Patents by Inventor Thomas Epple

Thomas Epple has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6324706
    Abstract: An automatic pool cover box includes a front wall having a plurality of elongated extrusions, each extrusion having a first side wall, an opposite second side wall, a first coupler on the first side wall and a second coupler on the second side wall. Adjacent extrusions are coupled together using a respective first coupler and second coupler. A second side wall of one of the extrusions defines a bottom edge of the front wall. A rear wall includes a plurality of elongated extrusions, each extrusion having a first side wall, an opposite second side wall, a first coupler on the first side wall and a second coupler on the second side wall. Adjacent extrusions are coupled together using a respective first coupler and second coupler. A second side wall of one of the extrusions defines a bottom edge of the rear wall which is at least intermittently connected with the bottom edge of the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Fort Wayne Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Epple
  • Patent number: 5680730
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a coping for use in a swimming pool. A base is configured for connecting to a sidewall of the pool. A wall is connected to the base and includes a facia. The facia has a first slot for receiving and retaining a liner bead therein and a second slot for receiving and retaining a tube light therein. The first slot and the second slot extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coping. The coping is of monolithic, metal construction. With the slot receiving the tube light having a circular cross-section. A coping clip is utilized to attach end-to-end coping pieces to one another with the clip extending from the top edge of the coping to the light receiving slot without obscuring the light receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Fort Wayne Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Epple
  • Patent number: D444242
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Fort Wayne Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Epple