SWIMMING POOL COVERING DEVICE

Abstract

A swimming pool covering device includes a pool covering member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and including at least one inflatable compartment disposed therein. A first valve is operably connected to such pool covering member at a predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of such at least one inflatable compartment. A securing mechanism is disposed at predetermined locations closely adjacent a perimeter of such pool covering member for securing such pool covering member in place over an open top portion of a swimming pool.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/191,702 filed Sep. 11, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to pool covers and, more particularly, this invention relates to a swimming pool covering device which includes at least one inflatable compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, pool covers, as are generally well known in the prior art, are used to cover swimming pools to prevent debris from entering such pools during winter months.

Specifically of interest to the present invention are the following: Kordell, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,539, discloses a pool cover which includes a centrally located bubble, a series of branches connected to the centrally located bubble, and a series of cover sections located in between the series of branches. The bubble is centrally located on the cover and is inflatable.

Genzel, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,704, discloses a pool cover which utilizes multiple, laterally displaced air compartments, fixed in location with respect to each other and portions of the cover. The air compartments may be interleaved by having laterally overlapping portions in order to minimize sagging from any air compartment having an air leak.

Terrei, U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,254, discloses a pool cover support including a balloon for placement in its un-inflated condition on the surface of the water in a swimming pool, an air hose having one end attached to the balloon and provided at its other end with a valve. The hose is of sufficient length that when the balloon is secured in a predetermined position, the valve can be located outside the pool, whereby the balloon can be inflated or later deflated.

Chillino, U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,678, discloses a pool cover which extends dome-like over the entire pool and has a skirt welded to the inner surface of the cover and engaging all inner surfaces of the walls of the pool. The skirt is adapted to extend below the water line and up to the edges of the pool walls. The cover has end portions extending over the wall edges upon the deck and adapted to receive water bags or the like which hold the cover in place.

Webb, U.S. Design Pat. No. D446,585, discloses an ornamental design for an inflatable pool cover.

Herd, U.S. Publication No. 2007/0271692, discloses an inflatable dome-like cover to rest atop an existing swimming pool. The cover has an inflatable portion that repels dirt, debris, water, and snow, preventing such debris from collecting thereon. Extending along a perimeter of the inflatable portion is a border about which openings are evenly spaced, through which tethers or cords may be tied for securing the assembly to the pool. At least one air valve is positioned proximal to the outer edge of the cover, enabling a user to inflate the assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a swimming pool covering device which includes a pool covering member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and including at least one inflatable compartment disposed therein. A first valve is operably connected to such pool covering member at a predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of such at least one inflatable compartment. A securing means is disposed at predetermined locations closely adjacent a perimeter of such pool covering member for securing such pool covering member in place over an open top portion of a swimming pool.

According to another embodiment, a swimming pool covering device includes a pool covering member and a securing means. Such pool covering member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and includes at least one first inflatable compartment disposed therein, such at least one first inflatable compartment having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape; a first valve is operably connected to such pool covering member at a first predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of such at least one first inflatable compartment; at least one second inflatable compartment is disposed in such pool covering member at least one of beneath such at least one first inflatable compartment, around such at least one first inflatable compartment, and a combination thereof, such at least one second predetermined compartment has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. A second valve is operably connected to such pool covering member at a second predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of such at least one second inflatable compartment. Such securing means is disposed at predetermined locations closely adjacent a perimeter of such pool covering member for securing such pool covering member in place over an open top portion of a swimming pool.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a swimming pool covering device for covering a pool during an off-season and keeping the swimming pool clean and debris free.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a swimming pool covering device for covering a swimming pool, such swimming pool covering device including at least one inflatable compartment for repelling leaves, dirt, water, and other debris there from when inflated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a swimming pool covering device which may be used to winterize a swimming pool and protect the water inside such swimming pool and the interior walls of such swimming pool from being subjected to dirty water, insects, dirt, leaves, twigs, algae and other debris and such swimming pool covering device including a pool cover and a means to inflate two compartments within such pool cover such that as such compartments are inflated such water, insects, dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris will at least one of fall off such swimming pool cover, blow away, roll off such swimming pool cover, and a combination thereof.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an inflatable swimming pool covering device which can be used to cover a swimming pool during winter months such that when the cover is to be removed such cover may be inflated then hosed off thereby removing debris such as dirty water, insects, dirt, leaves, twigs, and other unwanted items there from such that such debris does not get into such swimming pool.

Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide a swimming pool covering device that can be used to winterize a swimming pool and can reduce the amount of time and energy spent in opening the pool in the summer.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a swimming pool covering device which can be used to better protect a swimming pool from debris and dirty water entering such pool thereby reducing the amount of chemicals needed to be used to clean the pool and further promoting a more eco-friendly environment.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention in which the invention is depicted in use on a swimming pool.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the invention taken along the lines II-II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the invention taken along the lines IV-IV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention in which the invention includes a housing member for housing the pool covering member and securing means when not in use.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of apertures are disposed through such pool covering member.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of apertures are disposed through such pool covering member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-7.

More specifically referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, a swimming pool covering device, generally designated 10 is provided. Such swimming pool covering device 10 includes a pool covering member 11, manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and including at least one inflatable compartment 12 disposed therein. It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is plastic.

A first valve 14 is operably connected to such pool covering member 11 at a predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of such at least one inflatable compartment 12.

A securing means 16 is disposed at predetermined locations closely adjacent a perimeter of such pool covering member 11 for securing such pool covering member 11 in place over an open top portion of a swimming pool 24.

It is presently preferred that such securing means 16 includes at least one of a plurality of predetermined weights 26 each having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size and being manufactured from a second predetermined material; a plurality of at least one of loops 28 attached to such pool covering member 11, apertures 27 disposed through such pool covering member 11, and a combination thereof and a strap member 32 threaded through at least one of such loops 28 and such apertures 27 for tightening around a perimeter of such swimming pool 24 thereby securing such pool covering member 11 in place; and a combination thereof.

Such weights 26 may be secured to such pool covering member 11 via any means which reasonably facilitates there purpose. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 such weights may be tied to such loops and/or such apertures via a cord 39. It is presently preferred that such second predetermined material is at least one of metal, plastic, rubber, concrete, and a combination thereof. It is further presently preferred that each of such apertures 27 includes a reinforcing means 42 disposed around a perimeter thereof, preferably such reinforcing means 42 is a grommet 44.

It is meant that such pool covering device be useful in covering any type of pool, for example, above ground, in ground, etc. It is meant that such pool covering device be useful in covering any type of pool, for example, above ground, in ground, etc. A simple air compressor, air pump, or other air dispensing device may be used to fill the inflatable compartment with air. The device, when inflated may be easily cleaned with a spray of water from a hose and when not in use, the un-inflated pool covering member, weights, strap member, etc., can be conveniently folded and packed away for later use.

According to another embodiment, more specifically referred to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 7, a swimming pool covering device, generally designated 20 includes a pool covering member 11 and a securing means 16.

Such pool covering member 11 is manufactured from a first predetermined material and includes at least one first inflatable compartment 12 disposed therein, such at least one first inflatable compartment 12 having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape.

A first valve 14 is operably connected to such pool covering member 11 at a first predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of such at least one first inflatable compartment 12 by means of airway 70. Airway 70 allows for optimal placement of first valve 14, so that a user can easily reach first valve 14.

At least one second inflatable compartment 52 is disposed in such pool covering member 11 thereof at least one of beneath such at least one first inflatable compartment 12, around such first inflatable compartment, and a combination thereof, such at least one second predetermined compartment 52 has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is plastic.

A second valve 54 is operably connected to such pool covering member 11 at a second predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of such at least one second inflatable compartment 52.

Such securing means 16 is disposed at predetermined locations closely adjacent a perimeter of such pool covering member 11 for securing such pool covering member 11 in place over an open top portion of a swimming pool 24.

It is further presently preferred that such pool covering device 20 further includes a housing member 62 with carrying strap 64, as illustrated in FIG. 5, for housing such pool covering member 11 and such securing means 16 when such pool covering member 11 and such securing means 16 are not in use. Such housing member 62 is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a third predetermined shape and a third predetermined size. It is presently preferred that such second predetermined material is plastic.

It is presently preferred that such securing means 16 includes at least one of a plurality of predetermined weights 26 each having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size and being manufactured from a second predetermined material; a plurality of at least one of loops 28 attached to such pool covering member 11, apertures 27 disposed through such pool covering member 11, and a combination thereof and a strap member 32 threaded through at least one of such loops 28 and such apertures 27 for tightening around a perimeter of such swimming pool 24 thereby securing such pool covering member 11 in place; and a combination thereof.

Such weights 26 may be secured to such pool covering member 11 via any means which reasonably facilitates there purpose. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 such weights may be tied to such loops and such apertures via a cord 39. It is presently preferred that such second predetermined material is at least one of metal, plastic, rubber, concrete, and a combination thereof. It is further presently preferred that each of such apertures 27 includes a reinforcing means 42 disposed around a perimeter thereof, preferably such reinforcing means 42 is a grommet 44.

It is meant that such pool covering device be useful in covering any type of pool, for example, above ground, in ground, etc. A simple air compressor, air pump, or other air dispensing device may be used to fill the inflatable compartments with air. The device, when inflated may be easily cleaned with a spray of water from a hose and when not in use, the un-inflated pool covering member, weights, strap member, etc., can be conveniently stored in the housing member.

While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A swimming pool covering device comprising:

a. a pool covering member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and having at least one inflatable compartment disposed therein;

b. a first valve operably connected to said pool covering member at a predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of said at least one inflatable compartment; and

c. a securing means disposed at predetermined locations closely adjacent a perimeter of said pool covering member for securing said pool covering member in place over an open top portion of a swimming pool.

2. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 1 wherein said securing means includes at least one of a plurality of predetermined weights each having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size and being manufactured from a second predetermined material; a plurality of at least one of loops attached to said pool covering member, apertures disposed through said pool covering member, and a combination thereof and a strap member threaded through at least one of said loops 28 and said apertures for tightening around a perimeter of such swimming pool thereby securing said pool covering member in place; and a combination thereof.

3. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is plastic.

4. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 2 wherein said second predetermined material is at least one of metal, plastic, rubber, concrete, and a combination thereof.

5. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 2 wherein each of said apertures includes a reinforcing means disposed around a perimeter thereof.

6. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 2 wherein each of said apertures includes a grommet disposed around a perimeter thereof

7. A swimming pool covering device comprising:

a. a pool covering member manufactured from a first predetermined material and including: i. at least one first inflatable compartment disposed therein, said at least one first inflatable compartment having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape; ii. a first valve operably connected to said pool covering member at a first predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of said at least one first inflatable compartment; iii. at least one second inflatable compartment disposed in said pool covering member at least one of beneath such at least one first inflatable compartment, around such first inflatable compartment, and a combination thereof, said at least one second predetermined compartment having a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. iv. a second valve operably connected to said pool covering member at a second predetermined location for enabling communication of air into and out of said at least one second inflatable compartment; and

b. a securing means disposed at predetermined locations closely adjacent a perimeter of said pool covering member for securing said pool covering member in place over an open top portion of a swimming pool.

8. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 7 wherein said device further includes a housing member for housing said device when said pool covering member and said securing means are not in use, said housing member being manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a third predetermined shape and a third predetermined size.

9. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 7 wherein said securing means includes at least one of a plurality of predetermined weights each having a third predetermined shape and a third predetermined size and being manufactured from a second predetermined material; a plurality of at least one of loops attached to said pool covering member, apertures disposed through said pool covering member, and a combination thereof and a strap member threaded through at least one of said loops and said apertures for tightening around a perimeter of such swimming pool thereby securing said pool covering member in place; and a combination thereof.

10. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 9 wherein said third predetermined material is at least one of metal, plastic, rubber, concrete, and a combination thereof.

11. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 7 wherein said first predetermined material is plastic.

12. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 7 wherein said second predetermined material is plastic.

13. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 7 wherein each of said apertures includes a reinforcing means disposed around a perimeter thereof.

14. A swimming pool covering device according to claim 13 wherein said reinforcing means is a grommet.