US3822420A

US3822420A - Cover for swimming pools and the like

Info

Publication number: US3822420A
Application number: US00359076A
Authority: US
Inventors: S Kindness
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-05-10
Filing date: 1973-05-10
Publication date: 1974-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-09

Abstract

A cover for swimming pools and the like comprising two pitched sections mounted on wheels is disclosed. The pitched sections are formed of lightweight structural components covered with lightweight sheet material. Manual or power driven means are provided for rolling the sections back from the pool so as to entirely expose the surface of the liquid in the pool. In addition, manual or power driven means may be provided for moving the sections to a position where they cover the entire surface of the pool. In one alternate embodiment the sections are raised through an angle of approximately 90* after being fully or partially rolled back from their pool covering positions. In another alternate embodiment, the cover sections are formed in a telescoping manner so that they can be collapsed in size prior to being rolled back from their positions over the pool.

Description

nited States "Patent [191 Kindness Q [in 3, 22,420 [451 July 9, 1974 [54] COVER FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE Inventor: Stanley A. Kindness, 1327 Michigan ,SL, Oshkosh, Wis. 54901 [22] Filed: May 10, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 359,076

[52] US. Cl. 4/l72.l4

[51] Int. Cl E04h 3/16, E04h 3/18 [58] Field of Search 4/172, 172.11, 172.12, I 4/ 172.14

[56] References Cited,

UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,848,722 8/1958 Choporis 4/l72.l4

2,912,703 11/1959 Murphy 4/172.ll

3,002,195 10/1961 Prudek 4/l72.ll I

3,093,834 6/1963 Watkins 4/l72.1l

3,094,710 6/1963 Hoke 4/l72.ll

3,209,373 10/1965 .Meredith et al. 4/l72.l1

Bender 4/172. 14'

Primary ExaminerH enry-K. Artis Attorney, Agent, or FirmGary S. Kindness [5 7] ABSTRACT A cover for swimming pools and the like comprising two pitched sections mounted on wheels is disclosed. The pitched sections are formed of lightweight structural components covered with lightweight sheet material. Manual or power driven means are provided for rolling the sections back from the pool so as to entirely'expose the surface of the liquid in the pool. In addition, manual or power driven means may be provided for moving the sections to a position where they cover the entire surface of the pool; In one alternate embodiment the sections are raised through an angle .of approximately 90 after being fully or partially rolled backfrom their pool covering positions. In another alternate embodiment, the cover sections are formed in a telescoping manner so that they can be collapsed in size prior to being rolled back from their positions over the pool.

'23 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJuL 91914 sum 2 or 4' PAT ENTEDJUL 91 914 SHEEHHIFd 1 COVER FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to covers and more particularly covers for covering Containers that have a large uncovered surface when in use, such as swimming pools and the like.

While a wide variety of covers for covering large, normally open areas, such as swimming pools and the like, have been proposed, generally they have been found to be relatively unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons. Many of them are extremely complicated mechanically and, thus, unduly expensive to manufacture and maintain. Others are difficult to use.

In the latter regard, for example, many pool covers have been proposed which either rest on or are supported by the liquid in the pool. These covers are usually formed of a flexible plastic or plastic-like material. When it is desired to open the pool these covers are removed. If the cover is covering a relatively small pool, it is not particularly difficult to remove. However, if it is covering a relatively large pool, its removal is difficult for a variety of reasons. More specifically, if it has rained prior to the removal of the cover and if rain water is sitting on the cover (which frequently occurs because the cover lies in a depression above the pool water), the rain water must be removed prior to removal, of the cover both because it is heavy and thus makes the cover difficult to move and because the water causes the plastic to stick together if the cover is rolled up or folded and allowed to lay in the hot sun.

Not only must the rain water be removed, the top of the cover must be allowed to thoroughly dry before the cover can be drawn back. In addition, because the cover has been resting on the water, its under surface is wet. Thus, the under surface must be allowed to dry in sections as the cover is removed or the cover must be entirely removed and allowed to lie in an open area in an expanded state until dry before it can be rolled or folded up. Because the removal of these types of covers is very often time consuming, they are only utilized over the winter period, in most cases. Even if the forenoted problems could be solved these types of covers are still undesirable because when such covers cover a relatively large pool, such as one 20 feet by 40 feet, they are heavy, even though formed of relatively thin materials. Thus, they are difficult to manage. Further, these covers tend to deteriorate within a few years and, thus, must be frequently replaced.

Another problem with prior art pool covers of a more rigid nature relates to their lack of pitch. Because they lack pitch, water and other materials tend to lie on the surface of these covers. The water not only adds weight to the covers and tends to structurally distort them, in many cases, the water runs into the pool when the cover is removed which, of course, is undesirable. Moreover, when this surface water runs into the pool, it tends to carry other materials, such as leaves, dirt and other debris into the pool.

One proposal to solve some of the foregoing problems has been to utilize pneumatically supported pool covers. These covers include pressurized support means which, in turn, support a low level pool cover. While solving some of the above noted problems, these devices also have certain disadvantages. For example,

if the pool is large, these types of covers are unduly heavy making it difficult for two people, for example, to remove them. Moreover, they must be pressurized and depressurized each time they are used which makes their use time consuming and, thus, makes them undesirable. Moreover, even though they include some type of pneumatic support they often sag in a manner such that they allow water to rest in pockets.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved cover.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved cover for swimming pools and the like.

and improved pool cover which is designed so as to prevent water from resting on the cover when the cover is covering the pool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with principles of this invention a cover for swimming pools and the like comprising at least one pitched section mounted on wheels is disclosed. The pitched section is formed of lightweight structural components covered with lightweight sheet material. Manual or power driven means are provided for rolling the section back from the pool so as to entirely expose the surface of the liquid in the pool. In addition, manual or power means may be provided for moving the section to a position where it covers the entire surface of the pool.

In accordance with further principles of this invention, two pitched sections are used. The pitched sections face one another in a manner such that a crown is created between the two sections when the sections are moved together over a pool.

In accordance with other principles of this invention, the mechanical means provided for rolling the sections back from the pool comprise at least one post and 21 cable. The post is mounted in a position remote from the section to which it is related and a cable runs between the section and the post. Mounted on or connected to the post are means for decreasing the length of the cable so as to roll the related section from the pool toward the post. The means for decreasing the length of the section may comprise either a manual or power driven winch mechanism. In accordance with an alter nate principle, two poles are utilized with respect to either section and cables are run from the section to the poles. These cables are joined together so that a single means can be utilized to decrease the length of both cables simultaneously.

In accordance with a further alternative principle of this invention, located at the base of the poles is a mechanism adapted to prevent further rolling motion of the sections as they are withdrawn. The base mechanism is adapted to rotate so that after the sections impinge on the base mechanism, the sections are raised upwardly as the length of the cable is further decreased.

In accordance with yet other principles of this invention, mechanical or power driven means are provided for moving the sections from a position where they do not cover, or only partially cover, the pool to a position 3 where they cover the entire pool. Preferably, said means comprises a further mechanical or power driven means in combination with a cable.

In accordance with an alternate principle of this invention, the means for rolling the sections toward or back from the pool comprise a manual or power driven means attached directly to the sections.

In accordance with yet further alternate principles of this invention, each section is telescopically formed so that the sections decrease theirsize prior to being withdrawn from a position covering the pool.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing brief summary that a cover suitable for covering swimming pools and the like, particularly below ground level swimming pools, is provided by the invention. Because the section or sections making up the cover are pitched, water and other debris does not lie on the upper surface of the sections. Because the sections are covered with a relatively stiff sheet material, the ability of water to rest on the upper surface of the sections is further reduced. Moreover, because the sections are lightweight and are mounted on wheels, they are easily movable rearwardly from the pool even though the sections are relatively large. Further, because the different mechanical or manual means for rolling the pool covers either over the pool or away therefrom are relatively uncomplicated, they are suitable for relatively long, maintenance free use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a pictorial diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial diagram of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention drawn back to expose the surface of a pool;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram of one mechanism for manually rolling back pool sections of the type illustrated in FIGS. l-3; j

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pool section withdrawn to the base of a post prior to being raised;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a section of a pool withdrawn to a position adjacent a post and partially raised;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional diagram of a pool section of the type illustrated in FIGS. 13 illustrating means for manually or mechanically moving the pool cover section from a non-covering position to a covering position;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an alternate embodiment of the invention that includes means attached to the sections for moving the sections either over a pool or away therefrom;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional diagram along line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a telescoping embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10; and,

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view along line l2l2 of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention which comprises first and

second pool sections

21 and 23 adapted to cover a large open area such as the surface of a swimming pool 25 or the like. The sections comprise longitudinal frame members 29 joined together by vertical frame members 27, base frame members 28 and roof frame members 30. The vertical, base and roof frame members essentially form right triangles whose corners are joined by the longitudinal frame members 29 as seen in FIG. 2. Preferably, the

frame members

27, 28, 29 and 30 are formed of aluminum. These members may be aluminum channel, I-beams or angles, as desired. In addition, roof support strips 31, also preferably formed of aluminum, extend longitudinally across the roof frame members 30.

Attached to the roof support strips are sheets of a relatively rigid, lightweight cover material, such as corrugated plastic or fiberglass sheets, for example. That is, the roof support strips 31 are preferably covered by lightweight stiff panels of the type commonly used to cover sun porches and the like. These panels, because of their corrugations, have high strength to weigh ratios and are suitable for covering large areas. Thus, the basic sections are lightweight covers that are right triangular in cross section. Because their roofs are pitched water does not rest thereon but immediately runs off. Similar panels also enclose the ends of the sections. And, a ridge cap 34 (FIG. 3) attached to one section covers the joint between the two sections when they are in their pool covering positions.

Located near the four corners of each

section

21 and 23 are four wheels 35 two on either end. As best seen in FIG. 3, the wheels 35 raise the sections such that the base of the sections are slightly above ground level. The wheels lie at either end of the pool and support the sections as they are rolled toward and away from their covering position over the pool.

While two individuals, one on either end, can easily roll the sections back and forth over the pool, the invention provides manualor power operated mechanisms which greatly decrease the effort necessary and allow one person to move the sections. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a plurality of posts 37 form a portion of the invention. Two posts (one could be used for a smaller embodiment of the invention) are associated with each

section

21 or 23. The posts are mounted in parallel in a position such that there is a separation space 38 between the posts and the adjacent edge of a section when the sections cover the pool. Spreader bars 40 are mounted between each pair of posts 37 as seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.

Cables 39 run from the sections to the poles. At one end the cables 39 are fixedly attached to the roofs of the sections by coupling blocks 41. The cables run over upper sheaves 43 mounted adjacent to the tops of the posts 37 on the sides thereof exterior to the spreader bars 40. While independent manual or power driven mechanisms could be utilized to rotate a winch attached to each pole and, thus, shorten the cables one at a time to draw each section rearwardly away from its pool Covering position, preferably, a single mechanism is utilized to withdraw simultaneously both cables attached to the same pool cover section. The mechanism for accomplishing this result is illustrated in FIG. 4.

More specifically, the cable on the right as illustrated in FIG. 4 first passes over the upper sheave 43 adjacent to the top of the right post. Thereafter, that cable drops downwardly and passes over a lower sheave 44 located on the side of the post remote from the associated cover section. The cable then runs toward the left post and passes over a lower sheave 46 located on the side of that post remote from the associated cover section. The cable. then passes downwardly over one sheave of a set of double sheaves 48 mounted on the same side of the left post. In addition, the cable on the left side, as illustrated in FIG. 4, drops downwardly from its associated upper sheave 43 and passes over the other sheave of the set of double sheaves 48. These two cables are then run toward the right post 37 and are attached together and to a control cable 47 at a suitable point 45.

The control cable 47 is wound about a winch drum 6 Y cables 39 will provide an adequate holding force if they are locked by a rachet mechanism forming a portion of the winch drum 49.

When it is desired to enclose the pool and the cover sections are in a generally vertical position, the drum 49 is slowly rotated in a reverse (counterclockwise) direction and the cover sections rotate downwardly until the wheels rest on the ground. Thereafter, the covers may be manually pushed to a closed position. Alternatively, a mechanism of the type illustrated in FIG. 7 can be used to mechanically return the covers to their closed position. More specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates a cable 61 that is attached to the edge of the pool parallel to the associated cover section at a point 63. This cable passes over a set of

sheaves

65 and 67 located toward the rear edge of the cover section. The cable then passes across the top of the cover and is wound about a winch drum 69. When the cover is removed from the pool, the cable 61 is played out, i.e., it extends. When it is desired to close the pool, the drum 69 upon which the cable is wound is rotated to wind the extended 49 which is illustrated as being operated by a handle 51 but which could also be power operated. When the handle 51 is rotated in a clockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 4, the control cable 47 is wound onto the drum 49. This action causes the cables 39 to move in the direction illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 4. This movement causes the associated cover section to be withdrawn in the direction of the arrow illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, a mechanical mechanism suitable for easy withdrawal of the cover sections is provided by the invention.

While in some environments, swimming pools and the like have an adequate area surrounding them to allow the pool cover of the invention to merely be withdrawn and adequate space remain for access to the pool, in some instances, such an area is not available. Thus, if the pool cover is merely withdrawn, a portion of the pool will remain covered. As hereinafter de' scribed, the invention provides two different mechanisms for overcoming this problem. On such mechanism is illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7 andthe other is illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and I2. 7

FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate an L-shaped element 53, herein referred to as a foot, located at the base of each post 37. Each foot includes a lip 55 that extends under the rear edge of a cover section when it has been withdrawn to a position adjacent the foot. Each foot 53 also includes a back 57 that rests against the rear edge of a cover section when the lip is under the section. When in this position, movement of the cover section in the direction of the arrow illustrated in FIG. 3 stops. If additional force is applied to the cables 39, the foot 53 starts to rotate about a pivot point 59 located at the point where the back 57 and the lip 55 intersect. As the cables 39 shorten and the foot rotates, the cover section is raised as illustrated in FIG. 17 until it reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 2. At this point, the cover section has rotated through an angle of slightly less than 90 and is almost vertical. Since the cover was first partially withdrawn and then raised access is provided about the entire periphery of the pool.

[I desired, brace rods can be inserted beneath the raised sections to prevent the covers from falling backwardly toward the pool should a force be exerted on them, such as by the wind, for example. However, the

cable thereon. When this occurs, the cable shortens which action causes the cover to move toward the center of the pool. In this manner, a mechanicalarrangement for moving the cover back to its closed position is provided by the invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an alternative mechanism for moving the pool cover toward and away from its pool covering position. More specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates a housing 71 mounted on the rear of the pool cover. The housing 7 I has a crank 73 (FIG. 9) extending outwardly from one side. The shaft 74 of the crank is supported by a pair of L-shaped elements 75 inside of the housing 71. Between the L-shaped elements is a suitable spacer member 76. Attached to the inner end of the shaft 74 of the crank 73 is a gear 77 adapted to drive a toothed belt 79. The other end of the toothed belt 79 passes around a gear 81 mounted on a lower shaft 83. Mounted on the ends of the lower shaft 83 are a pair of toothed wheels 85. The toothed wheels 85 are mounted in toothed racks 87 located at about ground level. When the handle of the crank 73 is rotated in one direction or the other, it causes the toothed belt 79 to move. This action rotates the lower shaft 83 which in turn rotates the toothed wheels 85. Rotation of the toothed wheels 85 causes them to coact with the teeth in the toothed racks 87. This action causes movement in one direction or the other of the associated pool cover.

Obviously, a power driven mechanical device, rather than a manually rotated crank 73 could be utilized to drive the mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 for pool cover movement. Moreover, other types of coupling mechanisms rather than a toothed belt can be utilized, if desired.

While in many instances, raising the cover sections as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 can be utilized where inadequate room for full withdrawal of the cover is not provided, in some environments raising the cover sections may be undesirable. For example, raising the cover may be undesirable in windy climates. In order to overcome this problem, the invention provides an alternate embodiment. The alternate embodiment reduces the size of the pool cover sections prior to withdrawal. FIGS. I", II and I2 illustrate the alternate embodiment.

In essence, the pool cover sections illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 are formed similar to the pool cover sections previously described in that they are formed of lightweight framing material and relatively rigid, but lightweight, cover material preferably of a corrugated nature. However, each cover section is formed in two

parts

91 and 93, rather than a single section. The

parts

91 and 93 are adapted to telescope into one another. Specifically, the first part 91 is located toward the center of the pool and the second part 93 is located toward the edge of the pool when the cover is expanded. A pair of wheels 95 on either end of the first part 91 support that part. Rear wheels 97 support the rear" of the second part and roller wheels 99 (FIG. 12) which ride in suitable channel members 101 mounted on the first part support the front of the second part 93. In addition, further wheels 103 (one near either end) are adapted to ride in horizontal channels 105 supported by and attached to the second part 93, above its roof 94.

Cables 107 (one on either end) run from suitable winch drums 109 mounted near the rear of the channels 105 about sheaves 106 mounted near the front of the channel 105. These cables are fixed attached near the extension support for the further wheels 103 at points 110 and coiled about drums 109. When drums 109 are rotated by a suitable mechanical or power driven means, the cables 107 move point 110 toward or away from drums 109, depending upon the direction of cable movement. This action causes the first part 91 to move over or away from the second part 93 and thus cover or uncover it. Alternatively, depending upon the size of the pool cover, a single cable 107, and a single winch drum 109 could be centered between the channels 105 and used in the same manner.

A second mechanical means 111 mounted at the rear of the second part 93, which may be similar to the mechanical means illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 and previously described, moves both parts toward or away from their pool covering position. Alternatively, a cable mechanism of the type previously described could be utilized. As an alternate to a single winch drums 109 with plural coils of cable wound about their surfaces, two separate winch mechanisms, one adapted to play out while the other withdraws cable could be used.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the invention provides a new and improved pool cover which overcomes the problems of prior art pool covers. Because the mechanism is formed of light weight structural materials, it is not unduly heavy. Moreover, relatively uncomplicated mechanical means, which may be manually operated or power driven, can be utilized to easily withdraw the cover from a position covering a pool or return it to that position. Because the pool cover is easily moved from a covering to a non-covering position or vice versa, it is suitable for frequent use. Moreover, because the mechanism has a pitched roof, rain water and falling debris do not remain on the pool cover. Rather, they slide off. Further, because the pool cover does not need to be folded, any particles of water resting on the cover do not have to be removed therefrom prior to removal of the cover as is required by prior art covers which are folded or rolled up. Moreover, the pool cover is versatile and can be used in a variety of locations including those with wide surrounding areas and in less spacious areas, as previously described.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and others that various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while a rectangular pool has been illustrated, the invention is equally suitable for use with irregularly shaped pools. Also, the cover can be used for covering containers other than swimming pools, even though its primary use is for covering swimming pools. Hence, the invention can be practiced as otherwise than as specifically described herein.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A cover for swimming pools and the like comprismg:

a cover section formed of lightweight structural materials having a roof and at least one side enclosed by stiff lightweight panels, the roof of said section pitched by an amount adequate to allow water to run off; and,

suppoitmeans for supporting said cover section above the upper surface of said swimming pool and the like, said support means allowing said cover section to be rolled between a pool covering position and away therefrom; a second cover section also formed of lightweight structure materials having a roof and at least one side enclosed by stiff lightweight panels, the roof of said section pitched by an amount adequate to allow water to run off; and, second support means for supporting said second cover section above the upper surface of said swimming pool and the like, said support means allowing said second cover section to be rolled between a pool covering position and away therefrom, the cross-sections of said cover section and said second cover section defining generally right triangles with the hypotenuse thereof forming their roofs, said cover sections facing one another along one triangular side so as to form a ridge therebetween when said sections are in their pool covering positions. second cover section also formed of lightweight structural materials having a roof and at least one side enclosed by stiff lightweight panels, the roof of said section pitched by an amount adequate to allow water to run off; and,

a second support means for supporting said second cover section above the upper surface of said swimming pool and the like, said support means allowing said second cover section to be rolled between a pool covering position and away therefrom, the cross-sections of said cover section and said second cover section defining generally right triangles with the hypotenuse thereof forming their roofs, said cover sections facing one another along one triangular side so as to form a ridge therebetween when said sections are in their pool covering positions.

2. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 1 including a mechanical means for withdrawing said cover sections from their pool covering positions.

3. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 2 wherein said mechanical means for withdrawing said cover sections from their pool covering positions comprises:

a post associated with each of said sections;

a cable associated with each of said sections; and,

a winch associated with each of said posts, said cable being fixedly attached toits associated section and running to said winch so as to be wound upon the drum of said winch when said drum is rotated and thereby draw said associated section toward said at least one post.

4. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 3 wherein said winch is a manually operated winch. y

5. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 3 wherein said winch is a power operated winch.

6. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 3 including:

a second post associated with each of said sections so that said post and said second post form a pair of posts associated with each section, each of said pair being equally spaced from their associated section;

a second cable associated with each of said sections,

said second cable being fixedly attached to said associated section at one end and attached together with said first cable to said winch so as to assist in drawing said associated section toward said second post as the drum of said winch is rotated; and,

a spreader bar located between each of said pair of poles.

7. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 6 wherein said winch is a manually operated winch.

8. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 7 wherein said winch is a power operated winch.

9. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 6 including a rotatable L-shaped foot located at the base of each of said posts, said foot adapted to intersect the associated section when said associated section is drawn toward said post by the rotation of said drum of said winch, further rotation of said drum causing said section to rotate about a pivot point formed in said foot.

10. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 9 wherein said winch is a manually operated winch.

H. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 9 wherein said winch is a power operated winch.

12. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 1 including means for moving said cover sections toward their pool covering position.

13. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 12 wherein said means for moving said cover sections toward their pool covering position comprises:

a cable associated with each section attached at one end at a point adjacent an edge of said pool; and,

a winch mounted on the associated section, the other end of said cable being wound about the drum of said winch so as to be extensible therefrom when said associated section is withdrawn from its pool covering position and wound thereon when said associated section is moved to its pool covering position.

a toothed wheel fixedly mounted on said lower shaft;

a toothed rack located beneath the associated cover sectionand extending outwardly therefrom in the direction of movement of said associated cover section, said toothed rack located such that said toothed wheel coacts with said toothed rack; and,

rotating means connected to said lower shaft for rotating said lower shaft. 16. A coverfor swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 15 wherein said rotating means comprises:

an upper shaft attached to said associated section; an upper gear mounted on said upper shaft;

a lower gear mounted on said lower shaft; coupling means for coupling said gears together; and,

means for rotating said upper shaft.

17. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 16 wherein said means for rotating is manual.

18. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 16 wherein said means for rotating is power driven.

19. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sections are telescopic.

20. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 19 wherein said telescopic cover sections are formed of two parts; and including means for moving one part over the other part so as to decrease the width of the overall section by approximately one half.

21. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim '20 wherein said means for moving one part over the other part associated with each section comprises:

a cable; a winch mounted on one part of said associated section; v

a sheave mounted on the same part, said cable running continuously from the drum of said winch about said sheave and being fixedly attached to the other part of said associated section whereby when said drum is rotated in one direction, said other part moves over said one part and whereby when said drum is rotated in the other direction, said other part moves from its position over said one part.

22. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 21 wherein said winch is a manually operated winch.

23. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 21 wherein said winch is a power operated winch.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT N0. 3, 0

DATED July 9, 1974 W W 1 Stanley A. Kindness It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 1 should read:

1. A cover for swimming pools and the like comprising;

a cover section formed of lightweight structural materials having a roof and at least one side enclosed by stiff lightweight panels, the roof of said section pitched by an amount adequate to allow water to run off;

support means for supporting said cover section above the upper surface of said swimming pool and the like, said support means allowing said cover section to be rolled between a pool covering position and away therefrom;

a second cover section also formed of lightweight structural materials having a roof and at least one side enclosed by stiff lightweight panels, the roof of said section pitched by an amount adequate to allow water to run off; and, p

4 Signed and Scaled this A ttest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MAR Arrestin Offi SHALL DANN nmmissiuner oflalents and Trademarks

Claims

1. A cover for swimming pools and the like comprising: a cover section formed of lightweight structural materials having a roof and at least one side enclosed by stiff lightweight panels, the roof of said section pitched by an amount adequate to allow water to run off, support means for supporting said cover section above the upper surface of said swimming pool and the like, said support means allowing said cover section to be rolled between a pool covering position and away therefrom, a second cover section also formed of lightweight structure materials having a roof and at least one side enclosed by stiff lightweight panels, the roof of said section pitched by an amount adequate to allow water to run off; and, a second support means for supporting said second cover section above the upper surface of said swimming pool and the like, said support means allowing said second cover section to be rolled between a pool covering position and away therefrom, the cross-sections of said cover section and said second cover section defining generally right triangles with the hypotenuse thereof forming their roofs, said cover sections facing one another along one triangular side so as to form a ridge therebetween when said sections are in their pool covering positions. a second cover section also formed of lightweight structural materials having a roof and at least one side enclosed by stiff lightweight panels, the roof of said section pitched by an amount adequate to allow water to run off; and, a second support means for supporting said second cover section above the upper surface of said swimming pool and the like, said support means allowing said second cover section to be rolled between a pool covering position and away therefrom, the cross-sections of said cover section and said second cover section defining generally right triangles with the hypotenuse thereof forming their roofs, said cover sections facing one another along one triangular side so as to form a ridge therebetween when said sections are in their pool covering positions.

3. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 2 wherein said mechanical means for withdrawing said cover sections from their pool covering positions comprises: a post associated with each of said sections; a cable associated with each of said sections; and, a winch associated with each of said posts, said cable being fixedly attached to its associated section and running to said winch so as to be wound upon the drum of said winch when said drum is rotated and thereby draw said associated section toward said at least one post.

4. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 3 wherein said winch is a manually operated winch.

6. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 3 including: a second post associated with each of said sections so that said post and said second post form a pair of posts associated with each section, each of said pair being equally spaced from their associated section; a second cable associated with each of said sections, said second cable being fixedly attached to said associated section at one end and attached together with said first cable to said winch so as to assist in drawing said associated section toward said second post as the drum of said winch is rotated; and, a spreader bar located between each of said pair of poles.

11. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 9 wherein said winch is a power operated winch.

13. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 12 wherein said means for moving said cover sections toward their pool covering position comprises: a cable associated with each section attached at one end at a point adjacent an edge of said pool; and, a winch mounted on the associated section, the other end of said cable being wound about the drum of said winch so as to be extensible therefrom when said associated section is withdrawn from its pool covering position and wound thereon when said associated section is moved to its pool covering position.

14. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 1 including mechanical means attached to each of said cover sections for moving said cover sections toward and away from their pool covering positions.

15. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 14 wherein said mechanical means for moving said cover sections toward and away from their pool covering positions comprises: a lower shaft attached to an associated cover section; a toothed wheel fixedly mounted on said lower shaft; a toothed rack located beneath the associated cover section and extending outwardly therefrom in the direction of movement of said associated cover section, said toothed rack located such that said toothed wheel coacts with said toothed rack; and, rotating means connected to said lower shaft for rotating said lower shaFt.

16. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 15 wherein said rotating means comprises: an upper shaft attached to said associated section; an upper gear mounted on said upper shaft; a lower gear mounted on said lower shaft; coupling means for coupling said gears together; and, means for rotating said upper shaft.

21. A cover for swimming pools and the like as claimed in claim 20 wherein said means for moving one part over the other part associated with each section comprises: a cable; a winch mounted on one part of said associated section; a sheave mounted on the same part, said cable running continuously from the drum of said winch about said sheave and being fixedly attached to the other part of said associated section whereby when said drum is rotated in one direction, said other part moves over said one part and whereby when said drum is rotated in the other direction, said other part moves from its position over said one part.