Pool covering system

Abstract

The present invention comprises a pool covering system for a pool The pool has a side rail surrounding the top perimeter thereof. The pool covering system includes a pool covering tarp; and a tarp support structure for the pool covering tarp. The support structure supports the pool covering tarp above the surface of the pool in a tent like manner. The support structure includes a plurality of anchoring structures attached to the side rail, each anchoring structure includes at least one connector tab protrusion which has at least one fastener opening therein. The support structure also has a plurality of elongated structural support members having opposed end portions and at least one connector tab protrusion extending from or attached to each of the opposed end portions. The connector tab protrusions have at least one fastener opening therein. One of the connector tab protrusions of each elongated structural support member is pivotally connected to one of the anchoring structures by a fastening device which extends through both of the fastener openings thereof. The support structure also includes at least one support member collector having at least one connector tab protrusion for each of the structural support members and each of the connector tab protrusions having at least one fastener opening therein. The support member collector engages connector tab protrusions of structural support members which are not already connected to said anchoring structures.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a pool covering system and more particularly to the structural support system thereof. The invention pertains to a pool cover systems for use with above ground swimming pools to cover the swimming pool during periods of non-seasonal use in order to prevent debris, snow and ice from collecting on or in the pool and thereby making removal of the cover difficult, risking the quality of the pool water and possibly damaging the swimming pool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backyard swimming pools, particularly above ground type pool are very popular. Their popularity is due to a number of factors including: the wide range of designs, configurations, and sizes available for both types of swimming pools; the sophistication and efficiency of the pumps and filtration systems; the convenience and safety afforded to families, especially families that have small children that cannot be dropped off and left unsupervised at public community swimming pools; the variety of adjunct equipment available such as ladders and slides; and the high quality of construction materials combined with the cost reasonability of most types of swimming pools. In addition, the aesthetic quality of both types of swimming pools can be enhanced by elaborately designed decks.

Swimming pools require substantial maintenance during the peak summer swimming season, with a particular emphasis on the daily monitoring of pool water quality. However, maintenance is also required in opening the pool during the spring preparation period and in closing the pool during the fall shutdown period. The most important step in closing the pool, after cleaning and bringing indoors the pump and filtration system, is covering the swimming pool with some kind of tarp that should ideally close off the swimming pool from the exterior environment. If either type of swimming pool were left open and uncovered year round all manner of debris, such as leaves, twigs, branches, dead insects, dirt, ice, snow would collect in the swimming pool impairing, and perhaps destroying, pool water quality as well as tearing and possibly ruining the lining and sidewall of the swimming pool necessitating costly repairs.

Therefore, in order to sustain the life of the swimming pool the post-swimming season closing process includes placing a pool cover of a tarpaulin material over the swimming pool. Standard tarps for above ground pools are sized to fit over the edges of the sidewall and include a peripheral nylon or flexible metal wire that is tightened by a hand operable ratchet device. A flotation device can be tied to the railing of the sidewall, and is then floated out to the middle of the pool for spacing the pool cover above the surface of the water to prevent a depression from forming in the middle of the pool. Such a depression will collect the aforementioned debris, and the accumulated weight will cause untoward strain on the sidewall and the durable but fragile pool liner. Invariably, the flotation device will shift in position, and over the course of winter deflate, thereby allowing the pool cover to sag thus thwarting the intentions of the pool owner. The pool cover is too difficult to remove, especially upon the arrival of the winter season, and is simply left on until spring removal despite the loss of shape and effectiveness.

The prior art discloses a number of different types of domed or supported pool cover systems and structures for aboveground pools, such as those in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,487,734; 5,687,432; 5,450,635; and 5,371,907.

Nonetheless, despite the variety of pool cover systems and structures, there remains a need for a pool cover system or structure that is simple and easy to dispose on the swimming pool, maintains its shape and integrity throughout its period of disposition, is formed of light weight, sturdy components that are easy to install and assemble, and is very low cost to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a pool covering system for a pool The pool has a side rail surrounding the top perimeter thereof. The pool covering system includes a pool covering tarp; and a tarp support structure for the pool covering tarp. The support structure supports the pool covering tarp above the surface of the pool in a tent like manner. The support structure includes a plurality of anchoring structures attached to the side rail, each anchoring structure includes at least one connector tab protrusion which has at least one fastener opening therein. The support structure also has a plurality of elongated structural support members having opposed end portions and at least one connector tab protrusion extending from or attached to each of the opposed end portions. The connector tab protrusions have at least one fastener opening therein. One of the connector tab protrusions of each elongated structural support member is pivotally connected to one of the anchoring structures by a fastening device which extends through both of the fastener openings thereof. The support structure also includes at least one support member collector having at least one connector tab protrusion for each of the structural support members and each of the connector tab protrusions having at least one fastener opening therein. The support member collector engages connector tab protrusions of structural support members which are not already connected to the anchoring structures. When the support structure is designed to cover a round pool it includes at least three and preferably at least four anchoring structures, an equal number of elongated structural support members, and one support member collector.

In an alternative embodiment, designed for an oval pool, the tarp support structure includes at least two anchoring structures and further includes at least one elongated structural support cross-member. The elongated structural support cross-member has opposed end portions and at least one connector tab protrusion extending from or attached to each of the opposed end portions. The connector tab protrusions have at least one fastener opening therein. The elongated structural support cross-member is pivotally attached at each end to one of said at least two support member collectors via connector tab protrusions by a fastening device which extends through the fastener openings of both the elongated structural support cross-member and the support member collector. Each of said at least two support member collectors in turn are further pivotally attached to a plurality of the elongated structural support members via fastening through said fastener openings of the connector tab protrusions. Each of the elongated structural support members are attached to the anchoring structures via the connector tab protrusions opposite those attached to the support member collectors by a fastening device which extends through both of the fastener openings of the elongated structural support members and the anchoring structures. The tarp support structure includes at least four and preferably at least six anchoring structures, an equal number of elongated structural support members, one elongated structural support cross-member, and two support member collectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a covered, round swimming pool covered with the pool covering system of the present invention;

FIGS. 2a and 2b are schematic side and top view representations, respectively, of one embodiment of the tarp support structure of the present invention (for round pools);

FIGS. 3a (top perspective view) and 3b (side perspective view) are schematic depictions of an anchoring structure of the present invention;

FIGS. 4a (side perspective view) and 4b (end perspective view) are schematic depictions of an embodiment of the end portion of an elongated structural support member of the present invention;

FIGS. 5a (top perspective view) and 5b (side perspective view) are schematic depictions of an embodiment of a support member collector of the present invention;

FIG. 6a is a schematic illustration of the manner in which a support member collector and an elongated structural support member are pivotally fastened together;

FIG. 6b is a schematic illustration of the manner in which an elongated structural support member and an anchoring structure are pivotally fastened together;

FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of a covered, oval swimming pool covered with another embodiment of the pool covering system of the present invention; and

FIGS. 8a and 8b are schematic side and top view representations, respectively, of another embodiment of the tarp support structure of the present invention (for oval pools).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a pool covering system. The system allow for a pool to be covered in a such a way that protects it from the environment during the winter months when the pool is closed and subsequently allows for ease of reopening the pool in the spring. Turning first to FIG. 1, which is a schematic depiction of a covered, round swimming pool, there is shown a round pool 1 (particularly an above ground pool). The pool has a side rail surround the top perimeter of the thereof (not shown), as is well known in the art of swimming pools. The pool is covered by a covering system including a pool covering tarp 2 and a tarp support structure 3. The tarp 2 may be fastened into place by any means known in the art. One example is shown in FIG. 1 and includes a series of fastening ropes or strings 10a, which are attached to the tarp 2 at various points around the edges of the tarp. The strings 10a are fastened on the other end to stakes 10b, which are driven into the ground at locations around the pool. The strings 10a may also be equipped with a string tensioning means 10c, which allow the strings to be easily tightened to snugly secure the tarp 2 to the pool 1.

A schematic representation of one embodiment of the tarp support structure 3 (generally for round pools) is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. FIG. 2a shows a schematic side view of the tarp support structure 3 and FIG. 2b shows a schematic top view of the tarp support structure 3. The tarp support structure 3 contains three basic structural units: 1) anchoring structures 4; 2) elongated structural support members 5; and 3) at least one support member collector 6. The anchoring structures 4 are designed to be attached to the top rail of the perimeter of the pool, and as such have either mechanisms or a shape facilitating such attachment. Such structures are known in the prior art and need not be further elaborated on here. The elongated structural support members 5 need not be of any specific cross-sectional shape but must be long enough to cause the finished structure to extend in a tent-like manner over the pool. Each elongated structural support members 5 has opposed ends. One end of each elongated structural support members 5 is pivotally attached to one of said anchoring structures 4. The other end of each elongated structural support members 5 is pivotally attached to a common support member collector 6.

A schematic depiction of one embodiment of the anchoring structure 4 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3a (top perspective view) and 3b (side perspective view). The basic design of such an anchoring structure is known in the art will not be further elaborated on herein. The anchoring structure 4 of the present invention includes at least one connector tab protrusion 7 which has at least one fastener opening 8 therein.

A schematic depiction of one embodiment of the end of an elongated structural support member 5 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4a (side perspective view) and 4b (end perspective view). The elongated structural support member 5 of the present invention includes at least one connector tab protrusion 7 (two shown in the figures) which has at least one fastener opening 8 therein. The ends of the elongated structural support member 5 may be separately fabricated and added to and elongated member such as a pipe or rod structure, or they may be fabricated integrally with the elongated member itself.

A schematic depiction of one embodiment of a support member collector 6 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5a (top perspective view) and 5b (side perspective view). The support member collector 6 of the present invention includes a plurality of connector tab protrusion 7 which each have at least one fastener opening 8 therein. In use, the support member collector 6 has one elongated structural support member 5 pivotally attached to each connector tab protrusion 7 and forms the apex of the tarp support structure 3.

Turning now to FIG. 6a, there is shown therein a schematic illustration of the manner in which the support member collector 6 and an elongated structural support member 5 are pivotally fastened together. Their connector tab protrusions 7 are positioned such that their fastener openings 8 are aligned. Then a fastening device (not shown) is placed through the aligned fastener openings 8. Similarly, FIG. 6b shows a schematic illustration of the manner in which an elongated structural support member 5 and an anchoring structure 4 are pivotally fastened together. Once again, the connector tab protrusions 7 are positioned such that their fastener openings 8 are aligned and then a fastening device (not shown) is placed through the aligned fastener openings 8. It should be noted than any fastener which will hold the pieces together and allow them to pivot will be acceptable for use herein. For instance fastening items such as bolts and nuts, clips, pins, rivets, etc can be used. Preferably the fastener is a bolt and wing nut combination.

Turning next to FIG. 7, there is shown a schematic depiction of a covered, oval swimming pool. Specifically shown is an oval pool 1 (again, an above ground pool). The pool has a side rail surround the top perimeter of the thereof (not shown) as is well known in the art of swimming pools. The pool is covered by a covering system including a pool covering tarp 2 and a tarp support structure 3. The tarp 2 may be fastened into place by any means known in the art. One example is shown in FIG. 1 and includes a series of fastening ropes or strings 10a, which are attached to the tarp 2 at various points around the edges of the tarp. The strings 10a are fastened on the other end to stakes 10b, which are driven into the ground at locations around the pool. The strings 10a may also be equipped with a string tensioning means 10c, which allow the strings to be easily tightened to snugly secure the tarp 2 to the pool 1.

Finally, a schematic representation of another embodiment of the tarp support structure 3 of the present invention (generally for oval pools) is shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b. FIG. 8a shows a schematic side view of the tarp support structure 3 and FIG. 8b shows a schematic top view of the tarp support structure 3. The alternative tarp support structure 3 contains four basic structural units: 1) anchoring structures 4; 2) elongated structural support members 5; 3) at least one elongated structural support cross-member 5′; and 4) at least two support member collectors 6.

As with the embodiment for the round pool, the anchoring structures 4 are designed to be attached to the top rail of the perimeter of the pool, and as such have either mechanisms or a shape facilitating such attachment. The elongated structural support members 5 need not be of any specific cross-sectional shape but must be long enough to cause the finished structure to extend in a tent-like manner over the pool. Each elongated structural support members 5 has opposed ends. One end of each elongated structural support members 5 is pivotally attached to one of said anchoring structures 4. The other end of each elongated structural support members 5 is pivotally attached to one of said at least two support member collector 6. The elongated structural support cross-member 5′ is essentially the same as the elongated structural support members 5, but is attached differently. The elongated structural support cross-member 5′ is pivotally attached at each end to separate support member collectors 6, which in turn are further attached to a plurality of elongated structural support members 5, which are finally attached to the pool rail by the anchoring structures 4. It should be noted that the elongated structural support cross-member 5′ allows the basic support structure 3 of the round pool to be extended over the elongated portion of the oval pool.

The components of the support structure 3 can me made from any material(s) which can withstand the environment and are strong enough to support the weight of the entire pool covering system. The materials should also preferably be light weight and inexpensive. Such materials may include metals such as aluminum or steel, and plastics such as PVC. Also, while strings have been show as a means to fasten the pool covering tarp 2 into place over the tarp support structure 3, any other means for fastening the tarp which are known in the are may also be used. Such means may include clips, weights, pins, etc.

While the present invention is shown with four elongated structural support members 5 for a round pool and six elongated structural support members 5 plus one elongated structural support cross-member 5′ for an oval pool, other variations can exist and, as such more or less support members (an consequently anchors) may be used. For example three elongated structural support members 5 may be used on round pool and four elongated structural support members 5 may be used on an oval pool without departing from the scope of the present invention.

While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A pool covering system for a pool, said pool having a side rail surrounding the top perimeter thereof, said pool covering system including:

a) a pool covering tarp; and

b) a tarp support structure for said pool covering tarp, said support structure supporting said pool covering tarp above the surface of said pool in a tent like manner, said support structure including: i) a plurality of anchoring structures attached to said side rail, each anchoring structure including at least one connector tab protrusion, said connector tab protrusion including at least one fastener opening therein; ii) a plurality of elongated structural support members, said elongated structural support members having opposed end portions and at least one connector tab protrusion extending from or attached to each of said opposed end portions, said connector tab protrusions having at least one fastener opening therein, wherein one of the connector tab protrusions of each elongated structural support member is pivotally connected to one of said anchoring structures by a fastening device which extends through both of the fastener openings thereof; and iii) at least one support member collector having at least one connector tab protrusion for each of said structural support members, each of said connector tab protrusions having at least one fastener opening therein; wherein said support member collector engages connector tab protrusions of structural support members which are not already connected to said anchoring structures.

2. The pool covering system of claim 1, wherein said tarp support structure is designed to cover a round pool and includes at least three anchoring structures, an equal number of elongated structural support members, and one support member collector.

3. The pool covering system of claim 2, wherein said tarp support structure is designed to cover a round pool and includes at least four anchoring structures, an equal number of elongated structural support members, and one support member collector.

4. The pool covering system of claim 1, wherein said tarp support structure is designed to cover an oval pool and includes at least two anchoring structures and further includes at least one elongated structural support cross-member; said elongated structural support cross-member having opposed end portions and at least one connector tab protrusion extending from or attached to each of said opposed end portions, said connector tab protrusions having at least one fastener opening therein,

wherein said elongated structural support cross-member is pivotally attached at each end to one of said at least two support member collectors via connector tab protrusions by a fastening device which extends through the fastener openings of both said elongated structural support cross-member and support member collector,

each of said at least two support member collectors in turn are further pivotally attached to a plurality of said elongated structural support members via fastening through said fastener openings of said connector tab protrusions,

each of said elongated structural support members are attached to said anchoring structures via the connector tab protrusions opposite those attached to said support member collectors by a fastening device which extends through both of the fastener openings of said elongated structural support members and said anchoring structures.

5. The pool covering system of claim 4, wherein said tarp support structure includes at least four anchoring structures, an equal number of elongated structural support members, one elongated structural support cross-member, and two support member collectors.

6. The pool covering system of claim 4, wherein said tarp support structure includes at least six anchoring structures, an equal number of elongated structural support members, one elongated structural support cross-member, and two support member collectors.

7. The pool covering system of claim 1, wherein the components of said tarp support structure are fastened together by at least one type of fastener selected from the group consisting of bolts and nuts, clips, pins, and rivets.

8. The pool covering system of claim 7, wherein the components of said tarp support structure are fastened together by bolts and wing nuts.

9. The pool covering system of claim 1, wherein the components of said tarp support structure are fabricated from at least one of metals, and plastics.

10. The pool covering system of claim 9, wherein the components of said tarp support structure are fabricated from at least one of aluminum or steel, and PVC.