US3412409A - Sectional swimming pool cover - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 26, 1968 H. E. PUTNEY SECTIONAL SWIMMING POOL COVER 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 30, 1965 Fig.

Fig. 2

Harry E. Pulney INVENTOR. m

Nov. 26, 1968 H. E. PUTNEY 'SECTIONAL SWIMMING POOL COVER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 30, 1965 R. m m 0 V M E H 1968 H. E. PUTNEY 3,412,409

SECTIONAL SWIMMING POOL COVER Filed Dec. 50, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Harry E. Pu/ney INVENTOR.

Nov. 26, 1968 Y H. P T E 3,412,409

SECTIONAL swmmmc POOL COVER Filed Dec, 50, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Harry 1 Pu/nay INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,412,409 SECTIONAL SWIMMING POOL COVER Harry E. Putney, 1234 E. Circle Drive, Tucson, Ariz. 85719 Filed Dec. 30, 1965, Ser. No. 517,761 6 Claims. (Cl. 4172) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A swimming pool cover comprising a number of removable interconnecting sections maintained in abutting relation by a framework. The cover is maintained in substantially coplanar relation with respect to the top peripheral pool edge by means of flotation members interposed between the undersurface of the pool cover and the water surface.

The present invention generally relates to a swimming pool cover and more specifically to a swimming pool cover that is constructed in sections with the sections each covering a portion of the swimming pool and having the junctures between the sections supported by a float assembly and the outer edges of the sections joined to the periphery of the swimming pool for support thereby.

An object of the invention is to provide a sectional swimming pool cover of relatively light weight construction having a float assembly for supporting the interconnected corners of the sections together at the center of the pool together with locking arrangements for locking the outer periphery of the sections to the side wall area of the pool thus not only protecting the pool from debris, dust and the like but will also prevent children and animals from accidentally drowning when the cover is in place.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a sectional pool cover in which the adjacent corners of the sections are supported in the pool by a float assembly in the form of a single large float bridging the juncture between adjacent sections and being invertible so that a contoured lower surface may be used as a floating chair, lounge or the like in the pool.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a sectional swimming pool cover in which the corners of adjacent sections are supported by a float assembly in the form of a plurality of individual float sections attached to the individual pool cover sections together with interlocking means connected with the floats so that when the floats are assembled, the individual floats will be interlocked as well as the pool cover sections in order to prevent relative vertical movement therebetween.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sectional swimming pool cover in accordance with the preceding object in which the individual floats are detachably supported from the pool cover sections so that the floats may alternatively be used as a support for a contoured chaise lounge or the like so that the lounge may float on the surface of the pool.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a sectional swimming pool cover having a unique locking arrangement for attachment of the outer edge of the sections to the edge of the pool together with a novel tool for actuating the locking device thus rendering the cover permanently attached to the sides of the pool until such time as the locking devices are actuated by the special tool.

Yet another important feature of the present invention is to provide a sectional swimming pool cover which is relatively simple in construction, lightweight, long lasting, easy to install and remove, capable of being used as a sunshade or cabana, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerials refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a swimming pool with the sectional swimming pool cover of the present invention incorporated thereon;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the construction of FIGURE 1 with portions of the swimming pool wall broken away illustrating the relationship of the float assemblies to the sections of the swimming pool cover;

FIGURE 3 is a partial bottom plan view taken generally along reference line 33 of FIGURE 2 with one of the float assemblies removed illustrating the relationship of the float assemblies to the swimming pool sections;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 44 of FIGURE 1 with portions thereof in elevation illustrating the contoured undersurface of the float and the manner of interconnecting the corners of the swimming pool sections;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmental perspective view illustrating the manner in which the corners of adjacent sections are interconnected and supported by the float;

FIGURE 6 is a bottom plan view, with portions broken away illustrating a modified form of float assembly in which each pool section is provided with an individual float;

FIGURE 7 is a plan view of an individual detachable float;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view with parts removed illustrating the manner in which the individual floats are detachably supported in the pool cover sections and interlocked in relation to each other;

FIGURE 9 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 99 illus trating the locking device for the perphery of the swimming pool cover sections and the tool for actuating the locking device;

FIGURE 10 is a detailed sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 1010 of FIGURE 9 illustrating further structural details of the locking device;

FIGURE 11 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along section line 1111 of FIGURE 10 illustrating further structural details of the locking device and the association of the tool for operating the locking device;

FIGURE 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the locking device and tool for operating the same;

FIGURE 13 is a fragmental section view illustrating a modified frame construction for use with a swimming pool having a different type of peripheral wall or deck;

FIGURE 14 is a plan view of a chaise lounge employing the floats illustrated in FIGURES 68;

FIGURE 15 is a side elevational view of the construction of FIGURE 14; and

FIGURE 16 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 16-16 of FIGURE 14 illustrating the manner in which the floats are associated with the frame of the chaise lounge.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, the numeral 10 generally designates the sectional swimming pool cover of the present invention which, as illustrated in FIGURE 1, includes a plurality of individual section 12. It is pointed out that the number, shape and size of each section may vary depending upon the size, shape and configuration of the swimming pool itself. The swimming pool has a peripheral edge or wall 14 which usually is curved in the form of a coping surface 16 and the like. Further, the swimming pool is provided with a water supply 18 therein which is maintained at a predetermined level.

Each section 12 of the swimming pool cover includes a peripheral framework in the form of tubular elements 20 which may be provided with suitable bracing 22 or the like at the corners thereof. Overlying the framework 20 is a flexible covering of canvas, plastic or the like 24. The periphery of the flexible covering 24 overlies the framework 20 and is secured thereto by a securing strip 26 and any suitable fasteners or the like. Also, the periphery of the flexible covering 24 extends beyond the framework 20 as indicated by the numeral 28 to form sealing flaps so that when the sections 12 are engaged in abutting relations, the flaps 28 will serve to completely close the pool surface to eliminate debris, trash, dust and the like from the pool thus forming a complete cover for the swimming pool area. The framework may constructed of any suitable material such as square hollow aluminum tubing, round tubing or the like and the strap 26 may be of similar aluminum material and secured to the framework. 20 in any suitable manner such as by rivets, screw fasteners, pop rivets and the like. The external peripheral edge of each section may be contoured or curved to fit the particular configuration of the pool wall 14.

As illustrated in FIGURE 5, the adjacent corners of adjacent sections 12 are supported by an enlarged float 30 in the form of a parallelepiped body of buoyant material in the form of cork, expanded foam plastic or the like. The undersurface of the float 30 is provided with a hollowed out area 32 which is contoured or formed in any suitable configuration so that when the float is not being used to support the swimming pool sections, it may be inverted and used as a lounge or float in any suitable manner.

Bonded to the upper surface of the float 30 by any suitable means, there is provided a cross-shaped connector generally designated by the numeral 34 and being formed by a plurality of channel-shaped members 36 each of which defines perpendicularly arranged inwardly opening channels or grooves 38 for forming a socket for the reception of the corners of each framework 20 as illustrated specifically in FIGURE 5 with one framework 20 being received in its socket and the other three frameworks being removed. Thus, the float 30 having the connector 34 thereon will be supported in the water 18 and will correspondingly receive and support the corners of the adjacent sections 12 of the swimming pool cover.

In order to interconnect the float with at least one framework 20, the connector 30 is provided with a top plate 40 having an aperture 42 therein for receiving a lock pin 44 which extends down through the plate 40, channel 36 and framework 20. The pin 44 is tethered to the framework 20 by a suitable flexible chain, cable or the like 46. Only one lock pin is needed to position the float 30 in relation to the initially installed swimming pool cover section so that the float and connector 34 will be retained in position for receiving the other sections of the pool cover.

Thus, with this construction, the pool cover sections may be of any shape and configuration on the exterior edge thereof but should have perpendicular side edges at the abutting adjacent corners for reception in the connector thus joining each of the pool sections to the float so that the pool sections will have adequate support and the float actually may be used as a float or as a lounge or the like when the pool cover has been removed and the float inverted.

For attaching the outer periphery of each pool section 12 to the swimming pool wall 14, a locking device is provided and which locks the pool cover sections 12 into suitable sockets 52 formed in the swimming pool wall 14. The sockets 52 will have drain openings 54 associated therewith to prevent accumulation of water therein. Also, the sockets 52 may be formed in any suitable manner such as directly in concrete or provided with a rigid cylindrical metal sleeve liner or the like. As illustrated in FIGURES 9-12, the edging or coping forming the pool wall 14 is provided with a notch or recess 56 which fits and receives the peripheral framework 20 as illustrated. Attached to the framework 20 and extending laterally outwardly over the socket 52 is a panel or plate 58 that is secured to the framework 20 by fasteners 60 which also serve to secure the flexible panel 24 and strip 26 thereto. The plate 58 may be in the form of a continuous panel or may be an interrupted structure such as individual straps, brackets or the like. As illustrated, the continuous plate or panel has a depending outer flange 62 conforming with the surface of the coping 16 thus forming a peripheral seal for the swimming pool cover. The continuous panel 58 is provided with openings 64 for alignment with the sockets 52 for receiving the locking device 50.

The locking device 50 includes a tubular rigid sleeve 66 having a hollow bore 70 communicating with the upper end and terminating in spaced relation to the bottom end. A fastening bolt 72 extends through the bore 70 and also pnojects below the sleeve 66 and has a threaded lower end 74 and a rounded head 76 on the upper end. A compression coil spring 78 encircles the bolt 72 and has the upper end underlying the head 76 and has the lower end abuttingly engaging the bottom of the bore 70. A screw threaded nut 80 is mounted on the threaded lower end 74 of the bolt 72 and a washer 82 is engaged with the upper surface of the nut 80. Between the washer 80 and the lower end of the sleeve 86 is an axially compressible resilient sleeve 84 constructed of rubber or the like which has a normal diameter generally equal to the diameter of the sleeve 66 so that the rubber sleeve 84 and the sleeve 66 may be inserted into the socket 52. Thereafter, compression of the rubber sleeve 84 will cause radial expansion thereof thus grippingly locking the rubber sleeve 84 with the internal surface of the socket 52 thereby locking the locking device 50 to the pool wall 14.

The upper end of the locking sleeve 66 is provided with a pair of flanges 86 and 88 which are spaced from each other thus defining a peripheral groove 89. The flange 86 rests against the upper surface of the panel 58 in encircling relation to the aperture 64 thus holding the panel 58 downwardly against the pool wall.

In the normal condition of the spring 78, the nut 80 is initially tightened to such an extent that the force of the spring will axially compress the rubber sleeve 84 to lock it against the wall of the socket 52. In order to move the bolt 72 downwardly as seen in FIGURE 10, a special tool 90 is provided which will exert a longitudinal force on the bolt 72 thus relieving compression of the rubber sleeve 84 thus allowing the sleeve 84 to contract into its normal condition thereby releasing the sleeve 84 from the socket 52. The special tool 90 includes a horizontally disposed plate 92 having a centrally disposed screw threaded aperture or a nut 94 welded thereto in any suitable manner. A pair of downwardly and inwardly converging legs 96 are connected to the plate 92 and are interconnected by a connecting plate 98 having a U-shaped notch 100 communicating with one edge thereof with the width of the notch being substantially equal to the diameter of the sleeve between the flanges 86 and 88. The thickness of the plate 98 is also substantially equal to the width of the groove 89 so that the tool 90 may be connected with the locking device 50 by laterally sliding the edges of the notch 100 in the groove 89 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 11.

Threaded through the plate 92 is a threaded member 102 having an abutement 104 on the lower end thereof which has a concave lower surface for engagement with the convexly rounded head 76 of the bolt 72 for retaining the threaded member 102 and the bolt 72 generally in alignment. The upper end of the threaded member 102 is provided with a transversely extending T-handle 106 so that the threaded member 102 may be manually rotated. Thus, with the tool 90 associated with the locking device 50, the handle 106 may be rotated in a clockwise manner to exertlongitudinal force on the bolt 72 and move the bolt 72 inwardly or downwardly in relation to the sleeve 66 thus relaxing the compressive forces exerted on the ends of the sleeve 84 thereby allowing the rubber sleeve 84 to contract for removal of the locking device or initial insertion of the locking device. After the locking device has been inserted into the socket 52, the handle 106 may obviously be rotated in a counterclockwise manner thus allowing the bolt 72 to move upwardly under the influence of the compression spring 78 thus axially compressing the rubber sleeve 84 and grippingly engaging the rubber sleeve 84 with the internal surface of the socket 52. This locking device prevents unauthorized removal of the swimming pool cover sections and once the tool 98 has been disengaged from the locking device, the locking device 50 will be substantially permanently installed.

FIGURE 13 illustrates a similar structure except that the framework 20 rests on the smooth upper surface 16' of the top surface of the pool wall 14' with the socket 52 operating in the same manner and the locking device 50' operating in the same manner except that it is inserted down through a large opening 108 in the framework 20' and the associated fabric and retaining strip.

FIGURES 6-7 illustrate a modified form of float assembly 110 including a plurality of individual float bodies 112 of the same material as the float body 30 or any other similar material. Attached to the upper face of the float body 112 is a solid plate-like structure 114 which may be in the form of rigid plastic, sheet metal or the like and the plate structure 114 is bonded to the body 112 in any suitable manner. As illustrated, the plate 114 extends beyond the peripheral edges of the float body 112 and one edge of the plate 114 is provided with a generally semicircular projecting tongue 116 centrally located on the edge and an adjacent edge of the plate is provided with a corresponding semi-circular notch or recess 118 which has a depth slightly greater than the distance between the edge of the plate 114 and the float body 112 thus forming a pocket for the tip end of a tongue 116 when the floats are arranged in perpendicular relation as illustrated in FIG- URES 6 and 8.

This float assembly is used with swimming pool cover sections including a framework 120 which corresponds with the framework 20, bracing 122, cover member 124 and securing strips 126 all of which correspond with the structure illustrated in FIGURES 1-4. Attached to the other surface of the framework 120 at the corner thereof is a pair of channels 128 which open towards each other and are parallel to each other and are parallel to one edge of the framework 120 and perpendicular to the other edge thereof. The ends of the channels 128 remote from the edge of the framework 120 are interconnected by a stop member 130 thus forming a channel shaped trackway for receiving the edges of the plate 114 so that when the plates 114 are slid into the facing channels, the tab or tongue 116 will project laterally from the edge of the framework 120. As illustrated in FIGURE 8, the channel 128 which is parallel with and adjacent the edge of the framework is defined by an angle iron member 132 rather than a U-shaped channel member with the edge of the angle iron member being secured to the framework 120.

With the channel shaped arrangements defining the trackways orientated in the manner illustrated in FIG- URE 6, the floats 112 are orientated with the notch 118 disposed against the angle iron member 132 and the tongue 116 projecting from the other edge of the frame 120. As illustrated in FIGURE 6, the angle iron mem her 132 is provided with an opening 134 which enables passage of the tongue 116 therethrough and into the notch 118 so that it is received above the top edge of the float 112. Thus, the float members 112 and the corresponding plates 114 and the corresponding frameworks land the corresponding sections of the pool cover are all interconnected to prevent relative vertical movement in relation to each other. Also, a lock pin 136 may be dropped through each of the float plates 114 by virtue of an aperture 138 being provided in the plate 114 thus enabling the floats 112 to be secured to the individual pool cover sections for easy interlocking engagement thereof. Also, the removable pin 138 enables the floats 112 with their plates 114 attached thereto to be readily detached from the individual pool sections.

This enables the pool cover sections -to be employed as a sunshade or cabana inasmuch as the sockets 52 and supporting poles having locking devices corresponding to the locking devices 50 thereon may be employed for supporting the pool cover sections in elevated position either in relation to the pool itself or in relation to a portion of the side area of the pool.

The float 30 is also usable as a lounge and the floats 112 are also capable of use in supporting a chaise lounge assembly generally designated by the numeral 140 and illustrated in FIGURES 14-16 in which the floats are designated by the numeral 112 since they are the same floats as are attached to the swimming pool sections. The floats 112 have their plates 114 attached thereto and also the tongues 116 which have no particular function when used as a chaise lounge.

The chaise lounge 140 includes a pair of parallel frame elements 142 interconnected by end frame elements 144 and intermediate frame elements may be provided as required. Thus, a peripheral frame is provided with a mesh material 146 being attached thereto in any suitable manner and as illustrated in FIGURE 16, the peripheral frame is a hollow tubular member 148 which may have the same shape and configuration as the framework 20 or 120. The outer periphery of the framework 140 is provided with an angle iron member 150 attached thereto in any suitable manner and provided with a bottom flange 152 spaced from the tubular framework 148 thus forming a trackway for receiving the edges of the float plate 114 thereby enabling interlocking engagement between the float plate 128 and the framework defining the chaise lounge 140. The tubular frame member 148 is provided with apertures for receiving a fastening pin 154 which also extends through the opening 138 in the plate 114 in a corresponding opening in the flange 152 and the pin 154 may be provided with a suitable keeper 156 to detachably secure the pin 154 in place thus detachably securing the float 112 in place. As illustrated, the chaise lounge 140 has the end portions thereof orientated in an angular orientation with the central portion thereof also offset to provide a contour chaise lounge. This configuration and shape may be varied as may the configuration and shape of the peripheral framework. Also, flexible plastic straps or any suitable mesh or netting material may be employed between the framework components to provide a chaise lounge of suitable construction so that a person may float on or partially in the water while reclining on the chaise lounge for purposes of reading, sunbathing and the like.

In some pools, only four pool cover sections are necessary in which event only one float assembly would be employed. When the pool is being used, either type of float assembly may be used and the pool cover sections may be used either as a sunshade, cabana or even used as a dressing area if orientated in a vertical arrangement. Also, in odd shaped pools, the outer peripheral edges of the pool cover sections may conform with the periphery of the pool and Where pool ladders and the like are provided in the pool, the framework and the flexible cover material may be orientated in such a manner that the flaps will seal around the ladder stiles and the like. The pool cover sections may be adapted to engage or interfit with various pool deckings or copings, suitable handles may be provided on the pool cover sections for easier handling thereof as deemed necessary. As pointed out previously, the various pool cover sections may be supported in elevated position by using supporting poles such as aluminum or the like inserted into the sockets 52 with a similar locking arrangement being provided on the bottom ends of the supporting poles or posts thus rendering the device highly utilitarian for various purposes. All of the metal components are constructed of non-corrosive long lasting material to prolong the useful life of the device. When the plate 58 is in the form of a separate strap or bracket, it is preferably in the form of a washer with or without a depending foot or flange 62 on one side thereof and being free of the frame member 20 and the fastener 60 thus reducing the weight and cost of the cover and the fitting of the frame within the coping would be an adequate seal.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A swimming pool cover comprising a plurality of cover sections having at least one right angle corner so that when a plurality of sections are disposed in covering relation to a swimming pool, such corners will be disposed in abutting engagement, a float assembly floatingly supported in the pool and supporting the cover sections at the corners thereof disposed inwardly of the periphery of the pool, said float assembly including a plurality of bodies of buoyant material, a plate on the upper surface of each of said bodies and extending beyond the periphery thereof, each swimming pool cover section having a framework, spaced guide channels mounted on said framework with the guide channels being parallel to one edge of the corner of the framework, said plates on the float bodies being slidably received in said guide channels.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said plates on the float bodies include means interengaging with adjacent plates for preventing relative vertical and lateral movement in one direction between the float bodies.

3. The structure as defined in claim 1 together with a chaise lounge having spaced pairs of channel guides thereon for receiving the plates of a plurality of float bodies whereby the float bodies may be used to support the chaise lounge.

4. A swimming pool cover comprising a plurality of cover sections having at least one right angle corner so that when a plurality of sections are disposed in covering relation to a swimming pool, such corners will be disposed in abutting engagement, a float assembly floatingly supported in the pool and supporting the cover sections at the corners thereof disposed inwardly of the periphery of the pool, each swimming pool section including a framework, said float assembly including an enlarged body of buoyant material, a connector means connected with one surface of the body and including laterally opening sockets for receiving the corner portion of the framework of a plurality of swimming pool cover sections, and means locking the body to one of said sections.

5. A swimming pool cover comprising a plurality of removable interconnecting sections, means for retaining said sections in abutting relation, a plurality of float means disposed inwardly of the pool periphery and in underlying relation to said sections thereby rendering vertically upward support thereto, each swimming pool cover section includes a framework, said float means including an enlarged body of buoyant material, a connector means connected with one surface of the body and including laterally opening sockets for receiving the corner portion of the framework of a plurality of swimming pool cover sections, and means for locking the body to one of said sections.

6. A swimming pool cover comprising a plurality of removable interconnecting sections, means for retaining said sections in abutting relation, a plurality of float means disposed inwardly of the pool periphery and in underlying relation to said sections thereby rendering vertically upward support thereto, said float means includes a plurality of bodies of buoyant material, a plate on the upper surface of each of said bodies and extending beyond the periphery thereof, each swimming pool cover section having a framework, spaced guide channels mounted on said framework, said plates on the float bodies being slidably received in said guide channels.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,958,872 11/1960 Meyer 4172 3,038,171 6/1962 Bartolucci et a1 4-172 3,052,893 9/1962 McClure 4172 3,091,777 6/1963 Pearlson 4172 3,148,383 9/1964 Bartolucci et al 4172 3,148,384 9/1964 Bartolucci et al 4172 3,241,157 3/1966 Baker et a1. 4172 3,242,503 3/1966 Russo 4172 LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

H. K. ARTIS, Assistant Examiner.

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