Abstract: A system for deploying and recovering a cover over a space like a swimming pool having a reel housing that has extensions and a base that may be used to securely mount the reel housing in a receptacle like a recess box. The extensions and the base may brace the reel housing which is made of inelastic or non-deformable material which may be thick metal. The ropes are shortened in length so that there is no excess when the cover is in its fully open position. The ropes are selected to be inelastically deformable. A motor drives the rope reels in the reel housing and the drum for the cover. The clutch that engages either the rope reels or the drum has a non-sacrificial pin to ensure that the clutch and the reels or the drum remain driven and engaged. The cover has outside edges that slide in tracks secured along the edge of the space to be covered. Stop blocks are secured to the outside edge so that the edge is in tension when the cover is positioned over the space to be covered.

Abstract: A system for deploying and recovering a cover over a space, like a swimming pool, has a reel housing that has extensions and a base that may be used to securely mount the reel housing in a receptacle, like a recess box. The extensions and the base may brace the reel housing which is made of inelastic or non deformable material which may be thick metal. The ropes are shortened in length so that there is no excess when the cover is in its fully open position. The ropes are selected to be inelastically deformable. A motor drives the rope reels in the reel housing and the drum for the cover. The clutch, that alternately engages the rope reels and the drum has a non sacrificial pin to ensure that the clutch and the reels or the drum remain driven and engaged.

Abstract: A flexible cover, which can be rolled onto and about a support rotatable about an axis, and can be unrolled therefrom, consists of at least one translucent sheet having: a continuous outside wall extending throughout the width and throughout the length of the sheet, the length being the dimension which is parallel to the rotational axis of the support and the rolling and unrolling axis of the sheet; a discontinuous inside wall parallel to the outside wall and extending throughout the length and, in a discontinuous interrupted manner, the width of the sheet; and parallel longitudinal walls, extending throughout the length of the sheet, perpendicularly to and connecting the outside and inside walls to define groups of successive longitudinal cells, interruptions of the inside wall defining spaces between respective pairs of adjacent groups of successive cells, the groups being separate and being connected solely by the outside wall which, at the interruptions at the inside wall, constitutes a flexure portion fo

Abstract: A drum for rolling up and unrolling protective covers has a driven pendulum within for applying a rotary moment to cause the drum to roll. The pendulum is powered in one rotary direction or the other by an electrical motor according to a signal from outside the drum, and battery packs are enclosed with the drive elements to provide a power source. A sealed drum is provided to float in swimming pools. In another embodiment, a common electric drill is used for the drive mechanism.

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 track assembly for allowing movement of a flexible enclosure cover over an area to be enclosed as, for example, a body of water in a swimming pool. The assembly comprises a pair of spaced apart tracks mounted on opposite sides of the area to be enclosed with each being comprised of an elongate strip. Each track strip comprises a cable receiving channel with a gutter or debris trough located generally beneath the channel for collection of debris. Preferably, a slider can be located in the cable receiving channel for locking to the cable and for securement of the cover to the cable. The track can be constructed to also allow for lubrication of the cable receiving channel enabling a slider mechanism to freely move therein. When a slider is used, it extends into each channel at approximately a 45.degree. angle with respect to a vertical direction.

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 manually powered swimming pool cover drive for extending and retracting swimming pool covers is described which includes a pair of overrunning, one-way clutch devices journaled around a drive shaft coupled for rotating a swimming pool cover drum for retracting a swimming pool cover and a pair of one-way clutch devices journaled around a drive shaft coupled for rotating a cable reel for extending a swimming pool cover. The respective pairs of overrunning, one-way clutch devices are reciprocated back and forth respectively, manually with long lever handles for rotating the respective drive shafts.

Abstract: A roll-up cover for a swimming pool comprises a continuous sheet of flexible reinforced plastic firmly attached to an aluminum roller with a number of reinforced loops at the free end of the plastic. The roller can be turned by a crank or wheel to roll the cover up, and a pull with a hooked end is used to unroll the cover by inserting it into one of the reinforced loops and pulling the cover off of the roller. The loop straps on the free end of the cover can be hooked at the end of the pull to keep the cover tight. The entire cover assembly is mounted on wheels so that it is of a portable construction, and it includes a debris removal and collection apparatus. The cover can be made of a plurality of interleaved pivotally connected members which is movable along the edges of a swimming pool by a plurality of rollers, and the cover is strong enough to support an adult or child in the event that they accidentally fall into the pool.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover and roll-up device combination comprising a flexible shaft extending intermediate of the swimming pool cover from one edge to an opposite edge, with the flexible shaft being connected at least intermittently along its length to the swimming pool cover. A crank arm or other wind-up device is provided to be connected at least to one end of the flexible shaft for applying torque to the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft can transmit the torque through the length thereof to roll up the swimming pool cover on the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft and swimming pool cover are adapted to float on the surface of the water, and when it is necessary to store the rolled-up swimming pool cover, it is removed completely from the swimming pool and stored remote therefrom.

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: A reinforcing fixture that is to be connected in multiple to an end wall also has a U-shaped section in and upper horizontal member for supporting a receptacle for a swimming-pool cover and rolling mechanism. Each of the fixture is readily and accurately positioned on the end wall for positioning the receptacle mechanism accurately at the required height relative to the upper edge of adjacent side walls.

Abstract: A self-powered drum for rolling up and unrolling protective covers has a driven pendulum within for applying a rotary moment to cause the drum to roll. The pendulum is powered in one rotary direction or the other by an electrical motor according to a signal from outside the drum, and battery packs are enclosed with the drive elements to provide a power source. A sealed drum is provided to float in swimming pools.

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.

Abstract: A split stop is described having a top member with a mating surface with two parallel half cylinder channels with lands defining an alignment slot between the channels which seats on base member with a complementary mating surface defining two parallel half cylinder channels but with a central alignment rail aligned between the channels and extending perpendicularly from one side. The mated surfaces of the top and base members define a cylindrical rope channel, and a cylindrical beaded tape channel with a longitudinally communicating gap. The alignment rail extending perpendicularly from the side of the base member is dimensioned for insertion into a rectangular space between the respective "C" and rope channels of typical pool cover track to assure alignment of the rope and beaded tape channels of the split stop with the corresponding rope and "C" channels of the track.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system is described for automatic swimming pool cover systems in which a hydraulic drive provides torque for both resisting cover drum rotation during cover extension across the pool and rotating the cover drum for cover retraction, while a separate second hydraulic drive provides torque for both rotating the cable reels for cover extension and resisting cable reel rotation during cover retraction.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system is described for automatic swimming pool cover systems in which a first hydraulic drive provides torque for both resisting cover drum rotation during cover extension across the pool and rotating the cover drum for cover retraction, while a separate second hydraulic drive provides torque for both rotating the cable reels for cover extension and resisting cable reel rotation during cover retraction.

Abstract: A system for deploying and retrieving a cover over a swimming pool. The cover is wound onto a motor driven reel. A guide spindle aligns the cover onto the reel during the winding process. A spool, also driven by the motor, has a tow rope wound on it. The tow rope is attached through a pulley system and secured to the cover to align the cover over the pool. Torque-limiting clutches on the reel and spool drive shafts compensate for changes in speed of the winding and unwinding of the tow rope and cover by allowing slippage of the drive shafts. An overriding clutch on the spool allows the spool to spin freely so the tow rope can be easily unwound from the spool by the movement of the cover. A friction brake band provides drag on the spool to prevent slack rope from accumulating. A photoelectric sensor detects full deployment and retrieval of the cover and stops the motor. A heating element is also provided to raise the temperature above the dew point to reduce condensation and corrosion in the system.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover and roll-up device combination comprising a flexible shaft extending intermediate of the swimming pool cover from one edge to an opposite edge, with the flexible shaft being connected at least intermittently along its length to the swimming pool cover. A crank arm or other wind-up device is provided to be connected at least to one end of the flexible shaft for applying torque to the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft can transmit the torque through the length thereof to roll up the swimming pool cover on the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft and swimming pool cover are adapted to float on the surface of the water, and when it is necessary to store the rolled-up swimming pool cover, it is removed completely from the swimming pool and stored remote therefrom.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover apparatus is described whereby the pool cover may be extended and retracted through a power source. The apparatus includes a drive shaft circumscribed by a pair of sleeves. Each of the sleeves may be selectively rotated through a double-dog clutch system connected to the drive shaft. A cover-collecting drum is connected to one of the sleeves. A pair of cord-collecting reels rotatably circumscribe the other sleeve. Controlled rotation of the two cord-collecting reels is achieved through a ratchet and spring-biased pawl system. This system also permits slippage of either of the two cord-collecting reels when the tension on either one of the reels becomes excessive.

Abstract: A cover drum having conically tapered hubs at each end provides a mechanism for adjusting alignment of the pool covers of swimming pool cover systems in which the covers have beaded side edges captured and sliding within "C" channels provided by a pair tracks secured along the sides of the swimming pool. Specifically, by translating the cover drum, or alternatively, the conical hubs longitudinally along the rotational axis of the cover drum, one can control the relative rates at which each side of the cover winds and unwinds from around the cover drum as a function of the length of cover extended.Each conically tapered hub may further include one or more diametrically oriented holes located proximate the apex for receiving a crank enabling the cover drum to be rotated manually.

Abstract: A cover for a swimming pool comprises an awning of flexible waterproof sheet material having guide members secured to its longitudinal edges. A pair of side rails are fixed to the longitudinally-extending walls of the pool. The rails are of keyhole cross-section so that the guide members at the edges of the awning can slide into the side rails from their ends and slide longitudinally of the rails to secure the edges of the awning to the walls of the pool along their entire length. A shaft is mounted in a storage box formed adjacent one transverse edge of the pool so that the awning can be rolled around it for storage. Guidelines are attached to the leading edge of the awning and are joined to form a pull-line which runs back to a drum in the storage box. The drum and shaft are driven by means of an electric motor to move the awning along the pool.

Abstract: An openable and closable opening is formed in a pool cover, adjacent to or at the pool cover leading edge, and a mechanism for enabling opening and closing of the cover opening is provided.Upon opening of the cover opening, water, which may accumulate on the pool cover when the cover is extended over the pool, is able to drain through the cover opening into the pool during retraction of the cover.Upon closing of the cover opening, the cover may be smoothly and evenly extended so as to cover, and retracted so as to uncover the pool.A mesh bag depends from the sides of the cover adjacent the cover opening, so as to prevent objects from falling through the opened cover opening into the pool.A foam strip is secured to the mesh bag, so as to enable the section of the cover which includes the opening therein to float if the cover contacts the water in the pool, so as to prevent such water from being scooped onto the cover during retraction thereof.

Abstract: Heavy duty weather and actinic resistant protective blanket for pool covers which is attachable at the leading edge of a pool cover so that upon furling the cover, the blanket surrounds, both longitudinally and laterally, the pool cover. Fastening means to secure the blanket to itself in the furled condition is provided, preferably cooperatingly disposed strips of VELCRO.TM. hook and loop material. The leading edge of the pool cover is secured to the trailing edge of the blanket by stitching, grommets, barbed plastic rivets, straps, line or the like. The blanket is at least 1/8th the length of the cover and an embodiment for free form pool cover is shown.

Abstract: A cover for a swimming pool. Cables attached to edge area of the cover move within tracks extending along the pool side walls, such that the cover can be moved to a fully opened condition or to a fully closed condition spanning the length of the pool. Electric motors are the preferred mechanism for moving the cables and associated pool cover. The control circuitry for the motors preferably includes a safety device that prevents the cover from being closed against a person or object in the pool. Should the leading edge of the cover strike a person or object in the pool the cover will immediately retract to a fully opened condition.

Abstract: A leading edge and track slider system for automatic swimming pool covers which carries the front edge of the swimming pool cover as it is drawn across to cover or uncover a swimming pool includes a rigid structural boom having a flat or planer longitudinal surface with "C" channel along one edge of the flat surface receiving and capturing a front beaded edge of the pool cover. Connecting plates, secured to the flat surface of the boom, pivotally couple the ends of the boom to a pair slider elements each having a hollow cylindrical sliding edge captured and sliding within a "C" channel of conventional swimming pool cover track secured on either side of the pool. The pivotal coupling between the connecting plate and slider element is achieved by a bolt translating in a slot cut through the slider element oriented perpendicularly relative to the direction of cover travel as it is drawn across the pool.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover apparatus is described whereby the pool cover may be extended and retracted through a power source. The apparatus includes a drive shaft circumscribed by a pair of sleeves. Each of the sleeves may be selectively rotated through a double-dog clutch system connected to the drive shaft. A cover-collecting drum is connected to one of the sleeves. A pair of cord-collecting reels rotatably circumscribe the other sleeve. Controlled rotation of the two cord-collecting reels is achieved through a ratchet and spring-biased pawl system. This system also permits slippage of either of the two cord-collecting reels when the tension on either one of the reels becomes excessive.

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 mechanism for limiting extension and retraction of the pool cover is provided to prevent overtravel thereof and damage to the cover driving motor.

Abstract: A device for extending and retracting a pool cover, for covering and uncovering a pool.A mechanism for coupling and uncoupling cover driving and driven sections includes a floppy clutch mechanism including a floppy clutch arm, pivotally mounted and operable so as to rotate, pivot, and drop into and out of engagement responsive to rotational and gravitational forces, so as to provide positive coupling and uncoupling for cover operation.The cover driving section includes a cable reel which includes a pair of adjacent sections, to each of which one end of a cable is connected, with the opposite end of such cable connected to the cover leading edge, for enabling efficient extension of the pool cover.A pair of tracks are mounted directly in the sides of the pool, through which tracks the sides of the pool cover extend, and a pair of sliders are directly connected and secured to the cover leading edge, to provide support and guidance for the cover during extension and retraction thereof.

Abstract: Retracting cover device for covering structures such as vehicles, swimming pools, boats, awnings etc., comprising a cover of wide flexible sheet material, a reel rotatably mounted on reel support means for winding on and winding off the cover, retracting mechanism for rotating the reel to wind up the cover thereon for storage, said reel being of vary narrow width compared to the cover width and means for gathering the cover to enable winding onto the narrow reel.

Abstract: A two-ply sheeting material is provided with open ended dimples formed in the lower layer that will trap air and ensure flotation when the sheeting is deployed on a swimming pool as a pool cover. The upper sheet is bonded to the tops of the dimples to form a thin planar cavity. When coupled to a water circulating system, the combined two-layer product can usefully perform both as a pool cover and as a solar absorber adapted to warm the water circulating therethrough.

Abstract: A device for extending and retracting a pool cover, for covering and uncovering a pool. A mechanism for coupling and uncoupling cover driving and driven sections includes a floppy clutch mechanism including a floppy clutch arm, pivotally mounted and operable so as to rotate, pivot, and drop into and out of engagement responsive to rotational and gravitational forces, so as to provide positive coupling and uncoupling for cover operation. The cover driving section includes a cable reel which includes a pair of adjacent sections, to each of which one end of a cable is connected, with the opposite end of such cable connected to the cover leading edge, for enabling efficient extension of the pool cover. A pair of tracks are mounted directly in the sides of the pool, through which tracks the sides of the pool cover extend, and a pair of sliders are directly connected and secured to the cover leading edge, to provide support and guidance for the cover during extension and retraction thereof.

Abstract: A compact swimming pool cover handling system including a pair of stationary roller support members, a roller for attaching the pool cover, and a hydraulic power attenuator for operation of the system. The hydraulic power attenuator includes controls for reversing directions of the roller without removing the source of liquid operating the device.

Abstract: A pool cover sheet has beaded edges guided in side edge guides along the pool. The cover sheet is wound onto and pulled from a spool mounted on a motor driven shaft. The cover sheet is pulled by the spool by cords traveling along the side edge guides with cords being wound onto and from cord drums.The velocity of the cover sheet travel is attempted to be matched to the cover sheet velocity by means frustoconical drums having tapered surfaces onto which the cords are wound and unwound. To attempt to equalize the tension in the cords as well as in the cover sheet, the spools and drums are driven through opposed torsion springs from a common main shaft. The tension in the respective sides of the sheet or in the respective cords may be adjusted to take up any slack found to occur.

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: This disclosure relates to a solar heater apparatus for a swimming pool which incorporates a submersible suspendible black body sheet to serve as a device to absorb solar radiation and transfer the collected energy to the pool water so that the pool water can be efficiently heated.

Abstract: A reel system for winding swimming pool covers thereabout is constructed from a hub having an opening for receiving one end of a spool to be attached thereto. The hub includes a bushing and a wheel for rotating the hub about its longitudinal axis. A support stand having a bearing is arranged for rotationally supporting the hub about the bushing. Ultraviolet exposure and contamination by chemical and dirt is prevented in the area of the bushing and bearing by a cover arranged for engagement with the hub between a first and second position. The first position is such that the cover is at least coextensive with the bushing and bearing to prevent their exposure while the second position being remote from the bushing and bearing to allow disassembling of the reel system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel pulley assembly used in connection with conventional swimming pool cover systems of the type utilizing draw cords carried by a dual-channel track. The pulley assembly is comprised of a pulley housing and a pulley such that the pulley housing is adapted for securement at the end of a section of track. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is provided with a tang-like projection adapted to be received in a slot in the track between the two channels so as to maintain the pulley system in proper alignment with respect to the track and the pulley is rotatably secured within a cylindrical cavity having sufficient clearance to permit free rotation of the pulley, but the clearance being less than the diameter of the draw cord so that the draw cord will remain engaged with the pulley.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for use with extendible and retractable swimming pool covers having a raised leading edge. The apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises two rigid arms which each have a wheel attached to one end thereof. The other end of the arms are rotatably connected to an expandable plug which is adapted to fit into one end of the horizontal leading edge carrier member of the pool cover. A bolt passes through a washer, through an axial bore in the expandable plug, and through holes in the ends of both arms so as to connect all of the component parts together. A wing nut is then tightened onto the end of the bolt, thereby causing the expandable plug to expand within the leading edge carrier member. The wheel assembly is thus secured to the end of the carrier member, with the arms being prevented from further rotation after installation.

Abstract: A novel swimming pool cover apparatus and method which utilizes adjustable side gores to eliminate undue tension in the swimming pool cover material. The apparatus includes a flexible, generally rectangular swimming pool cover sheet having beaded side edges and which is pre-cut with oversized side gores adjacent the leading edge thereof. The beaded side edges of the swimming pool cover sheet are slidably received into channels which are formed in parallel track members mounted on the pool deck adjacent to opposite sides of the swimming pool. The leading edge of the swimming pool cover is also provided with a beaded edge and is supported by a rigid carrier member having an open channel formed along the rearward side thereof. The bead of the leading edge of the cover sheet is slidably received into the channel formed in the rigid carrier member, and the carrier member is suspended at each end by respective wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover assembly is adapted to be operated by hand by a single person, for extending a cover sheet over a swimming pool or for retracting the cover. The cover sheet is wound upon a drum at one end of the pool, while a rope is wound upon a spool located at one end of the drum. A hand crank or electric motor is used either to drivingly rotate the spool to take up the rope, or to drivingly rotate the drum to take up the cover. The rope is positioned in a tensioned loop configuration with its remote end being connected to the forward end of the cover sheet, and is supported on pulleys removably secured to the pool decking. The hand crank or motor drives either the spool or the drum through a gear mechanism, being automatically switched from one to the other depending upon the direction of rotation of the hand crank. Side fasteners secured along the side edges and free end of the cover sheet are removably attached to anchors on the pool decking when the cover is in its extended position.

Abstract: A partitioning device is provided for swimming pools to efficiently treat the water in swimming pools and to conveniently store the water therein during periods of nonuse. The device comprises a water tight bag constructed from a flexible fabric material such as plastic and appropriately sized and shaped to occupy at least the entire volume of the swimming pool. The partitioning device has at least one open end that can be attached to a conduit extending from a pumping and filtering device .Treated water is pumped into the partitioning device thereby providing an efficient separation between treated and untreated water. The treated water may be stored in the partitioning device for any convenient period of time. The device may easily be removed from the pool thereby leaving the pool filled with treated water.

Abstract: A buoyant swimming pool cover is deployable over the surface of a pool under the influence only of the rotation of a power driven roller that extends horizontally across an end of the pool. The roller, which may be of square section, is driven by an electric motor through a flexible drive means including a pulley rotatable with the roller. The roller is rotated to wind the cover onto the underside of the roller. The roller is arranged below the water level of the pool so that upon reversal of the rotation, the buoyancy of the cover will tend to unwind the cover and allow it to be deployed. The square section of the roller provides a number of points at which adjacent layers nip one another to prevent unravelling of the cover as the roller rotates.

Abstract: In the first embodiment of the apparatus, each end frame of the apparatus has one position at which wheels engage the decking surrounding the pool, and another position at which a braking region engages such deck. In accordance with the method, the operator rolls the apparatus to a desired location when each end frame is in the first-mentioned position, and then tilts each such end frame to the second-mentioned position. He then pulls the pool cover off of the now-stationary frame. In accordance with a second embodiment, each end frame is circular and operates as a wheel when it is desired to move the apparatus. To achieve braking, one edge region of each such wheel is pivoted to expose a chordal braking area. In accordance with the method relative to the second embodiment, the shifting from the rolling mode to the braking mode is effected when the indicated edge regions are at rotated positions such that they do not engage the decking.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a solar heater apparatus for a swimming pool which incorporates a submersible suspendible black body sheet to serve as a device to absorb solar radiation and transfer the collected energy to the pool water so that the pool water can be efficiently heated.

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: Apparatus for covering a liquid basin, such as a swimming pool. The apparatus comprises a roller-blind type cover assembled from hollow slats arranged to be spread over the surface of the liquid. According to the invention the cover is constructed so as to be stackable accordion-wise by the side of a shaft or roller with which the cover is spread over the surface of the liquid or withdrawn from it, thereby to reduce weight on said shaft or roller compared with a prior construction in which the cover is wound upon the shaft.

Abstract: A flexible tarpaulin is rolled about a drum mounted on an axle that is secured to a rigid deck by mounting brackets. A spring acting between the axle and the drum serves to retract the tarpaulin onto the drum. A releasable retraction lock may be used to prevent retraction. The tarpaulin has apertures spaced along its edges and a plurality of fasteners are employed having latching pins that extend through the apertures into anchors embedded in the deck to secure the tarpaulin over the pool.