REVERSIBLE GEAR AND SPOOL SYSTEM FOR POOL COVER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A reversible drive assembly for a retractable pool cover apparatus having a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The drive shaft is selectively rotated in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction about the longitudinal axis by a drive motor and includes a first pin aperture and a second pin aperture. A first gear engages the drive shaft and forms a first slot angled at a first guide angle in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis. A second gear engages the drive shaft and forms a second slot angled at a second guide angle in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis. A gear pin is configured to engage the first pin aperture and the first slot in a first configuration or the second pin aperture and the second slot in a second configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/441,313 entitled REVERSIBLE GEAR AND SPOOL SYSTEM FOR POOL COVER ASSEMBLY, filed on Jan. 26, 2023, by Gemmell et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to a drive apparatus for a motorized, retractable pool cover and, more specifically, to a reversible drive assembly comprising a reversible gear and spool system for a motorized, retractable pool cover.

SUMMARY

Retractable pool covers may be implemented to provide both convenience and added security by readily enclosing pools and/or spas from unauthorized access. In various embodiments, a pool cover may be extended and retracted by motorized gear and drive assemblies configured to extend and retract the pool cover from a cover drum utilized to rollup the pool cover for storage. Due to the wide variety of applications for retractable pool covers, it may be beneficial to engage a reversible drive assembly for the pool cover from different sides of the pool. For example, in some cases, the motor assembly may engage a left side or first side of a drive assembly and, in other cases, the motor assembly may engage a right side or opposing second side of a drive assembly. The disclosure provides for a reversible drive assembly and system that may provide for such operation and improve the ease of installation and assembly for a retractable pool cover system.

In some implementations, the disclosure may provide for a reversible drive assembly for a retractable pool cover apparatus that includes a plurality of annular drive gears, which may correspond to double-dog gears. The annular drive gears may slidably engage an outside diameter of a drive shaft connected to a motor drive configured to extend and retract a pool cover. Each of the annular drive gears may include a slot that is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. A gear pin may selectively engage one of a first pin aperture and a second pin aperture extending through the drive shaft and selectively aligned with an angled slot of either the first annular drive gear or the second annular drive gear. By selectively engaging the gear pin with the first or second annular drive gear and the corresponding first or second pin aperture extending through the drive shaft, the disclosure may provide for the drive assembly to be reversibly implemented on either the first side (e.g., right side) or the second side (e.g., left side) of the pool.

In some implementations, the disclosure may provide for a method for controlling a reversible drive assembly for a pool cover system. The method may include a process of rotating a drive shaft comprising a first drive gear and a second drive gear extending along a longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction. The method may further comprise selectively configuring the reversible drive assembly in a first configuration or a second configuration. The first configuration may include a gear pin engaging a first guide slot of a first gear in the first rotational direction, thereby retracting a pool cover. In the first configuration, the method may further include engaging the first guide slot of the first gear rotating the first gear and the second gear in the second rotational direction to extend the pool cover. In each of a plurality of implementations, the gears of the reversible drive assembly may be individually engaged in the drive assembly in a first direction and, alternatively, engaged in combination with the drive assembly in a second direction.

In yet another implementation, a reversible drive assembly may include a drive shaft extending along the longitudinal axis from a first end portion to a second, opposing end portion. The drive shaft is selectively rotated in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction about the longitudinal axis. The drive shaft may include a first pin aperture and a second pin aperture disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The drive assembly may include a first annular drive gear and a second annular drive gear, each of which may slidably engage the drive shaft. The first annular drive gear may include a first guide slot angled at a first guide angle in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis. The second annular drive gear may include a second guide slot angled at a second guide angle in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis. A gear pin may be configured to selectively engage the first pin aperture and the first slot in a first configuration or the second pin aperture and the second slot in a second configuration. The selective engagement of the gear pin may accordingly provide for the selective drive of either a spool of a rope wheel or a roll tube of a pool cover drum to allow the drive apparatus to be interchangeably implemented on opposing sides of a pool.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a retractable pool cover apparatus demonstrated in relation to an exemplary swimming pool;

FIG. 2 is a projected view of a reversible drive assembly of a retractable pool apparatus;

FIG. 3A is a top view of a reversible drive assembly in a left-drive configuration;

FIG. 3B is a top view of a reversible drive assembly in a right-drive configuration;

FIG. 4A is a detailed view demonstrating a spool of a rope wheel including first and second access apertures configured to access pin apertures associated with left- and right-drive configurations of a reversible drive assembly;

FIG. 4B is a detailed view of a plurality of drive gears of the reversible drive system demonstrating the selective engagement of a gear pin to adjust the configuration of the reversible drive assembly;

FIG. 5A is an exploded assembly view of a reversible drive assembly;

FIG. 5B is a partially-transparent front view of the reversible drive assembly demonstrated in FIG. 5A in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 5C a projected assembly view of the reversible drive assembly demonstrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B;

FIG. 6A is a projected view of a reversible gear assembly demonstrating a first rotation in a first configuration;

FIG. 6B is a projected view of a reversible gear assembly demonstrating a first rotation in the first configuration;

FIG. 6C is a projected view of a reversible gear assembly demonstrating a second rotation in the first configuration;

FIG. 6D is a projected view of a reversible gear assembly demonstrating a second rotation in the first configuration;

FIG. 7A is a projected view of a reversible gear assembly demonstrating a first rotation in a second configuration;

FIG. 7B is a projected view of a reversible gear assembly demonstrating a first rotation in the second configuration;

FIG. 7C is a projected view of a reversible gear assembly demonstrating a second rotation in the second configuration;

FIG. 7D is a projected view of a reversible gear assembly demonstrating a second rotation in the second configuration;

FIG. 8A is a projected view of a reversible pulley bracket positioned on a motor-side of the reversible drive assembly, demonstrated in a right motor-drive configuration;

FIG. 8B is a projected view of a reversible pulley bracket positioned on a motor-side of the reversible drive assembly, demonstrated in a left motor-drive configuration;

FIG. 8C is a projected view of a reversible pulley bracket demonstrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

FIG. 9A is a projected view of a pulley bracket configured to guide a draw line of the retractable pool cover on a second side opposite the drive motor in a left motor-drive position; and

FIG. 9B is a projected view of a pulley bracket configured to guide a draw line of the retractable pool cover on a first side opposite the drive motor in a right motor-drive position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disclosure generally relates to a reversible drive assembly 10 for a retractable pool cover system 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the reversible drive system is shown in a first drive configuration 14a or left-drive configuration in relation to an exemplary pool 16, which may correspond to a pool, spa, etc. As previously discussed, the retractable pool cover system 12 may provide for a pool cover 20 to be reversibly implemented in the first drive configuration 14a as shown or a second drive configuration 14b (e.g., a right-drive configuration) based on the configuration of the reversible drive assembly 10 and corresponding pulley support brackets 22, 24. As provided in various examples discussed herein, the reversible drive assembly 10 and corresponding pulley support brackets 22, 24 may provide for the flexible installation and application of the retractable pool cover system 12 to support intuitive assembly without requiring custom or directional components.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reversible drive assembly 10 applied in the first drive configuration 14a is shown in connection with a drive motor 26 configured to engage a drive shaft 30 (see FIG. 5). The reversible drive assembly 10 may be sealed within a rope wheel 32 formed by a plurality of spools 34, which may limit the infiltration of environmental contaminants (e.g., leaves, debris, fluids, etc.) into the drive assembly 10. For clarity, the drive motor 26 may be installed on a motor drive side 28a of the drive assembly 10. As shown, the spools 34 may comprise a drive-side spool 34a and an idle-side spool 34b configured to receive draw lines 36 extending along opposing sides 16a, 16b of the pool 16. From the drive motor 26, the drive shaft 30 may extend through the rope wheel 32 from a first end portion 30a to a second end portion 30b that may be coupled to a roll tube 38. In operation, the roll tube 38 may rotationally couple a cover drum 40 of the pool cover 20 to the reversible drive assembly 10. As further discussed in reference to FIGS. 3-7, the drive motor 26 may be selectively activated to rotate the drive shaft 30 in a first rotational direction 42a (e.g., a clockwise direction) or a second rotational direction 42b (e.g., a counterclockwise direction) to extend or retract the pool cover 20 to selectively enclose the pool 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, the reversible drive assembly 10 is shown in the first and second drive configurations 14a, 14b to more clearly illustrate the operation of the retractable pool cover system 12. As shown in FIG. 3A, the drive assembly 10 is demonstrated in a left-drive configuration 14a or first configuration. FIG. 3B demonstrates the drive assembly 10 in a right-drive configuration 14b or second configuration. Though the terms first, second, third, etc. are discussed throughout the application in reference to specific elements, structures, and/or configurations, it shall be understood that the associated numbers are only included for clarity in identifying particular elements or configuration referenced in the text among multiple similar elements. Accordingly, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. do not limit the disclosed features to any specific priority, order, number, or classification and are only provided to clearly refer to similar components, elements, or configurations. Though the numbering and association of the elements and configurations may be consistently referenced throughout the detailed description, the order may vary in reference to some examples and may also vary in the claims. Accordingly, the associated numeric associations of the elements and configurations described herein shall not be limiting to those recited in the detailed description.

As shown, the representations of the drive assembly 10 demonstrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B are mirrored in the associated views. However, the underlying assemblies are introduced in reference to the left-drive configuration 14a demonstrated in FIG. 3A for clarity. As shown, the drive motor 26 may engage a motor decoupling assembly 50 that rotates the drive shaft 30 within the rope wheel 32. Based on the direction of the rotation of the motor 26, the drive assembly 10 may selectively engage the rotation of the rope wheel in the first rotational direction 42a or the rotation of the roll tube 38 in the second rotational direction 42b. For clarity, the first direction 42a may consistently be referred to as a clockwise rotation of the motor 26 and the second direction 42b may consistently be referred to as a counterclockwise rotation of the motor 26. As more clearly demonstrated in FIGS. 5-7, the drive shaft 30 may spin freely within cylinders formed by a plurality of gears 60, 62 of the reversible drive assembly 10. In order to adjust the drive configuration 14a, 14b, a drive pin 66 may be selectively inserted into a guide slot 64 of either the first drive gear 60a or the second drive gear 60b, thereby engaging the drive shaft 30. A detailed view demonstrating the selective engagement of the drive pin 66 within the first or second guide slots 64a, 64b and corresponding drive or pin apertures 68 in the drive shaft 30 is shown in FIG. 4B.

Though not demonstrated in FIG. 3A, the cover drum 40 may extend from a drive side roll tube 38a to an idle side roll tube 38b over a width of the pool 16. As shown, the drive assembly 10 may generally comprise a motor-side assembly 70 and an idle-side assembly 72. The position of the assemblies 70, 72 may alternatively be positioned on opposite sides of the pool 16 to accommodate the left-drive configuration 14a or the right-drive configuration 14b. Accordingly, in addition to the adjustable configuration of the gears 60, 62 via the drive pin 66, the pulley support brackets 22, 24 may similarly incorporate reversible features supporting the selectable configuration of the drive assembly 10 to accommodate the left- or right-drive configurations 14a, 14b. Further details related to the pulley support brackets 22, 24 and the corresponding drive configurations 14a, 14b are demonstrated and described in reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B in the following disclosure.

As demonstrated in FIG. 3A, the drive assembly 10 is demonstrated in the first configuration 14a with the drive motor 26 connected to the drive shaft 30 on the left side. In this configuration, the gear or drive pin 66 may be arranged in the corresponding guide slot 64b and pin aperture 68b, such that the activation of the activation of the drive shaft 30 in the first direction 42a may extend the pool cover 20 by retrieving the draw lines 36 on the spools 34. Alternatively, the activation in the second direction 42b may rotate the roll tube 38 on the drive side 38a to retract the pool cover 20 onto the cover drum 40. As demonstrated in FIG. 3B, the drive assembly 10 may be arranged in the second configuration 14b with the drive motor 26 connected to the drive shaft 30 on the right side. In this configuration, the gear pin 66 or drive pin may be alternately arranged in the corresponding guide slot 64a and pin aperture 68a, such that the activation of the drive shaft 30 in the first rotational direction 42a may rotate the roll tube 38 to retract the pool cover 20 onto the cover drum 40. Alternatively, the activation of the drive motor 26 in the second rotational direction 42b may extend the pool cover 20 by retrieving the draw lines 36. In each of the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the drive pin or gear pin 66 may be selectively installed in each of the drive apertures 68 of the drive shaft 30 and the corresponding guide slots 64a, 64b of the drive gears 60 via access apertures 76 extending through the spools 34 of the rope wheel 32 (see FIG. 4B). In various implementations, the access apertures 76 may be selectively enclosed via threaded or press-fit plug seals 78, which may prevent debris from entering a sealed gear housing of the drive assembly 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a procedure for adjusting the drive configurations 14a, 14b of the drive assembly 10 is described in reference to the rope wheel 32 and the access apertures 76. As previously discussed, the drive pin 66 may be selectively accessed by removing a corresponding plug seal 78, thereby revealing the guide slots 64 and drive apertures 68. In FIG. 4B, the rope wheel 32 is hidden from the drive assembly 10, demonstrating the engagement of the drive pin 66 with a second drive gear 60b of the drive gears 60. As demonstrated by the arrow in FIG. 4B, the drive pin 66 may be selectively removed from a second guide slot 64b of the second drive gear 60b and installed into a first guide slot 64a of the first drive gear 60a via the corresponding second access aperture 76b and first access aperture 76a, respectively. In operation, the access apertures 76 may be selectively aligned with the drive apertures 68 formed through the drive shaft 30 by adjusting a rotation or orientation of the rope wheel about and along a longitudinal axis A_L of the drive shaft 30. As previously introduced and further discussed in reference to FIGS. 5-6, the rope wheel 32 and the roll tube 38 may freely rotate about the drive shaft 30 when the drive gears 60 are not engaged with either of the driven gears 62. In this way, the drive pin 66 may be accessed within the sealed enclosure of the drive assembly 10 formed by the rope wheel 32 to selectively change the drive configuration 14 according to the orientation or position of the drive motor 26 relative to the pool 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, the reversible drive assembly 10 is discussed in further detail in reference to the drive configurations 14 and the enclosure provided, at least in part, by the rope wheel 32. As best demonstrated in the exploded assembly view of FIG. 5A, the drive assembly 10 comprises the drive shaft 30, which forms an outside diameter formed along the longitudinal axis A_L from the first end portion 30a to the second end portion 30b. The drive assembly 10 may further comprise the first drive gear 60a and second drive gear 60b configured to slidably engage the outside diameter of the drive shaft 30. A sliding engagement of the gears 60 with the drive shaft 30 may be provided by a corresponding first cylinder 90a and second cylinder 90b formed centrally through an annular body of the first drive gear 60a and the second drive gear 60b, respectively. In various implementations, bushings 92 may be press-fit or otherwise implemented within the drive cylinders 90, such that the gears 60 freely rotate about the outside diameter of the drive shaft 30. The selective coupling of the drive shaft 30 to either of the first drive gear 60a or the second drive gear 60b may be selected by affixing the drive pin 66 within a corresponding first guide slot 64a or second guide slot 64b and drive aperture 68 of the drive shaft 30. In this configuration, the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the first rotational direction 42a or the second rotational direction 42b may only be communicated to the drive gears 60 or the driven gears 62 by the engagement of the drive pin 66 with the interior surface formed by either of the guide slots 64.

Still referring to FIG. 5A, the driven gears 62 may correspond to single-dog gears comprising teeth 80 facing inward toward each of the drive gears 60, which may correspond to double-dog gears having teeth 80 on opposing sides along the longitudinal axis A_L. In various implementations, the first driven gear 62a may be affixed to the rope wheel 32 on a motor drive side 28a. Opposite the motor drive side 28a on the opposing side of the drive assembly 10, the second support bracket 24 may be implemented to support an opposing end of the cover drum 40 on an idle side 28b. The first driven gear 62 may be affixed to the rope wheel 32 on the drive side 28a via a plurality of fasteners 94, which may rotationally connect the first driven gear 62a to the rope wheel 32 via a rope wheel bushing 52 in connection with the rope wheel 32. Additionally, the first driven gear 62a as well as the second driven gear 62b may form a first cylinder 100a and second cylinder 100b which may comprise bushings 92 similar to the drive gears 60. In this configuration, the first driven gear 62a (e.g., first single-dog gear) may be rotationally affixed to the rope wheel 32 but freely rotate about the drive shaft 30 in conjunction with the rope wheel 32 unless engaged by the first drive gear 60a. As shown, the drive pin 66 may comprise a central threaded portion, which may be configured to fasten to corresponding threads in each of the drive apertures 68. The selective engagement of the drive gears 60 relative to the driven gears 62 and the rope wheel 32 or the cover drum 40 is discussed in detail later in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Opposite the first driven gear 62a, the second driven gear 62b may extend about the outside diameter of the drive shaft 30 proximate to the second end portion 30b. In this configuration, the driven gears 62 may capture the drive gears 60 between opposing gear teeth 80, such that a travel of the drive gears along the longitudinal axis A_L of the drive shaft 30 results in alternative engagement with either of the first driven gear 62a or the second driven gear 62b. The second driven gear 62b may be affixed to a roll tube bushing 104 by the fasteners 94. In this configuration, the second driven gear 62b may be rotationally coupled to the drive side roll tube 38a via the roll tube bushing 104 and freely rotate about the drive shaft 30 on the bushing 92. In operation, the second drive gear 60b may be selectively engaged by the drive pin 66 or gear pin and one or more of the drive gears 60 to rotate the second driven gear 62b and the roll tube 38a. In this way, the drive assembly 10 may cause the roll tube 38 and cover drum 40 to rotate to retract the pool cover 20.

As discussed herein, the elements forming the drive assembly 10, for example, the drive gears 60, driven gears 62, guide slots 64, drive apertures 68, etc., may be arrange in order from the first end portion 30a to the second end portion 30b in the following order. Starting at first end portion 30a of the drive shaft 30, the first driven gear 62a may be in connection with the rope wheel 32. The first drive gear 60a may be positioned distal of the first driven gear 62a and the second drive gear 60b may be positioned distal of the first drive gear 60a. The second driven gear 62b may be positioned distal to the second drive gear 60b and proximal to the second end portion 30b or distal end portion of the drive shaft 30. The second driven gear 62b may be in connection with the roll tube 38 via the roll tube bushing 104. In this configuration, the longitudinal movement of the drive gears 60 along the drive shaft 30, resulting from the engagement of the drive pin 66 within the corresponding guide slots 64, may cause the drive gears 60 to selectively engage the first driven gear 62a or the second driven gear 62b as a result of the rotational direction 42 of the drive shaft 30 controlled by the drive motor 26.

To ensure that the drive gears 60 translate along the path formed by each of the guide slots 64 as a result of the force applied to the drive pin 66 or gear pin via the drive shaft 30, each of the drive gears 60 may comprise a plurality of spring buttons 106 in connection with corresponding gear apertures formed through the annular body of the drive gears 60. As best illustrated in FIG. 5A, the spring buttons 106 may comprise a fastening end portion 106a in connection with the annular body of the drive gears 60. A spring end 106b may extend from the spring buttons inward from each of the drive gears 60 in contact with the outside diameter of the drive shaft 30. In this configuration, the spring buttons 106 may apply a spring force to the outside diameter of the drive shaft 30, thereby ensuring that a frictional force is applied to the outside diameter of the drive shaft 30 by the drive gears 60. The friction force may ensure that the drive pin 66 traverses the corresponding guide slot 64 associated with the drive configuration 14 rather than freely spinning in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D, the first drive configuration 14a of the drive assembly 10 is demonstrated in further detail. In some implementations, the drive assembly 10 may comprise an ambidextrous assembly 110 formed by the drive gears 60, driven gears 62, and the drive pin 66 selectively engaged with one of the first 68a or second 68b drive pin apertures 68 of the drive shaft 30. In each of FIGS. 6A-6D, the drive pin 66 or gear pin is engaged within the first drive aperture 68a and the first guide slot 64a of the first drive gear 60a. FIGS. 6A and 6B demonstrate the resulting translation of the first drive gear 60a and the second drive gear 60b in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the first rotational direction 42a. In response to the first rotational direction 42a as shown in FIG. 6A, the drive pin 66 may traverse the first guide slot 64a resulting in the translation of the first drive gear 60a and the second drive gear 60b distally away from the first end portion 30a toward the second driven gear 62b. As a result of the translation of the drive gears 60 along the longitudinal axis A_L, the gear teeth 80 of the second drive gear 60b may engage the neighboring gear teeth 80 of the second driven gear 62b and result in the rotation of the drive side roll tube 38a as depicted in FIG. 6B. With the drive gears 60 engaged with the second driven gear 62b, the rope wheel 32 and first driven gear 62a may freely spin about the drive shaft 30, thereby allowing the rope wheel 32 to unspool the draw lines 36 to retract the pool cover 20. The free end of the ambidextrous assembly 110 is annotated in each of FIGS. 6 and 7 for clarity to illustrate this operation.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the second rotational direction 42b with the drive pin 66 still engaged in the first configuration 14a is shown. As demonstrated in FIG. 6C, the rotation of the drive shaft 30 and the drive pin 66 in the second rotational direction 42b may cause the drive pin 66 to traverse the first guide slot 64a. The traversal of the drive pin 66 through the first guide slot 64a may result in the first drive gear 60a engaging the first driven gear 62a as a result of the corresponding gear teeth 80 communicating the rotation of the first drive gear 60a with the first driven gear 62a, as demonstrated in FIG. 6D. As previously discussed, the first driven gear 62a may be rotationally coupled to the rope wheel 32. Accordingly, the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the second rotational direction 42b with the drive assembly in the first configuration 14a may result in the retrieval of the draw lines 36 on the rope wheel while allowing the roll tube 38 and cover drum 40 to freely rotate about the drive shaft 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D, the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the first rotational direction 42a and the second rotational direction 42b is discussed in reference to the drive assembly in the second configuration 14b. As shown in the second configuration, the drive pin 66 may be engaged in the second drive aperture 68b and the second guide slot 64b of the second drive gear 60b. In response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the first rotational direction 42a, the drive pin 66 may traverse the second guide slot 64b and cause the drive gears 60 to translate, such that the gear teeth 80 of the second drive gear 60b engage the first drive gear 60a and the drive gears 60 combine to engage the first driven gear 62a as demonstrated in FIG. 7B. Accordingly, in the second configuration 14b, the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the first rotational direction 42a may result in the engagement of the drive gears 60 via the drive pin 66 engaging the second guide slot 64b to rotate the first driven gear 62a. As previously discussed, the rotation of the first driven gear 62a may result in the rotation of the rope wheel 32 to retrieve the draw lines 36 and extend the pool cover 20. As demonstrated in FIG. 7B, the second driven gear 62b may be free to rotate about the drive shaft 30, such that the roll tube 38 and the cover drum 40 may freely rotate about the longitudinal axis A_L allowing the pool cover 20 to extend.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the drive shaft 30 is shown in the second configuration 14b in response to the second rotational direction 42b. In response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the second rotational direction 42b, the second drive gear 60b may translate along the longitudinal axis A_L toward the second end portion 30b, such that the gear teeth 80 engage the second driven gear 62b. In response to the engagement of the second drive gear 60b with the second driven gear 62b, the second driven gear 62b may rotate the roll tube 38 and the cover drum 40 to roll or retrieve the pool cover 20 onto the cover drum 40. In response to the second rotational direction 42b, the second drive gear 60b may be disengaged from the first drive gear 60a, such that the first drive gear 60a and the first driven gear 62a may rotate freely about the drive shaft 30. In this configuration, the rope wheel 32 may be free to rotate about the drive shaft 30, such that the draw lines 36 may be unspooled, thereby allowing the pool cover 20 to be rolled or retracted onto the roll tube 38.

Referring back to FIG. 5B, the operation of the configurations 14 of the drive assembly 10 may be the result of opposing angles of the guide slots 64a and 64b. As shown, each of the guide slots 64 extend along opposing guide slot angles θ₁ and θ₂. For example, the first guide slot angle θ₁ may be angled approximately 20° to 60° relative to a transverse axis A_T extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A_L of the drive shaft 30. Opposite the first guide slot angle θ₁, the second guide slot angle θ₂ of the second guide slot 64b may extend at an opposite second guide slot angle θ2 relative to the transverse axis A_T. In this configuration, the selective engagement of the drive pin 66 with the first drive gear 60a or the second drive gear 60b may result in the drive gears to engaging opposite sides (e.g., the first end portion 30a and second end portion 30b) of the reversible drive assembly 10 in response to a rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the same direction. For example, in the first configuration 14a, the drive shaft 30 moving in the first rotational direction 42a may result in the drive gears 60 engaging the roll tube 38 and cover drum 40. In the second configuration 14b, the rotation of the drive shaft 30 in the first rotational direction 42a results in the drive gears 60 engaging the rope wheel 32, thereby retracting the draw lines 36 and extending the pool cover 20. Similarly, controlling the drive shaft 30 in the second rotational direction 42b and the first configuration 14a may result in engagement of the rope wheel 32 to retract the draw lines 36 and extend the pool cover 20. Alternatively, in the second configuration 14b and the second rotational direction 42b, the engagement of the drive pin 66 with the second drive gear 60b may engage the roll tube 38 and the cover drum 40 to retract the pool cover. Accordingly, the selective drive configurations 14 of the drive assembly 10 may allow the ambidextrous assembly 110 to effectively reverse the engagement of the rope wheel 32 and the cover drum 40 based on the position of the drive pin 66 in the guide slots 64 and corresponding drive aperture 68.

In addition to the reversible drive assembly 10 associated with the drive gears 60 and driven gears 62, the retractable pool cover system 12 may further comprise the reversible pulley brackets 22, 24. As previously described, the pulley brackets 22, 24 may include various features to align the corresponding pulleys 126 with opposite sides of the pool 16 in the first configuration 14a or the second configuration 14b. As best illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 8A-8C, the drive-side bracket 22 may be configured to connect to a perimeter frame 124 and support a plurality of guide pulleys 126 to be retracted or released by the rope wheel 32 to extend or retract the pool cover 20. The drive-side bracket 22 and corresponding guide pulleys 126 are shown in FIG. 2 in the first drive configuration 14a (e.g., left-drive configuration). As similarly shown in FIG. 8A, the drive-side bracket 22 may correspond to a rigid metal frame bent or formed from stainless steel and may comprise a cross-bracket panel 22a angled perpendicular to a pulley panel 22b. The cross-bracket panel 22a may comprise cross-bracket apertures 130, which may be mirrored across a width of the drive-side bracket 22 across a central axis A_C. The cross-bracket apertures 130 may each position and locate a slotted cross-bracket 132 on a first side 132a. Further, as demonstrated in FIG. 2, the slotted cross-bracket 132 may extend from the first side 132a to a second side 132b extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A_L across a width of the rope wheel 32. On the second side 132b, the slotted cross-bracket 132 may be connected to an opposing support bracket 134, which may serve to reinforce and distribute any load applied to the guide pulleys 126 and the drive-side bracket 22 across the perimeter frame 124.

Still referring to FIG. 8, as previously discussed, the cross-bracket apertures 130 and corresponding positions of the slotted cross-brackets 132 may be evenly spaced or mirrored across the central axis A_C. Similarly, a plurality of pulley apertures 136 may be formed in the pulley panel 22b, such that the guide pulleys 126 may be mirrored about the central axis A_C in the first configuration 14a and the second configuration 14b. For example, as demonstrated in FIG. 8A, the pulley apertures 136 are oriented in the pulley panel 22b, such that the three guide pulleys 126 are biased to a right side of the pulley panel 22b. In this configuration, one of the guide pulleys 126 may be positioned outside the slotted cross-brackets 132 on a second bracket wing 138b, which may be spaced laterally away from the central axis A_C to align with a proximal side, in this case the first side 16a of the pool 16. Further, the guide pulley 126 connected to the second bracket wing 138b may be aligned with the first side 16a of the swimming pool 16 to guide the draw lines 36 through an encapsulation through which the pool cover 20 is extended and retracted along the opposing first side 16a and the second side 16b of the pool 16. With the guide pulley 126 installed on the second bracket wing 138b, the cover system 12 may be arranged in the first configuration 14a (e.g., the left-drive configuration).

As demonstrated in FIG. 8B, in the second configuration 14b, the guide pulleys 126 may be biased to a left side or opposite side of the pulley panel 22b across the central axis A_C. In this configuration, one of the guide pulleys 126 may be affixed to the pulley panel 22b on a first bracket wing 138a, which may be mirrored across the central axis A_C from the second bracket wing 138b. In this configuration, the pulley 126 mounted to the first bracket wing 138a may be aligned with the second side 16b of the pool 16 and the corresponding encapsulation to guide the draw lines 36 of the pool cover 20. In addition to the pulleys 126 mounted on the first bracket wing 138a and the second bracket wing 138b, a pair of the guide pulleys 126 may be centrally located between the cross-brackets 132. As shown, the centrally located guide pulleys 126 may be biased to a side of the pulley panel 22b associated with the drive side 28a of the motor 26 and the corresponding drive configuration 14.

As best demonstrated in FIG. 8C, the pulley apertures 136 may be mirrored across the central axis A_C while providing configuration specific locations for each of the pulley apertures 136 and corresponding guide pulleys 126 along the width of the pulley panel 22b. The guide pulleys 126 may be aligned with the pulley apertures 136 to receive bolts or fasteners 140 to attach the guide pulleys 126 to the drive-side bracket 22. As illustrated, the fasteners 140 are shown positioned in the pulley apertures 136 corresponding to the first drive configuration 14a. In order to adjust the configuration of the drive-side bracket 22 to the second configuration 14b, the positions of the fasteners 140 may simply be shifted to the positions of the vacant pulley apertures 136 shown in FIG. 8C. In this way, the drive-side bracket 22 may be reversed and utilized without structural modification to install the cover system 12 in the first or second configuration 14a, 14b.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the idle-side bracket 24 of the pool cover system 12 is shown in the first configuration 14a (e.g., the left-drive configuration) and the second drive configuration 14b (e.g., the right-drive configuration), respectively. Like the drive-side bracket 22, the idle-side bracket 24 may comprise a cross-bracket panel 24a and a pulley panel 24b. The cross-bracket panel 24a may comprise a central cross-bracket aperture 152 positioned along a central axis A_C of the idle-side bracket 24. In this configuration, the idle-side bracket 24 may similarly be affixed to a cross-bracket (not shown) to reinforce and distribute loads applied to the guide pulley 126 across the perimeter frame 124 of the pool cover system 12.

The pulley panel 24b may comprise a plurality of pulley apertures 154 positioned and evenly spaced across the central axis A_C. As shown in FIG. 9A, the pulley apertures 154 are engaged by the guide pulley 126 on the left side to support the first configuration 14a (e.g., the left-drive configuration). As shown in FIG. 9B, the pulley apertures 154 are occupied by the guide pulley 126 on the right side of the central axis A_C. In this configuration, the guide pulley 126 may be biased to the right side of the pulley panel 24b to receive and align the corresponding draw line 36 with the first side 16a of the pool 16 to support the second drive configuration 14b (e.g., the right-drive configuration). Accordingly, the disclosure generally provides for a reversible drive assembly 10 and corresponding brackets 22, 24 and support components that may be selectively configured to support the first and second drive configurations 14a, 14b without necessitating any customization or specialty supply of assembly components.

Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, a reversible drive assembly for a retractable pool cover apparatus comprises a drive shaft forming an outside diameter extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end portion configured to rotationally couple with a drive motor to an opposing second end portion, wherein the drive shaft is selectively rotated in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction about the longitudinal axis by the drive motor and comprises a first pin aperture and a second pin aperture disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. A first annular drive gear forms a first shaft opening that slidably engages the outside diameter of the drive shaft and comprises a first slot angled at a first guide angle in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis. A second annular drive gear forms a second shaft opening that slidably engages the outside diameter of the drive shaft and comprises a second slot angled at a second guide angle in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis. A gear pin is configured to engage the first pin aperture and the first slot in a first configuration or the second pin aperture and the second slot in a second configuration.

According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or more of the following features or configurations in various combinations:

• • a first driven gear configured to mesh with the first annular drive gear and a second driven gear configured to mesh with the first annular drive gear, first and second annular gears are interposed between the first driven gear and the second driven gear between along the longitudinal axis;
  • the first annular drive gear engages the first driven gear responsive to the drive shaft rotating the gear pin in the first rotational direction;
  • the second annular gear is disengaged from the first annular gear responsive to the drive shaft rotating the gear pin in the first rotational direction;
  • the first annular gear and the second annular gear engage the second driven gear responsive to the drive shaft rotating the gear pin in the second rotational direction;
  • the first driven gear is rotationally coupled to a roll tube of the pool cover and the second driven gear is rotationally coupled to a rope wheel;
  • the rope wheel forms a spool configured to receive a draw line in response to an extension of the pool cover;
  • the first annular gear and the second annular gear are interchangeable and mirrored along the longitudinal axis about a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
  • the reversible drive assembly is enclosed within a winding drum of a rope wheel from the first end portion to the second end portion of the drive shaft;
  • the winding drum comprises a first access aperture aligned with the first pin aperture and a second access aperture aligned with the second pin aperture along the longitudinal axis; and/or
  • the first and second access apertures are selectively aligned with the first and second pin apertures about the longitudinal axis to interchangeably receive the gear pin.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for controlling a reversible drive assembly for a pool cover system comprises rotating a drive shaft including a first gear and a second gear extending along a longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction. The reversible drive assembly is selectively configured in a first configuration or a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, a gear pin engages a first guide slot in the first gear. In the first configuration, the first guide slot of the first gear is engaged in the first rotational direction, thereby retracting a pool cover. Engaging the first guide slot of the first gear rotates the first gear and the second gear in the second rotational direction, thereby extending the pool cover.

According to various further aspects, the disclosure may implement one or more of the following features or configurations in various combinations:

• • selectively configuring the reversible drive assembly in a first configuration, wherein the gear pin engages a second guide slot of the second gear;
  • in the second configuration, the method further includes engaging the second guide slot of the second gear in the second rotational direction, thereby retracting the pool cover;
  • in the second configuration, the method further includes engaging the second guide slot of the second gear in the first rotational direction, thereby extending the pool cover;
  • and/or
  • in the first configuration or the second configuration, the method includes rotating the first gear and the second gear in the second direction and rotating only one of the first gear and the second gear in the first direction.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a reversible drive assembly for a retractable pool cover apparatus includes a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end portion to an opposing second end portion, wherein the drive shaft is selectively rotated in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction about the longitudinal axis and comprises a first pin aperture and a second pin aperture disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. A first annular drive gear slidably engages the drive shaft and includes a first guide slot angled at a first guide angle in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis. A second annular drive gear slidably engages the outside diameter of the drive shaft and comprises a second guide slot angled at a second guide angle in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis. A gear pin is configured to engage the first pin aperture and the first slot in a first configuration, or the second pin aperture and the second slot in a second configuration.

According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or more of the following features or configurations in various combinations:

• • in either of the first configuration or the second configuration, the first annular gear and the second annular gear rotate in combination responsive to the drive shaft rotating in the first rotational direction and only one of the first annular gear or the second annular gear rotate responsive to the drive shaft rotating in the second direction; and/or
  • the combination of the first annular gear and the second annular gear engages the first driven gear in the first configuration and the second driven gear in the second configuration.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Claims

1. A reversible drive assembly for a retractable pool cover apparatus, the reversible drive assembly comprising:

a drive shaft forming an outside diameter extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end portion configured to rotationally couple with a drive motor to an opposing second end portion, wherein the drive shaft is selectively rotated in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction about the longitudinal axis by the drive motor and comprises a first pin aperture and a second pin aperture disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion;

a first annular drive gear forming a first shaft opening that slidably engages the outside diameter of the drive shaft and comprises a first slot angled at a first guide angle in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis;

a second annular drive gear forming a second shaft opening that slidably engages the outside diameter of the drive shaft and comprises a second slot angled at a second guide angle in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second direction opposes the first direction; and

a gear pin configured to engage the first pin aperture and the first slot in a first configuration or the second pin aperture and the second slot in a second configuration.

2. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first driven gear configured to mesh with the first annular drive gear; and

a second driven gear configured to mesh with the first annular drive gear, first and second annular gears are interposed between the first driven gear and the second driven gear between along the longitudinal axis.

3. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 2, wherein in the first configuration:

the first annular drive gear engages the first driven gear responsive to the drive shaft rotating the gear pin in the first rotational direction.

4. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 3, wherein in the first configuration:

the second annular gear is disengaged from the first annular gear responsive to the drive shaft rotating the gear pin in the first rotational direction.

5. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 3, wherein in the first configuration:

the first annular gear and the second annular gear engage the second driven gear responsive to the drive shaft rotating the gear pin in the second rotational direction.

7. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first driven gear is rotationally coupled to a roll tube of the pool cover and the second driven gear is rotationally coupled to a rope wheel.

8. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 7, wherein the rope wheel forms a spool configured to receive a draw line in response to an extension of the pool cover.

9. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first annular gear and the second annular gear are interchangeable and mirrored along the longitudinal axis about a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

10. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 1, wherein the reversible drive assembly is enclosed within a winding drum of a rope wheel from the first end portion to the second end portion of the drive shaft.

11. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 1, wherein the winding drum comprises a first access aperture aligned with the first pin aperture and a second access aperture aligned with the second pin aperture along the longitudinal axis.

12. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second access apertures are selectively aligned with the first and second pin apertures about the longitudinal axis to interchangeably receive the gear pin.

13. A method for controlling a reversible drive assembly for a pool cover system, the method comprising:

rotating a drive shaft comprising a first gear and a second gear extending along a longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction;

selectively configuring the reversible drive assembly in a first configuration or a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the gear pin engages a first guide slot of the first gear, and in the first configuration, the method comprises: engaging the first guide slot in the first rotational direction thereby retracting a pool cover; and engaging the first guide slot in the second rotational direction thereby rotating the first gear and the second gear and extending the pool cover.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

selectively configuring the reversible drive assembly in a first configuration, wherein the gear pin engages a second guide slot of the second gear.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein in the second configuration, the method further comprises:

engaging the second guide slot of the second gear in the second rotational direction, thereby retracting the pool cover.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein in the second configuration, the method further comprises:

engaging the second guide slot of the second gear in the first rotational direction, thereby extending the pool cover.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein in the first configuration or the second configuration, the method comprises:

rotating the first gear and the second gear in the second direction; and

rotating only one of the first gear and the second gear in the first direction.

18. A reversible drive assembly for a retractable pool cover apparatus, the reversible drive assembly comprising:

a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end portion to an opposing second end portion, wherein the drive shaft is selectively rotated in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction about the longitudinal axis and comprises a first pin aperture and a second pin aperture disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion;

a first annular drive gear that slidably engages the drive shaft and comprises a first guide slot angled at a first guide angle in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis;

a second annular drive gear that slidably engages the outside diameter of the drive shaft and comprises a second guide slot angled at a second guide angle in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis; and

a gear pin configured to engage the first pin aperture and the first slot in a first configuration or the second pin aperture and the second slot in a second configuration.

19. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 18, wherein in either of the first configuration or the second configuration, the first annular gear and the second annular gear rotate in combination responsive to the drive shaft rotating in the first rotational direction and only one of the first annular gear or the second annular gear rotate responsive to the drive shaft rotating in the second direction.

20. The reversible drive assembly according to claim 18, wherein the combination of the first annular gear and the second annular gear engages the first driven gear in the first configuration and the second driven gear in the second configuration.