Covering Patents (Class 4/498)
  • Patent number: 12104399
    Abstract: A device for covering a surface includes (a) a covering, each longitudinal edge of which is provided with a projecting element; (b) a rotatably mounted drum suitable for rolling up or unrolling the covering, and movable in translation on rails placed on either side of the surface; (c) a system for continuously locking/unlocking the projecting element in the rails during the translation of the drum. The projecting element includes a multitude of discreet elements distributed along each longitudinal edge separated from one another by an average distance (d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Becoflex
    Inventor: Benoît Coenraets
  • Patent number: 12060728
    Abstract: A multifunctional frame pool includes a foldable water inner container; a frame assembly arranged at a periphery of the water inner container and configured to support the water inner container; a platform arranged on an upper edge of the water inner container; and a tent including tent cloth and tent frames. The tent cloth is arranged above the water inner container via the tent frames. Each of the tent frames has a bottom end arranged on the frame assembly or platform, and a top end in contact with the tent cloth. At least two tow assemblies are arranged on the tent cloth. Each of the tow assemblies has one end connected to the tent cloth, and the other end that is movable to change an angle formed by the tent cloth between a tow point and the corresponding tent frame, and the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Jiangsu Comco Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liang Yao
  • Patent number: 11965354
    Abstract: A device for covering a surface including a substantially rectangular cover (10) having first and second longitudinal edges each provided with a protruding convex bead (12) having a minimum diameter (d), two rails (6) including a groove, the opening (14) of which has a maximum width (Lo), a drum (2) that is able to move above the surface in order to deploy or retrieve the cover, an insertion system (16) for continuous insertion of the convex bead (12) into the groove. The convex head (12) of each longitudinal edge and the groove of the corresponding rail are configured such that, once inserted into the space (14e) by the insertion system, the convex bead occupying the space alone cannot be removed solely by the action of a force (F) applied parallel to the transverse axis (Y) in the direction of the surface to be covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Becoflex
    Inventor: Benoît Coenraets
  • Patent number: 11911938
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cover for a spa includes the steps of vacuum molding a first shell member and a second shell member, bringing the first and second shell members into registration with one another to define a hollow cavity therebetween, and injecting a foam into the hollow cavity, wherein the foam is configured to bond with the shell members to create a unitary structural part that provides increased strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: STRONG INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wade Spicer, Charles Woods
  • Patent number: 11905727
    Abstract: A roll-up spa cover for protecting and insulating an outdoor swim spa includes a multi-layer flexible insulation sheet structure is sized to at least cover a top of a spa and comprises at least two flexible layers. Support members may be attached to the plurality of support members in a parallel spaced relationship. Flexible rods can be removable located onto or into the support members to form an arcing framework over the support members. A rain fly may be overlaid on the flexible rods. The support members may include an angled aperture for receiving an end of the flexible rods and end caps may be provided over ends of the support members. The flexible rods are held in compression between the angled apertures and/or the end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: E2E L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald Jay Gustason
  • Patent number: 11814867
    Abstract: Provided is a pool and/or spa cover leading edge that provides for minimal deflection across the width of the pool and/or spa, and in particular from 0 to less than or equal to 0.10 inches per 10 feet of width of the pool and/or spa. The pool and/or spa cover leading edge includes at least one fiber reinforced polymer composite with an axial length of from 5 feet to 50 feet with a linear weight per foot from 4 to 14 ounces per foot of axial length and an optional joiner for coupling together two or more composites. The composite includes at least one of continuous fibers or discontinuous fibers oriented at least partially in the axial direction and encapsulated by a thermoset or thermoplastic resin matrix. Also provided are pool and/or spa cover system and a method of reducing the deflection of a leading edge for a pool and/or spa cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Priority Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Prior
  • Patent number: 11795716
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a lift assembly for assisting a user to move a spa cover on and/or off of a spa. The lift assembly includes a lever arm mount; a lever arm pivotally coupled to the lever arm mount; a spa cover crossbar coupled to the lever arm; and at least one pneumatic spring. The lever arm is pivotable between a cover closed position and a cover open position and in the cover closed position the pneumatic spring(s) urge the lever arm to rotate toward the cover open position. Optionally, the pneumatic spring(s) may urge the lever arm to also rotate toward the cover closed position. In some examples, the spa cover crossbar is shaped to limit bending and/or twisting thereof. Optionally, the lift assembly may include an overrotation inhibiter to limit the amount the lever arm can rotate away from the cover closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: 1140398 ONTARIO LTD.
    Inventors: John Joseph Cunerty, Roy Fillmore
  • Patent number: 11603676
    Abstract: A movement assistance device for a spa cover having at least two spa cover portions each spa cover portion having opposing lateral peripheral edges, hinge and end peripheral edges and wherein the spa cover portions are movable one relative to the other from a first coplanar orientation to a second, stacked orientation, and a biasing pneumatic cylinder which cooperates with and extends between a first bracket secured to one lateral peripheral edge of one spa cover portion and a hinge bracket secured to the same lateral peripheral edge of the same spa cover portion adjacent the hinge peripheral edge and the hinge bracket is further secured to an aligned lateral peripheral edge of a second spa cover portion and adjacent to the hinge peripheral edge thereof, and wherein the pneumatic cylinder assists and controls the movement one spa cover portion relative to the other spa cover portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Leisure Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Genova
  • Patent number: 11384555
    Abstract: A cover lift system for a spa includes a lifter handle having an upper arm and a lower arm telescopically connected to the upper arm, the upper arm being configured for operative connection to a cover of a spa, and the lower arm being configured for pivotal connection to a base of the spa, and an adjuster mechanism associated with the lifter handle for selectively adjusting a length of the lifter handle to allow for use of the lifter handle with spas of varying sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Strong Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Spicer, Charles M. Woods
  • Patent number: 11306499
    Abstract: A spa cover constructed of layers of pliable insulation encapsulated within a weatherproof vinyl reinforced fabric or a rubber membrane which is attached to rigid square support tubes that run parallel to the short end of the spa. The encapsulated insulation is fastened to the bottom of the square support tubes with corrosion-free nylon anchors which allows the soft insulation assembly to span over the water and rest directly on the spa bartop surface sealing the heat in and keeping debris out. An arched fiberglass rod structure supports a weatherproof rainfly which is permanently affixed to the flat cover assembly to shed rain and debris. The entire assembly is held in place at each end with adjustable straps which stretch the cover from end to end keeping the rainfly taut. Removing the cover to access the spa involves undoing the straps on one end and rolling the cover assembly towards the other end until the desired amount of spa exposure is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: E2E L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald Jay Gustason
  • Patent number: 11274459
    Abstract: The innovation relates to a pool covering system that is usable as a flooring surface. The pool covering system includes brackets and support beams spanning the pool opening. The beams provide structural support to cross members and flooring placed on top of the beams. The pool covering system does not require significant drainage of the pool and does not damage the pool structure during installation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Colhurst Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Italia Marisol Ovalle, Luis Fernando Ramirez, Sherwood Noël Wagner
  • Patent number: 11078680
    Abstract: A lift assembly for a spa cover is disclosed. The spa cover is for covering an open upper end of a spa. The lift assembly includes a lever arm having a first portion for supporting a spa cover, and a first end for pivotable coupling to a sidewall of a spa for rotation of the lever arm between a closed position in which the spa cover rests on the upper end of the spa, and an open position in which the spa cover is displaced from the upper end of the spa. The lift assembly also includes a resilient spring having a first end coupled to the lever arm, and a second end for coupling to the sidewall of the spa. In the open position of the lever arm, the spring urges the lever arm to rotate toward the closed position. A spa including the lift assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: 1140398 ONTARIO LTD.
    Inventors: John Joseph Cunerty, Gary Mark Comeau
  • Patent number: 11060310
    Abstract: A spa cover is disclosed. The spa cover includes two separate and symmetrical halves comprising an insulating portion, a half hourglass-shaped insulating gasket, a resilient thermal gasket, and a tapered gasket spanning a bottom surface thereof and a sheet covering both halves. The two separate and symmetrical halves are joined by a hinge, which may be part of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Roberts Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Jerry Greer, Jeff Coles, Justin Jobe
  • Patent number: 11028606
    Abstract: The innovation relates to a pool covering system that is usable as a flooring surface. The pool covering system includes brackets that support beams spanning the pool opening. The beams provide structural support to cross members and flooring placed on top of the beams. The pool covering system does not require significant drainage of the pool or damage the pool structure during installation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Colhurst Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Italia Marisol Ovalle, Luis Fernando Ramirez, Sherwood Noël Wagner
  • Patent number: 11008769
    Abstract: A hard cover for spas, hot tubs and the like has an outer layer defining one or more cover portions that may be hinged together along a common top edge. Each cover portion internally includes a plurality of rigid panels, which may be made of expanded polystyrene or another rigid foam or the like. A support structure that mechanically couples and/or supports the panels is provided to improve the load-bearing capacity of the spa cover, optionally providing sufficient strength to conform to applicable safety standards. The support structure can include beams having various cross-sections, or combinations thereof, and may be provided in multiple segments that are shorter than the overall length of the cover. A vapor barrier film can be provided that encloses the panels and optionally some or all portions of the support structure to protect these components from degradation in the spa environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel J Elliott
  • Patent number: 10954681
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article for a spa includes laminating a cosmetic film to a base substrate; laminating an acrylic film to the cosmetic film, the base substrate, cosmetic film and the acrylic film forming a layered assembly, and forming the layered assembly to shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: STRONG INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wade Spicer, Charles Woods
  • Patent number: 10946781
    Abstract: A vehicle floor mat retainer includes a vehicle carpet portion including an engagement portion connected by a first hinge to a carpet retainer portion, and a vehicle floor mat portion including a cap portion connected by a second hinge to a floor mat retainer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Gonzalez Carrillo
  • Patent number: 10865579
    Abstract: A cover for a spa includes a first cover member and a second cover member hingedly connected to one another about a seam. The cover further includes a sleeve associated with of one of the cover members at an approximate midpoint between an outer edge of the cover member and the seam. The sleeve is configured to receive a connecting rod of a lifting mechanism therethrough for transmitting an uncovering and/or covering force from the lifting mechanism to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: STRONG INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wade Spicer, Charles Woods, Ryan Force
  • Patent number: 10851554
    Abstract: A wave generating apparatus is provided, comprised of a wave pool, a wave generating chamber, and a filtration system. The filtration system comprises an intake, a pressurized return that releases water, and a filtration pump that pumps water from the intake to a pressurized return while filtering debris from the water. The pressurized return is located at a higher elevation relative to the intake. Water flows directionally from the pressurized return to the intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: American Wave Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce McFarland
  • Patent number: 10662665
    Abstract: A lift assembly includes a lever arm mounting portion connected to a spring mounting portion, a lever arm, a spa cover engaging portion, and a pneumatic spring. A pneumatic spring proximal end portion has a pivoting connection to the spring mounting portion. A pneumatic spring distal end portion has a pivoting connection to the lever arm. The pneumatic spring exerts an extensive force upon the lever arm both when the lever arm is in the cover closed position and when the lever arm is in the cover open position. The extensive force urges the lever arm towards the cover open position when the lever arm is in the cover closed position, and the extensive force urging the lever arm towards the cover closed position when the lever arm is in the cover open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: John Joseph Cunerty
  • Patent number: 10633879
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and kit for controlling moisture under a hot tub cover comprising a planar sheet of flexible material having a peripheral edge corresponding to the shape of the hot tub cover, a plurality of connectors extending from the peripheral edge adapted to engage with the hot tub cover and at least one aperture through the planar sheet. The method comprising locating a planar sheet of flexible material having a peripheral edge corresponding to the shape of the hot tub cover to an undersurface of the hot tub cover, securing the planar sheet to the hot tub cover with a plurality of connectors extending from the peripheral edge adapted to engage with the hot tub cover, and draining moisture on a top surface of the planar sheet through at least one aperture through the planar sheet. The may be secured to a hot tub cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Nick Frank Hassard
  • Patent number: 10619368
    Abstract: A modular and multipurpose covering device for a pool includes a first modular covering tarpaulin forming a tailor-made safety cover made up of first tarpaulin elements which are joined together reversibly by transverse supports. A second modular covering tarpaulin is superimposed with the first tarpaulin and made up of second tarpaulin elements which are joined together reversibly by the same transverse supports. This second covering tarpaulin affords additional functions that can be modified according to the season. The two end transverse supports are coupled to lashing and tensioning mechanism for securing and holding down on ground covering device that is arranged over a pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Groupe Waterair
    Inventors: Thierry Steinbauer, Luc Meheux
  • Patent number: 10599281
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a wireless communication circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are operable to the one or more processors to detect an inability of the wireless communication circuit to transmit an electronic communication that includes one or more temporally dependent content elements. When this occurs, the one or more processors monitor a duration during which the wireless communication circuit is unable to transmit the electronic communication. Later the one or more processors alter the one or more temporally dependent content elements as a function of the duration to obtain a modified electronic communication, which is transmitted from the wireless communication circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Krishnan Raghavan, Amit Kumar Agrawal, Vignesh Karthik Mohan
  • Patent number: 10526807
    Abstract: A lift assembly for a spa cover is disclosed. The spa cover is for covering an open upper end of a spa. The lift assembly includes a lever arm having a first portion for supporting a spa cover, and a first end for pivotable coupling to a sidewall of a spa for rotation of the lever arm between a closed position in which the spa cover rests on the upper end of the spa, and an open position in which the spa cover is displaced from the upper end of the spa. The lift assembly also includes a resilient spring having a first end coupled to the lever arm, and a second end for coupling to the sidewall of the spa. In the open position of the lever arm, the spring urges the lever arm to rotate toward the closed position. A spa including the lift assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: STRONG INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wade Spicer, John Joseph Cunerty, Gary Mark Comeau
  • Patent number: 10519680
    Abstract: A cover lift system for a spa includes a lifter handle having an upper arm and a lower arm telescopically connected to the upper arm, the upper arm being configured for operative connection to a cover of a spa, and the lower arm being configured for pivotal connection to a base of the spa, and an adjuster mechanism associated with the lifter handle for selectively adjusting a length of the lifter handle to allow for use of the lifter handle with spas of varying sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: STRONG INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wade Spicer, Charles M. Woods
  • Patent number: 10512350
    Abstract: A fastener for securing livestock mats to a foundation having at least one recess includes a body formed from fiber-reinforced polymer material. The body has a shank with a first, terminal end and an oppositely disposed second end. The shank may be sized and shaped to be received into the recess in the foundation. A head at the second end of the shank includes an outer peripheral edge extending radially outwardly from the shank relative to a longitudinal axis of the shank. The shank further includes oppositely disposed first and second sides and a foundation engaging surface on at least a portion of at least one of the first or second sides. The foundation engaging surface is contoured to frictionally engage the foundation when the shank is received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Rochus de Ruijter Waalwijk B.V.
    Inventor: Niels Cranen
  • Patent number: 10501952
    Abstract: An inflatable pool cover assembly includes a top disk that is positionable in a pool and float on water in the pool. A bottom disk is positionable in the pool and float on the water in the pool. A bladder is positioned between the top disk and the bottom disk and the bladder is inflatable to a selected diameter. The bladder is inflated to engage an inside surface of a perimeter wall of the pool thereby covering the water in the pool. A plurality of engaging members is each coupled to the bladder and each of the engaging members releasably engages the perimeter wall of the pool. An inflation unit is coupled to the top disk and the inflation unit is in fluid communication with the bladder. A cartridge is provided that is filled with a compressed gas. The cartridge is fluidly coupled to the inflation unit thereby facilitating the compressed gas to exit the cartridge and inflate the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Beth Greenwood
  • Patent number: 10435899
    Abstract: A spa includes a thermo-insulating cover having a carrier segment and a carried segment rotatably connected to each other along an axis or rotation, the carrier segment rotatably mounted along an axis of rotation on and above a plane of an edge of the spa. An accumulation member has a fixed portion mounted on the spa and a movable portion that transmits force to the carrier segment. A travelling wheel is mounted on each opposite side at a front end of the carried segment, the wheels having a circumference equal to a distance of the front end of the carried segment spaced from the edge of the spa in the open position of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: USSPA, s.r.o.
    Inventors: Katerina Kadlecova, Jan Kadlec
  • Patent number: 10415264
    Abstract: A spa and swim spa cover lifter having a footplate with an elongated undermount that becomes secured under a spa or swim spa for added lifter stability and strength during the raising and lowering of a spa cover. The upper structure of the cover lifter is quickly and easily separated from the footplate, allowing its prompt removal for spa maintenance without the burden/expense of emptying and refilling the spa. The upper structure comprises two vertically-extending supports each having at least one permanently attached L-shaped bracket providing lateral sway reduction for the supports under load. At least one fastener removably secures each vertically-extending support and its associated brackets to the wider/exposed end of the footplate. The bottom part of each fastener is preferably fixed to the footplate. A pre-assembled body comprising adjustable spa cover support arms and lifting-assist/lowering-assist member is fixed to the vertically-extending supports using two height adjustment knobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Donna Turner
  • Patent number: 10273702
    Abstract: A lift assembly includes a lever arm mounting portion connected to a spring mounting portion, a lever arm, a spa cover engaging portion, and a pneumatic spring. A pneumatic spring proximal end portion has a pivoting connection to the spring mounting portion. A pneumatic spring distal end portion has a pivoting connection to the lever arm. The pneumatic spring exerts an extensive force upon the lever arm both when the lever arm is in the cover closed position and when the lever arm is in the cover open position. The extensive force urges the lever arm towards the cover open position when the lever arm is in the cover closed position, and the extensive force urging the lever arm towards the cover closed position when the lever arm is in the cover open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: John Joseph Cunerty
  • Patent number: 10267052
    Abstract: A retractable canopy for use with a portable spa hot tub is provided. The retractable canopy includes a U-shaped bow having a pair of end members pivotably mounted to the spa hot tub, each end member of the U-shaped bow having a gear mechanism, a pair of spring-loaded levers coupled to the spa hot tub, each spring-loaded lever having a protrusion that communicates with the gear mechanism of one of the end members of the U-shaped bow, and a fabric member coupled to the U-shaped bow and spa hot tub. The U-shaped bow pivotably adjusts to one of a plurality of locking positions to expand or collapse the fabric member and may include lighting along the bow perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel John Christopherson, John Guy Cazort, III
  • Patent number: 10196833
    Abstract: A spa cover constructed of layers of pliable insulation encapsulated within a weatherproof vinyl reinforced fabric or a rubber membrane which is attached to rigid square support tubes that run parallel to the short end of the spa. The encapsulated insulation is fastened to the bottom of the square support tubes with corrosion-free nylon anchors which allows the soft insulation assembly to span over the water and rest directly on the spa bartop surface sealing the heat in and keeping debris out. An arched fiberglass rod structure supports a weatherproof rainfly which is permanently affixed to the flat cover assembly to shed rain and debris. The entire assembly is held in place at each end with adjustable straps which stretch the cover from end to end keeping the rainfly taut. Removing the cover to access the spa involves undoing the straps on one end and rolling the cover assembly towards the other end until the desired amount of spa exposure is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Donald Jay Gustason
  • Patent number: 10161152
    Abstract: Coping arrangements and methods for mounting coping arrangements for swimming pools and related structures are provided. The coping arrangements include an elongated base member shaped and adapted to be received by a wall of a swimming pool; and a plurality of elongated top members, each of the plurality of elongated top members are adapted to be replaceably mounted to the elongated base member, and each of the plurality of elongated top members having an exposed contour different from each of the other elongated top members. The different exposed contours of the top members of the coping arrangement may comprise different cross-sectional. Methods for changing a coping arrangement, coping arrangement kits, coping members, and methods for installing a pool are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Trojan Leisure Products, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen E. Deeb, Collin J. Sirco, Nicholas V. Filippelli
  • Patent number: 9963203
    Abstract: Disclosed is a floating support structure for supporting a cover of a body of water. In an aspect, the floating support structure includes at least three legs, each leg of the at least three legs having a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end, a hub coupled to the first terminal end of each leg of the at least three legs, and at least three floatation devices, wherein each floatation device of the at least three floatation devices is coupled to the second terminal end of a leg of the at least three legs. In an aspect, the hub may be configured to receive a terminal end of at least one interconnection rod, and the at least one interconnection rod may be configured to couple the floating support structure to a second floating support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Brosenitsch, Matthew Brosenitsch
  • Patent number: 9956136
    Abstract: A quick and easy bench and a hot tub cover platform. The bench top has three support braces: one left side, one center, and one right side. The bench top is hinged to a 2×4 on a wall. There is another 2×4 lower on the wall for the left, center, and right side braces to support the bench top. There are saddles on the bottom of the bench and a lower 2×4 on wall for the braces to support the bench. The top of the hot tub platform consists of 5-2×4's screwed to 4 stringers running perpendicular to the 5-2×4's and supported on the backside by 4 vertical 2×4's with a cross brace 2×4 at the bottom and top. The platform is attached to the hot tub skirt by a 2×4 screwed on the tub skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: John Moore
  • Patent number: 9885192
    Abstract: A spa cover comprising: a) a bladder section having a length and a width approximating that of a water spa; b) a plurality of elongated and generally parallel structures affixed to and substantially spanning the width of the bladder section; c) a plurality of flexible rods affixed to the bladder section and under sufficient tension to compress and create an arc over the width of the bladder section; and d) a cover supported by the flexible rods; wherein the rods and the elongated structures are spaced sufficiently to allow the bladder section and the cover to be rolled lengthwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: E2E LLC
    Inventor: Donald Gustason
  • Patent number: 9745765
    Abstract: A pool cover includes a flexible, water impervious sheet of material having a centrally located float disposed on an upper surface of the material. In an embodiment the float member comprises a closed cell polymeric foam member. In an embodiment the polymeric foam float member is disposed within a pocket formed by a cover sheet attached to the water impervious sheet of the pool cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: ASIA CONNECTION LLC
    Inventors: Mitch Saccoccio, Jonathan Bonelli
  • Patent number: 9689172
    Abstract: A movement assistance device for a spa cover is described and which includes a moveable spa cover portion, and a pair of pneumatic cylinders which cooperate with a housing mounted on one of the spa cover portions, and which further assists in the movement of one of the spa cover portions relative to the other spa cover portion, and a third pneumatic cylinder is provided and which allows movement of each of the respective spa cover portions to a non-occluding position relative to the spa so as to allow use of the spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Leisure Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Genova
  • Patent number: 9644382
    Abstract: A spa and swim spa cover lifter having a footplate with an elongated undermount that becomes secured under a spa or swim spa for added lifter stability and strength during the raising and lowering of a spa cover. The upper structure of the cover lifter is quickly and easily separated from the footplate, allowing its prompt removal for spa maintenance without the burden/expense of emptying and refilling the spa. The upper structure comprises two vertically-extending supports each having two permanently attached L-shaped brackets providing lateral sway reduction for the vertically-extending supports under load. Three fasteners removably secure each vertically-extending support and its two associated brackets to the wider/exposed end of the footplate. The bottom part of each fastener is permanently fixed to the footplate, preferably by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Donna Turner
  • Patent number: 9593499
    Abstract: A pool cover system comprises a retractable pool cover, a track, a line, a line attachment block, and a cover attachment block. The line may be fixedly attached to the line attachment block. The line attachment block may be at least partially captured within the track. The cover attachment block may be at least partially captured within the track. The cover attachment block may be fixedly attached to a first lateral edge of the pool cover. The longitudinal edge of the cover attachment block may include a saddle configured to trap the line attachment block. The line attachment the line attachment block is free of attachment to the cover attachment block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: John A Barba, III
  • Patent number: 9574361
    Abstract: A spa cover lifting device that easily lifts and stows the removed cover out of sight below the upper edge of the spa is disclosed. When closing, the lifter assists the cover up out of its hidden stowage, and guides the cover back into position on the spa. One difference in this design from current art is that the spa cover when stowed disappears out of sight to those in the spa, below the top edge of the spa. Current spa cover lifters generally all park at least part of the stowed cover above the top edge of the spa, blocking views and reducing apparent roominess. Fourteen exemplary methods are shown to accomplish such a spa cover lifter, accommodating different size spas and cover designs, but it could also be done in other ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Curtis Richard Dose
  • Patent number: 9506261
    Abstract: A device for covering a pool, for example a swimming pool, has an upper component composed of a closed cell polymeric foam and a lower component composed of an open cell polymeric foam. The device can have, or can acquire in use, a convex upper surface which reduces the danger that it will be blown off the pool by wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: John F. Krumme
  • Patent number: 9493960
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a spa having a base and a shell supported by the base is provided. The cover assembly includes a cover member selectively movable between a covered position and an uncovered position, and a lifting assembly having a first lifting mechanism rotatably coupled to the cover member and to the base. The first lifting mechanism provides two axes of rotation for the cover member relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: STRONG INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wade Spicer, Ryan Force
  • Patent number: 9340989
    Abstract: A lightweight insulating spa cover for a heated spa with an open top, the spa cover constructed with a substantially rigid perimeter frame with a plurality of cross supports in the form of tension bands that encompass the frame in a crisscross pattern to form a support for an outer casing that encases the frame with the outer casing being fabricated of a breathable weatherproof fabric that is stretched over a layer of reflective bubble wrap material that provides a cushion and added insulation for the hollow lightweight cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Jess E. Tudor
  • Patent number: 9309684
    Abstract: A pool cover having a main cover sized and shaped larger than the swimming pool size. The main cover includes an outer edge having a pocket. The pocket includes an interior, ends with openings to access the interior, a plurality of slits in communication with the interior, a plurality of drain openings, and strap members for securing the pool cover to a surface. The interior of said pocket is sized for receiving a weight. The pool cover can include an air pillow for placement between the surface of the water in the pool and the main cover. The pocket allows for a uniform weight to be placed around the outer edge of the main cover in order to pull the main cover tight enough over the air pillow resulting in a dome like effect over the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventors: Jack Eugene Richards, Janie Marie Richards
  • Patent number: 9181721
    Abstract: A spa according to the present invention includes a shell and a support structure including a base member, a plurality of side members and a plurality of end members to support the shell without the need for a sub-frame. The spa also includes a cover and a plurality of lifting members for supporting the cover. The lifting members are actuatable between a lowered position in which the cover is positioned generally atop the shell and an elevated position in which the cover is spaced from the shell and the support structure. The lifting members are secured to at least one of the side members and the end members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Strong Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Wade Spicer
  • Patent number: 9108038
    Abstract: A computerized electrical powered apparatus where one part is different types of housings with or without a cover. The apparatus produces magnetic field, for inducing water, in the housing (if a shower: inducing water, and water-vapor (mist) via a plumbing assembly). The housing uses: CO2 liquid cooling to cool electrical circuit boards, electromagnet(s), nanotube(s), nanowire(s), that control: water, elements, nutrients, drugs, found in blood, living tissues, vegetation tissue(s) of any organism(s). In another aspect; an extractor capturing molecule(s) in steam derived from compounds, drugs, that converge with a superconductive wire transporting ionic compounds, molecular ions; rise out from hot water, H2O-steam, and dry gases feed extractor, into a cooled catalyst pipe linking to a housing. The pipe with the wire inside, attach inside the housing, where the mixture disperses. A digital numerical image is captured on a computer monitor by rotating hydrogen molecules of water in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Jean Brault
  • Patent number: 9091069
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to plastic wall panels. Wall panels are formed by rotational molding processes and may be used in sound attenuation barriers or other wall or building structures. Some embodiments include reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure may be configured to effectively support a plastic shell of the wall panel in a way that allows some relative movement between the plastic shell and the reinforcing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Aus Group Alliance Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Nicholas Marandos, Ian John Walton, Graeme Peter Hall, Graeme Francis Hisgrove
  • Patent number: 9027174
    Abstract: Provided is a pool spring cover having an elongate tubular member with openings on first and second sides, respectively. The first and second sides span a longitudinal axis. An attachment member extends generally along the longitudinal axis from a first portion of the second side to a free end. A fastener comprised of a first fastener element and a second fastener element is provided. The first fastener element is associated with the attachment member at the free end and the second fastener element is associated with the tubular member at a second portion of the second side. The first and second fastener elements are adapted to fasten to each other such that the attachment member forms a loop. The first fastener element and the second fastener element may form a one-time use fastener. Also provided are related systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: MX4 Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Dean Marelli
  • Patent number: 9021625
    Abstract: A pool cover for above ground swimming pools includes a cover with an elevated central area, a plurality of rods to support the cover, and a plurality of clip assemblies to couple the rods to the swimming pool. The cover is a waterproof textile having a plurality of sleeve members allowing for insertion of the support rods to secure and support the cover. Each clip assembly includes hook which removably attaches to an upper perimeter edge of the pool and a pocket to receive an end of the support rod. When assembled, the support rods form a dome-like structure circularly arranged about the edge of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Donald R. Vagner, Jr., Lisa C. Graham