Abstract: A splicing apparatus for interconnecting tubes may include: a first longitudinally elongate structure including a first radially outer surface and a first radially inner surface; a second longitudinally elongate structure including a second radially outer surface and a second radially inner surface, the first and second structures being configured to be arranged with the first and second inner surfaces facing each together and the first and second outer surfaces defining an equivalent diameter; and at least one movable element configured to engage the first and second inner surfaces, whereby movement of the at least one movable element changes a relative position of the first and second structures thereby changing the equivalent diameter defined by the first and second outer surfaces. A kit for a pool cover assembly may include first and second tubes and a splicing apparatus configured to interconnect the tubes.

Abstract: Corner assemblies principally for swimming pools are described. The assemblies include plates lacking any “corner points” or ninety-degree angles and replace, rather than fit into, slots of perimeter coping of pools. A separate cover may be fastened to a corresponding plate and function as either or both of a water barrier or an appearance-enhancing element.

Abstract: A splicing apparatus for interconnecting tubes may include: a first longitudinally elongate structure including a first radially outer surface and a first radially inner surface; a second longitudinally elongate structure including a second radially outer surface and a second radially inner surface, the first and second structures being configured to be arranged with the first and second inner surfaces facing each together and the first and second outer surfaces defining an equivalent diameter; and at least one movable element configured to engage the first and second inner surfaces, whereby movement of the at least one movable element changes a relative position of the first and second structures thereby changing the equivalent diameter defined by the first and second outer surfaces. A kit for a pool cover assembly may include first and second tubes and a splicing apparatus configured to interconnect the tubes.

Abstract: A system for deploying and recovering a cover over a space like a swimming pool having a reel housing that has extensions and a base that may be used to securely mount the reel housing in a receptacle like a recess box. The extensions and the base may brace the reel housing which is made of inelastic or non-deformable material which may be thick metal. The ropes are shortened in length so that there is no excess when the cover is in its fully open position. The ropes are selected to be inelastically deformable. A motor drives the rope reels in the reel housing and the drum for the cover. The clutch that engages either the rope reels or the drum has a non-sacrificial pin to ensure that the clutch and the reels or the drum remain driven and engaged. The cover has outside edges that slide in tracks secured along the edge of the space to be covered. Stop blocks are secured to the outside edge so that the edge is in tension when the cover is positioned over the space to be covered.

Abstract: A system for deploying and recovering a cover over a space, like a swimming pool, has a reel housing that has extensions and a base that may be used to securely mount the reel housing in a receptacle, like a recess box. The extensions and the base may brace the reel housing which is made of inelastic or non deformable material which may be thick metal. The ropes are shortened in length so that there is no excess when the cover is in its fully open position. The ropes are selected to be inelastically deformable. A motor drives the rope reels in the reel housing and the drum for the cover. The clutch, that alternately engages the rope reels and the drum has a non sacrificial pin to ensure that the clutch and the reels or the drum remain driven and engaged.

Abstract: A fastener and removal tool adapted for manually securing and thereafter detaching two separate members in a preselected spatial relationship is disclosed. The fastener includes an elongate shaft, an abutment plate mounted on a first shaft end, and a collapsible head mounted on an opposing shaft end. The removal tool includes a plurality of elongate shafts positioned to be driven along the exterior surface of the fastener to apply a compression force along that shaft, thereby effecting a collapse of the shaft end sufficient to permit the retraction of the fastener from its engagement with the connected members.