Including Securing Means Patents (Class 4/503)
  • Patent number: 7114297
    Abstract: A modular rounded corner piece for forming rounded corners of a pool. The modular rounded corner piece may include a plate portion and a liner receptor portion. The liner receptor portion may include a channel formed by a top wall and a bottom wall. The channel may align with a pool liner receptor slot in the coping around the perimeter of the pool. Thus, a continuous liner receptor slot may be formed around the interior circumference of the pool for receiving an edge of a pool liner thereinto. The modular rounded corner piece may be installed on the pool sidewall to provide a gapless alignment between the liner receptor on the pool sidewall and the liner receptor in the rounded side of the corner plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley L. Mathis, David B. Dalton
  • Patent number: 6928671
    Abstract: A pool cover tie down assembly comprising a first strap which defines a loop, the first strap being secured to the pool cover at a location interiorly spaced from the edge of the pool cover, an anchor secured to the pool deck, a spring having a first end secured to the first strap and a second end secured to a second strap that extends from the spring and is coupled to the anchor, the second end of the spring being secured to the second strap at a location interiorly spaced from the edge of the pool cover such that the entire spring is location at a location interiorly spaced from said edge of the pool cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Latham Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Pagano, Craig Lewis
  • Patent number: 6865754
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Brian MacLean, Brent M. Howe
  • Patent number: 6851230
    Abstract: A prefabricated pad for a pool and its associated method of installation under the liner of an above-ground pool. The prefabricated pad is interposed between the ground surface and the pool liner, wherein the prefabricated pad cushions the pool liner, reduces contact stresses against the pool liner and prevents the pool liner from being punctured by any object present below the pool. The prefabricated pad also supports the pool liner as the pool liner turns from the vertical walls of the pool to the flat bottom of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventors: Marianne Breslin, John J. Policastro
  • Patent number: 6836907
    Abstract: A solid mesh swimming pool cover incorporates a mesh layer that has been successfully used as a porous mesh cover for several years with a thin impermeable base layer. A two-step polymer coating process seals the mesh to produce a solid safety swimming pool cover of unusual light weight and durability with an abrasion resistant bottom layer that has a low coefficient of friction to facilitate easy removal. The base layer is a plastic or resin product, such as a co-polymer resin, and the top layer is a mesh pool cover fabric, such as polypropylene. Ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors added to both coating step materials insure an extended service life. Since the mesh used for the centrally located mesh panels in the drain type solid cover of this invention uses the same mesh as the rest of the non-porous cover, it is more aesthetically pleasing since it blends in with the rest of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Pool Cover Corporation
    Inventor: LeeAnn Pesta
  • Patent number: 6807688
    Abstract: A pool cover support includes a base that rests on the bottom of a pool to be covered and a standard fixed to that base. A pole is adjustably and releasably connected to the standard and a plurality of bows are releasably attached to the pole. An S-shaped sleeve is releasably and adjustably attached to each rib and a flange is used to attach each sleeve to a side of the pool to be covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Anna Popowski, Chester Popowski
  • Patent number: 6718566
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable spa cover assembly includes a cover movable above a spa between a raised position and a lowered position, the raised position being vertically above the lowered position. Lifts are used to raise and lower the cover. The cover assembly may also include a screen that surrounds the area between the cover and the spa. The lifts are threaded sections including rods and pipes which engage one another and move up and down as one or more of these threaded sections are rotated by a power source such as a motor or hand crank. The power source may engage the threaded sections through gears or sprockets, or less directly via a system of sprockets and a chain which drives the sprockets and the threaded sections in turn. Alternately, the lifts may be telescoping members pneumatically or hydraulically powered. The cover assembly may be built into a spa unit or added as a retrofit component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6691334
    Abstract: A swimming pool covering structure including a flexible covering section for extending across the top surface of water contained within the pool and a flexible anchoring section for extending peripherally and outwardly from the covering section. The covering and anchoring sections are separable from each other about a separation segment. The covering and anchoring sections are releasably attached together about the separation segment. The anchoring segment is anchored to an outer structural component positioned outwardly relative to the inner surface of the pool peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Stéphane St-Hilaire
  • Publication number: 20040025239
    Abstract: A pool cover tie down assembly comprising a first strap which defines a loop, the first strap being secured to the pool cover at a location interiorly spaced from the edge of the pool cover, an anchor secured to the pool deck, a spring having a first end secured to the first strap and a second end secured to a second strap that extends from the spring and is coupled to the anchor, the second end of the spring being secured to the second strap at a location interiorly spaced from the edge of the pool cover such that the entire spring is location at a location interiorly spaced from said edge of the pool cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Latham Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Pagano, Craig Lewis
  • Patent number: 6671895
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual purpose beading for swimming pool liners. The beading includes a first portion structured and arranged for attachment of a swimming pool liner thereto and a second hook shaped portion. The hooked shaped portion is adapted so that it is moveable from a first position that enables the beading to be placed over an upper edge of a pool wall and a second position that enables the beading to be inserted into a receptor type coupling in a pool wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Latham Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Lewis
  • Patent number: 6659688
    Abstract: A cover assembly for an organic waste lagoon basin and a method of making and deploying such a cover assembly. A cover includes connected cover panels or sections. In one form of the invention the panels are comprised of a single layer of geotextile fabric. In another form of the invention the panels are comprised of interconnected strata including a sacrificial layer which faces the sun and protects the cover from ultraviolet light degradation; a foam layer that floats the cover; and a geotextile fabric layer. The geotextile fabric is porous and suppresses the release of malodorous gases from the lagoon basin. The cover can be constructed and deployed by laying out cover panels in fanfold fashion along a side of the basin; connecting adjacent edges of the panels; attaching flotation to the free edge of the top panel; and using deployment lines and a mandrel to move the cover across the filled basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Baumgartner Environics, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Baumgartner, Mark K. Kubesh
  • Patent number: 6637160
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plurality of movable transparent arcuate sections 12 that can roll on their own designated tracks 14 to enclose or expose a sun room or pool area 18. Thus, the present invention 10 is comprised of a plurality of overlapping transparent arcuate arches or sections 12 positioned on parallel tracks 14. The arches 12 can be selectively moved to any position on the parallel tracks 14. The two distal end arches have removable end closure panels 20. Each of the transparent panel members 22 or arch 12 are positioned within a frame member 16 having a plurality of wheels 36 engaging the spaced apart track members 14. Track members 14 are fixedly positioned to the ground or foundation structures 58 in a spaced-apart parallel configuration. Each side of an arch 12 consists of a plurality of wheels 36 fixedly positioned between spaced apart track elements 14 having hook-like terminations 53 to prevent dislocation of the frame member 16 from the track member 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Bob Brooks
  • Patent number: 6618869
    Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed for rolling up and laying out a solar pool cover over a pool. The apparatus comprises a two support frames, two reel supports, and a reel shaft that is mounted atop the two support frames. The two support frames are located opposite one another across the width of the pool. The solar pool cover is wound around the reel shaft. The reel shaft is hooked up to a motor which is atop one of the support frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Teresa Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6612079
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Claude J. DeGarie, Brent M. Howe, Brian R. MacLean
  • Patent number: 6519788
    Abstract: A swimming pool has a plurality of walls with a pair of side walls on opposite sides of the pool. The plurality of walls define a target water level within the swimming pool. A pair of tracks are respectively associated with each side wall and positioned above the target water level. A cover includes a pair of longitudinal side edges, with each side edge carried by a corresponding track. The cover includes at least one gas vent along each side edge and above the target water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fort Wayne Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Epple
  • Patent number: 6487734
    Abstract: A pool cover assembly for covering for covering an above ground swimming pool during periods of non-seasonal use includes a plurality of pool cover brackets arranged about and on the railing of the swimming pool with each pool cover bracket including a hook for engaging the inner lip of the railing and a socket member which projects inwardly, and at an acute angle, toward the swimming pool in order to receive the ends of pole cover supporting beams whereupon each supporting beam will extend across and above the swimming pool for securement to oppositely arranged pairs of brackets thereby forming a cambered framework that supports a pool cover above and around the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: William A. First
  • Publication number: 20020108317
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Claude J. DeGarie, Brent M. Howe, Brian R. MacLean
  • Patent number: 6421962
    Abstract: A swimming pool cover is provided for a swimming pool which can be lowered to cover portion of the room floor and can be then raised to a position above the pool and adjacent the ceiling. The cover is suspended from the ceiling by various wire ropes and associated winches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Bernard McNamara
  • Patent number: 6389757
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Claude J. DeGarie
  • Patent number: 6381766
    Abstract: A spa cover removal apparatus includes a pivot frame assembly having a pair of elongate side arms spaced apart to receive opposing cover side surfaces between the same for rotatably supporting the spa cover. Fixed to the spa is a stationary base, for pivotally supporting the pivot frame assembly. For this purpose, the stationary base is disposed under the pivot frame assembly. This arrangement, enables the spa cover to shift from a first horizontal covering position over the spa, to a second stowed position adjacent the back side of the spa as a rearwardly directed force is applied to the spa cover. Accordingly, the spa cover moves rearward and pivots relative to the side arms while the pivot frame assembly simultaneously pivots relative to the stationary base, about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gary L. Perry
  • Patent number: 6381767
    Abstract: A swimming pool cover support having: a central hub, a number of knockdown arms radiating from the central hub, and a number of mounting brackets each being respectively secured to one of the knockdown arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Francis L. Brashears
  • Patent number: 6286156
    Abstract: A foldable swimming pool cover includes, in one embodiment, a screen constructed of an ultra-fine, lightweight mesh fabric and a plastic frame mounted on the periphery of the screen. The plastic frame includes a plurality of frame members, each of the frame members having a pair of free ends. The free ends of adjacent frame members are pivotally connected by a bi-directional hinge assembly which enables the swimming pool cover to be collapsed into a vertical stack of individual panels in an accordion fashion. In use, the swimming pool cover is designed to be placed over a swimming pool to prevent environmental debris from falling into and contaminating the water held within the swimming pool. Because the screen is constructed of a mesh fabric, moisture will pass through the screen and environmental debris will accumulate on the screen. In order to use the swimming pool, the swimming pool cover can be folded into a vertical stack of individual panels and lifted off the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Thelma Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6286157
    Abstract: An inflatable cover for swimming pools comprising a pliable exterior sheet and a pliable interior sheet permanently affixed to one another around an outer periphery thereof. The exterior sheet includes an air inlet valve, which functions to allow air to be forced into a cavity formed within the exterior sheet and interior sheet for inflating the cover. The exterior sheet is larger in circumference than the interior sheet, allowing the exterior sheet to hang over a perimeter of a swimming pool, and further allowing the exterior sheet to engage a skirt member. The skirt member wraps around the perimeter of the pool and includes a plurality of apertures through which a strap is inserted. The skirt member further comprising a buckle which functions to allow tension of the strap to be adjusted, in total allowing a user to removably affix the inflatable cover to the swimming pool in a tight and secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Baumann
  • Patent number: 6209149
    Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool assembly includes an inflatable swimming pool with a peripheral wall that has a top surface, a first half and a second half. A sun shield has a flexible sunshade portion with two opposite sides, which are formed respectively with a curved first inflatable tube and a curved second inflatable tube. The first inflatable tube has two ends that are respectively in fluid communication with two ends of the second inflatable tube at two intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Aqua-Marine International Inc.
    Inventors: Rong-Jyh Song, Tsung-Ping Yen
  • Patent number: 6202355
    Abstract: A retractable load-bearing cover includes a plurality of rigid panels hingedly attached one to the other to form a plurality of hinged panel pairs, adjoining hinged panel pairs being hingedly attached to an interconnecting support member. A first hinged panel pair is hingedly attachable at one end to a support structure and hingedly attachable at another end to a first interconnecting support member. A last hinged panel pair includes a distal panel hingedly attached to a terminating support member. In an extended position, upper surfaces of the panels are coplanar to provide a load-bearing surface upon which activities such as dancing and sporting activities can be performed. The cover is retractable in an accordion configuration wherein each hinged panel pair abuts against an adjoining panel pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: Scott Uram, Judd Jackson
  • Patent number: 6195811
    Abstract: A foam spa cover member is attached to a cover lifter apparatus using a plurality of brackets, each having a horizontal lip inserted into a respective slit in a side surface of the cover and a vertical plate engaging the side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Zeljko Dragovic
  • Patent number: 6158062
    Abstract: An aboveground pool decking system that entails a platform that mounts to and over the conventional top rail of an aboveground pool, creating a smooth, level and gap-free transition from the deck to the edge of the pool. The platform includes an extension that fills the gap that is required between the top rail and deck to allow for maintenance and repairs to the pool and installation of a pool cover. With the extension, the pool deck is permitted to abut against the outer edge of the platform. The platform is configured to be securely attached to and stable on the top rail, yet easily removed to re-expose the gap between the rail and deck for repairs, maintenance and installation/removal of a pool cover. Various embodiments are possible for the platform that further promote the aesthetic and functional advantages of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry W. Vespo
  • Patent number: 6158063
    Abstract: A spa cover lifting device for lifting a folding spa cover seated on a spa from a seated position to a vertical storage position, the spa cover lifting device having a frame apparatus with a horizontal cross member and a pair of side members with ends having pivotal mounts connectable with the spa, the horizontal cross member engaging the folding spa cover at the fold and transporting the cover when folded over the cross member from the seated position to the storage position when the frame apparatus is pivoted, the spa cover lifting device including a spring mechanism that assists raising the cover and cushions descent of the cover into its folded storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: E. Jess Tudor
  • Patent number: 6119284
    Abstract: A floating pool cover support for suspending a pool cover above the surface of the water. The floating pool cover support includes a pair of spaced apart base members. A pair of float tubes surround the base members, each having a specific gravity less than that of water. Each of the base members has a first arm extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of angled members are coupled to the base members. A central portion is coupled to the angled members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Derek Cosman
  • Patent number: 6052843
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Sal Pirillo
  • Patent number: 6000071
    Abstract: Apparatus for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover. The apparatus includes at least one lifting assembly secured relative to the spa tub, each having a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to the spa tub and including a cover-engaging end coupled to the spa cover and a pivot end mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The lifting arm is rotatable through a range of motion about the pivot axis between a covering position and an uncovering position. A lifting system is provided for exerting a lifting force on the arm tending to lift the arm as the arm moves from the covering position toward the uncovering position, and for exerting a resistance force on the arm tending to resist movement of the arm from the uncovering position toward the covering position. The lifting system includes a link lever having a pivot end pivotally mounted to the lift arm at a link pivot location disposed between the arm pivot end and the cover-engaging end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Ian J. Fettes
  • Patent number: 5970531
    Abstract: A modular, wooden, pool cover frame, designed to replace conventional floating supports with a frame that spans the area above the pool, providing rigid support that is not susceptible to the problems such as puncture, rupture, structural integrity failure or water sitting on the pool cover. An A-frame like wooden structure covers the entire pool area. The frame is modular in design and has a plurality of locking wheel assemblies on the bottom thereof making it easy to store and set up, even by a single person. Depending upon the size and shape of the pool, a number of vertically aligned, equally spaced A-frame assemblies are placed spanning across the pool and are connected to one another by multiple support beams. Additional support arms are angled from the A-frame components to the ground in order to provide additional support. With the pool cover placed over the frame, a tent-like shape results that allows debris and water to run off the pool cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Clayton C. Demby
    Inventor: Clayton C. Demby
  • Patent number: 5970530
    Abstract: An improved insulated cover for removable mounting onto a spa or hot tub or the like, wherein the cover is hinged to accommodate folding of the cover to a compact size and shape suitable for convenient shipment and/or storage. The cover comprises a foldable base including a pair of structural membranes formed from a relatively high tensile strength fabric and sewn together on a midline to define a central hinge, and secured together at their peripheries to defined a pair of pockets within which are mounted a pair of insulation panels of relatively stiff foam or the like. In some embodiments, a foldable frame ring formed in hinged or separable half sections may be mounted to the structural membranes at the peripheries thereof. A decorative top sheet is stretched over the foldable base, and a peripheral margin thereof is wrapped over the periphery of the base and radially constricted for retention thereon by a drawstring or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Softub, Inc.
    Inventors: Borg Hansen, Roc V. Fleishman
  • Patent number: 5950253
    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 anabling 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Harry J. Last
  • Patent number: 5924144
    Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool having a plurality of vertical interior supporting webs extending between and connecting the inner and outer vertical side walls of the pool. The side walls and connecting webs are fabricated from polyvinylchloride or similar materials. A supporting shell, preferably fabricated from a tough, durable synthetic fabric such as nylon, includes a top gusset, a side wall, a bottom gusset, and a reinforcing bottom wall for added strength. A safety cover, also fabricated from nylon, includes a number of hooks that attach to loops on the shell to secure the cover in position when the pool is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Sportsstuff, Inc.
    Inventor: Leroy L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5916031
    Abstract: This invention is a slip resistant diving platform cover that can be easily installed or removed from a diving platform. The cover has a top mat laying in contact and covering a top plate of the diving platform, a front mat laying adjacent to a front plate of the diving platform, and a rear mat laying adjacent to a rear plate of the diving platform. These three mats are fastened to the diving platform by a U-shaped front clamp and a U-shaped rear clamp. Both clamps provide a screw means for engagement with the cover and the platform. The front clamp further provides a hinged leg bonded to an interior surface of the cover enabling permanent attachment thereto. The hinged leg preferably has a first portion that is attached to the top mat and a second portion which is attached to the front mat so that the front mat and the top mat may be rotated to an angle appropriate to conforming with the front and top plates of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Ramoncito Casillan
  • Patent number: 5845343
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Harry J. Last
  • Patent number: 5826283
    Abstract: A life safety device is provided including a pool having an upper exterior edge. A cover is provided having a continuous sleeve formed about a periphery thereof. Also included is a belt situated within the continuous sleeve of the cover for precluding the removal of the cover from the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Mark J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5802630
    Abstract: An improved insulated cover is provided for removable mounting onto a spa or hot tub or the like to minimize thermal and evaporative losses, while additionally safeguarding against foreign objects and/or persons falling into the tub. In the preferred form, the insulated cover comprises a frame ring in combination with a structural membrane stretched across the frame ring with a peripheral margin of the membrane wrapped over the outer rim and radially constricted for retention thereon by a drawstring or the like. The constricted drawstring additionally secures an insulation plate or disk relative to the structural membrane and frame ring. The insulation plate fits with close clearance into the spa tub, when the frame ring is supported on the top of the tub wall. An outer insulation skirt may also be provided to project downwardly about the tub wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Softub, Inc.
    Inventors: Borg Hansen, Rafael Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5745932
    Abstract: A hot tub cover and enclosure which, when in a closed position, forms a waterproof cover for a hot tub and a sloping surface to shed snow and water, and when in an open position, provides privacy screening and wind protection. The side walls of the hot tub cover and enclosure are individually self-supporting, so that any side wall or combination of side walls may remain on the hot tub in a closed position, or any number of side walls may be placed in an open position or removed from the hot tub, without need for support from neighboring side walls. The side walls attach to the hot tub using a detachable hinging mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: David L. Barovetto
  • Patent number: 5740562
    Abstract: A pool protector device (10) which comprises a plurality of panels (12). A facility (14) is for interlocking the panels (12) together in side by side relationships to form a larger covering which will extend across a swimming pool (16) and be elevated above water (18) therein. Components (20) are for securing edges of the outermost panels (12) onto sidewalls (22) of the swimming pool (16), so as to prevent access to the water (18) in the swimming pool (16), eliminating accidental drowning when the swimming pool (16) is left unattended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Cathy J. Nickalo
  • Patent number: 5722098
    Abstract: A cover for a water pool comprised of flexible waterproof material having a drainage opening positioned therein and a sleeve defining a passageway secured on the cover and in alignment with and intersecting the drainage opening allowing a filter means to be slidably positionable therein for filtering of rain water and melting snow to remove particulate matter, the filter means repositionable or removable for cleaning without the need for removing the cover for the water pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Stern
  • Patent number: 5673442
    Abstract: A protection device for swimming pools and similar types of pools, which are provided with a surrounding pool edge, including a pool cover which can be pulled or folded out for covering the pool and be pulled, retracted or folded in for decovering the pool. The pool cover includes a first end portion which is connected to a first, elongated carrier, and a second, opposite end portion which is connected to a second, elongated carrier. The first carrier is fastened to a fundament, i.e., a base fixed at a position located outside the pool edge, whereas the second carrier is pivotally arranged at the first carrier so that the pool cover from a retracted position can be brought to cover the pool by pivoting out the second carrier in relation to the first carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Stig Westlund
  • Patent number: 5621926
    Abstract: The swimming pool cover system is used for removably covering any type of swimming pool and for preventing objects or persons from falling into the pool. It comprises a flexible cover sheet having an outer edge removably connectable to locations along the swimming pool periphery. For covering the pool, the outer edge of the sheet is connected to the pool periphery and a central portion of the sheet is connected to a tautening cable mounted on a boom member extending over the pool. The sheet is then suspended and tautened above the water surface. The cover system comprises a sheet bundle cable mounted on the boom member for bundling up the sheet above the water surface when the cover system is in an uncovering position. The swimming pool cover system is very advantageous over other swimming pool covers because it is very simple and rapidly installed or removed. It may be very easily bundled up and stored away when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Gaetan La Madeleine
  • Patent number: 5608926
    Abstract: A snap hook fastener for swimming pool covers is provided to hold a pool cover edge rigidly close to the edge of the pool. The snap hook/eyebolt connection supports a pool edge sealing member in a proper orientation for optimal contact with the pool wall. The fastener includes a hook device used to attach the pool cover to the edge of a pool. It holds the edge of the pool cover horizontal and very close to the edge of the pool to minimize the chance of persons or objects falling between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: William S. Donaton
  • Patent number: 5594960
    Abstract: A cover for a water pool comprised of flexible waterproof material having a drainage opening positioned therein and a sleeve defining a passageway secured on the cover and in alignment with and intersecting the drainage opening allowing a filter to be slidably positionable therein for filtering of rain water and melting snow to remove particulate matter, the filter repositionable or removable for cleaning without the need for removing the cover for the water pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Stern
  • Patent number: 5560178
    Abstract: A cover devised to be positioned over and to overlay an opening contiguous to a swimming pool such as a stairwell opening. The cover is a preformed modular plastic unit. The cover may comprise a single molded piece or a plurality of pre-molded sections that are secured side-by-side to form a rigid unit. The cover is preferably slightly domed and provided with integrally formed strengthening ribs or channels. The dome shape facilitates flowing of water which may accumulate on the cover surface, to the rear and to the sides of the cover. Suitable means, such as pliable plastic water filled tubes, or other hold down means, function to retain the cover in place when in position, against undesirable dislocation from its covering position. The cover also facilitates the installation of a flexible vinyl liner in a swimming pool by providing means to hold the liner over, and to seal, the opening during the installation of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Quaker Plastic Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Dahowski, Paul D. Spies
  • Patent number: 5555877
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: George S. Lockwood
    Inventors: George S. Lockwood, John K. Bethune, Andrew W. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 5546615
    Abstract: An insulated cover for a pool includes a plurality of panels joined in edge to edge relation with one another to form a panel assembly for covering the surface of the pool. Each of the panels includes an upper and a lower sheet member joined together at their edges so as to form a flat surface around the perimeter of the panel and a pocket within the center of the panel. An insulating member is fitted within the pocket between the two sheet members. Panel tie members join the various panels together in edge to edge relation and a plurality of anchor tie members join the edges of the panel assembly to a plurality of anchors around the perimeter of the pool or lagoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Waste Management & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Chamness
  • Patent number: 5519901
    Abstract: A cover for a pool is retained in position by a plurality of water-filled enclosures, each including a container and a lid formed of a substantially rigid, plastic material having a specific gravity of less than one. The elongated, watertight container has a continuous flange about its upper, open end with openings at spaced intervals to receive locking pins integral with the lid. The lid has a pyramidal-shape to prevent water and debris from collecting thereon. The lid outer perimeter has lip engaging the marginal edge of the container flange to retain its shape without bowing due to the expansion of freezing water. The containers and lids are nestable and stackable when not in use. The container flange openings extend downwardly along an tipper portion of the side walls to prevents overfilling. The lid may be hingedly connected to the container, while retaining the nestable, stackable capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Jerome Friedman