Abstract: A float retaining cover device 10 comprising a non-permeable cover sheet 12 supported by a floating member 14. The latter can be a free-floating retention method using grommets 20 attached to the central underside of the cover sheet 12 and on the float 14 with a cord 22 fastening the two together, or a system using straps and fasteners. An enclosed retaining pocket 16 can also be employed to maintain the float 14. When a permeable sheet is used to form the retaining pocket 16, there is a sealable recess 40 in the sheet of the pocket 16 to insert and remove the float 14. When the retaining pocket 16 is non-permeable, all edges are hermetically sealed to the bottom of the cover sheet 12 and the recess 24 is located on the cover sheet 12 in a central position in relation to the retaining pocket 16. The recess 24 has an elastomeric border 26 that allows the float 14 to pass through when there is excessive pressure pushing down on the cover sheet.

Abstract: A combined vapor barrier and water assembly for securement to the underside of covers of heated water tubs and pools stands by and around an intentionally made drain opening in an otherwise water tight cover, to provide a drain passageway to be used, if necessary, whenever rain water might unwantedly enter the interior of the cover, and while standing by, to provide a vapor barrier preventing heated vapors from rising upwardly through the drain passageway. In a preferred embodiment, at least two dense weave cloth members, spaced apart, each extend completely across the cross section of the drain passageway, while positioned within a hollow contoured housing of the assembly, which is adapted to be secured to the underside of the cover round the intentionally made drain opening, to provide the drain passageway for the exiting rain water that might unwantedly collect in a cover which was originally watertight.

Abstract: A pool dome for covering an outdoor swimming pool during the fall and winter seasons comprising vertical structural walls and a plurality of inflatable sections formed between the walls. The vertical structural walls provide sufficient structural support for the inflatable sections capable of holding its dome shape even during heavy wind, rain, and snow conditions. The swimming pool dome is sized and shaped to cover the entire water surface of the swimming pool and lies between the pool water and the cover for raising the cover in a dome shape to prevent rain water, snow, ice, and other unwanted debris from collecting on top of the pool cover.

Abstract: The pool cover is made of multi-layer light weight construction having a transparent top layer to permit sunlight to pass through and an opaque bottom layer for absorbing sunlight passing through the transparent layer. In addition, a plurality of pockets are formed in the opaque layer having air encapsulated therein. When in use, the opaque layer becomes heated by sunlight thereby transferring heat by contact to the body of water in the pool. The heated trapped air also serves to conduct heat to the body of water while also acting as a thermal insulation barrier during non-daylight hours.

Abstract: A cover for withstanding stormy weather and increasing solar heating of a body of water is disposed over the surface of the water. The cover is more transparent to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation, and is anchored and sealed around its periphery over the surface of the body of water. Means are provided for reducing the pressure between the bottom of the cover and the top of the water to subatmospheric, and for flooding the top surface of the cover with a layer of water, and draining the layer of water from the top of the cover.

Abstract: The covering structure has retention members for location beside a surface to be covered. A suspension member, having a plurality of mutually hinged segments, is pivotally connected at its ends to the retention members. Locking pins are provided for locking the segments to each other and to the retention members. A covering membrane is coupled to the segments by suspension members.

Abstract: An airtight spa cover (11) supported by air generated by the spa pump and the spa blower (29). The cover is attached to the external periphery of the spa walls (17) and includes a skirt (29) that extends into the spa water (35), adjacent to the internal periphery of the spa walls (17). The pressure of the air trapped between the skirt (24), the surface (33) of the water, and the overlaying portion of the cover (11) is adequate to support an adult. The attachment mechanism is designed to prevent unauthorized entry when the spa cover is pressurized. The spa cover (11) includes an air ventilation pipe (49) whose lower end, initially, lies beneath the surface (33) of the spa water (35). As the pressure rises, the lower end rises above the surface of this spa water allowing trapped air to escape. The cover rises and falls until a pressure balance is achieved. The spa cover is deflated by raising a pressure release pipe (59) to allow the air trapped in a dead air space (37) to escape.

Abstract: A cover for spas, hot tubs and the like has a pair of cover portions hinged together along a common top edge. Each cover portion internally has an inflatable air bladder including a series of spaced apart brace members separating each bladder into a number of chambers, each brace member lying in a plane transverse to the axis of the hinge. An elongated pocket is formed in each cover portion adjacent to the hinge and extending in the direction of the hinge. Cross bracing is positionable within each pocket. The cross bracing includes a pair of hollow braces connected together by a stiffening member positioned within the hollow of each brace where the braces are joined together. The cover may be deflated and disassembled for transportation as a small package.

Abstract: A pool winterizing system including a pool cover-sheet and a housing that is disposed beneath the periphery of the cover-sheet and in communication with the environment exterior to the cover-sheet. The housing defines an inlet duct and an outlet duct, each of which provides an independent air-flow path between the environment exterior to the cover-sheet and an inflation chamber selectively defined between the cover-sheet and the pool. A blower is disposed within the housing in the inlet duct and provides for inflation of the pool cover-sheet. A flap is hingedly attached to the housing above the outlet of the outlet duct and is biased toward a position in which it covers the outlet duct outlet so as to control the pressure to which the pool cover-sheet is inflated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid reservoir having a bottom and side and end walls which is lined with a flexible material secured about its marginal edges to a footing surrounding the reservoir. A cover is disposed over the reservoir with its marginal edges secured to the footing. A fan supplies air under pressure into the space between the cover and the fluid level to maintain the cover in a raised state above the fluid surface. Webs are provided along the outside of the cover to shape the cover under pressure and to relieve the stresses along the fastening elements used to connect the cover and the footing. The fan operates to supply air under pressure upon sensing a predetermined low pressure in the system, whereas a pressure relief valve opens to vent the air under pressure upon sensing a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: This pool cover utilizes multiple, laterally displaced air compartments which are fixed in location with respect to each other, and are integral portions of the cover. The air compartments may be interleaved by having laterally overlapping portions in order to minimize sagging which may result if any air compartment were to have an air leak. The cover can include a removable exterior portion which is exposed, and an interior portion containing the air compartments which are in contact with the pool surface. This allows easy removal of the top portion of the cover for cleaning and for examining individual air compartments.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool cover which, when installed and inflated, floats on the swimming pool water's surface and has a bulbous surface rising above the level of the swimming pool's perimeter. A small blower with its exhaust directed into the interior space of the cover initially inflates the cover and thereafter maintains the cover during its use.

Abstract: This invention discloses a covering comprising a floating member shaped as a square loop, one pair of opposite portions of which are inflatable members, and a water-proof sheet having a nipple downwardly formed thereon, which is loosely stretched inside the square ring of the floating member and the peripheral edge of which is tightly connected with the same. The covering can float on the water and shield the water from scorching sunshine, killing frost, strong wind and acid rain. It is adaptable, therefore, to be used in nursery pool to protect the crops raised therein from damage by extraordinary weather.

Abstract: A cover for a pool, hot tub or the like wherein the pool structure has an upper perimeter portion defining a pool area where water is contained. The cover has a first upper flexible sheet member having a first central portion and a first perimeter portion and a second lower flexible sheet member having a second central portion and a second perimeter portion. The first central portion of the first upper sheet member is separated from the second central portion of the second lower sheet by a support member. The support member has a sufficiently large vertical dimension to support the central portion of the first upper sheet member such that the first upper sheet member extends radially outwardly from the first central portion to the first perimeter portion at a moderate downward slope so that water and debris that fall on the cover move outwardly and downwardly from the first central portion of the first upper sheet member.

Abstract: A sheet cover for a swimming pool adapted to become arched over the pool when air under pressure is projected under the cover. The cover has a pending skirt adapted to hang in the water adjacent the peripheral sidewall. The skirt is provided with a series of holes at a distance from its lower edge. When the cover is arched, the skirt raises until the air leaks through the holes to maintain the cover at a desired height.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover assembly is provided which can easily be installed and removed, and which is adapted to be supported above the surface of the pool without bulky reinforcing or structural members. The swimming pool cover assembly includes an air impervious cover member having dimensions greater than the dimensions of the pool so as to span the pool, an anchor assembly disposed about the perimeter of the pool for securing the cover member over the pool and forming fluid-tight seal therebetween, and a blower assembly for supplying a sufficient volume of air so that a cushion of air is formed between the cover member and the water in the pool for maintaining the cover member in an elevated positioned relative to the surface of the water in the pool.

Abstract: An interdome enclosure system takes advantage of the latent heat of condensation for energy efficiency. The system includes, in combination with a humid environment, such as a heated pool and an outer enclosure housing the pool, an inner enclosure disposed within the outer enclosure and over the pool and a differntial fan operated heat exchanger for creating an atmospheric pressure within the space between the inner and outer enclosures which is positive relative to the atmospheric pressure within the inner enclosure. The heat exchanger includes a pair of conduits disposed in heat exchange relationship to one another. Assisted by an inlet fan, one conduit communicates dry, fresh cool air from the exterior of the outer enclosure into the space between the enclosures, while the other conduit, assisted by an exhaust fan, communicates moisture-laden, warm air from the inner enclosure directly to the exterior of the outer enclosure.

Abstract: A pool cover support comprises a balloon for placement in its uninflated condition on the surface of the water in a swimming pool, an air hose having one end attached to the balloon and provided at its other end with a valve. The hose is of sufficient length that when the balloon is secured in a predetermined position, the valve can be located outside the pool, whereby the balloon can be inflated or later deflated.A covered pool has an edge and is filled with water. A pool cover covers the pool and overlaps the pool's edge, and a pool cover support comprises a balloon which is in a predetermined position on the water and underneath the cover, an air hose having one end attached to the balloon and a valve at its other end. The hose is sufficiently long that the valve is outside the pool, whereby the balloon can be inflated or later deflated with the cover in place.

Abstract: A fermentation pond has a cover and gas-collection system that includes a gas-impermeable membrane resistant to the elements and resistant to chemical deterioration by both the contents of the pond and any biogas generated by fermentation in the pond. The membrane overlies the full surface of the pond. A biogas collection conduit is positioned at the surface of the pond and under the membrane, and weights are located so as to urge the membrane downwardly along lines separated from each other so as to define between the lines a plurality of channels along which biogas can pass to the collection conduit.

Abstract: A fluid-tight flexible connection comprises couplings (27, 28) of soft elastic material, inserted in cavities (11) of hollow sections (12, 13), flexible parts (29) of soft elastic material arranged between the couplings, nipples (32) of hard material inserted in passages (33) of the couplings (27, 28) and in transverse passages (34) of the flexible parts (29), the nipples having barbs (40, 41) exerting an expanding action, and having an internal bore (39). The nipples (32) provide a fluid-tight connection between the several parts, namely the hollow sections (12, 13), the coupling parts (27, 28) and the flexible parts (29), which connection has a comparatively high tensile strength in the direction of the cavities (11) by virtue of the barbs. The adjoining hollow sections (12, 13) can hinge relative to each other owing to the elasticity of the flexible part (29), the maximum hinge angle being determined by the elasticity of the flexible part (29) and its length.

Abstract: Thin, flexible sheets of water-impervious plastic material have their margins heat-sealed together and enclose a layer of insulating material of a size sufficient to cover the internal area of a tub. An internal bladder is of a size sufficient to cover at least the major portion of the water surface area of the tub, is supported on the intermediate sheet and itself is covered by a thicker, weather-resistant top sheet. The margins of all of the sheets are secured together and adapted to be secured to the curb or deck of the tub.

Abstract: A thermally insulative buoyant swimming pool cover floats on the surface of the pool for covering the pool and for retaining the heat within the pool. Sinking means, such as weights or a mechanical pull-down structure, may be secured to the pool cover along certain predetermined action lines such as fold lines. In one embodiment, an inflatable and deflatable bladder is coupled to the weights. The bladder is dimensioned relative to the weights such that when inflated it overcomes the negative buoyancy of the weights to retain the pool cover in the fully covered position. However, when the bladder is deflated, the weights overcome the positive buoyancy of the cover along the certain fold lines causing the cover to be at least partially pulled below the surface of the pool and folded while at the same time being retracted against one of the side walls of the pool. Pool water is circulated over or through channels of the pool cover to provide solar heating.

Abstract: An inflatable reservoir for containing a liquid, more especially an inflatable swimming pool, formed from a single sheet of a flexible and fluid tight material defining a bottom supporting thereover the liquid filling the reservoir and a peripheral space formed by the remainder of the sheet folded back on itself inwardly over the whole of its periphery so as to form approximately a tube filled partially with liquid and partially with gas, discontinuous mechanical connection means being provided for connecting the free edge of the folded down remainder of the sheet to the bottom.

Abstract: A barrier for retarding transfer of certain energy and/or substances between adjacent fluids having different densities. The barrier includes a floating blanket consisting of a multitude of individual and distinct coverites that float on a high density fluid, such as water, and separate a low density fluid, such as air, from the high density fluid. Each coverite of the blanket includes a wall of flexible material encasing an enclosed fluid. Each coverite presses against and compresses its neighboring coverites, whereby its flexible wall mutually conforms to the shape of its neighboring coverites' flexible walls to thereby form the floating blanket barrier. The enclosed fluid includes a low density enclosed fluid having a density approximately the same as the first said low density fluid and a high density enclosed fluid having a density approximately the same as the first said high density fluid.

Abstract: The extruded section, defining hollow compartments comprises two complementary assembly shapes permitting a limited articulation of two assembled sections, and comprises at each of its ends, a plug for closing off the compartments; this end plug cooperates with the assembly shapes to lock the assembly in the longitudinal direction without impairing the articulation, and to lock the articulation in the transverse direction. The end compartments of the sections are equipped with waterproof plugs in closed cell foam of synthetic material.

Abstract: An inflatable article, having a pair of gas impervious sheets which are heat welded together at their edges to form an envelope and are provided with parallelly spaced apart longitudinal first seams to define a plurality of air compartments between the pair of sheets, is provided with a reforming and reinforcing outer inflatable multiple-compartmented unit formed, on the wall of the envelope, by heat-sealing an additional outer sheet to one of the pair of gas impervious sheets at the edge portions and at the lines which lie between each two of the first longitudinal seams to form second seams whereby the article will achieve a stronger and stiffer construction and the acute fused edge portions thereof can be reformed by the expanded superimposed inflatable outer units adjacent to the edge portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting solar energy by heating a liquid to be subsequently used for heating purposes. The liquid is injected near the top of an inflated structure and when flowing downward (by gravity) within a solar panel which is supported by the inflated structure, the liquid absorbs solar energy.

Abstract: The specification of the present application discloses a self-rolling swimming pool cover which extends when connected to a pressure source and returns to a rolled position when disconnected therefrom. The cover comprises a cover member, collapsible conduit means extending in one direction of the cover member and coil spring means extending in the same general direction as the conduit means. When a fluid pressure source is connected to the conduit means, it expands and in so doing, causes the cover to unroll from its compact state. When the pressure source is disconnected the conduit means is allowed to vent and collapse as the coil springs urge the cover to its rolled state. The cover will operate on the fluid pressure readily available from the discharge side of a circulating pump with the vented water being discharged from the rolling of the cover merely entering the pool.

Abstract: A method and a system of solar heating a body of water, which has its surface exposed to air and radiation from the sun, by covering the surface of the body of water with a floating blanket consisting of thousands of coverites. Each coverite is a sealed bag with its wall comprising a thin flexible translucent film of plastic, which encases a translucent liquid and a translucent gas, so that each coverite compresses its neighboring coverites, whereby its thin flexible wall conforms to the shape of the contacting part of the neighboring coverites' thin flexible walls, whereby the resulting blanket of coverites admits the solar radiation to reach the body of water, and reduces heat absorbing evaporation of the body of water to the air, and thermally insulates the body of water from the air. The liquid and the gas may conveniently be water and air respectively and the plastic may suitably be a polyolefin such as polyethylene.

Abstract: A flexible easily installed and low maintenance swimming pool coping providing the transitional element between horizontal pool deck and the vertical pool wall. The coping is provided with upper and lower horizontal channels and has a depending bifurcated lower end and is secured at the pool by slipping the bifurcated part over the top of the pool wall. A pool liner bead is accommodated in the lower channel and a decorative protective or functional insert is retained in the upper channel. The coping cross section is formed to permit it to be readily flexed around small radii in either direction for various pool profiles. A yoke with an interlock is provided for insertion at any desired location into the interior of the coping crown to prevent buckling or distortion of the crown. An interlocking leveling element to retain contiguous sections of the coping in alignment is also provided for insertion within the coping.

Abstract: A flexible quilt collects and absorbs solar energy, and transfers heat to the underlying ground, water or other medium. It includes insulating gastight compartments which are located between an upper film and a lower film. The upper film has a high transmissability of ultraviolet and infrared energy directed downwardly therethrough, and it is reflective of infrared energy impinging on its lower surfaces. The lower film is absorbtive of solar energy and is modified to enhance the thermal conductivity through its thickness. To promote heat transfer to the underlying medium, the lower film is deformed to increase its surface area, a plurality of downward projections extending from each area of the lower film associated with each gastight compartment.

Abstract: A floatable pool cover comprised of a generally rectangular sheet of material conforming to the surface area of a pool having substantially rigid, floatable members attached along two opposite sides of the material. The substantially rigid, floatable members are approximately equal in length to the opposite ends of the pool, allowing the cover to be stretched across the pool and laid on the surface of the water. The rigid, floatable members will keep the cover floating on top of the pool. The pool cover may be easily removed by rolling it up and equally as easily replaced by simply unrolling it.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir, for example a swimming bath, a test tank or an aquaculture tank, comprises an open-topped container having at least one side wall, a first floor fixed relative to the side wall(s) and a second floor above the first floor which is able to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the side wall(s) in order to vary the height and/or inclination of the second floor in relation to the first floor. The reservoir comprises means for varying the specific gravity of the second floor between a value above and a value below the specific gravity of the liquid of the reservoir. Passageways between the side edge of the second floor and the side wall(s) of the container and/or through the second floor enable liquid to flow between the space between the two floors and another space above the second floor when the height of the second floor is varied.

Abstract: A cover for a swimming pool is disclosed comprising first and second layers of plastics material joined together at join zones, to define a plurality of spaces therebetween the spaces being inflated or inflatable, whereby the cover floats when placed on the surface of a pool with the second layer lowermost, at least the second layer being distended away from the join zones and having downwardly projecting crests which in use contact the surface of the pool and the join zones are located above the surface of the pool and wherein drainage holes are formed through the first and second layers at the join zones to provide fluid communication paths from the upper side of the cover to the air space defined between adjacent crests in the second layer and the surface of the pool whereby rainwater drains effectively into the air spaces so defined and then into the pool.

Abstract: An automatic cover for a liquid storage container and a method of control corresponding thereto including a cover disposed within the container, a membrane connected to a portion of the storage container and connected along a peripheral portion of the membrane to the cover, the membrane and the cover separating the storage container into a liquid storage compartment and a liquid balancing compartment, a pressurized mechanism connected to the peripheral portion of the membrane for controlling the shape and dimension of the cover and a member for feeding balancing liquid to and for withdrawing balancing liquid from the liquid balancing compartment in such a manner that hydrostatic pressure of the storage container is maintained within any predetermined range.

Abstract: A flexible plastic solar heating panel, such as may be floated on the surface of a body of water and used to heat a swimming pool, comprised of a water supply manifold which communicates with one end of a plurality of water carrying tubes each of which communicates at their opposite end with a water collection manifold each of the water carrying tubes being separated from the next water carrying tube by one or more sealed tubes of air. The flexible solar heating panels may be interconnected to form a solar heating system which covers essentially the full surface of the swimming pool or other body of water.

Abstract: An adjustable flooring structure for swimming pools is formed by a series of large, flat, panel-like modules interconnected to form a floor. The structure includes ballasting means formed by serially connected pipes in the modules which pipes can be filled with water or air to alter the buoyancy of the structure as desired. The structure is supported from the pool floor on adjustable legs and without the legs has a low overall height so that it can be settled to the bottom of the pool when not required for use.