POOL COVER ASSEMBLY

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional No. 63/642,992, filed on May 6, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This invention relates generally to a pool cover assembly and more particularly to an elevatable pool cover assembly.

State of the Art

Pool covers minimize evaporation from both outdoor and indoor pools. Covering a pool when it is not in use is an effective means of reducing pool heating costs. Pool covers also keep leaves and debris out of the pool and increase the safety of every user accessing the pool area. A pool takes up a lot of area when not in use. Most pools use pool covers that are not load bearing. A load bearing pool cover can convert unusable space into usable space.

Accordingly, there is a need for a pool cover that can provide both safety and functionality.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an elevatable pool cover assembly for a pool having a main body portion and opposite foldable end sections. The pool cover assembly is provided with support posts and cross members which support a lift assembly. The pool cover assembly is raised and lowered by the lift assembly above the pool.

An embodiment includes a pool cover assembly, the pool cover assembly comprising: a rigid planar assembly provided with a main body portion and a pair of opposite foldable end sections pivotally secured to the main body portion; a plurality of support members provided about the rigid planar assembly; a plurality of cross members interconnecting the plurality of support members; and a lift assembly provided between the plurality of cross members and the rigid planar assembly; wherein the lift assembly is configured to lift the rigid planar assembly.

The main body portion may be provided with a plurality of rigid frame members. Closed cell foam may be provided between the plurality of the rigid frame members. Closed cell foam sections may be provided underneath a top surface end portion of each of the pair of the opposite foldable end sections. A snubber device may extend across the closed cell foam sections. Each of the pair of the opposite foldable end sections may be provided with a lifting strap. The rigid planar assembly may be provided with a flexible planar member extending thereacross. The flexible planar member may be provided with artificial turf on a top surface of the flexible planar member. The lift assembly may be provided with at least one drive motor having a control switch.

Another embodiment includes a method of assembling a pool cover assembly, the method comprising: providing a rigid planar assembly with a main body portion and a pair of opposite foldable end sections; pivotally securing the pair of opposite foldable end sections to the main body portion; arranging a plurality of support posts about the rigid planar assembly; interconnecting a plurality of cross members between the plurality of support posts; providing a lift assembly between the plurality of cross members and the rigid planar assembly; and configuring the lift assembly to lift the rigid planar assembly.

The method may further comprise providing the main body portion with a plurality of rigid frame members; providing closed cell foam between the plurality of the rigid frame members; providing closed cell foam sections underneath a top surface end portion of each of the pair of the foldable end sections; extending a snubber device across the closed cell foam sections; providing each of the pair of the foldable end sections with a lifting strap; providing the rigid planar assembly with a flexible planar member extending thereacross; providing the flexible planar member with artificial turf on a top surface of the flexible planar member; and providing the lift assembly with at least one drive motor having a control switch.

An embodiment includes a rigid planar assembly above the pool. A plurality of support members are provided about the rigid planar assembly. A plurality of cross members interconnect the plurality of support members. One or more batteries are disposed within the rigid planar assembly. A lift assembly is provided between the plurality of cross members and the rigid planar assembly. The lift assembly is configured to lift and lower the rigid planar assembly using power supplied by the one or more batteries. Multiple stringers are disposed on, and attached to, the plurality of cross members. One or more solar panels are disposed on the multiple stringers, each panel being disposed on, and attached to, two or more stringers of the multiple stringers. The one or more solar panels are configured to receive solar energy and use the received solar energy to charge the one or more batteries via a power cable that electrically connects the one or more solar panels to the one or more batteries.

An embodiment includes a rigid planar assembly above the pool. A rigid planar assembly is above the pool. Multiple hydraulic cylinders are configured to lift and lower the rigid planar assembly. The multiple hydraulic cylinders art driven by an electrically powered pump. Each hydraulic cylinder is positioned outside the pool in a hole within a pool deck surrounding an interior of the pool.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a frontal perspective view of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rearward perspective view of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of steps of a method of assembling a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to an elevatable pool cover assembly. The pool cover assembly may be raised from a lower to upper position, for example about 7.5 feet, and vice versa. The pool cover assembly completely covers the pool when lowered thereby reducing evaporation. The pool cover assembly in both the raised and lowered positions may reduce the demand for pool chemicals. The lowered pool cover assembly also reduces debris, such as dust, leaves, insects and/or small animals, from falling in the pool and protects the pool itself from destructive UV rays.

In the present invention, the pool cover assembly includes a main body portion and a pair of opposite foldable end sections. The end sections are folded onto the main body portion. The pool cover assembly is lifted and lowered with a cable lift assembly. The cable lift assembly is mounted on cross members and supported by posts. The end sections of the pool cover assembly fold in, thereby reducing the square footage of the pool cover assembly while raised, which in turn reduces the effects of wind and weather. The end sections of the pool cover assembly fold in so no one can be trapped under the pool cover assembly if an unintended user lowers the pool cover assembly with someone still in the pool. As the end sections are folded in, the raised pool cover assembly is smaller than the pool itself, thereby providing both sun and/or shade for the user.

The pool cover assembly of the present invention is strong and rigid and allows a user, for example, to walk and/or place furniture, such as tables and/or chairs, on the pool cover assembly when in the lowered position. The lowered pool cover assembly may also be used as a putting green in conjunction with artificial turf.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a rigid pool cover assembly 10 is provided over a pool 11. The rigid pool cover assembly 10 is supported by a plurality of support members or posts 12, such as 4 inch square steel tubes, and cross members 14. At least one drive motor (hoist or winch), such as a pair of drive motors 16, are provided on respective cross members 14 supported by posts 12. Each drive motor 16 is provided with a counter weight 16a. Each drive motor 16 may have quarter inch cable. A control switch 16b communicates with each drive motor 16 and controls the operation thereof. A locking device 16c is provided to secure the control switch 16b from inadvertent operation.

In another embodiment (not shown), four drive motors (not shown) may be provided wherein each of the four drive motors has its own cable, spool, and control switch. This arrangement avoids issues of having multiple cables on each spool of a winch. Having four drive motors further provides redundancy should one of the drive motors become inoperative or one of the cables fail. A master switch may operate each of the control switches simultaneously to raise or lower rigid pool cover assembly 10.

A cable lift assembly 18 is provided on cross members 14. The cable lift assembly 18 has a plurality of cable members 20. Each of the cable members 20 have vertically and horizontally extending cable portions 20a and 20b. Each of the vertically extending cable portions 20a are respectively attached to a plurality of attachment portions 22 provided on the rigid pool cover assembly 10. The counter weight 16a is secured to a vertically extending cable portion 20a extending from each drive motor 16.

A plurality of pulley members 24 are provided on cross members 14 at a position where support posts 12 are secured. A plurality of threaded bolt members 26 are provided through support posts 12 to secure the cross members 14 thereto. Each support post 12 is provided with a base plate 28 fixedly secured to a pool deck 29. The base plate 28 is secured via a plurality of threaded bolts 44 extending upwardly from the pool deck 29 and having nuts and washers (not shown) secured thereto.

The rigid pool cover assembly 10 is provided with a rigid planar assembly 30 having a flexible planar member 30a mounted thereon. Cable end portions 32 of vertically extending cable portions 20a are fixedly secured to the rigid planar assembly 30 via the plurality of attachment portions 22. Artificial turf 38c may be provided on the flexible planar member 30a.

In another embodiment (not shown), rigid pool cover assembly 10 may be formed of a plastic type material and constructed from separate sheets of the plastic type material interlocking with each other along any one of their sides. The rigid pool cover assembly 10 may cover a large area of the pool with the interlocking sheet(s). The sheet(s) may be cut at the ends and/or corners of the pool to better fit the pool dimensions. In another embodiment, the rigid pool cover assembly 10 may be angled around the periphery to fit under the edge of a pool coping.

The rigid planar assembly 30 is provided with a main body portion 39 having a pair of opposite foldable end sections 34a, 34b pivotally secured thereto. Each opposite foldable end section 34a, 34b is provided with a lifting strap 36a, 36b to enable a user to pivotally lift opposite foldable end sections 34a, 34b to a position on a top surface 38 of the flexible planar member 30a secured to the main body portion 39.

A plurality of closed cell foam sections 40a, 40b are provided underneath top surface end portions 38a, 38b of each of the opposite foldable end sections 34a, 34b. Each of closed cell foam sections 40a, 40b are secured to each of the top surface end portions 38a, 38b with a plurality of securement strap members 42a, 42b.

A snubber device 43a, 43b extends across the closed cell foam sections 40a, 40b of each of the opposite foldable end section 34a, 34b. The snubber device 43a, 43b inhibits separation of the plurality of closed cell foam sections 40a, 40b from the top surface end portions 38a, 38b which may occur due to wind and/or other weather conditions when the rigid planar assembly 30 is in the upper position.

Referring to FIG. 4, the rigid planar assembly 30 is provided with a plurality of rigid frame members 46 rigidly interconnected via a plurality of triangular plate members 48. Triangular plate members 48 are secured to rigid frame members 46 with a plurality of threaded fasteners 50 having nuts (not shown) thereon. The structural components of the rigid planar assembly 30 may be aluminum.

A single drive motor 16d is arranged on one of the cross members 14 adjacent one of the support posts 12 having horizontally extending cable portions 20b extending along each of the cross members 14 therefrom. One of horizontally extending cable portions 20b extends from single drive motor 16d across to a cable transfer box 16e which provides both an associated vertically extending cable portion 20a and horizontally extending cable portion 20b extending therefrom. Elongated slotted guide channels 60 are provided along each of support posts 14 to receive a corner portion 48a of triangular plate members 48 secured to frame members 46 at respective corner portions 39a of main body portion 39 of the rigid planar assembly 30.

A plurality of support wires 54 are fixedly secured to triangular plate members 48. Support wires 54 extend across the main body portion 39 between frame members 46. Ends of support wires 54 are secured to triangular plate members 48 with looped end portions 56 and threaded fastening members 58.

Referring to FIG. 5, slotted guide plates 62 are secured to frame members 46 and receive support posts 12 therein. A slotted portion 62a is provided in slotted guide plate 62 which slidable guides the main body portion 39 of the rigid planar assembly 30 along each of the support posts 12 when lifted. Closed cell foam 68 is provided between frame members 46 within the main body portion 39 of the rigid planar assembly 30. Closed cell foam 68 may be blown between frame members 46.

Closed cell foam sections 40a, 40b and the closed cell foam 68 between the frame members 46 are both air and water resistant. The thickness of the closed cell foam sections 40a, 40b and the closed cell foam 68 between the frame members 46 is generally about 7 inches. From the edge of the pool deck to the water surface is generally about 7 inches so that the pool cover assembly is configured to float on the water surface, thereby giving more support for a user walking on the pool cover assembly. In addition, the closed cell foam sections 40a, 40b and the closed cell foam 68 between the frame members 46 have insulative properties which reduce the amount of energy needed to keep the pool water at a desired temperature.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of steps of a method 100 of assembling a pool cover assembly. Method 100 comprises providing a rigid planar assembly with a main body portion and a pair of opposite foldable end sections (Step 110); pivotally securing the pair of opposite foldable end sections to the main body portion (Step 120); arranging a plurality of support posts about the rigid planar assembly (Step 130); interconnecting a plurality of cross members between the plurality of support posts (Step 140); providing a lift assembly between the plurality of cross members and the rigid planar assembly (Step 150); and configuring the lift assembly to lift the planar assembly (Step 160).

The method further comprises providing the main body portion with a plurality of rigid frame members; providing closed cell foam between the plurality of the rigid frame members; providing closed cell foam sections underneath a top surface end portion of each of the pair of the foldable end sections; extending a snubber device across the closed cell foam sections; providing each of the pair of the foldable end sections with a lifting strap; providing the rigid planar assembly with a flexible planar member extending thereacross; providing the flexible planar member with artificial turf on a top surface of the flexible planar member; and providing the lift assembly with at least one drive motor having a control switch.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment. The embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 encompasses the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 and includes additional features to be described next.

The rigid planar assembly 30, which is a pool cover, comprises a main body portion 39 and foldable end sections 34a and 34b. The rigid planar assembly 30 is at ground level in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The foldable end section 34a is configured to be folded along path 74 and rests on one end of the main body portion 39 when completely folded. The foldable end section 34b may be similarly folded.

In one embodiment, the rigid planar assembly 30 spans the total length of the pool. Illustrative length dimensions are, inter alia: pool length=34 feet; length of rigid planar assembly 30 (L₁)=34 feet; length of main body portion 39 (L₂)=26 feet; length of foldable end sections 34a (L_a) and 34b (L_b)=4 feet each; and length of cross member 18 (L₃)=length between support posts 12=18 feet.

One or more batteries 70 and one or more water heaters 71 are disposed within the main body portion 39. Only one such battery and only one such water heater are depicted in FIG. 7.

Each battery of the more batteries 70 may be, inter alia, a 12 volt lithium battery.

Each battery of the more batteries 70 is configured to receive and store energy transmitted from solar panels 81a, 81b, and 81c via a charging of the of the more batteries 70 by the solar panels 81a, 81b, and 81c.

The one or more water heaters 71 are configured to heat water in the pool (e.g., a swimming pool) using power supplied by the one or more batteries 70. The one or more water heaters 71 may each include a thermostat.

A first plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) lights 77 is attached to a bottom surface of the body portion 39. The first plurality of LED lights is configured to provide light onto the pool using power supplied by the one or more batteries 70.

Support posts 12 are vertically oriented. Each support post 12 supports a respective drive motor 16. The drive motors 16 are configured to move the rigid planar assembly 30 up and down by motor driven cables via alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to expose and cover the pool.

In one embodiment, each drive motor 16 is a 12 volt winch.

In one embodiment, there are four or more support posts 12 and respective drive motors 16. The total number of support posts 12, and respective drive motors 16, increases as the size of the pool increases. In other embodiments, there are one, two, or three support posts 12 and respective drive motors 16.

The support posts 12 are securely coupled and held in place by cross members 14.

Stringers 82 are disposed on, and attached to, cross members 14. In one embodiment, the stringers 82 are made of, inter alia, metal (e.g., steel), wood, etc. and may have cross, in one embodiment, cross-sectional dimensions of, inter alia, one inch by three inches.

A second plurality of LED lights 78 is attached to a bottom surface of the cross members 14. The second plurality of LED lights is configured to provide light onto the pool using power supplied by the one or more batteries 70.

Solar panels 81a, 81b, and 81c are disposed on, and attached to, the stringers 82. For example, solar panel 81b is disposed on stringers 82a, 82b, and 82c. Generally, each solar panel is disposed on, and attached to, two or more stringers 82.

Although three solar panels 81a-81c are depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, there are generally one or more solar panels disposed on, and attached to, the stringers 82.

The solar panels 81a-81c are configured to receive solar energy and use the received solar energy to charge the one or more batteries 70 via power cable 75 that electrically connects the one or more solar panels 81 to the one or more batteries 70.

The one or more batteries 70 are configured to provide power to the drive motors 16. The one or more batteries 70 may also provide power to the LED lights 77, LED lights 78, and the one or more water heaters 71, depending on the currently available charge of one or more batteries 70 and whether power is needed or desired for the LED lights 77, LED lights 78, and the one or more water heaters 71. In one embodiment, power provided by the one or more batteries 70 is prioritized for the LED lights 77 and the LED lights 78 over the one or more water heaters 71 if the currently available charge of one or more batteries 70 is insufficient to provide all needed power.

Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 7, the one or more batteries 70 are electrically connected, via electrical cables, to the drive motors 16, the first plurality of LED lights 77, the second plurality of LED lights 78, and the one or more water heaters 71.

In one embodiment, the supports posts 12 and/or the cross members 14 are made of, inter alia, aluminum (e.g., 6061 T6 aluminum).

In one embodiment, the drive motors 16 provide a hoisting mechanism for the rigid planar assembly (pool cover), with the hoisting mechanism utilizing two independent hoists with ¼″ cables supported by 4″ steel square tubes raising the entire pool cover 7.5 feet above the water in the pool.

In one embodiment, the pool cover is covered in closed cell foam and plastic film over the foam, topped off with manufactured grass.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 9 encompasses the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 excluding the above-ground structure involving the support members 12, the cross members 14, the drive motors. 17, and associated additional structures. The embodiment of FIG. 9 includes additional features to be described next.

The hydraulic cylinders 90 are configured to raise or lower the main body portion 39 of the rigid planar assembly 30 (pool cover). The hydraulic cylinders 90 replace the drive motors 16 in FIGS. 1-6 to raise or lower the main body portion 39 of the rigid planar assembly 30.

There are four or more hydraulic cylinders 90.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 does not have any raised structure other than hydraulic cylinders 90 raising the main body portion 39 of the rigid planar assembly 30.

FIG. 9 depicts the pool deck 29 surrounding the pool 11 filled with water up to the water level 85.

Hydraulic cylinders 90 are positioned outside the pool in a hole within the pool deck 29 which is not explicitly shown in the side view of FIG. 9.

In one embodiment, each hydraulic cylinder 90 is a multistage hydraulic cylinder comprising a housing 95 and stages 91, 92, and 93 with each stage being a hollow cylinder. Stages 91, stage 92, stage 93, and the housing 95 have successively increasing diameters, so that stage 91 can recess into stage 92, stage 92 can recess into stage 93, and stage 93 can recess into the housing 95. If all stages 91-93 are recessed, then the rigid planar assembly 30 is not raised above ground level, because the hydraulic cylinders 90 are entirely underground. Each multistage hydraulic cylinder 90 has two or more stages.

In one embodiment, each hydraulic cylinder 90 is a single-stage hydraulic cylinder comprising the housing 95 and only stage 93. If the single stage 93 is recessed, then the rigid planar assembly 30 is not raised above ground level, because the hydraulic cylinders 90 are entirely underground.

In one embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders 90 are driven by an electrically powered pump (e.g., at 110 volts).

In one embodiment, the pump that drives the hydraulic cylinders 90 is powered by alternating current (AC) and may, in one embodiment, be the same pump that that pumps water out of the pool with hydraulic lines connecting the pump to the hydraulic cylinders 90.

In one embodiment, the pump that drives the hydraulic cylinders 90 is powered by alternating current (AC) and may be a different pump than the pump that pumps water out of the pool.

In one embodiment, at least one battery could be used to power the pump that drives the hydraulic cylinders.

In one embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders 90 are driven by vegetable grade vegetable oil, which protects the ground environmentally if there is an oil spill from usage of a hydraulic cylinder 90.

Embodiments of the inventive pool cover assembly described in FIGS. 1-9 provide, inter alia, the following advantages.

The inventive pool cover assembly saves lives, as the pool will be completely covered when not in use. In one embodiment, the pool cover assembly has a key lock-out so that no one can operate the pool cover assembly without permission.

The inventive pool cover assembly conserves water, because the pool will be completely covered when not in use so that there will be a substantial reduction in evaporation.

The inventive pool cover assembly saves energy. With approximately 7 inches of insulation in the pool cover in one embodiment, the pool requires much less energy to keep the water at a desired temperature. Also, the water heater itself will last longer due to the reduction of hours required to maintain the temperature. The reason for 7 inches of closed cell foam is that most pools measure 7″ from the water surface to the top of the cool coat so that the pool cover floats, thereby giving more support for walking on the pool cover. Also, open cell foam absorbs water and closed cell foam does not absorb water.

The inventive pool cover assembly saves space. The pool cover is made to be strong enough to walk on, put chairs and tables on, and use as a putting green with manufactured grass, which saves back-yard space that would otherwise be used for the preceding purposes.

The inventive pool cover assembly is useful in sun and shade. The ends of the pool cover fold in so that no one can be trapped under the pool cover if someone lets the pool cover down while someone is still in the pool. Also, because the pool cover is smaller than the pool itself if the foldable end sections are folded in, users are provided with the option to be in the sun or the shade.

The inventive pool cover assembly mitigates wind resistance, because the foldable end sections of the pool cover fold in, which reduces the square footage of the pool cover while raised which in turn reduces the effect that the wind has on the pool cover.

The inventive pool cover assembly incorporates snubber devices so that when the pool cover is up, the snubber devices hold the folded ends of the pool cover from blowing open which could otherwise damage the folded ends.

The inventive pool cover assembly avoids a need for a fence. In many state and local jurisdictions, a swimming pool requires a fence with locking gates for child safety. The full pool cover may suffice for the required child safety instead of a fence.

The inventive pool cover assembly reduces use of pool chemicals. Because the sun is not promoting algae, there is a substantially less demand for chlorine.

The inventive pool cover assembly facilitates a cleaner pool. Because the pool may be completely covered when the pool is not being used, the pool will require very little cleaning from blowing dust and leaves.

The inventive pool cover assembly will last longer. Because the pole is completely covered, the pool liner will last longer due to less destructive ultraviolet rays.

The inventive pool cover assembly prevents pool flooding that can cause cool-coat damage.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims.