TOP TRACK POOL COVER ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEMS

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/457,365, filed Apr. 5, 2023, entitled “Top Track Pool Cover Assembly and Systems,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to pool cover assemblies, and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to top track pool cover assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pool cover assemblies, including automated pool cover assemblies, can be installed on various types of pools, including fiberglass pools, gunite or concrete pools, and vinyl liner pools. An automated pool cover assembly may use a motor to cause the pool cover to extend and retract over the pool to cover and uncover the pool. The pool cover assembly may include a track that runs the full length of the pool on both sides along which the pool cover extends and retracts. Where the track is installed may determine the type of pool cover assembly. An under-track pool cover assembly includes a track embedded, built into, or mounted to the pool wall or bottom side of the coping. A recessed-track pool cover assembly includes a track recessed into the surface of the deck surrounding the pool so the track sits flush with the deck. And a top track pool cover assembly includes a track mounted to the surface of the deck.

SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

Certain embodiments and features of the present disclosure relate to pool cover assemblies, including top track pool cover assemblies that may provide for improved installation of the top track pool cover assemblies, a reduced likelihood of tripping and injuries for pool users walking around the top track pool cover assemblies, and less wear and potential for damage to the various elements of the top track pool cover assemblies as the pool cover extends and retracts, which could, in some cases, negatively affect the functionality of the top track pool cover assembly. In some embodiments, the top track pool cover assembly includes at least one track member extending along a length of a pool, a slider member movable along the at least one track member, a stop member coupled to one end of the at least one track member, a leading edge bar, and a pool cover coupled to the leading edge bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pool and a top track pool cover assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a top track pool cover assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is another perspective view of the top track pool cover assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a top track member of a top track pool cover assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of bottom portions of top track members spliced together with a top portion of the top track member.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an installed top track member of a top track pool cover assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the installed top track member of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a slider member of the top track pool cover assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the slider member of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a rear view of the slider member of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the slider member of FIG. 6A without a cover of the slider member.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a slider member arranged on an installed top track member of a top track pool cover assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a stop member of a top track pool cover assembly installed on a top track member according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a front view of the stop member and top track member of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a stop member of a top track pool cover assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a front view of the stop member of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a side view of the stop member of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “bottom,” among others, are not intended to be limiting and are instead intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure relate to pool cover assemblies, including top track pool cover assemblies and systems for pools that may provide for improved installation of the top track pool cover assemblies, a reduced likelihood of tripping and injuries for pool users walking around the top track pool cover assemblies, and less wear and potential for damage to the various elements of the top track pool cover assemblies as the pool cover extends and retracts.

The top track pool cover assembly may be installed on a surface surrounding a pool and includes at least one track member extending along a length of the pool, a slider member movable along the at least one track member, a stop member coupled to one end of the at least one track member, a leading edge bar, a housing, and a pool cover coupled to the leading edge bar.

The at least one track member may include two pieces, e.g., a top member and a bottom member, with the bottom member being coupled to the surface surrounding the pool. The bottom member may include a recess where a concrete screw may be used to extend through a portion of the bottom member and secure the bottom member to the surface surrounding the pool. The top member may be coupleable to the bottom member to cover the recess. In some aspects, a portion of the top member may fit into the recess when coupling the top member to the bottom member.

The slider member may be positionable on the at least one track member, e.g., on a portion of the top member and/or the bottom member, and, in some aspects, may be coupled to the at least one track member. For example, the slider member may include a portion that extends into a channel of the at least one track member so that the portion is movable within the channel as the slider member moves along the at least one track member.

The stop member may be shaped to at least partially fit within the recess of the bottom member of the at least one track member when the stop member is coupled to the at least one track member. In fact, the shape may match that of the recess so that the portion of the stop member arranged within the recess mates with and engages with the walls of the recess. The stop member may be coupled to the at least one track member at an end proximate to the housing and may reduce the likelihood of the slider member sliding over and past the stop member after abutting the stop member.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1, a pool 100 may be fully or partially surrounded by a pool decking 102 and may include a top track pool cover assembly 108. The top track pool cover assembly 108 may include at least one track 106 that runs substantially along an edge of the pool 100 and may include a pool cover 109. The at least one track 106 may be positioned at or above the ground level of the pool decking 102 such that the at least one track 106 may be at least partially coupled to a surface of the pool decking 102. Additionally, the at least one track 106 may extend the full length of the pool 100 and in some instances may extend past the full length of the pool 100. In some aspects, the top track pool cover assembly 108 may include at least two tracks 106 that extend substantially parallel to one another on opposite sides of the pool 100, as shown in the non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

The pool 100 may be any suitable shape and may be a vinyl liner pool, a fiberglass pool, a concrete pool, or a gunite pool and may be formed in-ground or above-ground. The various elements of the pool 100 described below may be formed of materials including but not limited to aluminum, steel, stainless steel, concrete, stone, plastic, ceramic, fiberglass, aramid fibers, vinyl, polymer, polycarbonate, polypropylene, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. Additionally, each element of the pool 100 may be formed of the same materials or of different materials.

In some embodiments, the top track pool cover assembly 108 may be automated and may include a motor for opening and closing the pool cover 109. Some elements of the top track pool cover assembly 108 may be at least partially housed in a housing 110 at a first end 111 of the pool 100. The housing 110 may be recessed into the pool decking 102 or may be positioned on the surface of the pool decking 102. The housing 110 may receive or house a roller tube, which the pool cover 109 is rolled up on and rolled off of inside the housing 110, a motor for powering the movement of the pool cover 109, as well as other elements of the top track pool cover assembly 108. The pool cover 109 may be referred to as being in an open or a stored position when the pool cover 109 is rolled up on the roller tube and may be referred to as being in a deployed or closed position when the pool cover 109 has been at least partially rolled off the roller tube at least to partially cover the pool 100.

In some aspects, a first end of the pool cover 109 may be coupled to a leading edge bar 104, which assists in guiding the pool cover 109 across the pool 100 from the first end 111 to a second end opposite the first end 111 and back again as the pool cover 109 is opened and closed. The leading edge bard 104 may be coupled to the at least one track 106 such that the path that the leading edge bar 104 travels as the pool cover 109 is opened and closed is determined by and parallel to the at least one track 106. In other words, the leading edge bar 104 may travel along the at least one track 106. The engagement or coupling between the leading edge bar 104 and the at least one track 106, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, is described further with respect to FIGS. 6A-8.

The top track pool cover assembly 108 may include at least one track member 200, a slider member 300, and a stop member 400, as may be seen in FIGS. 2A-2B. The at least one track member 200 may form part of, or the entirety of, the at least one track 106 described with respect to FIG. 1. Further, the at least one track member 200 may be any suitable length and may be determined based on a length of the pool 100. In some aspects, the at least one track 106 may include multiple track members 200, end caps, rope guides, etc. At least a portion of the at least one track member 200 may be coupled to the surface of the pool decking 102, or any suitable substrate, surrounding the pool 100.

The slider member 300 may be arranged at least partially on the at least one track member 200 and/or may be coupled to the at least one track member, as described further with respect to FIG. 8, and is movable along the at least one track member 200. In some aspects, the pool cover 109 may be coupled to the slider member 300 via the leading edge bar 104 (shown in FIG. 1) as will be discussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 6A-7. In other words, movement of the slider member 300 along the at least one track member 200 may move the leading edge bar 104 and thereby the pool cover 109 between the opened and closed position of the pool cover 109.

The stop member 400 may be coupled to a first end region of the at least one track member 200. In some aspects, the first end region of the at least one track member 200 may be proximate to the first end 111 of the pool 100 as described with respect to FIG. 1. The stop member 400 may be arranged on the at least one track member 200 to prevent the slider member 300, and thus the pool cover 109, from travelling past the stop member 400 and into the housing 110 as the pool cover 109 is moved from the closed position to the opened position.

In some aspects, as may be seen in FIG. 3, the at least one track member 200 may include a first track portion, e.g., lower track portion 202, and a second track portion, e.g., upper track portion 204. Thus, the at least one track member 200 may be a two-piece assembly. However, it is understood that the at least one track member 200 may include more or fewer pieces than as depicted in the non-limiting exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3.

The lower track portion 202 may include a base portion 206. A securing section 209 of the base portion 206 may be substantially flat and may be positionable on the pool decking 102 when the at least one track member 200 is installed. In some aspects, the base portion 206 may include a fastener alignment channel 207, which may be positioned in the securing section 209 of the base portion 206 and is discussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B, and/or a splice channel 208. A splice member may be inserted into the splice channel 208 of two adjacent lower track portions 202 to splice together the two adjacent lower track portions 202. The splice channel 208 while shown as being semi-circular in shape in FIG. 3 may be any suitable size or shape for receiving a splice, including but not limited rectangular in shape.

The lower track portion 202 may also include at least two side portions 210 extending from the base portion 206. Each of the two side portions 210 may include a wall section 214, which extends from the base portion 206. In some aspects, at least a portion of each of the two side portions 210, for example the respective wall sections 214, and the securing section 209 of the base portion 206 may define a recess or channel 212. Each of the two side portions 210 may also include an arm member 216, which may define at least a portion of an exterior, exposed surface 211 of the at least one track member 200. Additionally, the base portion 206 and one of the side portions 210 may define a slider channel 218. A portion of the slider member 300 and, in some aspects, a portion of the pool cover 109 itself may be arranged within the slider channel 218 as will be discussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 8.

The upper track portion 204 may be coupled to the lower track portion 202 such that the upper track portion 204 covers the recess 212. The upper track portion 204 may be completely separable from the lower track portion 202 or may be only partially separable from, e.g., hingedly coupled to, the lower track portion 202. The upper track portion 204 may include a first region 220 that forms a portion of the exterior, exposed surface 211 of the at least one track member 200. In some aspects, the first region 220 of the upper track portion 204 may be arranged between the arm member 216 of the two side portions 210. Additionally, the first region 220 of the upper track portion 204 and the arm member 216 of the two side portions 210 may form a substantially continuous, exposed surface 211 of the at least one track member 200 when the upper track portion 204 is coupled to the lower track portion 202.

In certain aspects, the upper track portion 204 may be coupled to the lower track portion 202 using a snap-fit connection or other suitable mating features. For example, the wall sections 214 of the two side portions 210 may each include a first lip 222 that may engage with a corresponding second lip 224 extending from respective portions of the upper track portion 204 when the upper track portion 204 is inserted into the recess 212 of the lower track portion 202. Additionally, the upper track portion 204 may be coupled to the lower track portion 202 using a friction-fit connection or any other suitable form of connection, for example via mechanical features, magnetic features, adhesive or chemical bonding, or other suitable coupling features.

In some aspects, the track member 200 may include only single lower track portion 202 and a single upper track portion 204, and the track member 200 forms the entire track 106 extending the length of the pool 100. In further aspects, multiple track members 200 may be coupled together to form the entire track 106 extending the length of the pool 100. In still further aspects, the track member 200 may include multiple lower track portions 202 and at least one upper track portion 204. The multiple track members 200 and the multiple lower track portions 202 may be aligned and coupled together using at least one upper track portion 204.

As may be seen in FIG. 4, two lower track portions 202 may be aligned along their longitudinal axis such that the respective recesses 212 of each lower track portion 202 are aligned. At least one upper track portion 204 may be at least partially arranged in each of the respective recesses 212 of each lower track portion 202 such that the at least one upper track portion 204 may be coupled to each lower track portion 202. The at least one upper track portion 204 may act as a splice in each of the respective recesses 212 of each lower track portion 202 to splice or couple each lower track portion 202 to one another. The longitudinal axis of the upper track portion 204 may align with the longitudinal axis of the lower track portions 202 when the upper track portion 204 is coupled with the lower track portions 202. Further, in those examples where the lower track portions 202 include a splice channel 208, a splice member may be inserted into the splice channel 208 to assist in aligning and splicing together multiple lower track portions 202. The splice channel 208 may be any suitable size or shape for receiving a splice member and is not intended to be limited to the geometry depicted in FIG. 3.

At least one fastener 226 may be used to couple and secure the lower track portion 202 to the substrate or pool decking 102, as may be seen in the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The at least one fastener 226 may be aligned with the fastener alignment channel 207 and inserted through the securing section 209 of the base portion 206 and the substrate or pool decking 102 to secure the lower track portion 202 to the substrate or pool decking 102. In some aspects, the at least one fastener 226 may be a concrete screw that is drilled through the securing section 209 of the base portion 206 and the substrate or pool decking 102 to secure the lower track portion 202 to the substrate or pool decking 102. However, the at least one fastener 226 may be any suitable fastener for securing the lower track portion 202 to the substrate or pool decking 102. In still yet other embodiments, the lower track portion 202 may be secured directly or indirectly to the substrate surrounding the pool (e.g. the decking material, or other substrate), via any suitable means including but not limited to mechanical fasteners, magnetic features, adhesives or chemical bonding, concrete, or and the like.

Additionally, the at least one fastener 226 may be inserted through the securing section 209 of the base portion 206 before the upper track portion 204 is coupled with the lower track portion 202. In such an installation, the upper track portion 204 may cover at least a portion of the at least one fastener 226 and the recess 212. However, in some aspects, two lower track portions 202 may be coupled together via an upper track portion 204 that does not fully cover each recess 212 of the respective lower track portions 202. The two lower track portions 202 coupled together may be secured to the substrate or pool decking 102 using any suitable number of fasteners 226 or other means for securing the lower track portions 202 to the substrate or pool decking 102. Additional upper track portions 204 may be coupled to the lower track portions 202 to then cover the fasteners 226 and recesses 212 of the respective lower track portions 202.

In some aspects, the slider member 300 may be arranged at least partially on the at least one track member 200 and is movable along the at least one track member 200. The slider member 300 may include a connecting member 302 and/or an insert member 303, as may be seen and will be described further with respect to FIGS. 6A-7, that may couple the slider member 300 to the leading edge bar 104. The pool cover 109 may be coupled to the slider member 300 via the leading edge bar 104, the connecting member 302, and/or the insert member 303 such that movement of the slider member 300 along the at least one track member 200 correspondingly moves the leading edge bar 104 and the pool cover 109 between an opened and closed position. The connecting member 302 and/or the slider member 300 may in some embodiments be directly or indirectly coupled to the leading edge bar 104. Though a rectangular leading edge bar 104 is shown, the leading edge bar 104 may be any suitable shape.

The slider member 300 may further include a cover 304 and an inner chassis 306. The cover 304 may cover substantially all of the inner chassis 306 (shown in FIG. 7) and may have an opening 307 through which the connecting member 302 may extend. In some aspects, the cover 304 features a low-profile design with smooth curved edges. The cover 304 may include an open bottom through which portions of the inner chassis 306 and other elements of the slider member 300 may protrude.

The inner chassis 306 may form an internal skeleton of the slider member 300, as shown in FIG. 7, which shows the slider member 300 without the cover 304. In some aspects, the inner chassis 306 may include a frame member 308 and at least one wheel 310. The at least one wheel 310 may permit the slider member 300 to move along the at least one track member 200. The at least one wheel 310 may be sized and shaped to engage with a channel, recess, track, or other feature of the at least one track member 200.

The frame member 308 may be any suitable shape and may be used to couple various components of the slider member 300 together. In some aspects, the frame member 308 may be substantially U-shaped and extend on at least two opposite sides of the at least one wheel 310. The at least one wheel 310 may be coupled to one or both of the at least two opposite sides of the frame member 308. The U-shape of the frame member 308 and coupling of the at least one wheel 310 to both of the at least two opposite sides of the frame member 308 enable even load distribution over a center of the at least one wheel 310 and the at least one track member 200.

Further, the connecting member 302 may be coupled to the frame member 308. The connecting member 302 may be coupled to the frame member 308 at any suitable location on the frame member 308, such as on one or both of the at least two opposite sides of the frame member 308, which may include along an outer, central edge of the frame member 308 as shown in FIG. 7. Additionally, the connecting member 302 may be integrally formed with the frame member 308.

At least one of the connecting member 302 and/or the frame member 308 may have multiple attachment points that enable vertical and/or horizontal adjustments of the connecting member 302 relative to the frame member 308 as the connecting member 302 is coupled to the frame member 308.

The connecting member 302 may be coupled directly to the leading edge bar 104 or may be indirectly coupled to the leading edge bar 104 via the insert member 303. For example, the insert member 303 may be coupled to the connecting member 302 and the insert member 303 may be inserted into the leading edge bar 104.

In some aspects, the coupling of the connecting member 302 to the frame member 308 and/or the coupling of the leading edge bar 104 to the connecting member 302 may permit vertical and/or horizontal movement of the leading edge bar 104. Permitting such vertical and/or horizontal movement of the leading edge bar 104 may help to reduce wear-and-tear and other damage to the slider member 300, the leading edge bar 104, and/or the pool cover 109 as the pool cover 109 moves between the open and closed positions. Further, the connecting member 302 may be interchangeable with other connecting members of various shapes, sizes, etc. to permit different types of leading edge bars to be coupled to the slider member 300.

The at least one wheel 310 may be coupled to the frame member 308. In certain aspects, the inner chassis 306 may include two wheels 310 coupled to opposite ends of the frame member 308. The connecting member 302 may be coupled to the frame member 308 at a central location between the two wheels 310. In further aspects, the inner chassis 306 may include one wheel 310 coupled to a central location of the frame member 308.

The frame member 308 may include a stop portion 312 coupled to or integrally formed with the frame member 308 and positioned at a first end region of the frame member 308. The stop portion 312 may be a bar extending across an open portion of the frame member 308, may be a lower edge of a body of the frame member 308, etc.

In some aspects, the slider member 300 may also include a securing member 314 that may extend from the inner chassis 306 and the cover 304. The securing member 314 may be hingedly coupled to the frame member 308 or may be integrally formed with the frame member 308. Further, the securing member 314 may be coupled to the frame member 308 via a direct connection between the securing member 314 and the frame member 308 or may be coupled to the frame member 308 via an indirect connection. For example, a bracket member 316 may be coupled to the frame member 308, and the securing member 314 may be hingedly coupled to the bracket member 316. Additionally, the coupling of the bracket member 316 to the frame member 308 may permit vertical movement of the bracket member 316, and thus the securing member 314, relative to the frame member 308. Permitting such vertical movement may help to reduce wear-and-tear and other damage to the slider member 300, the securing member 314, and/or the at least one track member 200 as the pool cover 109 moves between the open and closed positions.

In some aspects, the securing member 314 may be coupled to the frame member 308 at a central location of the frame member 308, e.g., between the two wheels 310. Further, the securing member 314 may be coupled to the frame member 308 at least partially below the connector member 302.

As may be seen in FIG. 8, when the slider member 300 is arranged on the at least one track member 200, the at least one wheel 310 may abut a portion of the at least one track member 200, e.g., portions of the exposed surfaces 211 of one or both of the upper track portion 204 and the lower track portion 202. In some aspects, the portions of the exposed surfaces 211 of one or both of the upper track portion 204 and the lower track portion 202 on which the slider member 300 is arranged on may be substantially flat or may be at least partially curved. Further, at least a portion of the securing member 314 may be arranged in the slider channel 218 of the at least one track member 200. In some aspects, at least a portion of the pool cover 109 may also be arranged in the slider channel 218 or another suitable channel formed in the at least one track member 200. Additionally, the portions of the exposed surfaces 211 of one or both of the upper track portion 204 and the lower track portion 202 may include a recess or channel sized to receive at least a portion of the at least one wheel 310 and along which the at least one wheel 310 may move during use.

As the slider member 300 moves along the at least one track member 200, the securing member 314 of the at least one track member 200 correspondingly moves. Arranging the portion of the securing member 314 within the slider channel 218 may reduce the likelihood of the slider member 300 moving off of the at least one track member 200 and may also cause the slider member 300 to move more smoothly along the at least one track member 200.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the stop member 400 of the top track pool cover assembly 108 may be coupled to the first end region of the at least one track member 200. The first end region of the at least one track member 200 may be proximate to the first end 111 of the pool 100 and thus may be proximate to the housing 110. The arrangement of the stop member 400 on the at least one track member 200 may reduce the likelihood, or prevent, the slider member 300 from travelling past the stop member 400 and into the housing 110.

In some aspects, the profile of the stop member 400 is shaped so that at least a portion of the stop member 400 may mate with and engage the two side portions 210 of the lower track portion 202. However, it is understood that the profile of the stop member 400 may be shaped to mate with any suitable portion of the lower track portion 202. When the stop member 400 is engaged with the lower track portion 202, the stop member 400 may cover a portion of the recess 212 of the lower track portion 202. Additionally, the stop member 400 may be coupled with the lower track portion 202 using a snap-fit connection, a friction-fit connection, a fastener, e.g., a screw, or any other suitable connection. extending through the stop member 400 and the lower track portion 202. Though the upper portion of the stop member 400 is depicted as curved, any suitable shape may be used.

FIGS. 10A-C further show the shape of a stop member 400 according to certain aspects. A first end 402 of the stop member 400 may be angled away from the body of the stop member 400. When the stop member 400 is coupled to the at least one track member 200, the first end 402 faces the direction of the slider member 300. As the slider member 300 moves toward the housing 110, the stop portion 312 of the slider member 300 may make contact with the first end 402 of the stop member 400. Though the first end 402 of the stop member 400 is depicted as angled, any suitable shape and/or arrangement of the first end 402 may be used.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Examples of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative examples will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the examples described above or depicted in the drawings, and various examples and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

As used below, any reference to a series of examples is to be understood as a reference to each of those examples disjunctively (e.g., “Examples 1-4” is to be understood as “Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4”). In the following, further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention:

• • Example 1 is a top track pool cover assembly (which may incorporate features of any of the subsequent examples) comprising: a top track member comprising a first track portion and a second track portion, wherein the second track portion is coupled to the first track portion and covers a recess of the first track portion; a stop member comprising a first stop member portion shaped to mate with the recess of the first track portion; and a slider member comprising a cover, a substantially U-shaped body member arranged within the cover, a connecting member coupled to the body member and a pool cover, and a securing member.
  • Example 2 is the top track pool cover assembly of example(s) 1 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein at least one stop member fastener extends through the stop member for securing the stop member to the first track portion and a substrate on which the first track portion is positioned.
  • Example 3 is the top track pool cover assembly of example(s) 1 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the stop member comprises a first face angled away from a body of the stop member.
  • Example 4 is the top track pool cover assembly of example(s) 3 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein a portion of the slider member is configured to abut the first face of the stop member.
  • Example 5 is the top track pool cover assembly of example(s) 1 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein at least a portion of the securing member is positionable within and moveable along a channel of the top track member.
  • Example 6 is the top track pool cover assembly of example(s) 1 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the securing member is hingedly coupleable to the body member.
  • Example 7 is the top track pool cover assembly of example(s) 1 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the connecting member is movable relative to the body member.
  • Example 8 is the top track pool cover assembly of example(s) 1 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the connecting member is movable along a vertical direction and a horizontal direction relative to the body member.
  • Example 9 is a slider member for a top track pool cover assembly (which may incorporate features of any of the preceding or subsequent examples) comprising: a cover; a substantially U-shaped body member arranged within the cover; a connecting member coupled to the body member and a pool cover; and a securing member.
  • Example 10 is the slider member of example(s) 9 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein at least a portion of the securing member is positionable within and moveable along a channel of a top track member of the top track pool cover assembly.
  • Example 11 is the slider member of example(s) 9 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the securing member is hingedly coupleable to the body member.
  • Example 12 is the slider member of example(s) 9 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the connecting member is movable relative to the body member.
  • Example 13 is the slider member of example(s) 12 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the connecting member is movable along a vertical direction and a horizontal direction relative to the body member.
  • Example 14 is the slider member of example(s) 9 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, further comprising at least one wheel coupled to the body member between opposite sides of the body member.
  • Example 15 is a method (which may incorporate features of any of the preceding or subsequent examples) for extending or retracting a pool cover using a top track pool cover assembly, the method comprising: moving a slider member along a top track member, the slider member comprising: a cover; a substantially U-shaped body member arranged within the cover; a connecting member coupled to the body member and a pool cover; and a securing member.
  • Example 16 is the method of example(s) 15 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, further comprising abutting an angled first face of a stop member of the top track pool cover assembly with a portion of the slider member.
  • Example 17 is the method of example(s) 15 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein at least a portion of the securing member is positionable within and moveable along a channel of the top track member and moving the slider member along the top track member comprises moving at least the portion of the securing member within the channel.
  • Example 18 is the method of example(s) 15 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the securing member is hingedly coupleable to the body member.
  • Example 19 is the method of example(s) 15 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the connecting member is movable along a vertical direction and a horizontal direction relative to the body member.
  • Example 20 is the method of example(s) 15 or any of the preceding examples, wherein the slider member further comprises at least one wheel coupled to the body member between opposite sides of the body member.