Abstract: A combination floating thermal pool cover and high efficiency thermal pool cover retaining device is disclosed having a flexible clamping portion for clinging to an extended edge of a pool and a retaining portion for lifting a small portion of the thermal pool cover off of localized turbulent surface areas of the pool created by underwater jets that can potentially remove larger portions of the thermal pool cover from contact with the surface area of the pool. By lifting small portions of the thermal pool cover off of these localized turbulent surface areas of the pool, the net effect is to maximize the total surface area of the thermal pool cover in communication with the pool surface. Moreover, by keeping the maximum amount of the thermal pool cover in contact with the water surface area of the pool, the pool water is heated more quickly and the amount of debris which falls into the pool is minimized.

Abstract: An integral fastener for securing a pool cover to the top rail of an above-ground pool is disclosed. The fastener is comprised of a first leg, a second leg, a first downwardly-extending, diverging lip connected to said first leg, and a second downwardly-extending diverging lip connected to said second leg.The first leg and the second leg are partially contiguous with each other and form a closed cavity which is defined by a continuous surface consisting of a first substantially linear wall, a substantially concave inner wall, a substantially convex wall, and a second substantially linear wall.

Abstract: A combination of a floating thermal pool cover and thermal pool cover retaining device having a flexible clamping portion for clinging to an extended edge of a pool and a retaining portion for maintaining the floating thermal pool cover in direct contact with the water surface area of a pool. By keeping the floating thermal pool cover in contact with the water surface area of the pool, the pool water is heated more quickly and the amount of debris which falls into the pool is minimized.

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 fastening device for a canoe cover consists of a set of elongated, interlocking rails that frictionally engage and trap a cover that can be comprised of waterproof "spray skirt" material or nylon "pack" material. The cover, secured over the otherwise open top of a canoe, is a continuous covering, starboard to port and bow to stern, or includes coverings with seat openings, along the length of the hull. A stack of three rails comprise the preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism, with a rail base member fastening to the hull below and along the length of opposite and parallel gunwales; a rail locking member snaps on the base rail; and a rail cover having a plurality of T-node tracks similar to a mortise receives the male nodes or tenons extending outwardly from the locking member. The cover is stretched very tautly and held in a three-way lateral gripping action by the rail. The same rail system is used around the cockpit(s) to receive the spray skirt in a quick-release mechanism.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool construction and cover includes a swimming pool cover laid on the water of the pool and having a marginal edge provided with one component of the two component elongated locking member. The second component of the locking member is disposed in the pool coping or deck edge accessible at the pool interior for engagement by the locking member component on the pool cover. The locking component associated wit the pool is provided in a retrofit configuration by securing a locking component to a vinyl liner bead lock secured in the vinyl liner bead channel in a pool coping. In a new vinyl-lined pool construction, a coping is provided with a secondary channel with one component of the cover locking member secured therein. In a gunnite pool, a channel is formed in the deck edge and a component of the releasable cover locking member is secured in the channel for securement of the pool cover thereto. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus to include a flexible protective web mounted in a first position to a bottom surface of a swimming pool and in a second position raised adjacent an upper edge of a perimeter side of the swimming pool. The apparatus includes a primary control tube to include a housing. The housing formed with a plurality of shaft members, with the first shaft arranged to effect rotation relative to the housing and effect a winding of a primary control cable, with secondary control cables directed from the housing to secondary control tubes to effect simultaneous lifting of the web to the second position.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover for covering the entire area of a water-filled pool so as to prevent egress of silt and debris into the pool during periods of non-use comprises a water-impervious sheet material configured to extend across the entire area of the pool. A securing strap is attached at spaced-apart positions near edges of the sheet material for securing the sheet material in a taut condition to pool outer portions. An anchor is disposed in the pool outer portions for anchoring the securing strap in a manner to provide the taut condition of the sheet material. A resilient attachment, such as a spring, attaches the securing strap to the anchor so as to ensure the maintenance of the taut condition. At least one aperture is disposed in the sheet material at a lowermost portion thereof. A filter is attached along and near peripheral edges of the aperture and the filter has pore sizes sufficient to be impervious to silt and debris but pervious to water.

Abstract: A break away clip releasably engageable with a wall depending from a swimming pool coping where the wall has a raised rib, and an edge of a pool cover where the edge has a retaining groove, the clip presenting in cross-section a pair of spaced apart legs adapted to releasably embrace the depending wall, the legs are connected at one end and one of the legs includes a retaining groove between the legs which is adapted to receive the rib presented by the depending wall of the swimming pool coping, the clip including a channel presenting a lip releasably engageable with the retaining groove of the edge of the pool cover.

Abstract: A channel-like member defines a track section for supporting elongated lengths of fiber optic lighting about the interior perimeter wall of a swimming pool. The member is comprised of a polymeric composition with which there is integrally formed an anchor arm extending rearwardly away from the track section. When mounting the member, the anchor arm is positioned to extend overlying the pool edge to within the unfinished decking area in which decking mortar or aggregate is to be introduced. Receipt and curing of the decking mortar or aggregate along with the weight of the decking permanently secures the anchor arm and member at the selected mounting location. Also included integrally of the track body is a flashing ledge secured laterally rearward therefrom to be positioned horizontally intervening between the decking and the pool wall.

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: A pool deck protective liner in the nature of a pool guard for swimmers is provided to extend around the deck of a swimming pool adjacent the edge of the deck at the swimming pool and along edges of structural components of the pool such as step ladders, diving boards and the like. The protective liner is comprised of a plurality of inflatable tubes which are sized and shaped to extend around the edges of the swimming pool deck and structural components thereof. Moreover, the individual tubes are endwise abuttable to form a generally peripherally extending liner. A member is provided on the inflatable tubes to hold the endwise abutted inflatable tubes along the edge of the swimming pool deck. It is also possible to provide a long length of rolled inflatable tube which a user can cut to select lengths and secure to the edge of a deck of a swimming pool surrounding a swimming pool itself.

Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a spa cover or spa cover mounted for pivotal movement to facilitate the removal of the cover away from the vicinity of the spa or spa when same is in use. In one embodiment, a bridge arm supported by two side arms is pivotally attached to a base. The bridge arm can be pivoted into position adjacent the spa cover. The spa cover folded over the bridge arm, and the bridge arm, along with the supported cover, is pivoted clearly away from the spa or spa area. In an alternate embodiment, a step elbow is provided near the point of pivotal attachment to the spa or spa to facilitate a step assisted pivoting and to provide a pivotal stop.

Abstract: A water flow control device, using available swimming pool water for a source of water, adapted to be connected to conventional swimming pool hose apparatus for rapidly serving swimming pools for winter and spring cleanup. The flow control device can be used to rapidly fill water tubes, consisting of large vinyl bags which are used to anchor the four sides of conventional swimming pool cover used to cover swimming pools when not in use. The flow control device comprises a check valve, a nozzle, a hose section, a valve housing, a flow control handle, a flow chamber, a ball and a ball check seat. A swimming pool flow control system incorporating a source of water.An improved flow control device, of 11/2" id.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a swimming pool is provided for winter protection of the pool and the water contained therein. The assembly includes a cover and an adjustable ring assembly for securing the cover against the inner side of the pool's peripheral wall. The ring assembly may be of one-piece construction or may be multiply-segmented. In either embodiment a ring size linear adjusting assembly is provided to firmly position the ring assembly to the inner side of the peripheral wall. The adjusting assembly may either comprise a pair of adjustably interlocking segments or a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: In order to prevent the edge of a floating pool cover from rolling downwardly into the water, as would occur if a child fell or stepped onto the cover, upwardly open channels, the outer walls of which are notched at spaced intervals, are affixed to the pool walls immediately above the water level and extend along substantially the entire periphery of the pool, and anchors are attached to the edges of the cover at the same intervals as the notches, each anchor projecting laterally from the cover and having a shank terminating in a bulbous end which may be dropped into the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing a rolled pool cover along the exterior sidewall of the pool. The apparatus includes a plurality of perimetrically spaced apart, upwardly opening hooks which are cantileverly supported on the pool sidewall. The hooks are expansible and contractible to allow the hooks to "open" and "close" for receiving and dispensing the pool cover.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool construction and cover includes a swimming pool cover laid on the water of the pool and having a marginal edge provided with one component of the two component elongated locking member. The second component of the locking member is disposed in the pool coping or deck edge accessible at the pool interior for engagement by the locking member component on the pool cover. The locking component associated wit the pool is provided in a retrofit configuration by securing a locking component to a vinyl liner bead lock secured in the vinyl liner bead channel in a pool coping. In a new vinyl-lined pool construction, a coping is provided with a secondary channel with one component of the cover locking member secured therein. In a gunnite pool, a channel is formed in the deck edge and a component of the releasable cover locking member is secured in the channel for securement of the pool cover thereto. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible cover installable on a spa (hot tub) to provide a barrier against upward escape of moisture or heat or chlorine out of the spa. The cover is formed as a three ply laminated sheet that includes an outer canvas layer, an impervious plastic film adhered to the lower face of the canvas layer, and a thermally reflective film adhered to the lower face of the plastic film.

Abstract: A tie-down particularly adapted for use in combination with a pool cover which importantly prevents any marring, scratching or damage to the surface of the deck surrounding the pool. The tie-down is generally flat and smooth and made from a tough flexible rubber compound, presenting a keyhole slot at one end and a bifurcated opposite end. Either a hollow threaded member (or fastener) or a selective snap fastening arrangement is presented at the latter. The keyhole slot engages an anchor embedded in the pool deck, where the opposite bifurcated end secures one of a series of grommets disposed along the edge of the pool cover. The invention achieves desired strength and pulling force on the cover.

Abstract: A swimming pool structure for on-site assembly including a flexible liner supported by a surrounding wall of side-by-side, wooden staves. One of the vertical edges of each stave is formed as a concave and the other as a convex surface. When the staves are arranged side-by-side, the convex surface of each stave nests within and contacts the concave surface of the adjoining stave. A plurality of cables pass entirely around the wall, and the cables are tensioned to urge the staves into tightly engaged relation. A downwardly-facing, U-shaped track member extends around the upper periphery of the wall and snugly engages the upper ends of the staves. The track member includes supplemental wall portions forming open channels for releasably receiving bead portions on the pool liner and a removable cover. A closed-cell, polyethylene sheet is preferably interposed between the vertical wall of the pool liner and the staves to provide a protective layer for the liner.

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 swimming pool cover support system for maintaining the cleanliness of a pool during periods the pool is not in use includes at least one central support member, and a plurality of support arms. The top of the support member is positioned at a height greater than the distance from the bottom of the pool, at the location of the support member, to a height over the highest point on the side of the pool. Each of the plurality of support arms is attached at one end thereof to the top of the central support member, and at the other end thereof contacts a side of the pool. The other end of each support arm is secured to the side of the pool by means of a side brace affixed to the side of the pool. A cover is disposed over the central support member and support arms, and suspended thereby over the surface of the pool.

Abstract: A pool deck protector comprising an enlarged body portion tapering into narrow elongated strips at either end, where the body portion is adpated to underlie the body of a spring member forming part of a pool cover tensioning arrangement. The aforesaid strips of the deck protector are inserted into opposite ends of the spring member, serving to retain the elongated body portion in a position between the spring member and the upper surface of the pool deck.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a base structure such as a hot tub comprising a cover member mounted for rotational movement to the base structure by mounting arms.The mounting arms are arranged relative to the cover member so that the cover member travels along a path from a covering positioning to an open position, this path having a first path portion extending between the covering position and an intermediate location area of the cover member, and a second path portion extending between the open position and the intermediate location area.The cover member is arranged relative to the mounting arms in a manner that with the cover member on a first side of the intermediate location area in the first path portion, gravitational force on the cover assembly tends to move the cover member to the covering position, and with the cover member on the second side of the intermediate location area in the second path portion, gravitational force on the cover assembly tends to move the cover member to the open position.

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 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 receptor apparatus useful in combination with swimming pools utilizing a vinyl liner, wherein the receptor apparatus is uniquely designed and configured to retain the free edge of the pool liner and also to provide means for receiving and mounting a tile border around the pool's waterline. The receptor apparatus includes a liner receptor which is mounted around the perimeter of the pool cavity and which retains the free edge of the liner therein, and a tile setting track which is attachable to the edge of the liner, whereby a tile border may be placed in the tile setting track around the pool's waterline.

Abstract: A submersible bilge pump is used within a tub to provide a Jacuzzi-type jet spray. A mounting assembly enables the bilge pump to be located below the water in the tub, yet the mounting assembly allows for effective mounting to the tub to provide the water jet type action. The mounting assembly also allows for the submersible bilge pump to be rotatably fastened to the tub to provide a whirlpool type action when desired.

Abstract: A fitting and faceplate cap assembly, for use in swimming pools, and the like, with vinyl liners, comprises a fitting member which extends through an opening in the wall of the pool with a flange overlying the opening on the inner surface of the pool. The fitting is hollow to adapt it for connection to water return lines or drain lines commonly used in such swimming pools. The flange on the fitting has a circular groove formed in it with a pair of enlarged recesses extending from the groove on opposite sides of the opening through the fitting. The faceplate cap includes a circular ridge with a pair of spaced projections for matingly engaging the groove and recesses in the faceplate of the fitting. A gasket is attached to the inner surface of the faceplate cap.

Abstract: The open hatch of barges is covered by a plastic sheet with plastic piping formed about the edges to receive water for weighting the sheet down on the hatch coaming rim and sealing the sheet in place. The plastic pipes comprise hollow folded over plastic pipes terminating at tapered ends on each side of a rectangular shaped sheet to form filling pipe structure and simple drawstring closure valving to be disposed above water level. Drainage pipes in the barge coaming receive plastic drain sleeves forming passageways from the upper sheet surface to remove any collected rainwater. Plastic air socks located on opposite ends and extending through the sheet permit a blower fan to tent up the sheet in transit for draining rainwater over the edge of the coaming.

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 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: 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 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: An improved bead for swimming pool covers or swimming pool domes is provided with locking features which afford substantially improved capability for holding the swimming pool cover or dome secured in a holding groove positioned peripherally around the swimming pool.The groove into which the bead is positioned may be part of the swimming pool coping that is provided with upper and lower horizontal channels and is secured at the top of the pool wall. Where a coping structure with two bead receiving grooves or channels is used, a pool liner bead is retained in the lower channel and the bead of the cover or dome is retained in the upper channel. Sufficient gripping force by the bead in the coping channel is provided by the bead configuration to prevent dislodging of the bead by forces pulling on the member attached to the bead.

Abstract: This invention relates to the combination of an outdoor swimming pool and adjustable roof structure mounted so as to extend over the pool and a patio adjacent to the pool. When the roof structure is in a raised position, the pool may be used by bathers, positionally adjustable curtaining extending between the roof structure and a ground area surrounding the pool and patio providing protection against adverse weather conditions. When the roof structure is in a lowered position, it prevents access to the pool, providing a safeguard against small children falling into the pool when it is not being used by adults. Additionally, when the roof structure is in its lowered position, insulating members carried thereby lie directly over the pool, minimizing heat loss therefrom. Desirably, the roof structure or part thereof may be moved to open the pool to the sunshine, while providing shade and protection against wind to non-bathers sojourning on the adjacent patio.

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 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.

Abstract: A collapsible cover assembly for use with a swimming pool having a curved edge or coping extending along opposite sides thereof, wherein the cover assembly includes a plurality of slidably extendable support members each forming an arch across the pool to support a cover member positioned thereon, with each support member further including a curved foot member mounted on opposite ends which overlie and provide attachment with the pool coping.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover consisting of a sheet of transparent, flexible, pliant plastic of a size to cover the water surface of a pool with an overhang of a several inches permitting folding back all edges, a foamed plastic cylinder in the fold around the pool periphery and a plurality of tubular clamps maintaining the folded edge around the foamed plastic cylinder.

Abstract: A generally hemispherical dome designed to cover a hot tub comprises a pair of successively smaller spherical shells, generally quadrantal in configuration, which are pivotally connected to a pin member vertically disposed through the superimposed apexes of the respective shells. A deck surrounding the perimeter of the hot tub provides basal support to the shells as well as a bearing surface for roller wheels attached along the base of the smaller shell. Upon affixation of the larger shell to the deck the smaller shell is rotated about the pin member through a range of superjacent positions relative to the fixed shell. A plurality of arcuate ribs form the framework of each shell and extend from the respective base towards the apex thereof for connection to a circular rim member. Brace members within the rim are rotatable about the pin member extending therethrough to provide rotation to the smaller shell.

Abstract: Interfitted tubular supports are connected centrally above an enclosure such as a pool, above or below ground, or a greenhouse and are connected at their lower ends to a peripheral rail surrounding the enclosure. The supports are connected to the peripheral rail preferably by clamping a horizontal tubular member to the flat top wall of the rail or alternatively, by individually clamping a plurality of spaced blocks lying on the flat top wall of the rail. A flexible plastic cover is fitted over the tubular supports and is releasibly clamped to the vertical sidewall of the rail by peripherally spaced clamping or pinching members. In one embodiment, especially for larger enclosures, the tubular truss support members are employed and support members all are interconnected by tubular stabilizing members as well as with guy lines. Some of the embodiments have a tubular ridge member which terminates above the peripheral rail at a height high enough to allow entry by a standing child or an adult.