Solar Powered Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Reel Assembly and Control System Driven by a Mini Direct Current (DC) Motor

A system that is used as a pool cover control system includes a remote control, a height-adjustable base, a unit housing, a controller unit, and a motor. The remote control is used to transfer a signal. The transferred signal is received by a remote control signal receiver of the controller unit. When received, the signal is transferred to the motor through a polarity reversing switch. The rotational direction of the motor is determined by the polarity reversing switch. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery which is recharged by at least one solar panel attached to a solar panel stand. The motor transfers rotational momentum to a gear assembly that consists of a drive gear and a torque gear. Next, the gear assembly transfers rotational momentum to a rotation shaft. A reel interface connected to the rotation shaft controls the pool cover.

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Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/910,487 filed on Dec. 2, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pool cover apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention is an apparatus that can be utilized to control the pool cover such that the pool can be either covered or uncovered when required.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Swimming is one of the most favored activities throughout the world. Individuals participate in swimming for recreational purposes and also due to the health benefits that can be achieved from swimming. In order to meet the increasing demand, swimming pools are frequently installed in gymnasiums and residential areas. Most gymnasiums have indoor pools, whereas most residential areas have outdoor pools. Both indoor pools and outdoor pools require a considerable financial investment.

Among the many expenses, maintenance is the most costly expense and also the most underestimated expense. When comparing indoor pools and outdoor pools, outdoor pools have a higher maintenance cost mainly due to the exposure. However, maintenance costs can be greatly reduced if the pool is covered and protected when not in use. In order to do so, a variety of pool covers and pool cover controllers are available in the market today. Unfortunately, the pool covers and pool cover controllers available today come with a series of disadvantages.

Manually operated pool covers are difficult to operate and require a certain amount of manual dexterity and strength to cover and uncover the pool. They often require two people to cover the pool. When vacating the pool consumers often neglect to cover the pool and as a result the benefits of the pool cover are lost. As a result, many manually operated reel systems are moved to a remote part of the pool area and are not used to cover the pool.

Electrically powered pool cover controllers are among the most widely used automatic pool cover controllers. However, the electrically powered pool cover controllers have a series of disadvantages. For instance, these controllers are expensive and also fail if water seeps through to a power outlet or an electrical connection supplying power to the controller. The repairing costs related to such failures can be significant. The inability to use the pool due to the repairs is another disadvantage. Moreover, most electrically powered controllers require a cable or tether to guide the pool cover. The cables or tethers can harm the aesthetic appearance of the pool and also be hazardous to users. For instance, cables and tether lines in the vicinity of the pool can be a tripping hazard to the user of the pool and other individuals in the region of the pool.

Water controlled pool cover controllers are also used in today's society. One of the main disadvantages of the system is the need to drain the system in cold weather conditions. Draining the system is essential in order to reduce fracturing of the motor parts or tubing used in the system. The draining procedure can be both time consuming and stressful to the user. As experienced by many individuals, the water pressure of a public water supply is not always constant. As a result, the power supplied to the controller also fluctuates. Such fluctuations can be disadvantageous to the user since the reel interface of the pool cover controller may not be functional. The high price of the water driven controllers is another significant disadvantage. Furthermore, certain water controlled pool cover controllers are limited to be operational in a single direction. More specifically, these water controlled pool cover controllers can be used to uncover the pool but not cover the pool. As a result, the user has to manually cover the pool.

The objective of the present invention is to address the aforementioned issues. In particular, the present invention allows the user to cover or uncover the pool conveniently within a short time period. In doing so, the present invention does not require human power, electricity from an external outlet, or kinetic energy from a water controlled system. Instead, the present invention is powered through a direct current generated by solar energy. As a result, the present invention is less expensive than a pool cover control system powered by an alternating current. Furthermore, the present invention is more convenient when compared to a water controlled pool cover controller. Since the system is controlled through a remote control, the user can cover or uncover the pool with greater convenience. Additionally, the remote control eliminates the need to have electrical connections or plumbing connections extended to the pool cover controller which eliminates the cluttering around the pool. The effective design also allows the present invention to be utilized with a variety of pool covers at a preferred height. In comparison to electrically powered pool cover controllers and water controlled pool cover controllers, the present invention can be utilized with minimum alterations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the present invention, wherein the reel interface is attached to the rotation shaft.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the solar panel stand is rotated about the unit housing.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the incremental rotation mechanism.

FIG. 5 is another exploded view of the incremental rotation mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the gear train of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the gear train of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the process flow of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the process flow within the unit housing of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the polarity reversing switch, wherein the polarity reversing switch is in its first configuration.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the polarity reversing switch, wherein the polarity reversing switch is in its second configuration.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the screw locking mechanism of the present invention.

 DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a pool cover reel assembly that is used to cover a pool or uncover a pool efficiently. Proper covering of the pool is essential in the maintenance process of a pool. By covering the pool, the user can reduce expenses associated with water evaporation and also eliminate issues that can arise with chemical imbalance in the pool. However, the expenses associated with the available pool cover controllers and their inefficiency has caused major problems to pool owners. The present invention introduces an economical and efficient pool cover reel assembly that addresses the issues at hand. Most importantly, the effective design allows the user to utilize the present invention as a new pool cover control system or as a replacement to an existing pool cover controller system at a minimal cost.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention comprises a remote control 1, a height-adjustable base 2, at least one solar panel 12, a solar panel stand 120, a unit housing 5, a controller unit 6, and a motor 10. The user utilizes the remote control 1 to transfer signals remotely to the controller unit 6. As a result, the pool is covered or uncovered according to the signals received from the remote control 1. According to user instructions, the pool can also be partially covered by the pool cover. The height-adjustable base 2 allows the user to utilize the present invention at a preferred height. The solar panel 12 provides power to all the electrical components of the present invention.

The use of the solar panel 12 not only reduces the cost related to power sources, but also increases safety and efficiency. The solar panel 12 is mounted onto solar panel stand 120 as seen in FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel 12 is adhered onto the solar panel stand 120. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, a different attachment mechanism can be utilized. Since the solar panel stand 120 is rotatably mounted onto the unit housing 5 with an incremental rotation mechanism 13, the solar panel 12 can be directed in a desired direction in order to obtain maximum efficiency. More specifically, the solar panel stand 120 is rotatably mounted onto the unit housing 5 opposite to the height-adjustable base 2. The unit housing 5 is adjacently mounted onto the height-adjustable base 2 allowing the present invention to be used at a preferred height. The controller unit 6 dictates the rotational motion according to the signal received from the user. More specifically, the controller unit 6 rotates the motor 10 in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. For instance, the present invention can be set up such that, the clockwise rotation of the motor 10 covers the pool whereas the counterclockwise rotation of the motor 10 uncovers the pool.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the controller unit 6 comprises a remote control signal receiver 7, a polarity reversing switch 8, and a rechargeable battery 9. The solar panel 12 is the power source for the electrical components of the present invention. In doing so, the solar panel 12 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 9 such that the rechargeable battery 9 can store sufficient charge to be distributed among the electrical components. Furthermore, the solar panel 12 provides constant charge to the remote control signal receiver 7 in order to efficiently receive signals from the remote control 1.

The rechargeable battery 9 is electrically connected to the motor 10 through remote control signal receiver 7 and the polarity reversing switch 8. As a result of the electrical connection, the rechargeable battery 9 provides power to the motor 10. Since the electrical connection is completed through the polarity reversing switch 8 and the remote control signal receiver 7, the user can change the rotational motion of the motor 10 as desired. In order to reverse the direction of the motor 10, the polarity reversing switch 8 can be, but is not limited to, a single pole, double throw switch. The polarity reversing switch 8 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and FIG. 11. As mentioned earlier, the user transfers signals to the controller unit 6 through the remote control 1. The signals transferred from the remote control 1 are received and processed by the remote control signal receiver 7. In order to do so, the remote control 1 is communicably coupled to the remote control signal receiver 7. Furthermore, the remote control signal receiver 7 is electronically connected to the polarity reversing switch 8. The electrical connection between the remote control signal receiver 7 and the polarity reversing switch 8 ensures that the signal from the remote control 1 is accurately transferred to the motor 10. For the present invention to be used with a variety of pool covers, the present invention comprises a reel interface 11. The reel interface 11 is illustrated in FIG. 2. In order to transfer the rotational motion from the motor 10 to the reel interface 11, the motor 10 is torsionally connected to the reel interface 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the present invention comprises a gear train 15 and a rotation shaft 18. The gear train 15 is utilized to control the speed and rotational direction of the reel interface 11. More specifically, the gear train 15 is essential to determine the direction and speed the pool cover moves in. Furthermore, the gear train 15 is also beneficial to determine the lifting force necessary to uncover the pool. In the process of rotating the reel interface 11, the motor 10 is mechanically coupled to the gear train 15 such that the motor 10 rotatably drives the gear train 15. As a result, the motor 10 initially transfers rotational momentum to the gear train 15. The output from the gear train 15 is drawn out from the rotation shaft 18. The gear train 15 is mechanically coupled to the rotation shaft 18, which allows the gear train 15 to rotatably drive the rotation shaft 18. Furthermore, the rotation shaft 18 is axially connected to the reel interface 11 such that the rotational motion is transferred to the reel interface 11 through the rotation shaft 18. Additionally, the reel interface 11 is concentrically positioned onto the rotation shaft 18. As seen in FIG. 1, the rotation shaft 18 traverses out of the unit housing 5. The positioning of the rotation shaft 18 separates the reel interface 11 from the rest of the components as shown in FIG. 3.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gear train 15 comprises an input gear 16, a plurality of intermediate gears 150, and an output gear 17. The input gear 16, the plurality of intermediate gears 150, and the output gear 17 are illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The number of gears included in the plurality of intermediate gears 150 can differ in another embodiment of the present invention. The input gear 16 is rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing 5. The motor 10 is axially connected to the input gear 16 such that the input gear 16 can be driven by the rotational motion of the motor 10. Similar to the input gear 16, the plurality of intermediate gears 150 and the output gear 17 is also rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing 5. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the input gear 16 is engaged to the plurality of intermediate gears 150 within the unit housing 5. In order to transfer the rotational motion along the gear train 15, the plurality of intermediate gears 150 is engaged to each other and is configured to increase the torque and reduce the angular speed of the rotational motion from the motor 10. Next, the plurality of intermediate gears 150 is engaged to the output gear 17 within the unit housing 5. Moreover, the rotation shaft 18 is axially connected to the output gear 17 as illustrated in FIG. 6.

The height-adjustable base 2 allows the present invention to install the present invention at a preferred height. The height-adjustable base 2 comprises a base plate 200, a first tubular section 3, and a second tubular section 4 as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 12. The first tubular section 3 is connected normal to the base plate 200. The base plate 200 provides stability to the structure of the present invention. The second tubular section 4 is telescopically engaged with the first tubular section 3 opposite the base plate 200. The telescopic engagement allows the second tubular section 4 to slide over the first tubular section 3 which remains stationary. More specifically, the telescopic engagement allows the user to adjust the rotation shaft 18 to a preferred height. The stationary first tubular section 3 and the base plate 200 can be made of, but is not limited to, a material such as wood or plastic. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit housing 5 which is fixed to the second tubular section 4, and the solar panel unit stand 120 rotatably mounted onto the unit housing 5 is secured at a desired height with a screw locking mechanism 19. The screw locking mechanism 19 comprises an at least one screw 20 and a plurality of receiving holes 21. The screw locking mechanism 19 is illustrated in FIG. 12. The plurality of receiving holes 21 is distributed along the second tubular section 4. Furthermore, the plurality of receiving holes 21 traverses through the second tubular section 4. Therefore, when the at least one screw 20 is positioned into one of the plurality of receiving holes 21, the at least one screw 20 is fixed to the first tubular section 3. Since the plurality of receiving holes 21 is distributed along the second tubular section 4, the components above the first tubular section 3 are secured at a preferred height when the at least one screw 20 is fixed to the first tubular section 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the solar panel stand 120 is rotatably mounted onto the unit housing 5 opposite to the second tubular section 4. The incremental rotation mechanism 13 used for the solar panel stand 120 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The ability to rotate is especially important to the present invention since the electrical components are powered through the solar panel 12. The incremental rotation mechanism 13 that helps the solar unit stand 120 to rotate is a hermetic seal between the solar panel stand 120 and the unit housing 5. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel stand 120 can be rotated in 90 degree increments. As a result, the user can be guaranteed that water does not seep through to the internal components through the unit housing 5. Even though the incremental rotation mechanism is utilized in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a different rotation mechanism can be used in another embodiment of the present invention.

In utilizing the present invention the following process flow is followed. Initially, the present invention is placed at an appropriate position. More specifically, the present invention is placed in close proximity to the tube in which the pool cover is rolled in. Generally, the tube is longer than the width of the pool with open ends at either side. The reel interface 11 of the present invention is designed to position into either one of the open ends. Therefore, when positioning the present invention, the user adjusts the height of the second tubular section 4 such that the reel interface 11 fits into either one of the open ends of the tube. Once, the reel interface 11 is positioned, the solar panel stand 120 is rotated in a direction suitable to charge the solar panel 12. Once the setup is complete, the user can control the pool cover with the use of the remote control 1. For instance, when the user transmits a signal to cover the pool, the remote control signal receiver 7 receives the signal. According to the signal received from the remote control 1, the polarity reversing switch 8 illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 either rotates the motor 10 in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The necessary power is supplied by the rechargeable battery 9 that is charged by the solar panel 12. In accordance to the rotational direction of the motor 10, the input gear 16 rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The plurality of intermediate gears 150 and the output gear 17, that are engaged to the input gear 16, rotates in a direction corresponding to the input gear 16. The rotational motion of the output gear 17 is transferred to the reel interface 11 through the rotation shaft 18. Since the reel interface 11 is positioned within the tube that is attached to the pool cover, the pool cover either rolls in or rolls out according to the rotational motion of the reel interface 11.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools comprises:

a remote control;
a height-adjustable base;
a unit housing;
a solar panel stand;
a controller unit;
a motor;
a reel interface;
at least one solar panel;
the controller unit comprises a remote control signal receiver, a polarity reversing switch, and a rechargeable battery;
the unit housing adjacently mounted onto the height adjustable base;
the solar panel stand being rotatably mounted onto the unit housing, opposite to the height-adjustable base;
the solar panel being mounted onto the solar panel stand;
the solar panel being electrically connected to the rechargeable battery;
the rechargeable battery being electrically connected to the motor through the polarity reversing switch and the remote control signal receiver;
the remote control signal receiver being electronically connected to the polarity reversing switch;
the remote control being communicably coupled to the remote control signal receiver; and
the motor being torsionally connected to the reel interface.

2. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solar panel is adhered onto the solar panel stand.

3. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a gear train;
a rotation shaft;
the motor being mechanically coupled to the gear train, wherein the motor rotatably drives the gear train;
the gear train being mechanically coupled to the rotation shaft, wherein the gear train rotatably drives the rotation shaft; and
the rotation shaft being axially connected to the reel interface.

4. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the rotation shaft traversing out of the unit housing; and
the reel interface being concentrically positioned onto the rotation shaft.

5. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the gear train comprises an input gear, a plurality of intermediate gears, and an output gear;
the input gear being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the plurality of intermediate gears being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the output gear being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the motor being axially connected to the input gear;
the input gear being engaged to the plurality of intermediate gears;
the plurality of intermediate gears being serially engaged to each other;
the plurality of intermediate gears being engaged to the output gear; and
the rotation shaft being axially connected to the output gear.

6. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the height adjustable base comprises a base plate, a first tubular section, and a second tubular section;
the first tubular section being connected normal to the base plate;
the second tubular section being telescopically engaged with the first tubular section, opposite to the base plate; and
the unit housing being rotatably mounted onto the second tubular section, opposite to the first tubular section.

7. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 6 comprises:

a screw locking mechanism;
the screw locking mechanism comprises an at least one screw and a plurality of receiving holes;
the plurality of receiving holes traversing through the second tubular section;
the plurality of receiving holes being distributed along the second tubular section;
the at least one screw positioned into one of the plurality of receiving holes; and
the at least one screw being fixed to the first tubular section.

8. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

an incremental rotation mechanism;
the solar panel stand being rotatably mounted onto the unit housing by the incremental rotation mechanism; and
the incremental rotation mechanism being a hermetic seal between the solar panel stand and the unit housing.

9. An apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools comprises:

a remote control;
a height-adjustable base;
a unit housing;
a solar panel stand;
a controller unit;
a motor;
a reel interface;
at least one solar panel;
a gear train;
a rotation shaft;
the controller unit comprises a remote control signal receiver, a polarity reversing switch, and a rechargeable battery;
the unit housing adjacently mounted onto the height adjustable base;
the solar panel stand being rotatably mounted onto the unit housing, opposite to the height-adjustable base;
the solar panel being mounted onto the solar panel stand;
the solar panel being electrically connected to the rechargeable battery;
the rechargeable battery being electrically connected to the motor through the polarity reversing switch and the remote control signal receiver;
the remote control signal receiver being electronically connected to the polarity reversing switch;
the remote control being communicably coupled to the remote control signal receiver;
the motor being torsionally connected to the reel interface;
the solar panel being adhered to the solar panel stand;
the motor being mechanically coupled to the gear train, wherein the motor rotatably drives the gear train;
the gear train being mechanically coupled to the rotation shaft, wherein the gear train rotatably drives the rotation shaft; and
the rotation shaft being axially connected to the reel interface.

10. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

the rotation shaft traversing out of the unit housing;
the reel interface being concentrically positioned onto the rotation shaft;
the gear train comprises an input gear, a plurality of intermediate gears, and an output gear;
the input gear being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the plurality of intermediate gears being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the output gear being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the motor being axially connected to the input gear;
the input gear being engaged to the plurality of intermediate gears;
the plurality of intermediate gears being serially engaged to each other;
the plurality of intermediate gears being engaged to the output gear; and
the rotation shaft being axially connected to the output gear.

11. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

a screw locking mechanism;
the height adjustable base comprises a base plate, a first tubular section, and a second tubular section;
the first tubular section being connected normal to the base plate;
the second tubular section being telescopically engaged with the first tubular section, opposite to the base plate;
the unit housing being rotatably mounted onto the second tubular section, opposite to the first tubular section;
the screw locking mechanism comprises an at least one screw and a plurality of receiving holes;
the plurality of receiving holes traversing through the second tubular section;
the plurality of receiving holes being distributed along the second tubular section;
the at least one screw positioned into one of the plurality of receiving holes; and
the at least one screw being fixed to the first tubular section.

12. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

an incremental rotation mechanism;
the solar panel stand being rotatably mounted onto the unit housing by the incremental rotation mechanism; and
the incremental rotation mechanism being a hermetic seal between the solar panel stand and the unit housing.

13. An apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools comprises:

a remote control;
a height-adjustable base;
a unit housing;
a solar panel stand;
a controller unit;
a motor;
a reel interface;
at least one solar panel;
a gear train;
an incremental rotation mechanism;
the controller unit comprises a remote control signal receiver, a polarity reversing switch, and a rechargeable battery;
the unit housing adjacently mounted onto the height adjustable base;
the solar panel stand being rotatably mounted onto the unit housing, opposite to the height-adjustable base;
the solar panel being mounted onto the solar panel stand;
the solar panel being electrically connected to the rechargeable battery;
the rechargeable battery being electrically connected to the motor through the polarity reversing switch and the remote control signal receiver;
the remote control signal receiver being electronically connected to the polarity reversing switch;
the remote control being communicably coupled to the remote control signal receiver;
the motor being torsionally connected to the reel interface;
the solar panel being adhered to the solar panel stand;
a rotation shaft;
the motor being mechanically coupled to the gear train, wherein the motor rotatably drives the gear train;
the gear train being mechanically coupled to the rotation shaft, wherein the gear train rotatably drives the rotation shaft;
the rotation shaft being axially connected to the reel interface;
the solar panel stand being rotatably mounted onto the unit housing by the incremental rotation mechanism; and
the incremental rotation mechanism being a hermetic seal between the solar panel stand and the unit housing.

14. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the rotation shaft traversing out of the unit housing; and
the reel interface being concentrically positioned onto the rotation shaft.

15. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the gear train comprises an input gear, a plurality of intermediate gears, and an output gear;
the input gear being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the plurality of intermediate gears being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the output gear being rotatably and internally mounted within the unit housing;
the motor being axially connected to the input gear;
the input gear being engaged to the plurality of intermediate gears;
the plurality of intermediate gears being serially engaged to each other;
the plurality of intermediate gears being engaged to the output gear; and
the rotation shaft being axially connected to the output gear.

16. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the height adjustable base comprises a base plate, a first tubular section, and a second tubular section;
the first tubular section being connected normal to the base plate;
the second tubular section being telescopically engaged with the first tubular section, opposite to the base plate; and
the unit housing being rotatably mounted onto the second tubular section, opposite to the first tubular section.

17. The apparatus for controlling the cover used on pools as claimed in claim 16 comprises:

a screw locking mechanism;
the screw locking mechanism comprises an at least one screw and a plurality of receiving holes;
the plurality of receiving holes traversing through the second tubular section;
the plurality of receiving holes being distributed along the second tubular section;
the at least one screw positioned into one of the plurality of receiving holes; and
the at least one screw being fixed to the first tubular section.
Patent History
Publication number: 20150152661
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 2, 2014
Publication Date: Jun 4, 2015
Inventor: William F. Scullin (Cape Coral, FL)
Application Number: 14/558,275
Classifications
International Classification: E04H 4/10 (20060101);