Abstract: A flexible safety barrier edge material contacts a wall of a poolside raised obstacle with a hollow loop crossection. The loop portion is slit at multiple intervals to permit the individual sections to conform to relatively sharp inside or outside corner contours of the obstruction. A continuous stainless steel cable is guided around the respective portion of the pool cover periphery in the vicinity of the obstruction, by passing it through fabric webbing loops sewn at the edge of the pool cover. This cable is attached to a top surface of the pool wall deck using pool anchors with split loops having a cable receiving slot. The cable is looped thru said turnbuckle and secured via cable clamps and then tightened by the use of turnbuckles at either end of the cable.

Abstract: A swimming pool safety cover of the solid fabric variety includes a flexible cover fabric formed of a plurality of reinforced thermoplastic polymer pieces assembled and heat sealed along their edges to form a unitary cover conforming to the shape of the pool and a plurality of anchor straps, each strap extending along a portion of and heat sealed to one side of the cover and projecting outwardly from, and spaced apart along, the periphery of the cover. The projecting portion of each anchor strap is sufficiently long to attach to the hardware and the portion of each strap extending along and heat sealed to the cover is no longer than one to three times the length of the projecting portion.

Abstract: One example of this application provides the only portable hard cover (hot tub cover) on the market. One example of this application provides 2 caps per molding (instead of one cap). These are big advantages for consumer and reducing manufacturing cost. Different variations have been presented here, as well.

Abstract: A holding sheet for a pool cover assembly having a cover sheet and a flotation member is disclosed. The cover sheet has an underside and a central portion. The inflatable flotation member is secured to the underside at the central portion of the cover sheet with the holding sheet via an adhesive material. The holding sheet has multiple ends and multiple adhesive strips mounted on the ends at a same side of the holding sheet to form a pocket in which a flotation member is remained centrally under a cover sheet of the pool cover assembly. Accordingly, The flotation member can be held and mounted at a center of the underside of the cover sheet easily and conveniently.

Abstract: A pool cover supporting unit includes a plurality of spokes connected to a central hub. The hub rests floats in the pool and the spokes can be lengthened as needed to accommodate pools of various shapes, such as an oval pool. The unit is easily collapsed for storage and easily assembled for use.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool cover system which incorporates a gap eliminator for use on pools which have walls of varying height and curvature, the gap eliminator secured to the wall by a cable and a plurality of anchors, the gap eliminator having a sleeve including a weighted buoyant material disposed below the pool cover attached to the cable and a second sleeve having buoyant weighted material disposed above the pool cover attached to the cable, thereby sealing the gap between the pool cover and the wall.

Abstract: A putting green whose perimeter is level with the top of a concrete-sided pool having a decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and an apron surrounding the pool having at least partially flat surface, the putting green overlying a deck including a) a waterproof surface comprising decking surface members having lengths and ends, the lengths being sized to the dimensions of the pool and the surface being at the same level as the pool apron; b) supports including i. cross members which are perpendicular to the lengths of the decking surface members; ii. underlying joists that form a sturdy base for the cross members; and iii. joist hangers being secured to the sides of the pool below the decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and being sunk into the concrete side of the pool; and c) a putting green comprising at least the layers of gravel, sand and artificial grass.

Abstract: A movable floor system for a swimming pool, including a structural platform comprising a horizontal frame designed to support a finished covering, the platform being designed to be installed in a cavity acting as the swimming pool. The system includes a lifting mechanism, a plurality of parallel crossmembers fixed within a layer formed by the frame of the platform; and a plurality of carrier pulleys located along outer lateral edges of the frame, the carrier pulleys designed to accommodate a platform-driving cable. The lifting mechanism further includes: a driver; a shaft; first and second drive pulleys situated at the ends of the shaft designed to take at least one platform-driving cable; an attachment to secure at least one cable in the cavity; and means for actuating the drive shaft.

Abstract: A blanket of many floats of like configuration and each incorporating a polygonal parametrical rims housing a plurality of radial spokes configured to, in alternate axial relationship, form cells closed at the respective one ends and opening axially at their respective opposite ends. The system of the present of invention includes plumbing with a series of water jets for generating a current to flow fluid in a controlled fashion from and to a storage tank to selectively deploy and retrieve the floats.

Abstract: A hot tub includes a shell defining a water compartment, at least one electrical component, and a cover positionable over the shell. The cover includes a body and an integral solar panel mounted to the body. The solar panel provides electrical output power to one or more of the electrical components.

Abstract: A light weight, durable, easily recyclable pool cover includes a fabric covering with reinforcing and attachment straps wherein, the reinforcing and attachment straps are attached to said fabric in a criss-crossed pattern. The fabric covering and the straps are produced from a single polymer consisting of polypropylene. The pool cover is entirely recyclable at end of service life by chopping the pool cover components in a simple machine producing granules useful for injection molding of polypropylene products. The pool cover fabric is produced by subjecting three layers of polypropylene sheet material to heat and pressure forming a strong durable fabric wherein the top layer and bottom layer are a solid fabric and the middle layer is multi-filament mesh of polypropylene threads.

Abstract: An articulating cover member for covering an opening, such as a spa, includes a plurality of pivotally connected door panels wherein each of the door panels include at least one longitudinally-extending tubular member and at least one longitudinally-extending attachment member associated with a longitudinal edge portion of the at least one tubular member. The at least one longitudinally-extending attachment member is configured for cooperation with an attachment member extending along a longitudinal edge portion of the tubular member of an adjacent door panel for pivotally connecting the door panels. An insulating material may be located within the tubular members and a motor assembly may be provided for automatic actuation of the cover member.

Abstract: An ice-compensating cover including: a cover; a float; and a separable fastener interposed between the cover and the float, the separable fastener including a first portion adhesively bonded to the cover, and a second portion adhesively bonded to the float, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion defines a first opening in a center of the at least one of the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: An example portable, retractable surface protection device. The example device includes a rotatable support bar, a first support base positioned to a first end of the support bar, a second support base positioned to a second end of the support bar, and a surface cover. A plurality of wheels are positioned to the second support base such that the device is wheelable. The device additionally includes a handle connected to the support bar for wrapping and unwrapping the surface cover onto the support bar. A plurality of removable weights positioned in the surface cover at least partially restrict movement of the surface cover when in a fully or a partially deployed position.

Abstract: A cover for an above-the-ground swimming pool includes a hard sloping frame for supporting the cover, with the frame being raisable and lowerable by hydraulic, electrical or piston mechanisms from inserted tubes within the spaced vertical struts which support the side walls of the pool in an original swimming pool manufacture or within adjacent struts additionally emplaced in the retrofitting of existing above-the-ground pools already in construction.

Abstract: A cover for a spa includes a frame with a raisable hood. The hood is affixed by cable to an electric winch mounted atop the frame. Pivotable louvers allow the hood to raise and bracket guides act as stops for safety purposes. After spa usage the winch lowers the spa hood to cover the spa and prevent dust, leaves, debris and the like from contaminating the water contained within.

Abstract: A hot tub cover lifter comprises a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover. The lifter arm is pivotally connected to at least one bracket, and the bracket is anchored to the hot tub. The lifter arm comprises a plurality of telescoping segments, and at least two adjacent segments are adjustably connected by a compression fitting. The hot tub cover lifter can be manually assembled and adjusted to fit a hot tub of any size, and without the need for tools.

Abstract: A pool covering apparatus includes a tube that forms a continuous loop. The tube is positionable around a perimeter edge of the pool. A flexible panel is attached to the tube and covers an area bounded by the tube. The panel covers the pool when the tube is positioned around the pool. The panel has an area dimension greater than an area dimension bounded by the tube. A lift assembly is attached to the tube and the panel. The lift assembly lifts the cover above a plane of the tube.

Abstract: A safety enclosure cover for a portable air-inflatable swimming pool includes a mat spread on a horizontal surface, with the inflatable pool resting on the mat. An outer rim of the mat extends beyond an outer wall of the inflatable pool. Water is filled into the inflatable pool so that an inflated holding pillow floats on an upper surface of said water. A cover encloses the inflatable pool and the floating holding pillow. An outer edge of the cover is attached to an outer edge of the mat whereby the water and inflatable pool are completely enclosed, so that the floating pillow pushes up on the inside of the cover, thereby the cover is formed into a convex shape so that rainwater is shed from the convexly-shaped cover.

Abstract: A manual cover-extender comprises a tube, pipe, or plate attaching to a cover to evenly distribute tension caused by the force of pulling along a front edge of the cover. A pulling rope or chain is attached to the tube, pipe, or plate. The pulling rope or chain is attached to a second rope or chain longer than the length of a surface to be covered, and is manually pulled to extend the cover over the surface to be covered.

Abstract: A swimming pool safety net system includes a net having a first edge affixable to a side of a swimming pool and a second edge extendable toward a center of the swimming pool. A plurality of actuators are substantially regularly spacing around a periphery of a swimming pool wherein each actuator has an extendable end affixed to the second edge of the net. A controller selectively operates the actuators between a retracted position with the second end of the net proximal to the side of the swimming pool and an extended position with the second end of the net extended toward the center of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A removable pool enclosure system has a permanent, rigid framework defining a volume of space above a ground surface area containing a pool area to be enclosed, the framework including vertical support poles secured to the ground surface and connecting members affixed to the top of the support poles. A removable mesh fabric encloses the pool area, the mesh fabric having an upper portion which affixes to the top of the framework and a side portion sized to circumscribe the ground surface area to be enclosed. A reinforced bottom hem on the side portion of the mesh fabric attaches, through grommets spaced throughout the hem; to fasteners affixed to the bottom end of the support poles to secure the reinforced bottom hem to the support poles. A sealable opening in the mesh fabric provides access to the pool area.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a cover from a spa or other housing includes a frame member having one end that is pivotally attached to the exterior of the housing. Another end of the frame member is pivotally and slidably coupled to the cover. In one embodiment, the frame member is pivotally and slidably coupled to the proximate cover portion via a pin attached to the proximate cover portion and extending through a slot defined by the frame member. A motor is likewise attached to the exterior of the housing and is pivotally coupled to the frame member. The motor causes the frame member to rotate thereby lifting the cover off of the housing.

Abstract: A spa cover lifter for use with a spa cover. According to various embodiments, the spa cover comprises a first section and a second section pivotably connected to the first section at a hinge interface. The spa cover lifter comprises a drive system, a first cable connected to the drive system, and a post assembly. The post assembly is extendable from a retracted position to an extended position. Also, the first cable is routed by the post assembly. In various embodiments, the spa cover lifter is configured to connect to the spa cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a surface such as a swimming pool, a sports field, a glazed surface, a vehicle body, including: (a) a drum rotatingly mounted and capable of winding or unwinding a cover, said drum being mounted on longitudinal translation mechanisms including rails provided on either side of said surface; (b) an attachment system for said cover at one transverse end of the surface to be covered so that the translation and the rotation of the drum results in the winding/unwinding of the cover above the surface to be covered; (c) a system for continuously locking the longitudinal edges of the cover onto said rails that is progressively fitted during the unwinding operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a swimming pool cover is provided. At least two stationary support members are located proximate to a swimming pool and rises vertically above the swimming pool. A substantially rigid cover element frame is supported by said support members and is movable in a substantially vertical direction between a lowered position proximate to the top surface of the swimming pool and a raised position remote from the top surface of the swimming pool. A flexible cover element is supported by said cover element frame, wherein the flexible cover element is stretched proximate to said cover element frame. A collapsible upper vortex is formed within the cover element to prevent a quantity of precipitation from collecting on top of the cover element. A vertical movement control system is located partially within at least one of the support members and controls movement of the cover element frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (D) for mounting and guiding roofing modules (M) of the type consisting of a framework (100) connecting beams (110) and cross members (120) supporting a cover, the edge cross members (121 and 122) forming rims and resting on the edges of a swimming pool (P), said modules (M) being able to undergo horizontal translational movement (arrow F1) above the swimming pool (P) in order that said swimming pool (P) is covered or opened, said device being noteworthy in that it consists of a wheel (200) having a substantially vertical axis, -said wheel being mounted on a removable rotary shaft (300) mounted at the edge of the swimming pool (P), -the rolling surface (210) of which wheel allows a relative rolling of the rim of the modules (M) when said rim comes into contact during the horizontal translational movement (arrow F1), -the lower face (220) of which wheel engages with a projection (400) on the rim (121, 122) which comes under the wheel (200) in order to restrain the module (M) i

Abstract: A spa/hot tub protective cover prevents the adverse effects of the sun and; weather from causing damage to a spa or hot tub. It also prevents damage or soiling by tree sap, insects, bird droppings, etc. The protective cover is constructed from a synthetic canvas-type of material which is well suited to protect the underlying spa. The protective spa cover is designed to cover the entire spa, with the exception of the pivot arms which aid in flipping the lid out of the way during use of the spa and the optional attached handrail. The spa cover is easily slipped over the spa, where it can remain for years without having to be removed.

Abstract: A dispenser delivery system for a closed container that permits periodic dispensing of a dispersant into a fluid in the container without having to remove a cover over the container.

Abstract: A deck construction includes a movable, rigid, unitary platform with wheels mounted to its bottom and supporting tracks arranged on opposite sides of an open space below the platform. The wheels roll along the tracks, allowing horizontal movement of the platform. At least one drive mechanism is mounted on a side of the open space to engage a rack on the platform. One or more stationary sources of rotary power, such as electric motors, operate the drive mechanism to cause the platform to move horizontally in either direction along the tracks. The deck construction is particularly useful as a swimming pool cover or an extensible balcony or canopy.

Abstract: A system and method for an inflatable swimming pool cover that is elevated above the water line, particularly for above ground pools, is herein disclosed. The cover is configured with a donut-shaped air pillow around a higher center air pillow. The donut-shaped air pillow maintains the cover above the levels of the pool sidewalls such that rain, snow, leaves and the like are directed off the pool cover to the ground, thus eliminating unwanted debris from accumulating on the cover. Further, since no water can collect on the pool cover, the risk of drowning by young children or pets that may accidentally be trapped upon or within the pool cover is significantly reduced. The two air pillows are interconnected with a tube structure and also an air filling tube that extends to the side of the pool to allow the air pillows to be filled or refilled from the perimeter. A plurality of straps secures the pillows in place to the underside of the pool cover.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for constructing edging around the perimeter of a swimming pool having a decking and a retractable pool cover, wherein an elongated guide connector is attached to a wall of the swimming pool for connecting to a guide member for the pool cover, that includes a form member shaped to form the edging, and a form mating structure on the form member for removably mating the form member to the elongated guide connector.

Abstract: An automatic retractable and advanceable hot tub cover system comprising: a rear cross member, with a first end and a second end; a first boot assembly, in rotatable and slidable communication with the first end of the rear cross member; a second boot assembly, in rotatable and slidable communication with the second end of the rear cross member; a first rear main lift arm fixedly attached to near the first end of the rear cross member, the first rear main lift arm having a first angled end; a second rear main lift arm fixedly attached to near the second end of the rear cross member, the second rear main lift arm having a second angled end; a shackle connector with a first shackle connector end, and a second shackle connector end, the first shackle connector end rotatably attached to the first angled end; a front cover lift arm, with a front cover lift arm angled end, the front cover lift arm angled end rotatably attached to the first shackle connector end; a front cover actuator, with a front cover actuator r

Abstract: A therapeutic tub device for receiving water and a person to allow the person to soak in the water includes a tub being filled with water. The tub receives a person to allow the person to soak in the water. The tub is insulated to maintain a temperature of the water in the tub. The tub includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior space of the tub. An upper edge of the perimeter wall defines an open top end to permit the water and the person to enter the interior space. A telescopic cover is coupled to the upper edge of the tub. The telescopic cover telescopically extends from a foot end of the tub to a head end of the tub to cover the open top end of the tub.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a folding barrier device comprising a parallelipipedic box (100) constituted by a base (106) having the shape of a parallelogram, with a long side (the length of the box) and a short side (the width of the box), 2 side walls (102, 104) having the shape of a parallelogram, with a length equal to the length of the long side of the box, therefore of the base, and a width equal to the height of the box, said walls being capable of preferably having a rectangular shape, linked to the base by their long side, and equipped with a lid (101) having the shape of a parallelogram, of at least the same dimensions as the base of said box, said lid being hinged so as to pass between a position horizontal to and a position vertical to one of the 2 walls constituting one of the long sides of said box, said box containing at least one folding barrier (107) constituted by a handrail (109) and bars (108), said bars being hinged by means of hinges at one of their ends (upper end) to a handrail

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the invention provides a cover for a body of water, the cover comprising one or more tiles. Each tile comprises a generally flattened tile body floatable atop the body of water to cover a surface area thereof. The tile body defines an enclosure wherein at least a portion of the tile body that defines the enclosure is deformable. Each tile also comprises a ballast having a density greater than water and a port for conveying a fluid having a density less than water into and out of the enclosure. Upon conveying the fluid into the enclosure via the port, the portion of the tile body deformably expands to increase a volume of the enclosure and increase a buoyancy of the tile and, upon conveying the fluid out of the enclosure via the port, the portion of the tile body deformably contracts to decrease the volume of the enclosure and decrease the buoyancy of the tile.

Abstract: A pool cover, pool covering apparatus, system and method for covering a pool: A swimming pool cover consisting of two layers, suitably bonded together, with air trapped in gas tight compartments extending across the width of the cover. These features give the cover improved lateral stiffness, low wetted surface area, and a feedback mechanism for centering the cover as it is being rolled up. A pool covering apparatus that consists of: A movable reel assembly that can also be used a seat to store the cover wrapped around a shaft; A float, attached to the cover, to pull the cover onto the pool when the operator by means of a rope pulls it onto the pool; A cranking device to wind up the cover on the shaft in the reel assembly to remove the cover from the pool. The pool is broken down into a plurality of sections, one apparatus serving each section, to allow an easily operated system to cover a large pool and to allow the design features of the cover make it easier to deploy and remove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover (10) intended for a pool system (1), the cover being lightly flexible and formed as a pool-covering structure and serving as a protection, where said cover (10) is adapted to cooperate in edge-related fashion with a guide arrangement (11) or similar means, said cover (10) being oriented by support means (112) at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of a body of liquid or body of water enclosed by the pool. Said cover is integrally formed with and/or adapted to support liquid-Tillable or liquid-filled channels (14, 14a) where said channels are adapted to be included in one or more thermal energy absorbing units (6a) included in one or more suntrap apparatuses (6). A liquid in these liquid-filled channels (14), heated by solar energy, is adapted to be heat exchanged with said body of liquid or body of water (2) enclosed by the pool.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for tensioning a safety net on a swimming pool. In one aspect, a tension apparatus for use with a pool net is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a selectively engagable gear arrangement disposed in the housing. The apparatus further includes a rotatable member for supplying rotational energy to the gear arrangement and a spool member operatively attached to the gear arrangement. Additionally, the apparatus includes a cable at least partially wrapped around the spool member, wherein the cable includes a connector configured to connect to the pool net. In another aspect, a method for tensioning a pool net is provided. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for use in tensioning a net is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting pond covers, which includes a shaft having an exterior surface, a first end and a second end. An engagement profile is positioned on the exterior surface at a first end of the shaft. A cable guide is positioned in an intermediate position between the first end and the second end of the shaft, the cable guide being oriented transversely to the shaft. A cable is prevented from removal from the cable guide by the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A free-floating, integrated, solar operated water heater appliance, for heating the body of water includes a flotation device for buoyantly supporting the appliance in the body of water. A water heater element, fueled by solar energy, heats water pumped through the heater element by an integral pump, driven by solar energy. A solar energy reflector/container supports the heater element and concentrates solar energy onto the outer surface of the heater element. A parabolic dish reflector concentrates solar energy onto the inner surface of the heater element. Water is circulated through the heater element and returned, in elevated temperature, to the body of water.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, a floating water park positioned in a body of water is described, as well as, a floating marine park. A floating marine/water park may include one or more floating containers positioned in a body of a first fluid. One or more of the floating containers may function to hold a second fluid, marine life, and/or participants in water amusement activities. A floating marine park may include one or more convertible roofs functioning to substantially cover at least a portion of one or more of the floating containers.

Abstract: An improved automated spa cover lifting device and thermally efficient, foldable spa cover, the lifting device having a motorized expandable and retractable strut attachable to a spa housing and to at least one of two pivotal side arms that connect or support a folded spa cover to the spa housing during displacement with the preferred spa cover having a bevel at the fold to improve the thermal efficiency of the cover.

Abstract: A hot tub cover for reversibly covering the top aperture of the tub. The other tub cover includes a plurality of substantially elongated cover elements disposed in a side by side relationship relatively to each other. Each of the cover elements is pivotally coupled to adjacent cover elements. The hot tub cove is retractable from the top aperture by rolling the hot tub cover around itself. Also, the hot tub cover is extendable over the top aperture by unrolling the rolled hot tub cover.

Abstract: A swimming pool gap securement assembly prevents the accessibility of persons, animals or other objects into swimming pools, because of gaps left between the edges of a swimming pool cover and the surfaces of vertically rising decorative landscape obstructions associated therewith. The assembly provides one or more protective extensions of a swimming pool cover which covers any gaps present when a swimming pool cover encounters these vertically rising obstructions. These panels, one for each gap encountered, are generally of triangular shape, of the same fabric as the main pool cover or any other pool cover materials, and are sewn into, or otherwise attached to, the reinforced webbing at the edge of the pool cover. The lower horizontal edge and the vertical end edge of the wing extension panel have an attached edge strip with a linear array of holes engageable with one or more anchors imbedded into the deck or on the side of the obstruction itself.

Abstract: A spa enclosure apparatus has a convertible awning spanning over and spaced generally vertically from a hot tub when in use, and preferably an insulated cover assembly for covering the hot tub when not in use. Preferably, the cover assembly is engaged to and operates in conjunction with the convertible awning. The convertible awning has a canopy supported by and extending between two substantially parallel arcuate rods of the convertible awning. Each arcuate rod preferably connects to a substantially vertical shaft preferably of the cover assembly located substantially near respective rear corners of the spa. The arcuate rods extend upward from the vertical shafts, bend, and project over the hot tub to respective forward corners of the hot tub. Preferably, two substantially vertical columns of the convertible awning project upward from the vicinity of the respective forward corners to engage the distal ends of the arcuate rods.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a play area, such as a sandbox, comprises a frame disposed over the play area and a covering material attached to the frame. The frame is constructed so as to be convertible between a first configuration in which children can enter and play in a fully enclosed play area and a second configuration in which the play area is shaded, but open to the outside.

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 zipper system for a safety swimming pool cover provides a convenient method of navigating around any vertical obstacles that may be within the pool cover area, when installing the pool cover over the pool. When a vertically extending obstacle, such as an entrance stair hand rail extends above the surface of a swimming pool cover, the swimming pool cover is split in the area of the obstacle, the zipper enables the user to securely navigate around the obstacle without compromising the tight fit of the swimming pool cover. The zipper closes the split area around the obstacle quickly and neatly. The zipper also prevents the entrance of debris into the pool around the split area. The zipper alternatively provides access to a selected area of the pool, such as a spa area. The spa area, when not in use, can be zipped and covered.

Abstract: An insulated removeable pond cover for settling ponds. The pond cover comprises a plurality of sealed panel units containing insulation. The panel units are linked together by means of a system of cables which pass through grommets in the panel units.