Pool cover tracking system

Abstract

Pool cover tracking systems are used to cover and uncover pool covers over pools. A leading edge bar 110 is connected to the pool cover 102. The leading edge bar 110 is also operatively connected to opposing slider assemblies 112, 114 which traverse about opposing tracks 106,108. A connector 120 is utilized to connect the leading edge bar 110 to the slider assemblies 112, 114. The connector 120 is an endcap having a first mating member 162 adapted to removably mate with a second mating member 166 of the leading edge bar 110. The endcap 120 further has a receiver 164 to slidingly receive and slidingly retain a component of a slider assembly 112, 114. The receiver 164 allows for lateral movement of the slider assembly 112, 114 in the endcap 120 to assist in preventing jams of the pool cover tracking system. The receiver 164 may also have a plurality of apertures 174, each of which can engage the slider assembly 112, 114 to allow for vertical alignment of the leading edge bar 110.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Swimming pools generally include a supply of water which is contained by a plurality of upright perimeter walls and a bottom wall. Often a deck area is positioned adjacent the upright walls and surrounds the pool to provide an area for people to walk around the pool.

The walls of the swimming pool are commonly made from concrete, metal or plastic. When the walls of the swimming pool are metal or plastic, a rubber or vinyl liner is often utilized. The liner is hung from a coping which is typically located at the top of the upright perimeter walls, and which typically surrounds the entire perimeter of the swimming pool.

Additionally, it is common to have a swimming pool cover. Swimming pool covers are generally divided into two major categories: (1) summer covers, and (2) winter covers. Summer covers are generally used to cover the surface of the pool during the swimming season so as to conserve the heat of the water in the pool, especially during the cooler spring and fall days and evenings. Summer covers, often referred to as solar covers, are generally made of a “bubble” type plastic film that has cells of air sealed between two plastic films. The air cells provide sufficient buoyancy to assist the cover in floating on the surface of the pool water. During the day, sunlight or radiant energy passes through the summer cover and is absorbed by the pool water, thereby heating the pool. During the evening, the summer cover assists in preventing heat loss from the surface of the water, thereby conserving the heat of the water in the pool.

Winter covers are generally intended to cover the pool during periods of extended non-use, typically from the fall, through the winter and into the following spring. One primary purpose of winter covers is to keep dirt and debris (e.g., fallen leaves, twigs, grass clippings, etc.) from entering the pool during the time period when the pool is not being used and not being cleaned. To perform this function, the perimeter of the winter cover is typically securely anchored to some component outside the pool perimeter, or directly to the pool perimeter. Various types of anchoring of the winter-type pool covers are known in the prior art. One type of pool cover, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,078 assigned to Cantar Corporation, discloses a cover that has a series of grid-like straps that are anchored at the outer portions of the pool in spaced-apart anchoring positions. A resilient attachment, such as a spring, attaches the securing strap to the anchor to ensure the maintenance of the cover in a taut condition. Other types of systems for securing pool covers, for either summer-type pool covers or winter-type pool covers are known in the prior art.

Additionally, swimming pool covers can be manually extended and retracted over the pool, or they can be automatically extended and retracted over the pool. In the case of automatic pool covers, a tracking system is typically used to position the pool cover. Such a tracking system, however, may also be used with manually extended pool covers. One type of tracking system comprises parallel tracks secured at the top of opposing side walls of the pool. The opposing tracks may be fastened directly to the pool deck above the side walls (typically referred to as a top track design), or they may be incorporated into the coping at the top of the pool's side walls (typically referred to as an under track design). Typically, the pool cover is maintained in a roll, around a roll shaft, at one end of the pool, and the roll may be maintained in a covered box, open to the air, or in a recess in the ground. A rope is sewn into the opposing side edges of the pool cover to form a bead along the opposing side edges of the cover. Each of the beads is retained in one of the opposing tracks. A motor or crank is coupled with the roll shaft and the ropes manipulates the cover into a closed and open position. Alternatively, if a motor is not utilized the system may be manipulated manually.

When used with a tracking system, the pool cover often has a leading edge bar that is attached to the leading edge of the pool cover (i.e., the downstream edge of the pool cover as the pool cover is being extended). The leading edge bar assists in maintaining the cover at a position above the pool water as the cover is moved from the open position (i.e., when the cover is on the roll and not covering the pool) to the closed position (i.e., when the cover is covering the pool), and the reverse. The leading edge bar typically extends substantially a distance equal to or slightly less than the width of the pool with an under-track system, and may extend any distance, greater to or less than the width of the pool, in a top-track system.

The leading edge bar of the tracking system is also connected to the tracks on the opposing side walls of the pool with a slider mechanism. A prior art slider mechanism connected to a leading edge bar of a pool cover tracking system is illustrated in prior art FIGS. 7A and 7B. As shown in prior art FIGS. 7A and 7B, the slider mechanism comprises a first component 10 that slides in the track, and a second component 12 which fixedly connects the first component 10 to the leading edge bar 14 of the prior art. In the prior art, the second component 12 comprises a bar having a slot 16 adjacent one end of the bar, and a hole pattern 18 on the opposing end of the bar. A third component 20 operates as a fixing plate to fixedly secure the second component 12 to the leading edge bar 14. The third component 20 has a plurality of thru holes which match up with tapped holes in the bottom wall 24 of the leading edge bar 14. Bolts 22 are placed through the thru holes in the third component 20, then the bolts extend through the slot 16 in the second component 12, and finally the bolts are secured into the tapped holes in the bottom wall 24 of the leading edge bar 14. As such, numerous components are required to connect the leading edge bar 14 to the track, and extended alignment time is required to properly align the leading edge bar 14. Further, while the slot 16 in the second component 12 initially allows for accurate location of the leading edge bar 14 relative to the first component 10 of the slider mechanism, once the bolts 22 are tightened, the second component 12 remains fixed in place to the leading edge bar 14. Accordingly, no subsequent lateral or vertically alignment is possible. Thus, this type of prior-art system may induce tracking jams if one side becomes misaligned.

Accordingly, a pool cover tracking system that reduces the drawbacks of the tracking systems in the prior art is desired. Such a system may provide a simple and inexpensive apparatus for providing a removable endcap for securing the slider assembly to the leading edge bar. Further, the endcap may provide vertical and lateral adjustment for the slider assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a connector and tracking system for tracking a cover for a pool as the cover is displaced over the pool, and as the cover is removed from the pool. Typically, the pool cover tracking system comprises a pool cover, a leading edge bar connected to the pool cover, and a slider assembly traversing in a track to assist in locating the pool cover. According to one aspect of the present invention, the connector for the pool cover tracking system is an endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the endcap has a first mating member, and the leading edge bar has a second mating member. The first mating member of the endcap is adapted to removably mate with a second mating member of the leading edge bar.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the first mating member of the endcap mates with the second mating member of the leading edge bar without additional retaining hardware. In one embodiment, the first end of the endcap is dimensioned to be inserted into the leading edge bar.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the first mating member of the end cap is one of a male mating member or a female mating member, and the second mating member of the leading edge bar is the other of the male mating member or the female mating member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the first mating member of the endcap comprises a protrusion. The protrusion mates and engages an opening adjacent an end of the leading edge bar.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the endcap further has a receiver to receive a component of a slider assembly. In one embodiment, the first mating member of the endcap is adjacent a first end of the endcap, and the receiver of the endcap is adjacent a second end of the endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the receiver comprises an aperture dimensioned to receive a component of the slider assembly. In one embodiment, a cavity extends into the endcap from the aperture in the receiver, and a portion of the component of the slider assembly is slidingly retained within the cavity of the endcap when the slider assembly is connected to the endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the receiver comprises a plurality of apertures at the second end of the endcap. The plurality of apertures of the receiver are dimensioned to receive the component of the slider assembly to slidingly retain the component at least partially within the cavity of the endcap. In one embodiment, a first aperture of the receiver is located adjacent a first edge of the endcap, and a second aperture of the receiver is located between the first aperture and a second edge of the endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the endcap is connected to a slider assembly of the pool cover tracking system. In one embodiment, the endcap is integrally attached to a portion of the slider assembly.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the endcap for the pool cover tracking system is connected to an end of the leading edge bar, and the endcap has a vertical alignment means for vertical aligning the leading edge bar respective to the track of the pool cover tracking system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the vertical alignment means of the endcap comprises a receiver in the endcap adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly in a plurality of vertical locations. In one embodiment, the receiver comprises a plurality of apertures in the endcap, each of the apertures being adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly to vertically align the leading edge bar respective to the track of the pool cover tracking system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the endcap has a first end and a second end. The endcap is connected to the leading edge bar adjacent the first end of the endcap, and the vertical alignment means of the endcap is adjacent the second end of the endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the endcap for the pool cover tracking system is connected to the leading edge bar, and the endcap has a lateral alignment means for aligning the leading edge bar laterally about the pool. In one embodiment, the lateral alignment means operates continually during operation of the pool cover tracking system. Additionally, in one embodiment the endcap has a first end and a second end. The endcap is connected to the leading edge bar adjacent the first end of the endcap, and the lateral alignment means is adjacent the second end of the endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the lateral alignment means comprises a receiver in the endcap adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly. In one embodiment, the receiver allows the component of the slider assembly to move in opposing lateral directions within the endcap during operation of the pool cover tracking system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the receiver comprises an aperture dimensioned to receive a component of the slider assembly. A cavity extends into the endcap from the aperture in the receiver, and a portion of the component of the slider assembly is slidingly retained within the cavity of the endcap to allow for opposing lateral movement of the component of the slider assembly when the slider assembly is connected to the endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for tracking a pool cover about a pool having opposing first and second sides and opposing first and second tracks extending about a length adjacent the opposing sides of the pool, respectively, is provided. A first slider assembly and second slider assembly are also present. The first slider assembly traverses in the first track, and a second slider assembly traverses in the second track. The first and second slider assemblies assist in moving the pool cover over the pool. The pool cover tracking system further comprises a leading edge bar, a first endcap and a second endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the leading edge bar has a first end and a second end. And, the first endcap has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first endcap has a first mating member for engaging the first end of the leading edge bar, and the second end of the first endcap has an aperture dimensioned to receive a component of the first slider assembly. A cavity extends into the first endcap from the aperture in the receiver of the first endcap, and a portion of the component of the first slider assembly is slidingly retained within the cavity of the first endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the second endcap has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second endcap has a first mating member for engaging the second end of the leading edge bar, and the second end of the second endcap has an aperture dimensioned to receive a component of the second slider assembly. A cavity extends into the second endcap from the aperture in the receiver of the second endcap, and a portion of the component of the second slider assembly is slidingly retained within the cavity of the second endcap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the aperture in the first endcap comprises a first lateral alignment mechanism, and the aperture in the second endcap comprises a second lateral alignment mechanism. The first lateral alignment mechanism slidingly retains a portion of the first slider assembly to allow the first slider assembly to move in opposing lateral directions within the cavity of the first endcap during operation of the pool cover tracking system. Similarly, the second lateral alignment mechanism slidingly retains a portion of the second slider assembly to allow the second slider assembly to move in opposing lateral directions within the cavity of the second endcap during operation of the pool cover tracking system. As such, when the first slider assembly moves in a first lateral direction in the first endcap, the second slider assembly moves in an opposing second lateral direction in the second endcap. In one embodiment, the first and second lateral alignment mechanisms operate continually during operation of the pool cover tracking system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the first endcap has a plurality of apertures at the second end of the first endcap, and the second endcap has a plurality of apertures at the second end of the second endcap. Each of the plurality of apertures on the first endcap are dimensioned to slidingly engage the first slider mechanism, and each of the plurality of apertures on the second endcap are dimensioned to slidingly engage the second slider mechanism. The apertures in the first and second endcaps provide for vertical alignment of the leading edge bar.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pool with a pool cover tracking system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an partial perspective view of the identified portion of FIG. 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the connector for the pool cover tracking system of the present invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the connector for the pool cover tracking system of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a prior art pool cover tracking system; and,

FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the prior art pool cover tracking system of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring now in detail to the figures, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a swimming pool 100 having a pool cover 102 which utilizes the pool cover tracking system 104 of the present invention. Generally, the pool cover tracking system 104 comprises first and second opposing tracks 106, 108, a leading edge bar 110 connected to the pool cover 102, a first slider assembly 112 connecting a first end 116 of the leading edge bar 110 to the first track 106, and a second slider assembly 114 connecting a second end 118 of the leading edge bar 110 to the second track 108. The slider assemblies 112, 114 generally traverse in their respective tracks 106, 108 to assist in locating the pool cover 102. In the pool cover tracking system 104 of the present invention, a connector 120 is utilized to connect the slider assemblies 112, 114 to the leading edge bar 110.

The Tracking System

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the opposing tracks 106, 108 of the pool cover tracking system 102 for the specific swimming pool 100 disclosed are mounted at the top of opposing sidewalls 122, 124 of the swimming pool 100. Depending on the specific type of swimming pool, the tracks 106, 108 are typically mounted either directly to the deck, and often above the sidewalls, or they may be incorporated into the coping at the top of the sidewalls. As is understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, the scope of the present invention is not dependent on the location of the tracks 106, 108. The pool cover 102 is wound around a reel or roll shaft 126, and the roll shaft 126 may be connected to a motor (not shown) to effectuate automatic opening and closing of the pool cover 102 on the swimming pool 100. A rope or cable 128 is connected, typically by sewing, into each of the opposing side edges 130, 132 of the pool cover 102 to form a bead 134 along the opposing side edges 130, 132 of the cover 102. As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, each of the beads 134, 136 is retained in one of the opposing tracks 106, 108. Further, the beads 134,136 traverse longitudinally about the respective opposing tracks 106, 108 in the guide slots 138 in the tracks 106, 108. Additionally, as explained in detail below, the tracks 106, 108 have a guide slot 140 to allow the slider assemblies 112, 114 to traverse longitudinally about the opposing tracks 106, 108.

The motor coupled with the roll shaft 126 and the ropes 128, together with a pulley system 142 in the tracks 106, 108 manipulates the cover 102 into the closed and open position. Specifically, when the motor manipulates the roll shaft 126 and ropes 128 in one direction the pool cover 102 either opens or closes, and when the motor manipulates the roll shaft 126 and ropes 128 in the opposite direction the pool cover 102 moves in the opposite direction to either open or close the pool cover 102.

The Slider Assembly

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the slider assemblies 112, 114 comprise a slider member 144, a slider connector 146, and a slider bracket 148. For reference, the first slider assembly 112 is connected to the pool cover 102 adjacent the first side edge 130 of the pool cover, and the second slider assembly 114 is connected to the pool cover 102 adjacent the second side edge 132 of the pool cover. More specifically, with respect to the first side of the pool cover, the slider bracket 148 of the first slider assembly 112 is fixed to the pool cover 102 adjacent the first side edge 130 of the pool cover 102. In the embodiment disclosed, the slider bracket 148 is fixed to the pool cover 102 with two rivets. The slider bracket 148 of the second side assembly 114 is fixed to the pool cover 102 adjacent the second side edge 132 of the pool cover 102 in the same manner.

The slider brackets 148 are then connected to their respective slider members 144, typically with the use of screws. In the embodiment disclosed, the slider brackets 148 have a plurality of apertures and the slider members 144 have either a plurality of tapped holes, or a plurality of through holes with a nut fixed on the opposing side of the slider members 144. In this manner the slider brackets 148 can then be fixed with the use of bolts and nuts to the slider members 144. It is understood, however, that the slider bracket 148 may be connected to the slider member 144 with a variety of commonly available methods and securing devices. Additionally, the slider member 144 may be fixed directly to the pool cover 102.

Further, the slider connector 146 is connected to the slider member 144. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in one embodiment the slider connector 146 is a bar that has a means for connecting it to the slider member 144 at a first end 145 of the slider connector 146, and an extension 150 extending distal therefrom. As shown in FIG. 6, the extension 150 may extend at the same angle as bar at the first end 145 of the slider connector 146 (i.e., the slider connector 146 may be substantially flat). Such a slider connector 146 is often utilized with an under-track system. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the extension 150 may extend at a transverse angle to the first end 145 of the slider connector 146 such that the slider connector 146 has a bent or angled portion. Such a slider connector 146 is often utilized with a top-track system. Typically, if the slider member 144 traverses in the same plane as tracks 106, 108, then the extension 150 of the slider connector 146 will typically not extend at an angle to the first end 145 of the connector. Alternatively, if the slider member 144 traverses in a transverse or different plane as the tracks 106, 108, then the extension 150 will typically extend at a transverse angle to the first end 145 of the slider connector 146.

In one preferred embodiment, the means for connecting the slider connector 146 to the slider member 144 is similar to the means for connecting the slider bracket 148 to the slider member 144. As such, the slider connector 146 is bolted or screwed to the slider member 144. As is explained below in detail, the extension 150 of the slider connector 146 operatively engages the leading edge bar 110 of the pool cover tracking system 104. Alternatively, the slider connector 146 may be integral with and thus be a direct part of the slider member 144.

As shown in FIG. 6, the slider member 144 also has a tracking groove 152 and a tracking extension 154. The tracking extension 154 of the slider member 144 mates with and traverses in a guide slot 140 in the track 106. Additionally, the tracking groove 152 of the slider member 144 engages and traverses about a rib 156 in the track 106 or 108. The rib 156 is adjacent the guide slot 140 in the track 106 and 108. The combination of the tracking groove 152 engaging the shoulder 156 in the track 106 or 108, and the tracking extension 154 engaging the slot 140 in the track 106 or 108 provides to retain the slider member 144 in sliding arrangement with the track 106 or 108 of the pool cover tracking assembly. Accordingly, as the ropes 128 move the cover 102, the slider assemblies 112, 114 traverse in the opposing tracks 106, 108 to move the leading edge bar 110 with the pool cover 102.

The Connector

The connector 120 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connector 120 of the present invention is utilized to connect the slider assemblies 112, 114 to the leading edge bar 110. The connector 120 generally comprises an endcap 120 having a first end 158 and a second end 160. The endcap 120 has a first mating member 162 and a receiver 164. The first mating member 162 is adapted to removably mate with a second mating member 166 of the leading edge bar 110, provided adjacent the first end 158 of the endcap 120. The receiver 164 is adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly 112, 114, provided adjacent the second end 160 of the endcap 120. The endcap 120 also has a cavity 168 which is accessed by an opening 170 in the receiver 164 thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the first mating member 162 of the endcap 120 is one of a male mating member or a female mating member, and the second mating member 166 of the leading edge bar 110 is the other of the male mating member or the female mating member. In the embodiment disclosed, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first mating member 162 of the endcap 120 is a male mating member, and the second mating member 166 of the leading edge bar 110 is a female mating member. As such, the male mating member 162 of the first end 158 of the endcap 120 is dimensioned such that it can be inserted into an opening 167 in the female mating member 166 of the leading edge bar 110 to connect the endcap 120 to the leading edge bar 110.

Further, the first mating member 162 is adapted to mate with the second mating member 166 without any separate or additional retaining hardware such as screws, bolts, nuts, pins, etc. In the preferred embodiment the first mating member 162 slidingly engages and is frictionally retained in the second mating member 166. As such, the first mating member 162 of the endcap 120 is adapted to removably mate with the leading edge bar 110. In the preferred embodiment, the first mating member 162 of the endcap 120 is a protrusion that is dimensioned to fit snugly (i.e., a pressure fit) within the opening 167 of the second mating member 166 of the leading edge bar 110. A pressure fit is provided between the perimeter dimension of the protrusion or first mating member 162 of the endcap 120 and the interior dimensions of the second mating member 162 of the leading edge bar 110. The perimeter of the first mating member 162 comprises a portion that defines housing walls 170 for the cavity 168 of the endcap 120, and a plurality of ribs 172 depending from the housing walls 170. Utilizing ribs 172 instead of a solid member assists in decreasing both the mass and the weight of the overall endcap 120.

The connector 120 is attached to the respective slider assemblies 112, 114 adjacent the second end 160 of the endcap 120. As explained above, the second end 160 of the endcap 120 has a receiver 164 which is adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly 112, 114. In the preferred embodiments, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the receiver 164 comprises a plurality of apertures 174. The apertures 174 are slots in the face of the receiver 164 which provide access one or more cavities 168 of the endcap 120. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver 164 portion of the endcap 120 has three apertures 174. As shown in FIG. 3, a first of the apertures 174a is located adjacent a first edge 176 of the endcap 120, a second of the apertures 174b is located adjacent a second edge 178 of the endcap 120, and a third of the apertures 174c is located between the first edge 176 and the second edge 178. Each of the apertures is adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly to slidingly connect the slider assembly to the endcap.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the apertures 174a, 174b and 174c provide openings and access to the cavities 168a, 168b, and 168c. In the embodiment illustrated, the endcap 120 has three cavities, 168a-168c. The first aperture 174a provides access to the first cavity 168a, the second aperture 174b provides access to the second cavity 168b, and the third aperture 174c provides access to the third cavity 168c. Alternatively, less than one cavity for each aperture may exist. As an example, an endcap 120 may only have one cavity, but three apertures. As such, each of the individual apertures provided in an endcap would access the same cavity.

Each of the apertures 174 are dimensioned to receive a component of the slider assembly 112, 114. Typically, the component of the slider assembly 112, 114 that is received by the endcap 120 is the slider connector 146. As shown in the figures, a portion of the slider connector 146 of the slider assembly 112, 114 engages the aperture 174 in the endcap, and then extends into the cavity 168 of the endcap 120. While retained by the endcap 120, the slider connector 146 is free to slide back and forth in the cavity 168 of the endcap. As such, the slider connector 146 is said to be slidingly retained within the cavity 168 of the endcap 120, thereby connecting the slider assembly 112, 114 to the connector 120.

Through the components explained above, the connector 120 of the present invention provides both a vertical alignment means for vertically aligning the leading edge bar 110 respective to the track 106,108 of the pool cover tracking system, as well as a lateral alignment means for aligning the leading edge bar laterally about the pool. In one embodiment, the vertical alignment means comprises the receiver 164 adjacent the second end 160 of the endcap 120. Specifically, since the receiver 164 has a plurality of vertically arranged apertures 174, each of which is adapted to retain a component of the slider assembly. Since each of the apertures is located in different vertical positions, a vertical alignment means is produced because the receiver of the connector can receive the slider assembly in a plurality of vertical locations. Moreover, because the vertical alignment means comprises a plurality of apertures in the connector, the operator assembling the tracking assembly can vertically align the slider assembly 112, 114 during assembly of the slider assembly 112, 114 in the connector 120 by placing the slider component 146 in the appropriate aperture 174 of the receiver 164.

Conversely, the lateral alignment means of the present invention is in continual operation during use of the pool cover tracking system 104 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment the lateral alignment means comprises the receiver 164 of the connector 120 which is adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly 112, 114, typically the extension 150 of the slider connector 146. As explained above, the receiver 164 allows the extension 150 of the slider connector 146 to freely move in opposing lateral directions within the endcap 120 during operation of the pool cover tracking system. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the lateral alignment means operates without fasteners. Accordingly, since the slider connector 146 is slidingly retained within the cavity 168 of the endcap 120, the slider connector 146 can move freely within the cavity 168 to assist in preventing jamming of the slider assemblies 112, 114 and the leading edge bar 110.

Accordingly, the connector 120 of the present invention provides a simple and inexpensive system for connecting a leading edge bar 110 to opposing tracks 106, 108 in a pool cover tracking system. As such, the present invention overcomes the deficiencies in the prior art pool cover tracking systems.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

1. A connector for a pool cover tracking system having a pool cover, a leading edge bar connected to the pool cover, and a slider assembly traversing in a track to assist in locating the pool cover, the connector comprising:

an endcap having a first mating member adapted to removably mate with a second mating member of the leading edge bar, the endcap further having a receiver to receive a component of a slider assembly.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first mating member of the end cap is one of a male mating member or a female mating member, and wherein the second mating member of the leading edge bar is the other of the male mating member or the female mating member.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the first mating member of the endcap comprises a protrusion, the protrusion mating and engaging an opening adjacent an end of the leading edge bar.

4. The connector of claim 2, wherein the first mating member of the endcap is adjacent a first end of the endcap, and wherein the receiver of the endcap is adjacent a second end of the endcap.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first mating member of the endcap mates with the second mating member of the leading edge bar without additional retaining hardware.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises an aperture dimensioned to receive a component of the slider assembly, wherein a cavity extends into the endcap from the aperture in the receiver, and wherein a portion of the component of the slider assembly is slidingly retained within the cavity of the endcap when the slider assembly is connected to the endcap.

7. The connector of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of apertures at the second end of the endcap, the plurality of apertures being dimensioned to receive the component of the slider assembly to slidingly retain the component at least partially within the cavity of the endcap.

8. The connector of claim 6, further comprising a first aperture located adjacent a first edge of the endcap, and a second aperture located between the first aperture and a second edge of the endcap.

9. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first end of the endcap is dimensioned to be inserted into the leading edge bar.

10. A connector for a leading edge bar of a pool cover tracking system, comprising:

an endcap having a first mating member adapted to removably mate with the leading edge bar, the endcap being connected to a slider assembly of the pool cover tracking system.

11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the endcap is integrally attached to a portion of the slider assembly.

12. The connector of claim 10, wherein the endcap is removably secured to the slider assembly.

13. The connector of claim 10, wherein the endcap has a first end and a second end, wherein the first mating member is adjacent the first end of the endcap, and wherein the endcap is attached to the slider assembly adjacent the second end of the endcap.

14. The connector of claim 10, further comprising a receiver adjacent the second end of the endcap to receive a component of a slider assembly.

15. The connector of claim 14, wherein the receiver comprises a plurality of apertures, each aperture being adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly to slidingly connect the slider assembly to the endcap.

16. The connector of claim 10, wherein the first mating member is one of a male mating member or a female mating member, and the leading edge bar has a second mating member that is the other of the male mating member or the female mating member, the second mating member of the leading edge bar mating with the first mating member of the endcap

17. A connector for a pool cover tracking system, the tracking system having a track, a slider assembly traversing about the track and supporting a leading edge bar, the connector connecting the slider assembly to the leading edge bar, the connector comprising:

an endcap connected to adjacent an end of the leading edge bar, the endcap having a vertical alignment means for vertical aligning the leading edge bar respective to the track of the pool cover tracking system.

18. The connector of claim 17, wherein the vertical alignment means comprises a receiver in the endcap adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly in a plurality of vertical locations.

19. The connector of claim 18, wherein the receiver comprises a plurality of apertures in the endcap, each of the apertures being adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly to vertically align the leading edge bar respective to the track of the pool cover tracking system.

20. The connector of claim 17, wherein the endcap has a first end and a second end, wherein the endcap is connected to the leading edge bar adjacent the first end of the endcap, and wherein the vertical alignment means is adjacent the second end of the endcap.

21. A connector for a pool cover tracking system for a pool, the tracking system having a track, a slider assembly traversing about the track and supporting a leading edge bar, the connector connecting the slider assembly to the leading edge bar, the connector comprising:

an endcap connected to the leading edge bar, the endcap having an integral lateral alignment means for aligning the leading edge bar laterally about the pool, the lateral alignment means operating continually during operation of the pool cover tracking system.

22. The connector of claim 21, wherein the lateral alignment means comprises a receiver in the endcap adapted to receive a component of the slider assembly, the receiver allowing the component of the slider assembly to move in opposing lateral directions within the endcap, and without the use of fasteners, during operation of the pool cover tracking system.

23. The connector of claim 22, wherein the receiver comprises an aperture dimensioned to receive a component of the slider assembly, wherein a cavity extends into the endcap from the aperture in the receiver, and wherein a portion of the component of the slider assembly is slidingly retained within the cavity of the endcap, to allow for opposing lateral movement of the component of the slider assembly, when the slider assembly is connected to the endcap.

24. The connector of claim 21, wherein the endcap has a first end and a second end, wherein the endcap is connected to the leading edge bar adjacent the first end of the endcap, and wherein the lateral alignment means is adjacent the second end of the endcap.

25. A system for tracking a pool cover about a pool, the pool having opposing first and second sides and opposing first and second tracks extending about a length adjacent the opposing sides of the pool, respectively, wherein a first slider assembly traverses in the first track, and wherein a second slider assembly traverses in the second track, the first and second slider assemblies assisting in moving the pool cover over the pool, the system comprising:

a leading edge bar having a first end and a second end; and,

a first endcap having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first endcap having a first mating member for engaging the first end of the leading edge bar, the second end of the first endcap having an aperture dimensioned to receive a component of the first slider assembly, wherein a cavity extends into the first endcap from the aperture in the receiver of the first endcap, and wherein a portion of the component of the first slider assembly is slidingly retained within the cavity of the first endcap; and,

a second endcap having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second endcap having a first mating member for engaging the second end of the leading edge bar, the second end of the second endcap having an aperture dimensioned to receive a component of the second slider assembly, wherein a cavity extends into the second endcap from the aperture in the receiver of the second endcap, and wherein a portion of the component of the second slider assembly is slidingly retained within the cavity of the second endcap.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the aperture in the first endcap comprises a first lateral alignment mechanism, and wherein the aperture in the second endcap comprises a second lateral alignment mechanism, the first lateral alignment mechanism slidingly retaining a portion of the first slider assembly to allow the first slider assembly to move in opposing lateral directions within the cavity of the first endcap during operation of the pool cover tracking system, and the second lateral alignment mechanism slidingly retaining a portion of the second slider assembly to allow the second slider assembly to move in opposing lateral directions within the cavity of the second endcap during operation of the pool cover tracking system, such that when the first slider assembly moves in a first lateral direction in the first endcap, the second slider assembly moves in an opposing second lateral direction in the second endcap.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the first and second lateral alignment mechanisms operate continually during operation of the pool cover tracking system.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein the first endcap has a plurality of apertures at the second end of the first endcap, and wherein the second endcap has a plurality of apertures at the second end of the second endcap, each of the plurality of apertures on the first endcap being dimensioned to slidingly engage the first slider mechanism, and each of the plurality of apertures on the second endcap being dimensioned to slidingly engage the second slider mechanism, the apertures in the first and second endcaps providing for vertical alignment of the leading edge bar.