Abstract: A device for facile deployment of a flexible pool cover, and methods of use, are described. Embodiments of the device and methods of use enable deployment of a pool cover with a leading edge of the pool cover being propelled substantially evenly across a liquid surface of a pool.

Abstract: The reservoir includes a flexible cover laid thereon. A transverse walkway extends along an end thereof. A transverse handrail is mounted along the walkway, along an inside edge of the walkway. A cover-winding gap extends under the handrail and above the walkway. This cover-winding gap extends in a plane of the handrail. The cover-winding gap extends unobstructed under the handrail and above the walkway and along the full width of the reservoir. Because of this cover-winding gap, the flexible cover can be wound up in a spool in one stride across the reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile turf, are provided. The system includes a core onto which the secondary flooring surface is rolled, the core being coupled on both ends to a frame that moves along a primary surface. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of the primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as frame adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the movement of the frames along the primary surface. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile polyethylene turf, are provided. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as roller adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the front roller. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: A roller for moving, rolling and unrolling rolls of sod. The roller is generally comprised of a top portion including a side shift actuator and at least one attachment member for attachment to a vehicle, preferably a skid steer. The roller also includes a rotary actuator with a shaft, slidably attached to the top portion. A main frame consisting of a top member, side member, base member and an end gate, extends down from the shaft of the rotary actuator. The end gate of the main frame is configured to pivot open and closed. The main frame is configured to rotate with the shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile turf, are provided. The system includes a core onto which the secondary flooring surface is rolled, the core being coupled on both ends to a frame that moves along a track mounted on or in a primary surface. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as frame adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the movement of the frames along the tracks. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile polyethylene turf, are provided. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as roller adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the front roller. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: An example portable, retractable surface protection device. The example device includes a rotatable support bar, a first support base positioned to a first end of the support bar, a second support base positioned to a second end of the support bar, and a surface cover. A plurality of wheels are positioned to the second support base such that the device is wheelable. The device additionally includes a handle connected to the support bar for wrapping and unwrapping the surface cover onto the support bar. A plurality of removable weights positioned in the surface cover at least partially restrict movement of the surface cover when in a fully or a partially deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for tensioning a safety net on a swimming pool. In one aspect, a tension apparatus for use with a pool net is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a selectively engagable gear arrangement disposed in the housing. The apparatus further includes a rotatable member for supplying rotational energy to the gear arrangement and a spool member operatively attached to the gear arrangement. Additionally, the apparatus includes a cable at least partially wrapped around the spool member, wherein the cable includes a connector configured to connect to the pool net. In another aspect, a method for tensioning a pool net is provided. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for use in tensioning a net is provided.

Abstract: A universal shift apparatus and method for a swimming pool cover motor has a rotatable drive shaft and a rope attached to the end of the swimming pool cover. A reel element collects the rope, and a roll-up element collects the swimming pool cover. A gear drive assembly on the rotatable drive shaft drives the reel element in a first rotational direction as the shaft rotates in a first direction and drives the roll-up element in a second rotational direction as the shaft rotates in a second direction. A shift assembly is associated with the gear drive assembly to selectively reverse the first rotational direction of the wind-up reel element and to selectively reverse the second rotational direction of the roll-up element.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering objects, particularly payloads being shipped on flat bed trailers. The apparatus has a slidable hoist connected to a track suspended over a payload. The hoist has a retractable line which is connected to a spreader bar that can be connected to a covering that will be lifted and spread over the payload as the hoist is maneuvered by a remote controlled system along the track. The apparatus also has a rod that traverses beneath and near one end of the track. The rod provides support to the trailing portion of the covering as it is pulled over the payload by the hoist.

Abstract: A heavy roll dispenser is designed to attach to a tractor via a three-point hitch. The base of the dispenser rides above the earth and supports a chassis, which can move left and right via a hydraulic actuator. The chassis has a pair of powered cradle rollers to receive a heavy roll and dispense the heavy roll with the powered cradle rollers. A guide roller is mounted on the chassis behind the cradle rollers. A pair of powered adjustable width pincer arms stabilizes the heavy roll atop the cradle rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly laying down or retrieving a ground cover while simultaneously laying down or retrieving heavy chains and the like used to secure the ground cover onto the ground. The apparatus of the present invention can lay down or retrieve 3,500 feet or more of ground cover and heavy chains at a rate of at least about 100 feet per minute or more.

Abstract: A pool cover system including a pool cover collecting drum supported for rotation on its ends and a drive gear connected to the drum by a drive shaft. A power gear is operably connected to a portable electric drill by a power shaft, engaging the drive gear. Upon activation of the drill, the collecting drum rotates retracting the pool cover. A complementary apparatus on the same side of the pool, such as a rope reel collecting apparatus having an engageable drive gear and a drive shaft connected to a reel, extends the pool cover over the pool by pulling on a rope attached to a rigid end of the pool cover. The pool cover is extended and retracted with the sides sliding in one channel of a dual channel track, allowing the cover to serve as a safety cover.

Abstract: A cover reel assembly for laying down or retrieving a ground cover on the ground comprising a first frame attachable to a prime mover, the first frame having support arms to hold a cover reel rotatably, with a hydraulic pump between the prime mover and the first frame, between the first frame and support arms, or between the first frame and a second frame raise and lower the cover reel. The prime mover pushes the cover reel assembly forward to unwind a ground cover from the cover reel onto the ground, simultaneously laying cables or chains on top of the ground cover to hold the ground cover on the ground. The ground cover and cables or chains are rewound by a reverse procedure pushing the cover reel assembly forward. An alternate embodiment operates by pulling the cover reel assembly.

Abstract: A covering equipment for use on sports arenas for protection against precipitation is shown. The equipment comprises a driving motor (6, 9) and a longitudinal drum (14) for coiling and uncoiling a covering sheet, such as a tarpaulin or plastic coversheet. The casing (6) for the driving motor is arranged so as to rotate independently relative to the elongate drum (14), the motor drive shaft (9) is rigidly connected to the drum (14) for rotation therewith, and the motor casing (6) is fixedly connected to a reaction arm (2) which makes contact with the gound, so that during motor operation the casing (6) of the driving motor remains stationary with respect to rotation while the drum (14) is driven round.

Abstract: A cover reel assembly for laying or retrieving a ground cover comprising a first frame attachable to a prime mover, the first frame having pivotal support arms attached rotatably to a cover reel and attached fixedly to a second frame, with a hydraulic device between the first frame and pivotal support arms to raise and lower the cover reel and second frame, the second frame being attached to a third frame having a brush/guide mechanism. The prime mover pushes the cover reel assembly forward with downward pressure from the hydraulic device on the cover reel to unwind a ground cover from the cover reel onto the ground, simultaneously laying cables from cable reels as retainers on the ground cover, with the cable reels attached to the first frame. The ground cover and cables are rewound by a reverse procedure pushing the cover reel assembly forward.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating large sections of artificial turf for the removable covering of a smooth, rigid surface such as a floor, with a large section of artificial turf which involves pulling it across the surface while supported on a pneumatic cushion to minimize frictional drag and then relieving the cushion after the section is in place to allow it to settle onto the surface. The apparatus comprises powered rollers for supporting a roll of the turf, said roll being prevented from significant horizontal motion upon the rollers by thrust bearing block members, rope-like members for attachment along a truss-like spar removably attached along the leading margin of the roll, recessed winches for pulling such rope-like members across a supporting pup-up roller assembly, motor speed controls for adjusting the rate of such rolling or unrolling, and a detachable blower and air transmission duct for developing the air cushion between the turf and rigid surface.

Abstract: A pool cover system for covering a pool. The pool cover system includes an elongate housing having a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. A pool cover is coupled to the shaft. The pool cover wraps around the shaft when the shaft rotates. A sprayer system is positioned in the housing and is designed to spray an outer surface of the cover as the cover is wrapped around the shaft.

Abstract: A three wheeled sod laying apparatus is provided that employs a hydrostatic power system which allows the drive function and sod dispensing function to be operated at different speeds. This configuration enables the operator to vary the speed at which the sod is dispensed from the apparatus in relation to its forward speed to compensate for varying terrain or for inconsistences in the sod roll itself. The three wheeled configuration allows for a highly maneuverable vehicle that can straddle new sod as it is laid. Thus, the present invention allows for the laying of sod from large commercial sod rolls while avoiding the problems of sod buckling or tearing encountered while using presently available equipment.

Abstract: A display apparatus employing a scrolling principle having two rollers that are activated and supported by independently controllable conveyors. The rollers, which can serve either as a supply roller or as a take-up roller, are attached to opposite sides of a conveyor display platform. The rollers are connected to each other by a traveling full width belt which winds off one roller, is transported via the conveyor display platform, and winds up on the other roller in a scrolling fashion, with carpets of display attached to the belt by a releasable device so as to allow for convenient viewing, examining, storage, and retrieval of the carpets.

Abstract: A spool assembly upon which can be wound a sheet of material. The spool assembly having at least two tubes, each of the tubes having an annular tube wall with a tube slot along an entire length of the tube wall. The tubes are disposed in opposite ends of a connector, each in annular spaces between radially inner and outer annular connector walls of the connector. A more particular embodiment provides a solar pool cover assembly having a solar pool cover with a flexible sheet having bubbles and secured to the spool assembly. The tube slots have a gap that is sufficiently smaller than a height of the bubbles such that the bubbles cannot pass through the slots.

Abstract: A carpet runner for positioning upon a floor and for permitting rolled storage of the carpet during periods of non-use thereof. The inventive device includes a housing having a slot extending through a front wall thereof. An elongated length of carpet extends through the slot and can be stored upon a spool rotatably mounted within the housing. A crank mounted within a recess in the side wall of the housing permits for manual rolling of the carpet into the housing and onto the spool for storage. Removable indicia plates can be mounted to the length of carpet for permitting customizing of the invention to a particular occasion.

Abstract: A felt roller serves as a device for the application of felt paper in a pitched roof environment and which is capable of being maneuvered by use of the provided handle which is attached at each end of a center axle. The axle supports a roller pin assembly and a caster assembly. The caster assembly utilizes two caster wheels to gain multi-directional maneuverability. The caster wheels are restricted in their movement to allow left, right and up directions of movement when on a roof thus offering control and stability of the felt roller unit. The roller pin assembly provides free spinning rotation of the felt roll as needed for stationary dispensing as well as tack and roll applications. The axle includes on the upper end a support wheel which is removable so as to allow loading of a roll of felt material. The handle is pivotable on the axle and extends outwardly to allow the felt roller unit to be guided from above.

Abstract: In accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, a first and second tube body is provided, the first tube body resting upon the upper surface of the cover, the second tube body beneath the cover. The first and second tube bodies are plugged together at the ends to form a tubular spindle-core apparatus which is extended to traverse a buoyant flexible pool cover utilizing the buoyancy of the cover to be free-floating with the cover upon the surface of the water and within the perimeter of the pool. In the second embodiment, a single tube body which is octagonal is provided as a spindle-core to be secured upon a buoyant flexible pool cover utilizing clips of similar geometric shape where the octagonal spindle-core shape provides a seating for clipping the buoyant flexible cover to the spindle-core.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting a swimming pool cover includes a motor, a drive shaft connected to the motor, a cover collecting drum attached to the drive shaft and a cable collecting reel mounted on the drive shaft. A series of gears are configured to selectively engage the drive shaft with either the cable collecting reel or the cover collecting drum. A cable secured at one of its ends to the cable collecting reel and at its opposing end to the leading edge of a cover mounted on the cover collecting drum is operative to extend the cover over a swimming pool. The cover collecting drum functions to retract the cover from off of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A multiple pool cover deployment apparatus includes a portable carriage having a movable frame placed at one end of a pool and a main storage reel rotatably mounted thereon and having pool covers successively wound about the main reel. The apparatus also includes a first storage spool rotatably mounted to the frame adjacent to the main storage reel. The first storage spool has an elongated flexible rope wound thereabout. The apparatus also includes a portable stand placed at an opposite end of the pool across from the portable carriage and a second storage spool rotatably mounted on the portable stand.