US20060288473A1 - Apparatus for supporting a pool cover - Google Patents
Apparatus for supporting a pool cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060288473A1 US20060288473A1 US11/474,168 US47416806A US2006288473A1 US 20060288473 A1 US20060288473 A1 US 20060288473A1 US 47416806 A US47416806 A US 47416806A US 2006288473 A1 US2006288473 A1 US 2006288473A1
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- Prior art keywords
- shaped hook
- grommet
- aperture
- attachment means
- whirlpool
- 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
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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
- E04H4/106—Coverings of flexible material supported by separate buoyant bodies
Definitions
- the present invention relates, in general, to pool covers used to protect swimming pools and the like during predetermined times of the year and, more particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus used to support and elevate at least a central portion of the pool cover, which helps prevent snow and ice from building up on the pool cover as well as aids in the removal of leaves, branches and other debris gathered on the pool cover.
- a first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus that supports a cover member used to cover a pre-selected liquid contained in a swimming pool, a hot tub or a whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool from damaging cold weather and debris.
- the apparatus includes at least one support member produced from a predetermined material and having a predetermined shape. The support member is connected between the pre-selected liquid and a predetermined portion of a bottom surface of the cover member to support and elevate at least a portion of such cover member.
- the apparatus also includes a support member retainer means that is engageable with each of the support member and predetermined side wall portions of either such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool to retain such support member in a substantially central location in the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool.
- a second aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for covering either a swimming pool, a hot tub or a whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool from damaging cold weather and debris.
- the apparatus includes a cover member produced from a first predetermined material and having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, a top surface and a bottom surface for covering a pre-selected liquid contained in such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool.
- the apparatus also includes a cover member retainer means that is engageable with each of the cover member and predetermined side wall portions of the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool for retaining such cover member over the pre-selected liquid contained in such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool.
- the apparatus further includes at least one support member produced from a second predetermined material and having a predetermined diameter.
- the support member is connected between such pre-selected liquid and a predetermined portion of the bottom surface of the cover member for supporting and elevating at least a portion of such cover member.
- the apparatus still further includes a support member retainer means engageable with each of the support member and predetermined side wall portions of such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool for retaining such support member in a substantially central location in the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting a pool cover that maintains its position substantially in the center of the pool.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting a pool cover capable of elevating the pool cover higher than standard pool cover supports.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for supporting a pool cover according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the support member and a portion of the support member retaining means of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for supporting a pool cover according to another embodiment of the present invention, particularly showing the cover member and cover member retaining means.
- FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings there is illustrated an apparatus, generally designated 10 , for supporting a cover member 12 over a pre-selected liquid 14 contained in a receptacle 16 , such as a swimming pool, a hot tub or a whirlpool, outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect such receptacle 16 from damaging cold weather and debris.
- the apparatus 10 includes at least one support member 18 produced from a predetermined material and having a predetermined shape. Support member 18 is connected between such pre-selected liquid 14 contained in such receptacle 16 and a predetermined portion of a bottom surface 24 of such cover member 12 for supporting and elevating at least a portion of the cover member 12 .
- the apparatus 10 further includes a support member retainer means, generally designated 20 , engageable with each of the support member 18 and predetermined side wall portions of such receptacle 16 for retaining the support member 18 in a substantially central location over such pre-selected liquid contained in the receptacle 16 .
- the predetermined material used to produce the support member 18 is, preferably, selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic and solid foam rubber.
- the predetermined shape of such support member 18 is generally round with a diameter of generally between about 80 centimeters and 100 centimeters.
- the support member 18 will have at least two grommets disposed thereon, a first 26 of the two grommets being diametrically disposed from a second 28 of the two grommets.
- the support member retainer means 20 will include at least two strap members, a first 32 of the two strap members having a first attachment means, generally designated 30 , disposed at a first end 34 thereof for attaching to the first grommet 26 and a second attachment means, generally designated 40 , disposed at a second end 36 thereof for attaching to a fifth grommet 38 that is connected to a first directly opposed side wall portion 42 of the receptacle 16 .
- a second 44 of the two strap members having a third attachment means, generally designated 50 , disposed at a first end 46 thereof for attaching to the second grommet 28 and a fourth attachment means, generally designated 60 , disposed at a second end 48 thereof for attaching to a sixth grommet 52 that is connected to a second directly opposed side wall portion 54 of such receptacle 16 .
- the first attachment means 30 includes a first aperture 56 and a first S-shaped hook like member 58 with a first end 62 of the first S-shaped hook like member 58 being connected through the first aperture 56 and a second end 64 of such first S-shaped hook like member 58 being connected through first grommet 26 .
- the second attachment means 40 has a second aperture 66 and a second S-shaped hook like member 68 with a first end 72 of the second S-shaped hook like member 68 being connected through the second aperture 66 and a second end 74 of such second S-shaped hook like member 68 being connected through fifth grommet 38 .
- the third attachment means 50 includes a third aperture 76 and a third S-shaped hook like member 78 with a first end 82 of the third S-shaped hook like member 78 being connected through the third aperture 76 and a second end 84 of such third S-shaped hook like member 78 being connected through second grommet 28 .
- the fourth attachment means 60 has a fourth aperture 86 and a fourth S-shaped hook like member 88 with a first end 92 of the fourth S-shaped hook like member 88 being connected through the fourth aperture 86 and a second end 94 of such fourth S-shaped hook like member 88 being connected through sixth grommet 52 .
- the support member 18 will have four grommets, a third 96 of the four grommets being equally and linearly disposed between the first 26 and second 28 grommets and diametrically disposed from a fourth 98 of such four grommets.
- the support member retainer means 20 will include four strap members, a third 102 of the four strap members having a fifth attachment means, generally designated 70 , disposed at a first end 104 thereof for attaching to the third grommet 96 and a sixth attachment means, generally designated 80 , disposed at a second end 106 thereof for attaching to a seventh grommet 108 connected to a third directly opposed side wall portion 112 of such receptacle 16 .
- a fourth 114 of the four strap members having a seventh attachment means, generally designated 90 , disposed at a first end 116 thereof for attaching to the fourth grommet 98 and an eighth attachment means, generally designated 100 , disposed at a second end 118 thereof for attaching to an eighth grommet 122 connected to a fourth directly opposed side wall portion 124 of such receptacle 16 .
- the fifth attachment means 70 includes a fifth aperture 126 and a fifth S-shaped hook like member 128 with a first end 132 of the fifth S-shaped hook like member 128 being connected through the fifth aperture 126 and a second end 134 of such fifth S-shaped hook like member 128 being connected through the third grommet 96 .
- the sixth attachment means 80 has a sixth aperture 136 and a sixth S-shaped hook like member 138 with a first end 142 of the sixth S-shaped hook like member 138 being connected through the sixth aperture 136 and a second end 144 of such sixth S-shaped hook like member 138 being connected through the seventh grommet 108 .
- the seventh attachment means 90 has a seventh aperture 146 and a seventh S-shaped hook like member 148 with a first end 152 of the seventh S-shaped hook like member 148 being connected through the seventh aperture 146 and a second end 154 of such seventh S-shaped hook like member 148 being connected through the fourth grommet 98 .
- the eighth attachment means 100 has an eighth aperture 156 and an eighth S-shaped hook like member 158 with a first end 162 of the eighth S-shaped hook like member 158 being connected through the eighth aperture 156 and a second end 164 of such eighth S-shaped hook like member 158 being connected through the eighth grommet 122 .
- Each of the at least two strap members are constructed, preferably, from an elastic material.
- the elastic material used to produce each of the at least two strap members is, preferably, rubber.
- FIG. 110 Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 110 , for covering a receptacle 16 , such as a swimming pool, a hot tub or a whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect such receptacle 16 from damaging cold weather and debris.
- the apparatus 110 includes a cover member 12 produced from a first predetermined material and having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24 .
- the cover member 12 covers a pre-selected liquid 14 contained in such receptacle 16 .
- Such apparatus 110 also includes a cover member retainer means, generally designated 120 , that is engageable with each of the cover member 12 and predetermined side wall portions of such receptacle 16 for retaining such cover member 12 over the pre-selected liquid 14 contained in such receptacle 16 .
- the apparatus 110 further includes at least one support member 18 produced from a second predetermined material and having a predetermined diameter.
- the support member 18 is connected between such pre-selected liquid 14 and a predetermined portion of the bottom surface 24 of the cover member 12 to support and elevate at least a portion of such cover member 12 .
- Such apparatus 110 still further includes a support member retainer means 20 engageable with each of the support member 18 and predetermined side wall portions of the receptacle 16 for retaining such support member 18 in a substantially central location over such pre-selected liquid 14 contained in such receptacle 16 .
- the second predetermined material used to produce the support member 18 is, preferably, selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic and solid foam rubber.
- the predetermined diameter of such support member 18 is generally between about 80 centimeters and 100 centimeters.
- the support member 18 will have at least two grommets disposed thereon, a first 26 of the two grommets being diametrically disposed from a second 28 of the two grommets.
- the support member retainer means 20 will include at least two strap members, a first 32 of the two strap members having a first attachment means disposed at a first end 34 thereof for attaching to first grommet 26 and a second attachment means 40 disposed at a second end 36 thereof for attaching to a fifth grommet 38 that is connected to a first directly opposed side wall portion 42 of the receptacle 16 .
- a second 44 of the two strap members having a third attachment means 50 disposed at a first end 46 thereof for attaching to second grommet 28 and a fourth attachment means 60 disposed at a second end 48 thereof for attaching to a sixth grommet 52 that is connected to a second directly opposed side wall portion 54 of such receptacle 16 .
- the first attachment means 30 includes a first aperture 56 and a first S-shaped hook like member 58 with a first end 62 of the first S-shaped hook like member 58 being connected through the first aperture 56 and a second end 64 of such first S-shaped hook like member 58 being connected through first grommet 26 .
- the second attachment means 40 has a second aperture 66 and a second S-shaped hook like member 68 with a first end 72 of the second S-shaped hook like member 68 being connected through the second aperture 66 and a second end 74 of such second S-shaped hook like member 68 being connected through fifth grommet 38 .
- the third attachment means 50 includes a third aperture 76 and a third S-shaped hook like member 78 with a first end 82 of the third S-shaped hook like member 78 being connected through the third aperture 76 and a second end 84 of such third S-shaped hook like member 78 being connected through second grommet 28 .
- the fourth attachment means 60 has a fourth aperture 86 and a fourth S-shaped hook like member 88 with a first end 92 of the fourth S-shaped hook like member 88 being connected through the fourth aperture 86 and a second end 94 of such fourth S-shaped hook like member 88 being connected through sixth grommet 52 .
- the support member 18 will have four grommets, a third 96 of the four grommets being equally and linearly disposed between the first 26 and second 28 grommets and diametrically disposed from a fourth 98 of such four grommets.
- the support member retainer means 20 will include four strap members, a third 102 of the four strap members having a fifth attachment means 70 disposed at a first end 104 thereof for attaching to third grommet 96 and a sixth attachment means 80 disposed at a second end 106 thereof for attaching to a seventh grommet 108 that is connected to a third directly opposed side wall portion 112 of such receptacle 16 .
- a fourth 114 of the four strap members having a seventh attachment means 90 disposed at a first end 116 thereof for attaching to the fourth grommet 98 and an eighth attachment means 100 disposed at a second end 118 thereof for attaching to an eighth grommet 122 that is connected to a fourth directly opposed side wall portion 124 of such receptacle 16 .
- the fifth attachment means 70 includes a fifth aperture 126 and a fifth S-shaped hook like member 128 with a first end 132 of the fifth S-shaped hook like member 128 being connected through the fifth aperture 126 and a second end 134 of such fifth S-shaped hook like member 128 being connected through the third grommet 96 .
- the sixth attachment means 80 has a sixth aperture 136 and a sixth S-shaped hook like member 138 with a first end 142 of the sixth S-shaped hook like member 138 being connected through the sixth aperture 136 and a second end 144 of such sixth S-shaped hook like member 138 being connected through the seventh grommet 108 .
- the seventh attachment means 90 has a seventh aperture 146 and a seventh S-shaped hook like member 148 with a first end 152 of the seventh S-shaped hook like member 148 being connected through the seventh aperture 146 and a second end 154 of such seventh S-shaped hook like member 148 being connected through the fourth grommet 98 .
- the eighth attachment means 100 has an eighth aperture 156 and an eighth S-shaped hook like member 158 with a first end 162 of the eighth S-shaped hook like member 158 being connected through the eighth aperture 156 and a second end 164 of such eighth S-shaped hook like member 158 being connected through the eighth grommet 122 .
Abstract
An apparatus for supporting a cover member over a pre-selected liquid contained in either a swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool from damaging cold weather and debris. The apparatus includes at least one support member produced from a predetermined material and having a predetermined shape connected between the pre-selected liquid and a predetermined portion of a bottom surface of the cover member for supporting and elevating at least a portion of such cover member. A support member retainer is engageable with each of the support member and predetermined side wall portions of the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool to retain such support member in a substantially central location over the pre-selected liquid contained in such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool.
Description
- This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/693,038 filed on Jun. 23, 2005.
- The present invention relates, in general, to pool covers used to protect swimming pools and the like during predetermined times of the year and, more particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus used to support and elevate at least a central portion of the pool cover, which helps prevent snow and ice from building up on the pool cover as well as aids in the removal of leaves, branches and other debris gathered on the pool cover.
- Recreational swimming pools and the like have been in existence for many years. During colder seasons of the year, such as fall and winter, many people cover their swimming pools to protect them. In addition, supporting flotation devices are often used to support and elevate the pool covers. These support devices help to keep snow and ice from building up on the cover and allow for more easy removal of such snow and ice. Harmful debris that can gather on the covers are also more easily removed. Another important benefit of these support devices is that they can help prevent expanding ice from breaking or damaging pool walls.
- Unfortunately, these support devices often lose air causing them to collapse and allowing the pool cover to sink into the center of the swimming pool. When this happens, snow and ice, or unwanted debris such as leaves and branches, are allowed to collect in the center of the pool, which can possibly cause damage to the cover or pool itself.
- A need exists for a more durable and reliable pool cover support apparatus that will maintain its shape and position substantially in the center of the swimming pool.
- A first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus that supports a cover member used to cover a pre-selected liquid contained in a swimming pool, a hot tub or a whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool from damaging cold weather and debris. The apparatus includes at least one support member produced from a predetermined material and having a predetermined shape. The support member is connected between the pre-selected liquid and a predetermined portion of a bottom surface of the cover member to support and elevate at least a portion of such cover member. The apparatus also includes a support member retainer means that is engageable with each of the support member and predetermined side wall portions of either such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool to retain such support member in a substantially central location in the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool.
- A second aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for covering either a swimming pool, a hot tub or a whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool from damaging cold weather and debris. The apparatus includes a cover member produced from a first predetermined material and having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, a top surface and a bottom surface for covering a pre-selected liquid contained in such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool. The apparatus also includes a cover member retainer means that is engageable with each of the cover member and predetermined side wall portions of the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool for retaining such cover member over the pre-selected liquid contained in such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool. The apparatus further includes at least one support member produced from a second predetermined material and having a predetermined diameter. The support member is connected between such pre-selected liquid and a predetermined portion of the bottom surface of the cover member for supporting and elevating at least a portion of such cover member. The apparatus still further includes a support member retainer means engageable with each of the support member and predetermined side wall portions of such swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool for retaining such support member in a substantially central location in the swimming pool, hot tub or whirlpool.
- It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus for supporting a pool cover that is constructed using materials similar to exercise balls which will maintain their shape and hold air longer than pool cover supports currently offered on the market.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting a pool cover that maintains its position substantially in the center of the pool.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting a pool cover capable of elevating the pool cover higher than standard pool cover supports.
- In addition to the above described objects and advantages of the present invention, various other objects and advantages of the apparatus for supporting a pool cover will become more readily apparent to those persons skilled in such art from the more detailed description, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for supporting a pool cover according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the support member and a portion of the support member retaining means of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for supporting a pool cover according to another embodiment of the present invention, particularly showing the cover member and cover member retaining means. - Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components, having identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several drawing figures.
- Referring now, more particularly, to
FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings, there is illustrated an apparatus, generally designated 10, for supporting acover member 12 over apre-selected liquid 14 contained in areceptacle 16, such as a swimming pool, a hot tub or a whirlpool, outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protectsuch receptacle 16 from damaging cold weather and debris. Theapparatus 10 includes at least onesupport member 18 produced from a predetermined material and having a predetermined shape.Support member 18 is connected between such pre-selectedliquid 14 contained insuch receptacle 16 and a predetermined portion of abottom surface 24 ofsuch cover member 12 for supporting and elevating at least a portion of thecover member 12. - The
apparatus 10 further includes a support member retainer means, generally designated 20, engageable with each of thesupport member 18 and predetermined side wall portions ofsuch receptacle 16 for retaining thesupport member 18 in a substantially central location over such pre-selected liquid contained in thereceptacle 16. - The predetermined material used to produce the
support member 18 is, preferably, selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic and solid foam rubber. - Also, the predetermined shape of
such support member 18 is generally round with a diameter of generally between about 80 centimeters and 100 centimeters. - In one presently preferred embodiment of the
apparatus 10, thesupport member 18 will have at least two grommets disposed thereon, a first 26 of the two grommets being diametrically disposed from a second 28 of the two grommets. - In another presently preferred embodiment of
apparatus 10, the support member retainer means 20 will include at least two strap members, a first 32 of the two strap members having a first attachment means, generally designated 30, disposed at afirst end 34 thereof for attaching to thefirst grommet 26 and a second attachment means, generally designated 40, disposed at asecond end 36 thereof for attaching to afifth grommet 38 that is connected to a first directly opposedside wall portion 42 of thereceptacle 16. - A second 44 of the two strap members having a third attachment means, generally designated 50, disposed at a
first end 46 thereof for attaching to thesecond grommet 28 and a fourth attachment means, generally designated 60, disposed at asecond end 48 thereof for attaching to asixth grommet 52 that is connected to a second directly opposedside wall portion 54 ofsuch receptacle 16. - The first attachment means 30 includes a
first aperture 56 and a first S-shaped hook likemember 58 with afirst end 62 of the first S-shaped hook likemember 58 being connected through thefirst aperture 56 and asecond end 64 of such first S-shaped hook likemember 58 being connected throughfirst grommet 26. - The second attachment means 40 has a
second aperture 66 and a second S-shaped hook likemember 68 with afirst end 72 of the second S-shaped hook likemember 68 being connected through thesecond aperture 66 and asecond end 74 of such second S-shaped hook likemember 68 being connected throughfifth grommet 38. - The third attachment means 50 includes a third aperture 76 and a third S-shaped hook like
member 78 with afirst end 82 of the third S-shaped hook likemember 78 being connected through the third aperture 76 and a second end 84 of such third S-shaped hook likemember 78 being connected throughsecond grommet 28. - The fourth attachment means 60 has a
fourth aperture 86 and a fourth S-shaped hook likemember 88 with afirst end 92 of the fourth S-shaped hook likemember 88 being connected through thefourth aperture 86 and asecond end 94 of such fourth S-shaped hook likemember 88 being connected throughsixth grommet 52. - In the most preferred embodiment of the
apparatus 10, thesupport member 18 will have four grommets, a third 96 of the four grommets being equally and linearly disposed between the first 26 and second 28 grommets and diametrically disposed from a fourth 98 of such four grommets. - In another most preferred embodiment of the
apparatus 10, the support member retainer means 20 will include four strap members, a third 102 of the four strap members having a fifth attachment means, generally designated 70, disposed at afirst end 104 thereof for attaching to thethird grommet 96 and a sixth attachment means, generally designated 80, disposed at asecond end 106 thereof for attaching to aseventh grommet 108 connected to a third directly opposedside wall portion 112 ofsuch receptacle 16. - A fourth 114 of the four strap members having a seventh attachment means, generally designated 90, disposed at a
first end 116 thereof for attaching to thefourth grommet 98 and an eighth attachment means, generally designated 100, disposed at asecond end 118 thereof for attaching to aneighth grommet 122 connected to a fourth directly opposedside wall portion 124 ofsuch receptacle 16. - The fifth attachment means 70 includes a
fifth aperture 126 and a fifth S-shaped hook likemember 128 with afirst end 132 of the fifth S-shaped hook likemember 128 being connected through thefifth aperture 126 and asecond end 134 of such fifth S-shaped hook likemember 128 being connected through thethird grommet 96. - The sixth attachment means 80 has a
sixth aperture 136 and a sixth S-shaped hook likemember 138 with afirst end 142 of the sixth S-shaped hook likemember 138 being connected through thesixth aperture 136 and asecond end 144 of such sixth S-shaped hook likemember 138 being connected through theseventh grommet 108. - The seventh attachment means 90 has a
seventh aperture 146 and a seventh S-shaped hook likemember 148 with a first end 152 of the seventh S-shaped hook likemember 148 being connected through theseventh aperture 146 and asecond end 154 of such seventh S-shaped hook likemember 148 being connected through thefourth grommet 98. - The eighth attachment means 100 has an
eighth aperture 156 and an eighth S-shaped hook likemember 158 with afirst end 162 of the eighth S-shaped hook likemember 158 being connected through theeighth aperture 156 and asecond end 164 of such eighth S-shaped hook likemember 158 being connected through theeighth grommet 122. - Each of the at least two strap members are constructed, preferably, from an elastic material. The elastic material used to produce each of the at least two strap members is, preferably, rubber.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 110, for covering a
receptacle 16, such as a swimming pool, a hot tub or a whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protectsuch receptacle 16 from damaging cold weather and debris. Theapparatus 110 includes acover member 12 produced from a first predetermined material and having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, atop surface 22 and abottom surface 24. Thecover member 12 covers a pre-selectedliquid 14 contained insuch receptacle 16. -
Such apparatus 110 also includes a cover member retainer means, generally designated 120, that is engageable with each of thecover member 12 and predetermined side wall portions ofsuch receptacle 16 for retainingsuch cover member 12 over thepre-selected liquid 14 contained insuch receptacle 16. - The
apparatus 110 further includes at least onesupport member 18 produced from a second predetermined material and having a predetermined diameter. Thesupport member 18 is connected between such pre-selectedliquid 14 and a predetermined portion of thebottom surface 24 of thecover member 12 to support and elevate at least a portion ofsuch cover member 12. -
Such apparatus 110 still further includes a support member retainer means 20 engageable with each of thesupport member 18 and predetermined side wall portions of thereceptacle 16 for retainingsuch support member 18 in a substantially central location over suchpre-selected liquid 14 contained insuch receptacle 16. - The second predetermined material used to produce the
support member 18 is, preferably, selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic and solid foam rubber. The predetermined diameter ofsuch support member 18 is generally between about 80 centimeters and 100 centimeters. - In one presently preferred embodiment of the
apparatus 110, thesupport member 18 will have at least two grommets disposed thereon, a first 26 of the two grommets being diametrically disposed from a second 28 of the two grommets. - In another presently preferred embodiment of
apparatus 110, the support member retainer means 20 will include at least two strap members, a first 32 of the two strap members having a first attachment means disposed at afirst end 34 thereof for attaching tofirst grommet 26 and a second attachment means 40 disposed at asecond end 36 thereof for attaching to afifth grommet 38 that is connected to a first directly opposedside wall portion 42 of thereceptacle 16. - A second 44 of the two strap members having a third attachment means 50 disposed at a
first end 46 thereof for attaching tosecond grommet 28 and a fourth attachment means 60 disposed at asecond end 48 thereof for attaching to asixth grommet 52 that is connected to a second directly opposedside wall portion 54 ofsuch receptacle 16. - The first attachment means 30 includes a
first aperture 56 and a first S-shaped hook likemember 58 with afirst end 62 of the first S-shaped hook likemember 58 being connected through thefirst aperture 56 and asecond end 64 of such first S-shaped hook likemember 58 being connected throughfirst grommet 26. - The second attachment means 40 has a
second aperture 66 and a second S-shaped hook likemember 68 with afirst end 72 of the second S-shaped hook likemember 68 being connected through thesecond aperture 66 and asecond end 74 of such second S-shaped hook likemember 68 being connected throughfifth grommet 38. - The third attachment means 50 includes a third aperture 76 and a third S-shaped hook like
member 78 with afirst end 82 of the third S-shaped hook likemember 78 being connected through the third aperture 76 and a second end 84 of such third S-shaped hook likemember 78 being connected throughsecond grommet 28. - The fourth attachment means 60 has a
fourth aperture 86 and a fourth S-shaped hook likemember 88 with afirst end 92 of the fourth S-shaped hook likemember 88 being connected through thefourth aperture 86 and asecond end 94 of such fourth S-shaped hook likemember 88 being connected throughsixth grommet 52. - In the most preferred embodiment of the
apparatus 110, thesupport member 18 will have four grommets, a third 96 of the four grommets being equally and linearly disposed between the first 26 and second 28 grommets and diametrically disposed from a fourth 98 of such four grommets. - In another most preferred embodiment of the
apparatus 110, the support member retainer means 20 will include four strap members, a third 102 of the four strap members having a fifth attachment means 70 disposed at afirst end 104 thereof for attaching tothird grommet 96 and a sixth attachment means 80 disposed at asecond end 106 thereof for attaching to aseventh grommet 108 that is connected to a third directly opposedside wall portion 112 ofsuch receptacle 16. - A fourth 114 of the four strap members having a seventh attachment means 90 disposed at a
first end 116 thereof for attaching to thefourth grommet 98 and an eighth attachment means 100 disposed at asecond end 118 thereof for attaching to aneighth grommet 122 that is connected to a fourth directly opposedside wall portion 124 ofsuch receptacle 16. - The fifth attachment means 70 includes a
fifth aperture 126 and a fifth S-shaped hook likemember 128 with afirst end 132 of the fifth S-shaped hook likemember 128 being connected through thefifth aperture 126 and asecond end 134 of such fifth S-shaped hook likemember 128 being connected through thethird grommet 96. - The sixth attachment means 80 has a
sixth aperture 136 and a sixth S-shaped hook likemember 138 with afirst end 142 of the sixth S-shaped hook likemember 138 being connected through thesixth aperture 136 and asecond end 144 of such sixth S-shaped hook likemember 138 being connected through theseventh grommet 108. - The seventh attachment means 90 has a
seventh aperture 146 and a seventh S-shaped hook likemember 148 with a first end 152 of the seventh S-shaped hook likemember 148 being connected through theseventh aperture 146 and asecond end 154 of such seventh S-shaped hook likemember 148 being connected through thefourth grommet 98. - The eighth attachment means 100 has an
eighth aperture 156 and an eighth S-shaped hook likemember 158 with afirst end 162 of the eighth S-shaped hook likemember 158 being connected through theeighth aperture 156 and asecond end 164 of such eighth S-shaped hook likemember 158 being connected through theeighth grommet 122. - While the presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been discussed in considerable detail above, it should be obvious to those persons who are skilled in the art that various modifications and adaptations of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for supporting a cover member over a pre-selected liquid contained in one of a swimming pool, a hot tub and a whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool from damaging cold weather and debris, said apparatus comprising:
(a) at least one support member produced from a predetermined material and having a predetermined shape connected between such pre-selected liquid contained in one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool and a predetermined portion of a bottom surface of such cover member for supporting and elevating at least a portion of such cover member; and
(b) a support member retainer means engageable with each of said at least one support member and predetermined side wall portions of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool for retaining said at least one support member in a substantially central location over such pre-selected liquid contained in one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool.
2. An apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein said predetermined material used to produce said at least one support member is selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic and solid foam rubber.
3. An apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein said predetermined shape of said at least one support member is generally round with a diameter of generally between about 80 centimeters and 100 centimeters.
4. An apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one support member includes at least two grommets disposed thereon, a first of said at least two grommets being diametrically disposed from a second of said at least two grommets.
5. An apparatus, according to claim 4 , wherein said support member retainer means includes at least two strap members, a first of said at least two strap members having a first attachment means disposed at a first end thereof for attaching to said first grommet and a second attachment means disposed at a second end thereof for attaching to a fifth grommet connected to a first directly opposed side wall portion of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool, and a second of said at least two strap members having a third attachment means disposed at a first end thereof for attaching to said second grommet and a fourth attachment means disposed at a second end thereof for attaching to a sixth grommet connected to a second directly opposed side wall portion of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool.
6. An apparatus, according to claim 5 , wherein said first attachment means includes a first aperture and a first S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said first S-shaped hook like member connected through said first aperture and a second end of said first S-shaped hook like member connected through said first grommet, said second attachment means includes a second aperture and a second S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said second S-shaped hook like member connected through said second aperture and a second end of said second S-shaped hook like member connected through said fifth grommet, said third attachment means includes a third aperture and a third S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said third S-shaped hook like member connected through said third aperture and a second end of said third S-shaped hook like member connected through said second grommet, and said fourth attachment means includes a fourth aperture and a fourth S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said fourth S-shaped hook like member connected through said fourth aperture and a second end of said fourth S-shaped hook like member connected through said sixth grommet.
7. An apparatus, according to claim 6 , wherein said at least one support member includes four grommets, a third of said four grommets being equally and linearly disposed between said first and said second grommets and diametrically disposed from a fourth of said four grommets.
8. An apparatus, according to claim 7 , wherein said support member retainer means includes four strap members, a third of said four strap members having a fifth attachment means disposed at a first end thereof for attaching to said third grommet and a sixth attachment means disposed at a second end thereof for attaching to a seventh grommet connected to a third directly opposed side wall portion of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool, and a fourth of said four strap members having a seventh attachment means disposed at a first end thereof for attaching to said fourth grommet and an eighth attachment means disposed at a second end thereof for attaching to an eighth grommet connected to a fourth directly opposed side wall portion of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool.
9. An apparatus, according to claim 8 , wherein said fifth attachment means includes a fifth aperture and a fifth S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said fifth S-shaped hook like member connected through said fifth aperture and a second end of said fifth S-shaped hook like member connected through said third grommet, said sixth attachment means includes a sixth aperture and a sixth S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said sixth S-shaped hook like member connected through said sixth aperture and a second end of said sixth S-shaped hook like member connected through said seventh grommet, said seventh attachment means includes a seventh aperture and a seventh S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said seventh S-shaped hook like member connected through said seventh aperture and a second end of said seventh S-shaped hook like member connected through said fourth grommet, and said eighth attachment means includes an eighth aperture and an eighth S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said eighth S-shaped hook like member connected through said eighth aperture and a second end of said eighth S-shaped hook like member connected through said eighth grommet.
10. An apparatus, according to claim 5 , wherein each of said at least two strap members are constructed from an elastic material.
11. An apparatus, according to claim 10 , wherein said elastic material used to produce each of said at least two strap members is rubber.
12. An apparatus for covering one of a swimming pool, a hot tub and a whirlpool outdoors during a predetermined time of year to protect one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool from damaging cold weather and debris, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a cover member produced from a first predetermined material and having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, a top surface and a bottom surface for covering a pre-selected liquid contained in one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool;
(b) a cover member retainer means engageable with each of said cover member and predetermined side wall portions of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool for retaining said cover member over such pre-selected liquid contained in one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool;
(c) at least one support member produced from a second predetermined material and having a predetermined diameter connected between such pre-selected liquid contained in one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool and a predetermined portion of said bottom surface of said cover member for supporting and elevating at least a portion of said cover member; and
(d) a support member retainer means engageable with each of said at least one support member and predetermined side wall portions of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool for retaining said at least one support member in a substantially central location over such pre-selected liquid contained in one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool.
13. An apparatus, according to claim 12 , wherein said second predetermined material used to produce said at least one support member is selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic and solid foam rubber.
14. An apparatus, according to claim 12 , wherein said predetermined diameter of said at least one support member is generally between about 80 centimeters and 100 centimeters.
15. An apparatus, according to claim 12 , wherein said at least one support member includes at least two grommets disposed thereon, a first of said at least two grommets being diametrically disposed from a second of said at least two grommets.
16. An apparatus, according to claim 15 , wherein said support member retainer means includes at least two strap members, a first of said at least two strap members having a first attachment means disposed at a first end thereof for attaching to said first grommet and a second attachment means disposed at a second end thereof for attaching to a fifth grommet connected to a first directly opposed side wall portion of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool, and a second of said at least two strap members having a third attachment means disposed at a first end thereof for attaching to said second grommet and a fourth attachment means disposed at a second end thereof for attaching to a sixth grommet connected to a second directly opposed side wall portion of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool.
17. An apparatus, according to claim 16 , wherein said first attachment means includes a first aperture and a first S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said first S-shaped hook like member connected through said first aperture and a second end of said first S-shaped hook like member connected through said first grommet, said second attachment means includes a second aperture and a second S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said second S-shaped hook like member connected through said second aperture and a second end of said second S-shaped hook like member connected through said fifth grommet, said third attachment means includes a third aperture and a third S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said third S-shaped hook like member connected through said third aperture and a second end of said third S-shaped hook like member connected through said second grommet, and said fourth attachment means includes a fourth aperture and a fourth S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said fourth S-shaped hook like member connected through said fourth aperture and a second end of said fourth S-shaped hook like member connected through said sixth grommet.
18. An apparatus, according to claim 17 , wherein said at least one support member includes four grommets, a third of said four grommets being equally and linearly disposed between said first and said second grommets and diametrically disposed from a fourth of said four grommets.
19. An apparatus, according to claim 18 , wherein said support member retainer means includes four strap members, a third of said four strap members having a fifth attachment means disposed at a first end thereof for attaching to said third grommet and a sixth attachment means disposed at a second end thereof for attaching to a seventh grommet connected to a third directly opposed side wall portion of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool, and a fourth of said four strap members having a seventh attachment means disposed at a first end thereof for attaching to said fourth grommet and an eighth attachment means disposed at a second end thereof for attaching to an eighth grommet connected to a fourth directly opposed side wall portion of one of such swimming pool, hot tub and whirlpool.
20. An apparatus, according to claim 19 , wherein said fifth attachment means includes a fifth aperture and a fifth S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said fifth S-shaped hook like member connected through said fifth aperture and a second end of said fifth S-shaped hook like member connected through said third grommet, said sixth attachment means includes a sixth aperture and a sixth S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said sixth S-shaped hook like member connected through said sixth aperture and a second end of said sixth S-shaped hook like member connected through said seventh grommet, said seventh attachment means includes a seventh aperture and a seventh S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said seventh S-shaped hook like member connected through said seventh aperture and a second end of said seventh S-shaped hook like member connected through said fourth grommet, and said eighth attachment means includes an eighth aperture and an eighth S-shaped hook like member with a first end of said eighth S-shaped hook like member connected through said eighth aperture and a second end of said eighth S-shaped hook like member connected through said eighth grommet.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/474,168 US20060288473A1 (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2006-06-23 | Apparatus for supporting a pool cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US69303805P | 2005-06-23 | 2005-06-23 | |
US11/474,168 US20060288473A1 (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2006-06-23 | Apparatus for supporting a pool cover |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060288473A1 true US20060288473A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
Family
ID=37565527
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/474,168 Abandoned US20060288473A1 (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2006-06-23 | Apparatus for supporting a pool cover |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060288473A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160160519A1 (en) * | 2014-12-03 | 2016-06-09 | Jeffrey Urness | Hot Tub Cover-Insulation System |
Citations (8)
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US3683427A (en) * | 1970-08-27 | 1972-08-15 | Herbert Carl Burkholz | Outdoor swimming pool with dome |
US4685254A (en) * | 1986-01-29 | 1987-08-11 | Terreri Claude J | Swimming pool cover support, covered swimming pool and method of covering a swimming pool |
US4847925A (en) * | 1987-10-22 | 1989-07-18 | Perry Cliff R | Cover for a pool, hot tub or the like |
US5005229A (en) * | 1990-01-05 | 1991-04-09 | Bertoni Italo A | Swimming pool rope anchor method and device |
US5259077A (en) * | 1992-04-17 | 1993-11-09 | Ronald Hager | Swimming pool cover elevation device |
US5465933A (en) * | 1994-08-04 | 1995-11-14 | Todd; Glen L. | Tree stand bow holder releasably coupled to a tree stand |
US6052843A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 2000-04-25 | Pirillo; Sal | Float-retaining covering device |
US6119284A (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2000-09-19 | Cosman; Derek | Floating pool cover support |
-
2006
- 2006-06-23 US US11/474,168 patent/US20060288473A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3683427A (en) * | 1970-08-27 | 1972-08-15 | Herbert Carl Burkholz | Outdoor swimming pool with dome |
US4685254A (en) * | 1986-01-29 | 1987-08-11 | Terreri Claude J | Swimming pool cover support, covered swimming pool and method of covering a swimming pool |
US4847925A (en) * | 1987-10-22 | 1989-07-18 | Perry Cliff R | Cover for a pool, hot tub or the like |
US5005229A (en) * | 1990-01-05 | 1991-04-09 | Bertoni Italo A | Swimming pool rope anchor method and device |
US5259077A (en) * | 1992-04-17 | 1993-11-09 | Ronald Hager | Swimming pool cover elevation device |
US5465933A (en) * | 1994-08-04 | 1995-11-14 | Todd; Glen L. | Tree stand bow holder releasably coupled to a tree stand |
US6052843A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 2000-04-25 | Pirillo; Sal | Float-retaining covering device |
US6119284A (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2000-09-19 | Cosman; Derek | Floating pool cover support |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160160519A1 (en) * | 2014-12-03 | 2016-06-09 | Jeffrey Urness | Hot Tub Cover-Insulation System |
US9702156B2 (en) * | 2014-12-03 | 2017-07-11 | Jeffrey Urness | Hot tub cover-insulation system |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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