basically comprises a somewhat dome shapedcircular member 26A having a plurality ofslots 26B equidistantly spaced about the periphery of themember 26A. The number ofslots 26B in themember 24 is dependent on the number of straps used in the system, since each slot serves as a connection point for a respective strap. Ahole 26C is located in the center of themember 26A. A downwardly extending cup shapedsocket 26D is secured to the undersurface of themember 26A by means of abolt 26E extending through thehole 26C and an associatednut 26F. Thesocket 26D is arranged to receive the upper end of thepost 22. To that end, thesocket 26D is of circular cross section having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of thepost 22 to enable the post to be fit therein. Thesocket 26D is preferably constructed of the same material as thepost section 22. The dome-shapedmember 26A is preferably formed of metal to provide some weight to theassembly 20, i.e., to enable the member to serve as a ballast to hold the assembly. If desired, however, themember 26B may also be constructed of the same material as the post andbase assembly 24. - When the
cover support assembly 20 is assembled and in place within the pool, water from the pool is enabled to enter into the hollow post and base to displace any air therein, which may tend to cause the assembly to move, drift or otherwise be unstable. Moreover, the weight provided by the metal, dome-shapedmember 26A of thecap assembly 26 provides additional ballast weight to ensure that theassembly 20 remains in place and doesn't drift or otherwise become displaced from the position in which it is put by the user. - As best seen in
FIGS. 3 and 4 each of theslots 26B of thedome member 26 is arranged to releasably secure a respective one of theextendable straps 28 of thecover support assembly 20 to it. Each of theextendable straps 28 is an elongated flexible, flaccid (non-self supporting) member having aninner end 28A (FIG. 4 ) and anouter end 28B (FIGS. 2 and 5 ). The inner andouter ends straps 28 is of identical construction. In particular, as best seen inFIG. 5 , each end of eachstrap 28 includes a J-shapedclip 30 and aretainer sleeve 32. The free end of thestrap 28 at theinner end 28A is extended through theretainer sleeve 32, through aslot 34 in the J-clip 30, and back through theretainer sleeve 32. Theretainer sleeve 32 is a conventional member that frictionally holds the strap portions passing through it in place. The free end of the J-clip 30 is in the form of a lip or flange (not shown). The J-clip 30 at the inner end of eachstrap 28 is arranged to be inserted into an associatedslot 26B in the dome-shaped member of the cap sub-assembly to releasably secure the strap to that member. - When all the
straps 28 are connected to thecap sub-assembly 26 as just described, and thepost 22 and its supportingbase sub-assembly 24 is placed in the center of thepool 12, thestraps 28 are then extended outward and downward for connection to the periphery of the pool, e.g., theperipheral edge 12D of thetop rail 12C. This is accomplished by placing the J-clip 30 on theouter end 28B of each strap so that its lip (not shown) extends under the periphery of the top rail as shown inFIG. 5 . Then the user pulls on the outer free end of thestrap 28 to cause it to slide with respect to theclip 30 andretainer sleeve 32 to apply tension to the strap to shorten the strap. This action takes up most of the slack in the strap so that the strap becomes generally linear as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . The retainer sleeve holds the strap in this tightened state. Once all the straps are connected to the pool's rail, each strap can be tightened further to make each strap as straight as possible. - As best seen in
FIG. 2 when all of the straps are so connected and tightened, they extend outward and downward from the top of thepost 22 to form an umbrella-like frame, with thecap sub-assembly 26 forming the apex of the frame. Thecover 10 can then be placed or draped over theassembly 20 so that it drapes downward from the cap sub-assembly in a manner similar to the roof portion of a circular circus tent. Since thecover 10 drapes downward from the apex to the periphery of the pool, it will be resistant to the accumulation of snow, leaves, and/or other debris thereon, i.e., such materials will fall off of the cover. This is of particular importance in cold weather applications where snow and/or sleet is a concern, and in any areas where the accumulation of falling debris, such as leaves, is a concern. - In order to ensure that the cover is least likely to have any snow, sleet, leaves or other debris accumulate on it, the cover is preferably pulled taut after it is draped over the
assembly 20. This action prevents the cover from sagging in spots, which could serve as the site for the accumulation of debris. Preferably thecover 10 is held in its taut state by use of plural conventional cover locks 14 (FIG. 2 ) secure the cover to the pool's top rail. The cover locks 14 also serve to prevent thecover 10 from blowing or otherwise becoming displaced in adverse weather conditions. In the embodiment shown four cover locks are used per top rail section. - Each of the
straps 28 can be of any construction so long as it is flaccid, e.g., can be rolled up or otherwise folded into a very compact configuration for storage and then extended and tightened to straighten it. Thus, each strap can be a web of a woven, moisture impervious rugged and strong material (e.g., nylon). Moreover, eachstrap 28 can be a single or multiple strand member such as a rope or cable of nylon or any other suitable material. - Since the
cap sub-assembly 26 on the upper end of thepost 22 forms the apex of thecover support assembly 20 of this invention, the assembly is arranged so that when it is assembled thecap sub-assembly 26 is located at a desired height above the peripheral edge, e.g., the top rail of thepool 12. This creates a conically shaped support for the cover to ensure that debris doesn't accumulate on the cover when the cover is draped over thepool support assembly 20 and then pulled taut. If desired, thepost 22 may only include a single section, whose length is sufficient to hold the cap sub-assembly at the desired height with respect to the pool or may be made up of plural telescoping sections to provide adjustability for the height of the post. For example, the post may be made of two sections that can be telescoped together for any desired amount of overlap so that the height of the cap sub-assembly can be adjusted with respect to the pool's top rail. This adjustability can be accomplished in various ways. One way makes use of a plural longitudinally spaced holes (not shown) in the two telescoping sections which can be aligned to establish the desired height of the post, and then a pin, screw or some other member (not shown) can be placed in the aligned holes to hold the two sections in that position. - As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art the
cover support assembly 20 of this invention is simple in construction, has a low parts count, can be readily assembled and disassembled and when disassembled can be stored away in a compact state, e.g., the flaccid straps can be readily rolled up or otherwise configured into a very compact state. Moreover, by using adjustable length straps the subject invention can be used with any size or shape of pool, even irregularly shaped pools, since each strap can be individually adjusted to the desired length to reach the portion of the periphery of the pool to which that strap will be connected. - It should be pointed out that the
cover support assembly 20 of this invention may be provided to the user in a fully pre-assembled state, in a partially pre-assembled state (e.g., thesubassembly 26 may be pre-assembled and/or the straps connected to it) or theassembly 20 may be provided to the user in the form of a kit of parts where none of the components are pre-assembled. Moreover, if the assembly is provided as a kit of parts, the straps need not be pre-made. Instead, the kit may include continuous roll of strap material to enable the user to cut the desired number and length ofstraps 28 for the assembly. The clips and buckles for each of the straps can then be attached to the straps by the user. It should be pointed out that the straps need not be releasably securable to the cap subassembly, but they should be releasably securable to the pool. - Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions of service.
Claims (13)
1. A pool cover support assembly for supporting a pool cover over a swimming pool, the pool having a bottom surface and a side wall, the sidewall of the pool terminating in a top surface, said pool cover support assembly comprising a central upstanding post and a plurality of flexible, flaccid straps, said upstanding post having a bottom end portion and a top end portion, said bottom end portion of said post member being adapted for disposition on the bottom surface of the pool generally centrally of the sidewall of the pool, said top end portion of said upstanding post being located above the top surface of the sidewall of the pool, each of said flexible straps including a first end portion arranged for securement to said top end portion of upstanding post and a second end portion for releasable securement to the to a portion of the pool adjacent the top surface of the sidewall, each of said flexible straps being arranged to be tightened to cause it to assume a generally linear configuration, whereupon when said first end portion of each of said straps is releasably secured to said top end portion of said upstanding post and said second end portion of each of said straps is releasably secured to the pool adjacent the sidewall of the pool and said straps are tightened, said straps form a generally downwardly directed conically shaped umbrella-like-frame over which a pool cover can be disposed.
2. The pool cover support assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said straps includes a first member for adjusting the length of said strap.
3. The pool cover support assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said straps includes a connector located adjacent said second end portion thereof, said connector being arranged for releasable securement to the pool adjacent the top surface of the sidewall.
4. The pool cover support assembly of claim 2 wherein each of said straps includes a connector located adjacent said second end portion thereof, said connector being arranged for releasable securement to the pool adjacent the top surface of the sidewall.
5. The pool cover support assembly of claim 3 wherein said connector comprises a J-clip.
6. The pool cover support assembly of claim 3 wherein said connector comprises a J-clip.
7. The pool cover support assembly of claim 2 wherein said first member comprises a retaining ring.
8. The pool cover support assembly of claim 6 wherein said first member comprises a retaining ring.
9. The pool cover support assembly of claim 1 wherein the pool is an above ground pool whose sidewall includes a rim portion having a generally downwardly directed peripheral edge located adjacent the top surface of the sidewall, and wherein each of said straps includes a clip located adjacent said second end portion thereof, each of said clips being arranged for securement to a respective portion of the downwardly directed peripheral edge of the sidewall of the pool.
10. The pool cover support assembly of claim 1 wherein said upstanding post includes a ballast member, and wherein said first end portion of each of said straps includes a clip, said clip being arranged for securement to said ballast member.
11. The pool cover support assembly of claim 10 wherein ballast member includes plural slots for releasably securing respective ones of said clips of said straps thereto.
12. The pool cover support assembly of claim 10 additionally comprising a base member arranged for releasable securement to said bottom end portion of said upstanding post to hold said upstanding post in a generally vertical orientation with respect to the bottom of the pool.
13. The pool cover support assembly of claim 12 wherein said base member is a hollow member and wherein said post is a hollow member and wherein said hollow members are arranged to be filled with water when in place in the pool.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/665,054 US20050072055A1 (en) | 2003-09-18 | 2003-09-18 | Support assembly for holding a swimming poolcover in place on a swimming pool |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/665,054 US20050072055A1 (en) | 2003-09-18 | 2003-09-18 | Support assembly for holding a swimming poolcover in place on a swimming pool |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050072055A1 true US20050072055A1 (en) | 2005-04-07 |
Family
ID=34393345
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/665,054 Abandoned US20050072055A1 (en) | 2003-09-18 | 2003-09-18 | Support assembly for holding a swimming poolcover in place on a swimming pool |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050072055A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070199142A1 (en) * | 2007-05-17 | 2007-08-30 | Patrick Gray | Pool or spa cover and methods therefor |
US20070209291A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-13 | Perez Consuelo C | Wind protector for structures |
US20080112772A1 (en) * | 2006-11-14 | 2008-05-15 | Lee Mary E | Tarpaulin tensioners |
US20130199455A1 (en) * | 2011-08-19 | 2013-08-08 | Damien Ross | Containment structure for septic pits |
NL2012862A (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2016-03-03 | Flexxolutions Gfs B V | Silo top with reinforcement bands. |
US9328524B1 (en) * | 2014-12-08 | 2016-05-03 | Jose Cuellar | Pool cone |
US9540835B1 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2017-01-10 | Felice Pennacchia | Umbrella pool cover |
US11149454B1 (en) * | 2020-11-02 | 2021-10-19 | John J. Andrews | Flexible net dome for outdoor pools |
USD996647S1 (en) * | 2020-12-10 | 2023-08-22 | Soles Enterprises, Inc | Fill under grain cover |
Citations (7)
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US3475768A (en) * | 1967-09-20 | 1969-11-04 | John Thomas Burton | Weatherproof cover for swimming pools and the like |
US3521416A (en) * | 1967-02-08 | 1970-07-21 | Us Industries Inc | Suspension roof |
US4136408A (en) * | 1976-11-24 | 1979-01-30 | Dahlbeck Edwin L | Lightweight removable cover for a pool, greenhouse or the like |
US5608926A (en) * | 1995-07-03 | 1997-03-11 | Donaton; William S. | Swimming pool cover loop-loc fastener |
US6223358B1 (en) * | 2000-01-05 | 2001-05-01 | Depietro Charles M. | Convertible pool cover support |
US6442773B1 (en) * | 2001-03-12 | 2002-09-03 | Jerry L. Kopyar | Above ground pool cover |
US6807688B1 (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2004-10-26 | Anna Popowski | Pool cover support |
-
2003
- 2003-09-18 US US10/665,054 patent/US20050072055A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3521416A (en) * | 1967-02-08 | 1970-07-21 | Us Industries Inc | Suspension roof |
US3475768A (en) * | 1967-09-20 | 1969-11-04 | John Thomas Burton | Weatherproof cover for swimming pools and the like |
US4136408A (en) * | 1976-11-24 | 1979-01-30 | Dahlbeck Edwin L | Lightweight removable cover for a pool, greenhouse or the like |
US5608926A (en) * | 1995-07-03 | 1997-03-11 | Donaton; William S. | Swimming pool cover loop-loc fastener |
US6223358B1 (en) * | 2000-01-05 | 2001-05-01 | Depietro Charles M. | Convertible pool cover support |
US6442773B1 (en) * | 2001-03-12 | 2002-09-03 | Jerry L. Kopyar | Above ground pool cover |
US6807688B1 (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2004-10-26 | Anna Popowski | Pool cover support |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070209291A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-13 | Perez Consuelo C | Wind protector for structures |
US20080112772A1 (en) * | 2006-11-14 | 2008-05-15 | Lee Mary E | Tarpaulin tensioners |
US20070199142A1 (en) * | 2007-05-17 | 2007-08-30 | Patrick Gray | Pool or spa cover and methods therefor |
US20130199455A1 (en) * | 2011-08-19 | 2013-08-08 | Damien Ross | Containment structure for septic pits |
US9540835B1 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2017-01-10 | Felice Pennacchia | Umbrella pool cover |
NL2012862A (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2016-03-03 | Flexxolutions Gfs B V | Silo top with reinforcement bands. |
US9328524B1 (en) * | 2014-12-08 | 2016-05-03 | Jose Cuellar | Pool cone |
US11149454B1 (en) * | 2020-11-02 | 2021-10-19 | John J. Andrews | Flexible net dome for outdoor pools |
US11428021B2 (en) * | 2020-11-02 | 2022-08-30 | John J. Andrews | Flexible net dome for outdoor pools |
USD996647S1 (en) * | 2020-12-10 | 2023-08-22 | Soles Enterprises, Inc | Fill under grain cover |
USD996646S1 (en) * | 2020-12-10 | 2023-08-22 | Soles Enterprises, Inc | Fill under grain cover |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |