Abstract: A cover for a swimming pool includes a flexible sheet of material covering substantially all of an opening into the swimming pool. A split extends within the cover. Zipper elements line edges of the cover along the split to close the split, thereby preventing debris from entering the swimming pool through the split. A locking plate member covers top and bottom sides of the zipper to secure the zipper during the off-season. The locking member includes spaced apart upper and lower plates, forming a slot therebetween, whereby the slot provides clearance for fabric edges of the zipper. A bridge section joins the plates adjacent to a rear side of the locking plate member. A recess is formed in facing surfaces of the lower and upper plates between the bridge section and a front side of the locking plate member, to accommodate the zipper elements therein.

Abstract: Disclosed and described is a rotating access cover assembly that may be utilized to cover a storage chamber such as those that store swimming pool covers. In a swimming pool setting, the access cover assembly allows complete access to the storage chamber by the swimming pool cover, which extends the width of the swimming pool. Allowing such access to the chamber, the access cover assembly provides support so that users may walk and sit on the edge of the pool and the edge of the access cover assembly. The access cover rotates to an open position to allow access to all or part of the storage chamber of the swimming pool cover.

Abstract: A spa cover lifter for moving a spa cover from a closed position to a storage position includes a drive mechanism, a fixed base and a lifting arm assembly. The lifting arm assembly is mounted to first or second leaves of the spa cover. The lifting arm assembly is driven by the drive mechanism and is moveably mounted to the fixed base. The lifting arm assembly includes a cover pivoting assembly and a cover transporting assembly. The cover pivoting assembly is driven by the drive mechanism to move the cover from the closed position to an intermediate position and the cover transporting assembly is driven by the drive mechanism to the move the cover from the intermediate position to the storage position. The spa cover lifter has an automatic shutoff for cutting power when an obstacle is encountered. A method of moving the spa cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal spa cover assembly [1000] includes an improved thermal spa cover [1100] having a first part [1111] and a second part which is held together with a hinge [1150], for sealing and retaining heat from a tub [130]. Cover [1100] is made of thermal insulation material to reduce conductive heat loss. It also employs a central gasket [1151] fits inside of the hinge [1150] and is attached to the first part [1111] to minimize gaps and heat loss. End gaskets [1157] are employed at the ends of the hinge [1150] to provide a better seal at the tub, spa cover interface. This seal is slightly wider than the openings, but is compressible to seal in the openings. A shield [1170] is attached to the upper side of the cover [1100] extending downward over the spa cover [1100] and the tub sides 135. It fits tightly around the full perimeter of the tub [1130]. Tie-downs sewn on top of the cover [1100] secure the cover [1100] to the spa tub [130]; further preventing warmed air from escaping.

Abstract: A spa covering device is provided. Such spa covering device includes a substantially hollow self-supporting covering member for covering at least one of a tub portion of a spa tub, a deck portion of such spa tub and a combination thereof. The covering member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. An access mechanism is operably disposed on a first predetermined portion of the covering member at a predetermined location thereon for enabling a user to at least one of enter such spa tub, exit such spa tub, and a combination thereof after the covering member has been placed at least one of on and over such spa tub.

Abstract: An actuator and an assembly utilizing two or more actuators for vertically actuating a cover for a spa. In the lowered position the cover protects the spa and in the elevated position the cover acts as a roof over the spa. The actuator is either a rack and pinion assisted by a cable and pulley or a chain and a plurality of sprockets assisted by a cable and pulley which are connected to lift member which are generally shrouded by telescoping tubes to cover the actuators or to act as lift members themselves. The system can be further enhanced using a gas spring to assist in lifting the cover and reduce the load of the cover weight off the motor which is used to actuate the actuators.

Abstract: A pool cover element, the pool cover element having a substantially convex or sloping upper surface, the pool cover element being provided with means for preventing liquid from being retained on the upper surface, and wherein at least a portion of the upper surface projects above the surface of a body of water when the pool cover element is placed therein.

Abstract: A floating spa cover generally comprises an inflatable insulating and soar heating central portion surrounded by one or more independently inflatable adjustable rings. The inflatable central portion comprises a center section and a peripheral ring. The center section covers most of the spa water surface and includes an upper film of substantially transparent plastic and a lower film of translucent plastic separated by a gas-filled space. The first adjustable ring, connected to the central portion so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the central portion and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a first range of areas. The second adjustable ring, connected to the first adjustable ring so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the first adjustable ring and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a second range of areas.

Abstract: A spa cover lifter for moving a spa cover from a closed position to a storage position includes a drive mechanism, a fixed base and a lifting arm assembly. The lifting arm assembly is mounted to first or second leaves of the spa cover. The lifting arm assembly is driven by the drive mechanism and is moveably mounted to the fixed base. The lifting arm assembly includes a cover pivoting assembly and a cover transporting assembly. The cover pivoting assembly is driven by the drive mechanism to move the cover from the closed position to an intermediate position and the cover transporting assembly is driven by the drive mechanism to the move the cover from the intermediate position to the storage position. The spa cover lifter has an automatic shutoff for cutting power when an obstacle is encountered. A method of moving the spa cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vertically actuable cover for a spa comprises telescoping members which utilize a rack and pinion system to raise and lower the cover from the spa. In the lowered position the cover protects the spa and in the elevated position the cover acts as a roof over the spa.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a hot tub covering system comprised of a plurality of objects adapted to float on the water surface of a hot tub. The objects are adapted to disperse around a person's body in the water. In further exemplary embodiments, the system is adapted to reduce water evaporation and heat loss without substantially impeding use of the hot tub. Furthermore, if the hot tub is located in an indoors environment, the system reduces humidity (i.e., evaporation rate of the water) and creates a more pleasant atmosphere. As a non-limiting example, the objects may be made of a plastic, such as polyethylene, polystyrene or polypropylene. As non-limiting examples, the objects may have a generally cylindrical shape or a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: A pool and mechanisms for raising and lowering a platform mechanism within the pool can include a water container with an open top defined by a peripheral edge, a bottom, and at least one sidewall. One or more receiving cavities can be arranged in the bottom of the water container. The bottom can have a contour shape with a first downward slope between the sidewall and a lowest point in the bottom and a second downward slope between the single receiving cavity and the lowest point. The lowest point can include an egress port from the water container. One or more platforms can have a top side and a bottom side and be being sized and adapted to fit within the peripheral edge of the water container.

Abstract: A locking system for securing a cover that moves within a hole between a lowered position and a raised position is disclosed. The locking system includes one or more locking mechanisms. Each locking mechanism includes an upper leg and a lower leg, each upper leg and the lower leg having a proximal end and a distal end. Each locking mechanism further includes a first joint that joins the upper leg near the respective distal ends of the upper leg and the lower leg, the first joint allowing planar rotational motion of the upper leg relative to the lower leg between a minimum folded angle in the lowered position and a maximum unfolded angle in the raised position. Each locking mechanism further includes a second joint to flexibly attach the distal end of the upper leg on the bottom side of the cover to allow planar rotational motion of the upper leg relative to the cover, and a third joint to flexibly attach the distal end of the lower leg to an attachment disposed on the bottom of the hole.

Abstract: A floating water surface cover module, comprising a rim (1), and a shallow dome-shaped cover (2 )extending from the top of the rim (1 )and formed with a vent (3), the rim and cover being formed with shaped air-filled air-tight cavities (5 )spaced around the rim (1 )to provide buoyancy, the rim (1 )and the cover (2 )being configured so that one module will nest within another to form a stable stack.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosure for a water containing body, the enclosure including a frame configurable between multiple frame positions, a connective material associated with the frame, wherein the connective material is configurable into multiple connective material positions, and at least one association structure configured to moveably associate at least a portion of the frame with the water containing body.

Abstract: A sectional swimming pool includes an inner wall unit having an interconnecting section and two side sections connected to two lateral connecting edges of the interconnecting section with a water-sealing packing strip disposed at each joint of the interconnecting section and the side sections; and an outer wall unit connected to and enclosing four outer sides of the inner wall unit to form a space between the two wall units. The water-sealing packing strips prevent water contained in the inner wall unit from leaking via the joints of the interconnecting section and the side sections, and the space between the two wall units allow easy assembling and future maintenance of the sectional swimming pool.

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: An insulating cover for floating on liquid, such as in a spa, has an area for covering an area of the surface of the liquid. The cover generally comprises a first rectangle for covering a first area and a plurality of successive rectangular tubes connected to either the first rectangle or to a larger rectangle formed by the addition of a prior successive tube so as to form another rectangle for covering additional area. The amount of coverage area can be adjusted by selectively detaching tubes, such as by cutting them off, and by changing the amount of inflation of tubes such that the cover is adaptable to spas of different sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, tubes adjust both the width and length of the cover, and the cover is adapted for folding substantially in half when inflated.

Abstract: A reel locking system includes a reel arranged to collect a cord from an enclosure system. A ratchet drum has teeth and is positioned proximate to the reel. A pawl assembly is pivotally attached to the reel. The pawl assembly has a pawl arranged to move between an engaged position in which the pawl drivingly engages a tooth of the ratchet drum and a ratchet position in which the pawl ratchets over the teeth. A lever is attached to the reel and is operable to lock the pawl in the engaged position and inhibit movement of the pawl to the ratchet position.

Abstract: A pair of stabilizer straps for a spa cover lift mechanism for foldable spa covers used to protect and retain heat in spas and similar apparatus, the stabilizer straps being spaced apart and having one end fastened to the back side of a generally square or rectangular cabinet and an opposite end to the spa cover, wherein a conventional lift mechanism has side arms with first ends pivotally connected to opposite sides of the spa cabinet displaced from the back side and second ends connected to a cross member located at a spa cover fold, the stabilizer straps aiding in evenly displacing a folded cover to the back side of the spa cabinet for use of the spa.

Abstract: A spa cover is assembled from two or more molded foam sections. The sections may be molded from polystyrene, polyethylene, or a mixture of polystyrene and polyethylene. Panels are molded into the sections along mating edges, which panels cooperate to align the sections. The sections further include latches for holding the sections in alignment. The sections taper from a peak at the center of the cover to facilitate the run-off of rain, water sprays, or spills. Tie downs or inserts may be molded into the foam to facilitate the use of child safety straps to secure the cover to a spa. The cover may be sized to match known spa sizes, and may include a molded in decorative pattern and/or color.

Abstract: A spa cover includes an internal heat insulation material having an outer covering which is impermeable to water and water vapor. It absorbs very little water significantly increasing the life of the spa cover. The outer cover is created from a poly halogenated vinyl polymer designed to significantly decrease pore size and water vapor permeability. The outer cover is also laminated from several layers of the poly halogenated vinyl polymer each having a ‘grain’. The grains are angularly offset to further reduce water vapor permeability.

Abstract: A control system is configured for selectively facilitating operation of a mechanized pool cover system. The control system includes a security device and/or a sensor. A controller is in communication with the security device and/or sensor and is configured to selectively generate an actuation signal. A switch circuit is configured to facilitate provision of power from a power source to a pool cover actuator in response to receipt by the switch circuit of the actuation signal. The pool cover actuator is attached to a carriage, and the carriage is attached to a pool cover. The pool cover actuator is configured to selectively drive the carriage to facilitate movement of the pool cover with respect to a pool between a covering position and a non-covering position.

Abstract: A retractable, folding, insulating spa cover assembly with interconnected, plural, elongated, generally rectangular, panel members, the panel members being connected to each other along their longitudinal edges or sides by hinge members that act as gaskets to close the entire gap between adjoining panel members, wherein the hinge members alternate between the upper and lower surface of the panel members, such that the panel members are foldable into a vertical stack. Track members may be provided on opposing upper walls of the spa, with pins or roller members disposed on each end of the panel members such that the panel members slide laterally within the track members. The track members may each have a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, such the panel members remain in the track members when vertically stacked as well. In an alternative embodiment, vertically oriented roller conveyor members may be positioned beside the spa.

Abstract: A hot tub cover assembly includes a hot tub that includes a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall wherein the first and second side walls are positioned opposite of each other. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening into the hot tub. A panel has a size and shape substantially equal to the upper edge of the peripheral wall. A lifting assembly is attached to and extends between the peripheral wall and the canopy. The lifting assembly is configured to selectively lift the canopy into an open position lifted above and spaced from the hot tub or lower the canopy into a closed position abutting the upper edge and covering the opening.

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 pair of specially designed plates that are mounted to the framing of a screened enclosure, enabling the installation of a hose bib and hose bib to garden hose adapter, providing a water supply through the screen of the enclosure. This provides a garden hose connection and water flow control point within the screened enclosure. An ordinary garden hose is attached to a hose bib outside the screened enclosure and to the hose bib to garden hose adapter providing the water supply.

Abstract: Invented techniques and associated mechanisms are described for passively assuring that the spiraling layers of wound-up layers of a buoyant pool cover are, and will remain tightly wound around a rotatable cover drum completely submerged in a pool bottom tough.

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 attached to the cover. 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 that seats against a rim of a spa to seal heat and steam within the spa. The spa cover includes a first panel having a first inner edge and a second panel having a second inner edge. A hinge moveably attaches between the first inner edge and the second inner edge to permit movement of the first cover and second cover relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The hinge forms a seal between the inner edges of the first and second panels.

Abstract: A moveable gazebo structure that slides over the pool to cover it. The gazebo is mounted on a platform that rolls on rails installed adjacent to the pool. The gazebo may slide from north to south and vice-versa or from east to west or vice-versa. This invention is motorized but it may be moved manually.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for uncovering and/or covering the opening to a swimming pool covered by a roof, for low shelters consisting of adjacent roof elements oriented along the length of the swimming pool. The inventive device is characterised in that it comprises: storage means (600) that are located at an end of the pool and are used to store the roof elements (I) in a stacked manner; means for displacing said roof elements (I) horizontally (arrow H) over the length of the pool; stacking means (800) for stacking the roof elements (I) in the storage means (600); and means for interconnecting (900) the roof elements (I), said connecting means being both inseparable in order to secure the roof elements to each other, and separable in order to enable the vertical displacement (arrow V) of said roof elements (I) for stacking purposes.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a swimming pool and which can be raised and lowered, the cover assembly comprising a frame which is relatively rigid, a covering material which is supported by the frame, and a plurality of extendable and retractable leg members which are associated with the frame such that extension of the leg member causes the frame to be raised and lowering of the leg member causes the frame to be lowered, at least one leg member being powered to enable the leg member to the extended upon demand.

Abstract: A convertible spa top having pairs of brackets mounted at locations along sides of the spa. A bimini frame incorporates a plurality of interconnected tubular members to which is secured a fabric covering, the frame hingedly engaging the brackets and including at least a main tubular member engaging, at remote ends, an intermediate-most located pair of brackets, a pair of tubular supports extending from the other of the pair of brackets and each engaging an intermediate outer leg location of the main tubular member, and at least one secondary tubular member extending in a hinged and reverse angled fashion from additional locations associated with the main tubular member. The frame is convertible from a first configuration in which the fabric covering is substantially stretched over and above the spa, to a second configuration in which the tubular members and fabric are collapsed to one end of the spa.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically providing covering and uncovering of a recessed area including a hot tub or the like. The system includes a cover assembly including a stationary section, and a movable cover section movable with respect to the stationary section between (i) a retracted, stowed position, out of the plane of the stationary section and in vertical registration with the stationary section, wherein the hot tub is uncovered, and (ii) an operative, extended position, in the plane of the stationary section and in end-to-end registration with the stationary section, wherein the hot tub is covered.

Abstract: Invented techniques and associated mechanisms are described for eliminating bi-directional flexure properties of coupled buoyant-slats forming a pool cover while simultaneously increasing the buoyancy of a leading or front portion of the cover and for assuring that the spiraling layers of wound-up layers of a buoyant pool cover are, and remain tightly wound around a submerged, rotatable cover drum at all times.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a swimming pool cover assembly useful to facilitate the installation of a cover having the tendency to sink when placed on the surface of the pool. The cover assembly comprises a plastic sheet and a flotation device. The sheet has a size and configuration generally adapted to cover the water surface of the pool, a top side, and a bottom side provided with one or more fasteners. The flotation device has one or more complimentary fasteners to permit assembly to and disassembly from the bottom side of the sheet. The floatation device also has sufficient buoyancy to maintain the sheet at or near the water surface when the sheet and attached floatation device are placed on the water during installation of the cover over the pool.

Abstract: A woven fabric pool cover has an antimicrobial agent that reduces/prevents the growth of microbes on the pool cover and in the water of a swimming pool covered by the cover. The fabric cover may be woven from polyolefin extruded monofilaments, and/or fibrillated tape yarns where the yarns have an antimicrobial agent added during the yarn extrusion process or added to fabric formed by the yarns. The fabric may be woven from traditional polyolefin extruded monofilaments, and/or fibrillated tape yarns before the resulting fabric is treated with a antimicrobial agent. Such treatment may involve spraying a solution onto the fabric or also dipping, soaking, or padding the fabric into the treating solution. The antimicrobial agent may form a zone of inhibition around the yarns and may seep out of the fabric to form zones of inhibition in the surrounding environment, like on the cover and/or in swimming pool water.

Abstract: A hot tub cover protector that includes a polymer sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface optionally has a first image disposed thereon and the second surface optionally includes at least one fastener that is available for coupling to the surface of a hot tub cover.

Abstract: The bathtub/hot tub is positioned in an opening in the wall of a house. The opening has the same shape as the plan view of the bathtub/hot tub. For a circular bathtub/hot tub, the opening is semicircular. A movable cover in the form of a quarter hollow sphere is pivoted to move from the position where it covers the outer half of the bathtub/hot tub while leaving the inner half inside the house wall accessible. It is movable to an inner position where it seals against the inner portion of the bathtub/hot tub and against the opening in the house wall to leave the bathtub/hot tub accessible from outside of the wall. In either case, the inside of the house is closed against the outside ambient conditions.

Abstract: A floating debris capture device and method which can be employed by those who have a normal pool cover which does not have a debris capture system. The device is located under the side regions of a floating pool cover, where debris is either washed or swept from the cover as it's reeled onto a spool during the cover removal operation. The device comprises a floating frame and a mesh screen. Extending from the side of the device adjacent to the pool wall is a positioning wing flap, which serves to anchor the device to the corner edge of a pool, and retain the device in proper position to catch debris as a pool cover is rolled up onto a spool.

Abstract: A hot tub cover including at least one core module including a jacket and at least one core module within the jacket. Each core module is fabricated from a plurality of rigidly interconnected core elements. In the disclosed embodiment, the core elements are extruded and include dovetail elements at their edges enabling the core elements to slide together.

Abstract: This new versatile invention of pool cover dome support system keeps the bugs, dirt, rain water, snow and leaves, out of the above ground pools or in-ground pools cover during winter. The system consists of a central distribution hub assembly, edge of pool clamps assembly and versatile telescoping poles. The central distribution hub assembly can be elevated above the rim of the pool to any desired height. The pool cover is disposed over the dome structure and secured around the pool whereby objects and substances will not accumulate on the pool cover. The system can also be adapted and used as structure to provide a temporary shelter for many other applications. The objective is to provide one universal substantially rigid lightweight structure at a low cost with minimum parts that can be assembled as a dome regardless of pools size or shape.

Abstract: A rectangular shaped frame with attached canopy that provides shadow in a swimming pool, comprising: 2 parallel sides each with three tubes interconnected with four T-shaped parts; four perpendicular tubes that interconnect to the T-shaped parts to form the rectangle and three which go inside holes on the lateral sides of the frame; four legs that connect to the rectangular frame via T-shaped parts; four brackets that fasten each leg to the cement surrounding the swimming pool; a canopy; and one or more ties or straps for attaching the canopy to the frame.

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 reel locking system includes a reel arranged to collect a cord from an enclosure system. A ratchet drum has teeth and is positioned proximate to the reel. A pawl assembly is pivotally attached to the reel. The pawl assembly has a pawl arranged to move between an engaged position in which the pawl drivingly engages a tooth of the ratchet drum and a ratchet position in which the pawl ratchets over the teeth. A lever is attached to the reel and is operable to lock the pawl in the engaged position and inhibit movement of the pawl to the ratchet position.

Abstract: A system for lifting a spa cover lifter. The system includes a pole and a post. The system also includes a first support member and a second support member. The first support member is pivotably connected to the pole. The second support member is pivotably connected to the pole and pivotably connected to the post. The system also includes a first cable connected to the spa cover, a second cable connected to the pole, and a drive mechanism connected to the first and second cables.

Abstract: An adjustable lifting device for a spa cover has a frame for securing to the spa cover and at least one extendible mount for adjustably extending a distance between the frame of the lifting device and a mounting point on the housing of a spa. The extendible mount has an extendible member attached to the frame of the lifting device, and a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed at a mounting location on the housing of a spa. The extendible member is adjustably coupled to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A spa cover removing device has improved rigidity and includes cross pieces that fit into elongate sleeves provided at each end of a center hinge between two half sections of a spa cover. The removing device has a substantially rigid frame with a pair of parallel side bars positioned on opposing sides of the spa housing, the side bars have upper ends rigidly attached to upper elbow pieces projecting toward each other, each elbow piece rigidly joined to retainer bars to extend across the center hinge of the spa cover and support the spa cover. The side bars of the rigid frame also have lower ends rigidly attached to lower elbow pieces connected to a single square tubular pivot shaft extending across the spa housing, and the pivot shaft is supported in annular supports at the opposite sides of the spa housing, these annular supports each have an internal diameter sufficient for the pivot shaft of the rigid frame to pivot therein and hence remove the spa cover.

Abstract: A cover for a swimming pool includes a flexible sheet of material covering substantially all of an opening into the swimming pool. A split extends within the cover. Zipper elements line edges of the cover along the split to close the split, thereby preventing debris from entering the swimming pool through the split. A locking plate member covers top and bottom sides of the zipper to secure the zipper during the off-season. The locking member includes spaced apart upper and lower plates, forming a slot therebetween, whereby the slot provides clearance for fabric edges of the zipper. A bridge section joins the plates adjacent to a rear side of the locking plate member. A recess is formed in facing surfaces of the lower and upper plates between the bridge section and a front side of the locking plate member, to accommodate the zipper elements therein.