Inflatable Pool Cover Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/710,059, which was filed on Oct. 22, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of pool covers. More specifically, the present invention relates to an above-ground pool cover comprising a dome-shaped, UV-resistant body that inflates to fit securely beneath the pool's top perimeter lip and floats on the water's surface to prevent debris accumulation and resist displacement from external forces. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Above-ground pool owners often face significant challenges during the winter months when applying and maintaining winter pool covers. These covers are typically designed to rest on the surface of the water and are secured to the pool's perimeter. However, the accumulation of water, debris, and snow can cause the cover to sag and submerge, complicating its maintenance. The weight of collected rain and snow often necessitates the use of additional tools, such as pumps, to remove excess water, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, the process of independently applying or removing winter covers can be difficult due to their large size, weight, and the need for precise alignment. The inability to keep covers elevated above the water also leads to an increased risk of water and debris seeping into the pool, which impacts the overall cleanliness and prolongs the preparation time needed to reopen the pool in warmer months. These persistent issues highlight the need for a solution that simplifies cover installation, prevents debris buildup, and reduces maintenance requirements throughout the season.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an inflatable winter pool cover for above-ground pools that facilitates efficient and secure installation and removal. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an inflatable winter pool cover that prevents the accumulation of water, debris, and snow by creating an elevated barrier over the pool's surface. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an inflatable winter pool cover that provides stability and structural support to withstand external forces such as wind and heavy precipitation without requiring continuous manual intervention or additional maintenance.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an inflatable pool cover device. The device is designed to address common maintenance issues associated with traditional above-ground pool covers by incorporating a dome-shaped inflatable structure that prevents the accumulation of water, snow, and debris. The device comprises an inflatable body made of UV-resistant and cold-resistant material that inflates to fit securely beneath the pool's top perimeter lip and floats on the water surface, providing stability against displacement due to external forces. The dome's sloped design directs runoff toward its perimeter edges, while an inflatable rim reinforced for durability forms a continuous seal to prevent gaps. The device may include textured, non-slip grip enhancements and internal support ribs or frame members to reinforce structural integrity, particularly for larger pools. Features such as drainage spouts for manual water release, antimicrobial and anti-algae coatings, and heat-sealed seams further enhance the device's durability and functionality.

In this manner, the inflatable pool cover device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a dome-shaped inflatable body that creates a secure seal beneath the pool's perimeter lip and rests on the surface of the water to prevent displacement. The sloped dome design directs water, snow, and debris toward the edges, ensuring effective runoff rather than central accumulation. Further, inflatable support structures such as internal ribs or frame members, may be used to additional height and strength to maintain the dome's shape, even under significant snowfall. Additional features such as a drainage spout for controlled water release and an anti-microbial, anti-algae coating, further improve the device's performance and longevity. By utilizing an efficient inflation mechanism with strategically placed one-way air valves, the invention simplifies the inflation process and ensures that the cover remains properly secured without air leakage. This design minimizes maintenance, reduces the likelihood of sagging or debris infiltration, and enhances the overall convenience for pool owners.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an inflatable pool cover device. The inflatable pool cover device is designed to address maintenance challenges by incorporating a dome-shaped structure that prevents the accumulation of water, snow, and debris. The device functions as a seasonal cover for above-ground pools, inflating to fit securely beneath the pool's top lip while floating on the water's surface, creating a stable, wind-resistant fit.

The device comprises an inflatable body formed from durable, UV-and cold-resistant materials, shaped into a sloped dome to direct precipitation and debris toward the perimeter. During inflation, the body expands upward and outward, forming a continuous seal with the pool's top lip. An inflatable rim at the perimeter enhances stability by pressing against the underside of the pool lip and resting on the water. The rim may be reinforced for durability and include a non-slip textured surface to improve grip.

For larger or elongated pools, the device may include one or more frame members, such as central ridges, to increase the height at the midpoint and direct debris runoff evenly. Internal inflatable support ribs may be included for additional structural reinforcement, particularly for heavy snowfall. Circular and oval designs feature symmetrical shaping to maintain balanced pressure distribution.

A drainage spout with a screw-on cap is positioned near the perimeter for manual water release during extreme weather conditions. The underside of the body may include anti-microbial and anti-algae coatings to prevent organic buildup. Heat-sealed seams ensure the body remains airtight and waterproof.

The inflation mechanism includes at least one air valve positioned for balanced inflation. The valves may be compatible with various pump types and feature a one-way locking design to prevent deflation. An embodiment includes an electric pump with a quick-lock attachment to prevent air leakage during inflation.

A method of use involves unfolding the device on the pool water, aligning the edges with the pool's perimeter, attaching an air pump to the valve, and inflating until the rim forms a seal with the pool lip. Once inflated, the structure is inspected for uniform inflation and proper fit. The drainage spout may be opened as needed to release excess water.

The inflatable pool cover's dome-shaped design and snug fit provide a low-maintenance solution for seasonal pool coverage, effectively preventing debris accumulation, water pooling, and structural instability.

Accordingly, the inflatable pool cover device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a dome-shaped inflatable body that creates a secure seal beneath the pool's perimeter lip and rests on the surface of the water to prevent displacement. The sloped dome design directs water, snow, and debris toward the edges, ensuring effective runoff rather than central accumulation. Further, inflatable support structures such as internal ribs or frame members, may be used to additional height and strength to maintain the dome's shape, even under significant snowfall. Additional features such as a drainage spout for controlled water release and an anti-microbial, anti-algae coating, further improve the device's performance and longevity. By utilizing an efficient inflation mechanism with strategically placed one-way air valves, the invention simplifies the inflation process and ensures that the cover remains properly secured without air leakage. This design minimizes maintenance, reduces the likelihood of sagging or debris infiltration, and enhances the overall convenience for pool owners. In this manner, the inflatable pool cover device overcomes the limitations of existing above-ground pool covers known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of an inflatable pool cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of one potential embodiment of an inflatable pool cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of an inflatable pool cover device of the present invention while installed within an above-ground pool in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of an inflatable pool cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an inflatable winter pool cover for above-ground pools that facilitates efficient and secure installation and removal. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an inflatable winter pool cover that prevents the accumulation of water, debris, and snow by creating an elevated barrier over the pool's surface. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an inflatable winter pool cover that provides stability and structural support to withstand external forces such as wind and heavy precipitation without requiring continuous manual intervention or additional maintenance.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an inflatable pool cover device. The inflatable pool cover device addresses maintenance challenges through a dome-shaped structure that prevents the accumulation of water, snow, and debris. During use, the device inflates to fit securely beneath the pool's top lip while floating on the water's surface, creating a stable and wind-resistant fit.

The device comprises an inflatable body made from durable, UV-and cold-resistant materials, shaped into a sloped dome to direct precipitation and debris toward the perimeter. During inflation, the body expands upward and outward, forming a continuous seal with the pool's top lip. An inflatable rim at the perimeter enhances stability by pressing against the underside of the pool lip and resting on the water, with optional reinforcement and a non-slip textured surface for added durability and grip.

For larger or elongated pools, the design may include one or more frame members, such as central ridges, to increase height at the midpoint and ensure even debris runoff. Internal inflatable support ribs may be added for additional reinforcement, particularly for heavy snowfall. Circular and oval versions feature symmetrical shaping for balanced pressure distribution.

A drainage spout with a screw-on cap is positioned near the perimeter for manual water release during extreme weather. The underside of the inflatable body may feature anti-microbial and anti-algae coatings to prevent organic buildup, while heat-sealed seams ensure the structure remains airtight and waterproof.

The inflation mechanism includes at least one air valve placed for balanced inflation. The valves are compatible with various pump types and incorporate a one-way locking design to prevent deflation. An embodiment includes an electric pump with a quick-lock attachment to prevent air leakage during inflation.

The method of use involves unfolding the device on the pool water, aligning the edges with the pool's perimeter, attaching an air pump to the valve, and inflating until the rim forms a seal with the pool lip. Once inflated, the structure is inspected for uniform inflation and fit. The drainage spout can be opened as needed to release excess water.

The dome-shaped design and snug fit provide a low-maintenance solution for seasonal pool coverage, preventing debris buildup, water pooling, and structural instability. The sloped dome directs precipitation and debris toward the edges, ensuring effective runoff. Inflatable support structures, such as internal ribs or frame members, provide additional height and strength to maintain the dome's shape under significant snowfall. Additional features, such as the drainage spout and anti-microbial coatings, enhance performance and longevity. The use of strategically placed one-way air valves simplifies the inflation process and ensures secure sealing without air leakage, reducing maintenance and preventing sagging or debris infiltration. This design improves convenience for pool owners and overcomes limitations associated with existing above-ground pool covers.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of an inflatable pool cover device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The inflatable pool cover device 100 is designed to address common maintenance challenges associated with traditional pool covers by incorporating a dome-shaped structure that prevents the accumulation of water, snow, and debris on the surface of a pool cover. The device 100 is intended as a seasonal cover for above-ground swimming pools, inflating to fit securely beneath the top lip 10 of the pool's perimeter edge while floating on the water's surface 12. This dual contact beneath the pool lip 10 and across the water's surface 12 provides a stable, secure fit that resists displacement due to wind, water weight, or external forces.

More specifically, the device 100 is comprised of an inflatable body 102 that may be formed from a material such as, but not limited to UV-resistant PVC reinforced with cold-resistant vinyl for enhanced durability in both high heat and sub-zero temperatures. The body 102 is preferably a sloped dome design (as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) to direct precipitation and debris toward the perimeter edges 104 of the body 102, preventing pooling at the center. The slope is configured at an angle steep enough to allow effective runoff while maintaining structural stability in high winds.

During inflation, the body 102 expands outward and upward, pressing against the underside of the pool lip 10 to create a continuous seal, as seen in FIG. 3. This inflation process ensures that the inflatable rim 106 forms a snug contact point around the entire pool perimeter without requiring excessive force, preventing gaps that could allow debris or moisture infiltration. The rim 106 features a top surface 108 that contacts the underside 14 of the pool lip 10 and a bottom surface 110 that rests on the water's surface 12 (as seen in FIG. 3), forming a stabilizing layer that prevents vertical shifting or sinking. The inflatable rim 106 may be reinforced with a thicker material layer than the rest of the body 102 to improve durability and grip strength while maintaining flexibility for easy installation and removal. In one embodiment, the rim 106 is comprised of a texture 107 to improve grip on the pool 10, wherein the texture 107 is made of a non-slip material such as but not limited to rubber. The texture 107 is preferably raised and may be any shape, position, and/or arrangement.

Once inflated, the combination of the top surface 108 pressing against the lip 10 and the bottom surface 110 floating on the water stabilizes the device 100 and anchors it in place. This fit beneath the lip 10 ensures lateral stability, effectively preventing the cover from shifting due to external forces such as high winds or heavy precipitation. The floating configuration further distributes the weight of snow or rain evenly across the surface, reducing the risk of sagging or collapse.

For rectangular or elongated pools, the device 100 may feature at least one frame member 112, such as a central ridge or a plurality of frame members 112 that form an arch-like structure, which increases the midpoint height of the body 102 and directs debris toward multiple drainage paths along the perimeter edges 104. This ensures even distribution of runoff for larger pool designs. In one embodiment, the body 102 is comprised of at least one internal inflatable support rib 114 that reinforces the body 102 structure during inflation, helping the device 100 withstand the added pressure from heavy snowfall. Circular and oval embodiments of the body 102 are further shaped symmetrically to maintain even pressure distribution. The dome-shaped design of the body 102 in these embodiments ensures that rain, snow, and debris slide off evenly in all directions. It should be noted that when inflated the body 102 may be a flat-bottomed dome shape or a convex-bottomed dome shape (in an embodiment that allows users to swim in a pool while the device 100 covers said pool).

The inflatable pool cover device 100 may also include a drainage spout 116 positioned near the perimeter for manual water release during extreme weather conditions. The drainage spout 116 includes a screw-on cap 118 to prevent leakage when not in use.

The underside of the body 102 may be treated with specialized coatings, including an anti-microbial coating 120 to inhibit bacterial growth and an anti-algae coating 122 to prevent organic buildup during prolonged use, as seen in FIG. 1. The seams 124 (as seen in FIG. 2) of the body 102 are heat-sealed to prevent air or water leaks and ensure the body 102 remains waterproof throughout its service life.

The inflation mechanism of the inflatable pool cover device 100 is designed for efficiency and ease of use. At least one air valve 126 is strategically placed along the body 102 for balanced inflation. On circular and oval covers, the valves 126 are positioned at equal intervals around the perimeter, while on rectangular covers, the valves 126 are positioned near the corners and along the central ridge frame member 112. The valve system 126 may be compatible with various air pump types, including manual, electric, and portable battery-operated pumps.

In one embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of an electric pump 128 that features a quick-lock attachment fastener 130, such as but not limited to a clamp, threaded connector, or latch-based mechanism, to secure the pump 128 to the valve 126 and prevent air leakage during inflation. The valve 126 is preferably a one-way locking valve that prevents deflation during the inflation process, ensuring that the cover remains securely inflated without requiring continuous monitoring.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the inflatable pool cover device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, the inflatable pool cover device 100 is provided, comprising a body 102, an inflatable rim 106, at least one air valve 126, and at least one frame member 112 [Step 202]. Then, the body 102 is unfolded and positioned on the surface of the pool water 12 so that the perimeter edges 104 align with the pool's perimeter edge and the inflatable rim 106 aligns beneath the pool's top lip 10 [Step 204]. Next, an air pump 128 is attached to the air valve to begin inflating the body 102 [Step 206]. The body 102 is inflated until the rim 106 expands outward and upward, forming a continuous seal with the underside 14 of the pool lip 10 while the bottom surface 110 of the rim 106 rests on the pool water 12 [Step 208]. Once fully inflated, the dome-shaped structure is inspected to ensure that the body 102 is evenly inflated, the top surface 108 of the rim 106 is securely in contact with the lip 10, and the frame member 112, if present, provides sufficient central height to direct debris runoff [Step 210]. Finally, if necessary, the drainage spout 116 may be opened by removing the screw-on cap 118 to release excess water that accumulates during heavy rainfall or snowfall [Step 212].

By combining a snug-fitting floating configuration with a dome-shaped design, the inflatable pool cover device 100 provides a practical, low-maintenance solution for pool owners. This design addresses common seasonal challenges such as debris accumulation and water pooling while improving the pool's appearance during the off-season.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “inflatable pool cover device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the inflatable pool cover device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the inflatable pool cover device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the inflatable pool cover device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the inflatable pool cover device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the inflatable pool cover device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the inflatable pool cover device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.