US20180127998A1 - Automatic Portable Deployer for Pool Covers - Google Patents
Automatic Portable Deployer for Pool Covers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180127998A1 US20180127998A1 US15/727,520 US201715727520A US2018127998A1 US 20180127998 A1 US20180127998 A1 US 20180127998A1 US 201715727520 A US201715727520 A US 201715727520A US 2018127998 A1 US2018127998 A1 US 2018127998A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- portable
- deployer
- driver
- pool
- spool
- 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
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
- E04H4/10—Coverings of flexible material
- E04H4/101—Coverings of flexible material wound-up on a fixed axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/18—Constructional details
- B65H75/30—Arrangements to facilitate driving or braking
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/40—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/44—Constructional details
- B65H75/4457—Arrangements of the frame or housing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/44—Constructional details
- B65H75/4481—Arrangements or adaptations for driving the reel or the material
- B65H75/4486—Electric motors
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method of deploying covers for pools, and more particularly an apparatus that can pull a pool cover across a pool and that can be operated remotely.
- the invention provides a fast and convenient way to pull a member attached to a rope and wind the rope on a spool, and in particular to pull a cover over a pool.
- the present invention provides effortless operation by one person, eliminating hand cranking.
- Pool covers are well known in the art for their benefits in insulating pools when they are not in use. Pool covers also prevent debris from entering the pool and they decrease evaporation.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,072 which issued Jul. 22, 1986, is an example of such a pool cover and is herein incorporated by reference.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,143 granted to Jiri Kalandovsky on Jun. 20, 1995, shows a manually-operated, portable spool that is used to draw a pool cover across a pool.
- the present invention improves upon the prior art by providing a modular apparatus that can be operated remotely.
- the apparatus is preferably battery powered and is remotely controlled once the rope is attached to the spool.
- the apparatus consists of a separate, portable driver and a separate, portable deployer.
- the separate components can be coupled together so that the portable driver can act upon the portable deployer which has a spool upon which the rope is wound that pulls the cover across the pool.
- the separate components can be decoupled from each other for moving the apparatus to pull additional covers and it also allows the portable driver to be used without the portable deployer to drive the reels upon which the covers are wound for storage.
- the separate components are designed so that when the portable driver is coupled to the spool to operate the spool, the portable driver can also engage the portable deployer such that together the portable driver and portable spool are fixed in place while the pool cover is pulled across the pool by the apparatus.
- the portable driver stabilizes the portable deployer.
- This stabilization can be provided by the portable driver resting on the base of the portable deployer.
- the weight of the portable driver anchors the portable deployer and prevents it from moving. If the portable driver mechanism is too light to anchor the portable deployer, weights can be added to the portable driver. This may be the case if the portable driver derives its power by being plugged into a remote electrical supply.
- the portable driver is battery operated and the weight of the batteries is generally sufficient to anchor the portable deployer as it pulls a cover across a pool when the portable driver is received by and rests on the base of the portable deployer.
- the present invention fulfills the above objects by providing a portable driver and a portable deployer that when connected together create a stable, anchored apparatus for winding the rope that pulls the cover across the pool onto the spool of the portable deployer. Because the design is modular with the apparatus consisting of a portable driver that is separate from the portable deployer, the portable driver mechanism can also be used at the reels which carry the covers to wind the covers back onto the reels by driving the reels, when the pool cover needs to be removed from the pool.
- Automatic pool deployers are known in the prior art; however, the present invention provides a combination of features not taught by the prior art: mobility, portability, a modular design, and the ability to be operated remotely.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the separate deployer of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a right side view of the separate deployer shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the separate deployer shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the separate deployer shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the separate deployer shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the separate deployer and the separate driver removed from each other.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the separate deployer and the separate driver coupled together with the modular driver resting on the base of the modular deployer.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the separate deployer and the separate driver coupled together with the modular driver resting on the base of the modular deployer on the deck of a pool with a rope coupled to the spool of the deployer.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the separate deployer and the separate driver coupled together with the modular driver resting on the base of the modular deployer on the deck of a pool with a rope coupled to the spool of the deployer pulling a pool cover across a pool that is partially wound on a spool.
- FIG. 1 shows the separate, portable deployer 1 .
- the portable deployer 1 has a spool 2 .
- the spool 2 has an axil 3 .
- the axil 3 rides on bearings 4 which allow the axis to rotate freely.
- the end 5 of the axil 3 is shaped to receive and join with a rotating driver mechanism 6 .
- the rotating driver mechanism 6 is used for winding the spool 2 of the deployer 1 .
- the shape of the end 5 of the axil 3 can be square.
- the square end 5 can be received in a corresponding square socket that is part of the driver mechanism 6 .
- the socket and end 5 of the axil can be any shape that allows for interlock so that as the winding driver mechanism 6 rotates the axil 3 will rotate.
- the spool is provided with spokes 7 , and cross bars 8 are connected to the spokes at a selected distance away from the axil 3 .
- the rope 9 attached to the pool cover 10 is attached to the spool 2 .
- the rope 9 can be attached to one of the cross bars 8 and winds around the cross bars 8 .
- the spokes 7 end at outer rims 11 which are shown as circular members. The spokes contain the rope 9 as it winds on the spool 2 .
- the axil 3 and bearings 4 are supported by a u-shaped saddle 12 , and the u-shaped saddle 12 is in turn supported by a post 13 .
- the post is attached to a base 14 .
- the base 14 can include a plate 15 that supports the post 13 .
- Two spaced-apart tracks 16 are attached to the plate 15 at the ends of the plate.
- the tracks 16 are preferably u-shaped members with a flat web 17 and upstanding side walls 18 .
- the web 17 is wide enough to receive the wheels 19 of the modular, portable driver 20 .
- the tracks 16 are long enough for each of the wheels 19 of the portable driver 20 to be received in the tracks 16 .
- the full weight of the portable driver 20 bears upon the base 14 of the portable deployer 1 .
- the side walls 18 guide the wheels 19 .
- the web 17 of the track 16 is relatively thin so the wheels 19 ride easily onto the web 17 of the track 16 .
- the frame members of the portable deployer 1 are preferably made from steel or similarly strong material.
- the portable driver 20 has four wheels at the corners of the platform 21 for the portable driver 20 .
- the tracks 16 are also provide with bars or stops 22 that prevent further travel of the front wheels 19 in the tracks 16 . This helps position the portable driver 20 at the correct spot for the driver 6 to receive the end 5 of the axil 3 .
- the weight of the portable driver 20 is transmitted to the portable deployer 1 through the wheels 19 of the portable driver 20 resting on the base 14 of the portable deployer 1 , holding the portable deployer 1 to the ground or pool deck 23 and creating friction which resists movement of the portable deployer 1 while it is exerting force on the rope 9 to pull the cover 10 across the pool 24 .
- the ground or pool deck 23 surrounds or partially surrounds the pool 24 and constitutes the dry surface outside of the pool 24 . Portions of the portable deployer 1 are compressed by the weight of the portable driver mechanism 20 against the ground 23 .
- a latching bar 25 is provided that attaches the portable deployer 1 to the portable driver 20 holding them in place.
- the latching bar 28 is connected to a brace 26 that attaches to the post 13 and to a second plate 27 that connects the tracks 16 of the base 14 .
- the latching bar 25 rotates on a pivot 28 and has a simple angle 29 that engages the frame 30 of the portable driver 20 .
- the base 14 of the portable deployer 1 is provided with a pair of aligned wheels 31 at the end of the base 14 near the post 13 .
- the aligned wheels 31 are aligned on their axis of rotation.
- a handle 32 attached to the upper portion of the portable deployer 1 on the same side as the aligned wheels 31 allows the user to tip the portable deployer 1 up so that the deployer 6 is supported only by the aligned wheels 31 and can be rolled to easily move the device.
- the aligned wheels 31 are attached to the plate 15 near its ends.
- the handle 32 is preferably attached to the U-shaped saddle 12 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the motorized, portable driver 20 preferably uses a battery powered motor connected to the winding rotating driver 6 by means of a gear box that can be controlled by a remote control 36 .
- the power supply for the motor is preferably batteries that are incorporated into the portable driver 20 , but the power supply can also be separate from the portable driver and electrically connected to the motor of the portable driver 20 such as by a cable attached to a power outlet located in proximity to the pool 24 .
- the user can set the winding driver mechanism 6 at multiple heights.
- Operating controls 33 are provided on the case 34 for the gear box and winding driver mechanism 6 .
- the remote control 36 is provided with operating controls as well.
- An antenna 37 for communicating with the remote control 36 can also be provided on the case 34 .
- the rotating driver 6 can be set at multiple heights, because it is supported by a pair of telescoping shafts which are in turn supported on a pair of air springs connected in serial relation. This arrangement allows for the winding driver 6 to be adjusted vertically within a selected distance and to be held at a selected vertical height until the user lifts or depresses the mount carrying the winding driver 6 .
- the telescoping shafts nest one within the other and have at their ends plates to which the end of an air spring is connected.
- the air springs are in turn connected to each other at their ends by a coupler.
- the shafts are closely nested within each other as well as being provided with shims so that they support each other against lateral forces, such that the air springs need only support the vertical load of the motor, gear box and controls.
- the batteries are provided at the base of the apparatus at the edges of the frame 30 to provide a low center of gravity as well as lateral resistance to movement so the motor can more easily drive the reels or portable deployer 1 . Also by providing the batteries at the base of the device they do not need to be lifted by the air springs for adjustable connection to reels or spools at multiple heights. As shown in FIG. 6 , the portable driver mechanism 20 can have two battery compartments 35 , each containing a large, heavy battery.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method of deploying covers for pools, and more particularly an apparatus that can pull a pool cover across a pool and that can be operated remotely.
- The invention provides a fast and convenient way to pull a member attached to a rope and wind the rope on a spool, and in particular to pull a cover over a pool. The present invention provides effortless operation by one person, eliminating hand cranking.
- Pool covers are well known in the art for their benefits in insulating pools when they are not in use. Pool covers also prevent debris from entering the pool and they decrease evaporation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,072 which issued Jul. 22, 1986, is an example of such a pool cover and is herein incorporated by reference.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,143, granted to Jiri Kalandovsky on Jun. 20, 1995, shows a manually-operated, portable spool that is used to draw a pool cover across a pool. U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,318, invented by Wesley L. Mathis and granted on Sep. 23, 2003, teaches using a portable, hand-held, powered screw-driver mechanism for turning a spool that draws a pool cover across a pool.
- The present invention improves upon the prior art by providing a modular apparatus that can be operated remotely.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for unwinding pool covers from reels that does not require the user to manually turn the spool that draws the cover across the pool.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that does not require the user to stabilize it and that can be operated remotely so the user can monitor and adjust the pool cover at the reel that carries the wound cover while it is being deployed. The apparatus is preferably battery powered and is remotely controlled once the rope is attached to the spool.
- The apparatus consists of a separate, portable driver and a separate, portable deployer. The separate components can be coupled together so that the portable driver can act upon the portable deployer which has a spool upon which the rope is wound that pulls the cover across the pool. The separate components can be decoupled from each other for moving the apparatus to pull additional covers and it also allows the portable driver to be used without the portable deployer to drive the reels upon which the covers are wound for storage. The separate components are designed so that when the portable driver is coupled to the spool to operate the spool, the portable driver can also engage the portable deployer such that together the portable driver and portable spool are fixed in place while the pool cover is pulled across the pool by the apparatus.
- According to the present invention, the portable driver stabilizes the portable deployer. This stabilization can be provided by the portable driver resting on the base of the portable deployer. By resting on the base of the portable deployer, the weight of the portable driver anchors the portable deployer and prevents it from moving. If the portable driver mechanism is too light to anchor the portable deployer, weights can be added to the portable driver. This may be the case if the portable driver derives its power by being plugged into a remote electrical supply. In the preferred embodiment, the portable driver is battery operated and the weight of the batteries is generally sufficient to anchor the portable deployer as it pulls a cover across a pool when the portable driver is received by and rests on the base of the portable deployer.
- The present invention fulfills the above objects by providing a portable driver and a portable deployer that when connected together create a stable, anchored apparatus for winding the rope that pulls the cover across the pool onto the spool of the portable deployer. Because the design is modular with the apparatus consisting of a portable driver that is separate from the portable deployer, the portable driver mechanism can also be used at the reels which carry the covers to wind the covers back onto the reels by driving the reels, when the pool cover needs to be removed from the pool.
- Automatic pool deployers are known in the prior art; however, the present invention provides a combination of features not taught by the prior art: mobility, portability, a modular design, and the ability to be operated remotely.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the separate deployer of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a right side view of the separate deployer shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the separate deployer shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the separate deployer shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the separate deployer shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the separate deployer and the separate driver removed from each other. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the separate deployer and the separate driver coupled together with the modular driver resting on the base of the modular deployer. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the separate deployer and the separate driver coupled together with the modular driver resting on the base of the modular deployer on the deck of a pool with a rope coupled to the spool of the deployer. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the separate deployer and the separate driver coupled together with the modular driver resting on the base of the modular deployer on the deck of a pool with a rope coupled to the spool of the deployer pulling a pool cover across a pool that is partially wound on a spool. -
FIG. 1 shows the separate,portable deployer 1. Theportable deployer 1 has aspool 2. Thespool 2 has anaxil 3. Theaxil 3 rides onbearings 4 which allow the axis to rotate freely. Theend 5 of theaxil 3 is shaped to receive and join with arotating driver mechanism 6. Therotating driver mechanism 6 is used for winding thespool 2 of thedeployer 1. As shown inFIG. 1 , the shape of theend 5 of theaxil 3 can be square. As shown inFIG. 1 , thesquare end 5 can be received in a corresponding square socket that is part of thedriver mechanism 6. The socket andend 5 of the axil can be any shape that allows for interlock so that as thewinding driver mechanism 6 rotates theaxil 3 will rotate. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , the spool is provided withspokes 7, andcross bars 8 are connected to the spokes at a selected distance away from theaxil 3. Therope 9 attached to thepool cover 10 is attached to thespool 2. As shown inFIG. 8 , therope 9 can be attached to one of thecross bars 8 and winds around thecross bars 8. As shown in the drawings, thespokes 7 end atouter rims 11 which are shown as circular members. The spokes contain therope 9 as it winds on thespool 2. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theaxil 3 andbearings 4 are supported by au-shaped saddle 12, and theu-shaped saddle 12 is in turn supported by apost 13. The post is attached to abase 14. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thebase 14 can include aplate 15 that supports thepost 13. Two spaced-aparttracks 16 are attached to theplate 15 at the ends of the plate. Thetracks 16 are preferably u-shaped members with aflat web 17 andupstanding side walls 18. As shown inFIG. 7 , theweb 17 is wide enough to receive thewheels 19 of the modular,portable driver 20. As is also shown inFIG. 7 , thetracks 16 are long enough for each of thewheels 19 of theportable driver 20 to be received in thetracks 16. Preferably, the full weight of theportable driver 20 bears upon thebase 14 of theportable deployer 1. Theside walls 18 guide thewheels 19. Theweb 17 of thetrack 16 is relatively thin so thewheels 19 ride easily onto theweb 17 of thetrack 16. The frame members of theportable deployer 1 are preferably made from steel or similarly strong material. Theportable driver 20 has four wheels at the corners of theplatform 21 for theportable driver 20. - The
tracks 16 are also provide with bars or stops 22 that prevent further travel of thefront wheels 19 in thetracks 16. This helps position theportable driver 20 at the correct spot for thedriver 6 to receive theend 5 of theaxil 3. The weight of theportable driver 20 is transmitted to theportable deployer 1 through thewheels 19 of theportable driver 20 resting on thebase 14 of theportable deployer 1, holding theportable deployer 1 to the ground orpool deck 23 and creating friction which resists movement of theportable deployer 1 while it is exerting force on therope 9 to pull thecover 10 across thepool 24. The ground orpool deck 23 surrounds or partially surrounds thepool 24 and constitutes the dry surface outside of thepool 24. Portions of theportable deployer 1 are compressed by the weight of theportable driver mechanism 20 against theground 23. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , preferably a latchingbar 25 is provided that attaches theportable deployer 1 to theportable driver 20 holding them in place. The latchingbar 28 is connected to abrace 26 that attaches to thepost 13 and to asecond plate 27 that connects thetracks 16 of thebase 14. The latchingbar 25 rotates on apivot 28 and has asimple angle 29 that engages theframe 30 of theportable driver 20. - Preferably, the
base 14 of theportable deployer 1 is provided with a pair of aligned wheels 31 at the end of thebase 14 near thepost 13. The aligned wheels 31 are aligned on their axis of rotation. Ahandle 32 attached to the upper portion of theportable deployer 1 on the same side as the aligned wheels 31 allows the user to tip theportable deployer 1 up so that thedeployer 6 is supported only by the aligned wheels 31 and can be rolled to easily move the device. The aligned wheels 31 are attached to theplate 15 near its ends. Thehandle 32 is preferably attached to theU-shaped saddle 12 as shown inFIG. 2 . - The motorized,
portable driver 20 preferably uses a battery powered motor connected to the windingrotating driver 6 by means of a gear box that can be controlled by aremote control 36. The power supply for the motor is preferably batteries that are incorporated into theportable driver 20, but the power supply can also be separate from the portable driver and electrically connected to the motor of theportable driver 20 such as by a cable attached to a power outlet located in proximity to thepool 24. The user can set the windingdriver mechanism 6 at multiple heights. Operating controls 33 are provided on thecase 34 for the gear box and windingdriver mechanism 6. Theremote control 36 is provided with operating controls as well. Anantenna 37 for communicating with theremote control 36 can also be provided on thecase 34. Using theremote control 36, the user can stand at the reels where the cover is being unwound while operating the apparatus to pull thecover 10 across thepool 24. Therotating driver 6 can be set at multiple heights, because it is supported by a pair of telescoping shafts which are in turn supported on a pair of air springs connected in serial relation. This arrangement allows for the windingdriver 6 to be adjusted vertically within a selected distance and to be held at a selected vertical height until the user lifts or depresses the mount carrying the windingdriver 6. - The telescoping shafts nest one within the other and have at their ends plates to which the end of an air spring is connected. The air springs are in turn connected to each other at their ends by a coupler. The shafts are closely nested within each other as well as being provided with shims so that they support each other against lateral forces, such that the air springs need only support the vertical load of the motor, gear box and controls.
- The batteries are provided at the base of the apparatus at the edges of the
frame 30 to provide a low center of gravity as well as lateral resistance to movement so the motor can more easily drive the reels orportable deployer 1. Also by providing the batteries at the base of the device they do not need to be lifted by the air springs for adjustable connection to reels or spools at multiple heights. As shown inFIG. 6 , theportable driver mechanism 20 can have twobattery compartments 35, each containing a large, heavy battery.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/727,520 US20180127998A1 (en) | 2016-10-07 | 2017-10-06 | Automatic Portable Deployer for Pool Covers |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201662405647P | 2016-10-07 | 2016-10-07 | |
US15/727,520 US20180127998A1 (en) | 2016-10-07 | 2017-10-06 | Automatic Portable Deployer for Pool Covers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180127998A1 true US20180127998A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 |
Family
ID=62065525
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/727,520 Abandoned US20180127998A1 (en) | 2016-10-07 | 2017-10-06 | Automatic Portable Deployer for Pool Covers |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20180127998A1 (en) |
Citations (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4459711A (en) * | 1982-12-13 | 1984-07-17 | Donald W. Sartain | Swimming pool cover assembly |
US4464801A (en) * | 1983-02-11 | 1984-08-14 | Lamb Joe H | Swimming pool cover with adjustable side gores |
US4466144A (en) * | 1983-02-07 | 1984-08-21 | Lamb Joe H | Pulley assembly for swimming pool cover |
US4601072A (en) * | 1973-06-05 | 1986-07-22 | Aine Harry E | Swimming pool cover |
US5105481A (en) * | 1984-08-20 | 1992-04-21 | Cover-Pools, Inc. | Mechanism for extending and retracting swimming pool covers |
US5184356A (en) * | 1991-02-12 | 1993-02-09 | Loef George O G | System for automatically covering swimming pools and method therefor |
US5425143A (en) * | 1994-07-21 | 1995-06-20 | Kalandovsky; Jiri | Multiple pool cover deployment method and apparatus |
US5913613A (en) * | 1997-09-19 | 1999-06-22 | Cover-Pools, Inc. | Cover operation system |
US5920922A (en) * | 1997-09-19 | 1999-07-13 | Cover-Pools, Inc. | Cover system with edge stops |
US20010023506A1 (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 2001-09-27 | Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc. | Pool cover drive mechanism |
US6618869B1 (en) * | 2001-02-06 | 2003-09-16 | Teresa Jacobs | Apparatus for placing and removing solar pool cover |
US6622318B2 (en) * | 1999-11-30 | 2003-09-23 | Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc. | Pool cover system with retracting and adjacent extending mechanisms operable by a portable power source |
US6871362B1 (en) * | 2003-05-27 | 2005-03-29 | Lothar J Zell | Pool cover spool |
US8066591B2 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2011-11-29 | Larry Zilverberg | Portable retractable surface protection device |
USD695909S1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2013-12-17 | Dave Martell | Pool covering system |
US8613116B1 (en) * | 2009-01-22 | 2013-12-24 | Robyn Wood | Pool cover handling device and methods of use |
US20150152661A1 (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2015-06-04 | William F. Scullin | Solar Powered Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Reel Assembly and Control System Driven by a Mini Direct Current (DC) Motor |
US9079746B2 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2015-07-14 | Kristen Omli | Pool lane line reel apparatuses, systems, and methods |
-
2017
- 2017-10-06 US US15/727,520 patent/US20180127998A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4601072A (en) * | 1973-06-05 | 1986-07-22 | Aine Harry E | Swimming pool cover |
US4459711A (en) * | 1982-12-13 | 1984-07-17 | Donald W. Sartain | Swimming pool cover assembly |
US4466144A (en) * | 1983-02-07 | 1984-08-21 | Lamb Joe H | Pulley assembly for swimming pool cover |
US4464801A (en) * | 1983-02-11 | 1984-08-14 | Lamb Joe H | Swimming pool cover with adjustable side gores |
US5105481A (en) * | 1984-08-20 | 1992-04-21 | Cover-Pools, Inc. | Mechanism for extending and retracting swimming pool covers |
US5184356A (en) * | 1991-02-12 | 1993-02-09 | Loef George O G | System for automatically covering swimming pools and method therefor |
US5425143A (en) * | 1994-07-21 | 1995-06-20 | Kalandovsky; Jiri | Multiple pool cover deployment method and apparatus |
US5920922A (en) * | 1997-09-19 | 1999-07-13 | Cover-Pools, Inc. | Cover system with edge stops |
US5913613A (en) * | 1997-09-19 | 1999-06-22 | Cover-Pools, Inc. | Cover operation system |
US20010023506A1 (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 2001-09-27 | Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc. | Pool cover drive mechanism |
US6622318B2 (en) * | 1999-11-30 | 2003-09-23 | Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc. | Pool cover system with retracting and adjacent extending mechanisms operable by a portable power source |
US6618869B1 (en) * | 2001-02-06 | 2003-09-16 | Teresa Jacobs | Apparatus for placing and removing solar pool cover |
US6871362B1 (en) * | 2003-05-27 | 2005-03-29 | Lothar J Zell | Pool cover spool |
US9079746B2 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2015-07-14 | Kristen Omli | Pool lane line reel apparatuses, systems, and methods |
US8066591B2 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2011-11-29 | Larry Zilverberg | Portable retractable surface protection device |
US8613116B1 (en) * | 2009-01-22 | 2013-12-24 | Robyn Wood | Pool cover handling device and methods of use |
USD695909S1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2013-12-17 | Dave Martell | Pool covering system |
US20150152661A1 (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2015-06-04 | William F. Scullin | Solar Powered Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Reel Assembly and Control System Driven by a Mini Direct Current (DC) Motor |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9187289B1 (en) | Apparatus for lifting and supporting an item for holding windable material | |
JP5578213B2 (en) | Carry-in / out device | |
US20070176158A1 (en) | Portable safety barrier | |
US20070125599A1 (en) | Mast lift machine | |
US8931724B2 (en) | Device for handling spool of windable material | |
US20080302601A1 (en) | Lift assembly | |
US8316994B1 (en) | Battery powered vertical lift assembly | |
US20030080236A1 (en) | Rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus | |
US20180127998A1 (en) | Automatic Portable Deployer for Pool Covers | |
US8702030B1 (en) | Above-ground pool wall installation apparatus and method | |
US20240010300A1 (en) | Automated cover support and method | |
US4718564A (en) | Portable construction hoist | |
CN109132732B (en) | Winding and unwinding device for field line erection | |
WO2016072239A1 (en) | Balloon storage box, balloon transportation device, and method for releasing anchored balloons | |
US6575184B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for single handed erection of large tents | |
CN113544079A (en) | Crane and cable drum thereof | |
US20170137265A1 (en) | Portable Apparatus For Lifting Objects | |
US20170120934A1 (en) | Winch for Water Sports and Other Uses | |
CA3015983C (en) | Smartflag | |
US20010050263A1 (en) | Vinyl lifting crane and method | |
CN216740609U (en) | Multipurpose lifting equipment for building engineering service | |
US20220240497A1 (en) | Extendable hunting stand with movable platform | |
US20230413780A1 (en) | Pet tether | |
US11970371B2 (en) | Crane and cable drum unit for same | |
JPH09163479A (en) | Microphone stand |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: T-STAR ENTERPRISES INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TUNGGAL, HANAFI;REEL/FRAME:049864/0642 Effective date: 20190711 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: S.R. SMITH, LLC, OREGON Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:T-STAR ENTERPRISES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:050006/0729 Effective date: 20190712 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:S.R. SMITH, LLC;REEL/FRAME:050216/0491 Effective date: 20190712 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HSBC BANK USA, N.A., NEW YORK Free format text: SUPPLEMENTAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:CUSTOM MOLDED PRODUCTS, LLC;S.R. SMITH, LLC;ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC;REEL/FRAME:058902/0855 Effective date: 20220127 |