INFLATABLE POOL COVER FOR A POOL APPARATUS, INCLUDING HOT TUBS AND SPAS

Abstract

An inflatable pool cover for pool apparatus, including hot tubs and spas, is disclosed. The inflatable pool cover includes a body having slightly larger diameter than the pool apparatus. The body, made of durable and waterproof material, includes rings, handles and a valve. Rings are used to tie the inflatable pool cover to the pool apparatus via straps. Handles are used to place or remove the inflatable pool cover from the top of the pool apparatus. The valve is used to inflate the body. In one example, the body has a tapered portion. When placed over the pool apparatus, the tapered portion of the inflatable pool cover ensures water and debris slide and fall outside of the pool apparatus, preventing accumulation of water and debris over the inflatable pool cover. For easy storage and transportation, the inflatable pool cover may be deflated, folded and stored in the included kit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present subject matter relates to a cover for a swimming pool. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to an inflatable pool cover for covering a pool or pool apparatus, including hot tubs and spas.

Description of the Prior Art

It is known that portable swimming pools have gained popularity in recent times. The portable swimming pools are placed over the ground (“above ground”) or any other suitable surface, and come in different depth, size and shapes depending on the need. The portable swimming pools are used for a variety of recreational purposes in the backyard of a house, for example. Pool covers are used to prevent dust and debris from entering the portable swimming pools when the portable swimming pools are not in use. Most pool covers are made of vinyl material and are lightweight. Often the pool covers come as sheets that are stretched to cover the portable swimming pools. The lightweight vinyl pool covers are effective in collecting leaves and debris. However, when it rains, the water gets accumulated on the vinyl pool cover and it becomes difficult to remove them from the portable swimming pool. Further, it is difficult to lift the pool cover without spilling the dirt collected into the pool.

In order to overcome the shortcomings of the lightweight pool covers, hard covers have been proposed. The hard covers typically consist of foam encased in a vinyl material sheet. Although the hard covers offer improved structural integrity, they present few problems. For instance, the hard covers are very rigid and heavy. As a result, the hard covers are cumbersome to handle and expensive to ship. The large size of the hard covers make it difficult to store and transport them. Some hard covers are foldable at the center, which help in storage, still they remain bulky and difficult to manage.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an inflatable pool cover that is lightweight, easy to remove when wet and prevents debris from falling into the pool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present subject matter to provide an inflatable pool cover that prevents debris, leaves, and pests from entering the pool or pool apparatus, including hot tubs and spas.

It is another object of the present subject matter to provide an inflatable pool cover that is easy to install and remove from the top of the pool apparatus, including hot tubs and spas.

It is another object of the present subject matter to provide an inflatable pool cover that is foldable and easy to store and transport when not in use.

In order to achieve one or more objects, the present subject matter provides an inflatable pool cover for covering a pool apparatus, including hot tubs and spas. The inflatable pool cover includes a body having slightly larger diameter than the pool apparatus. The body is made of durable and waterproof material. The inflatable pool cover has a top end and a bottom end. The top end is exposed to the environment, and the bottom end faces the pool apparatus. The body includes rings, handles and a valve at the top end. The rings allow the inflatable pool cover to be securely attached to the pool apparatus using bottom/ground straps. The handles facilitate easy placement and removal of the inflatable pool cover from the top of the pool apparatus. The valve allows to inflate and deflate air into the body.

In one advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the inflatable pool cover is made of lightweight and waterproof material. The inflatable pool cover is light enough to be placed and removed by one person, but heavy enough to stay put over the pool apparatus. The inflatable pool cover is placed over the pool apparatus to collect the debris at the top. The inflatable pool cover allows to the use of a squeegee or broom to remove the debris. This way, the inflatable pool cover can be removed from the pool apparatus even in wet weather conditions.

In another advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the body has a tapered portion. The tapered portion directs the rainwater and debris to slide off and avoids accumulation of the debris and rainwater.

In another advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the inflatable pool cover positions over the pool apparatus and helps to keep the pool apparatus insulated, and keep heated water warm in the pool apparatus.

In yet another advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the inflatable pool cover includes rings for connecting the straps to retain the inflatable pool cover over the pool apparatus.

These and other objects of the present subject matter will be apparent from review of the following specification and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environment of an inflatable pool cover placed over a pool apparatus, which may include a hot tub or spa, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a perspective view and a top view, respectively of the inflatable pool cover, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the inflatable pool cover showing a handle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 illustrates the inflatable pool cover aligned with the pool apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 illustrates the inflatable pool cover placed over the pool apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 illustrates the pool apparatus having bottom/ground straps, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 illustrates the bottom/ground straps connected to the inflatable pool cover, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C show a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, and a side perspective view, respectively of an inflatable pool cover, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed inflatable pool cover. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed inflatable pool cover.

In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Although the present invention describes the inflatable pool cover, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the inflatable pool cover. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this invention.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Various features and embodiments of an inflatable pool cover for covering a pool or pool apparatus are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 1-8C.

FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which an inflatable pool cover 12 implements, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Here, inflatable pool cover 12 positions over a stock tank or pool or pool apparatus 14. Pool apparatus 14 includes a single layer Polyethylene (poly) tank/tub made of hard plastic, metal or any other suitable material. Optionally pool apparatus 14 includes two tanks i.e., a first tank and a second tank. The first tank indicates an inner tank and the second tank indicates an outer tank. The first tank is made of plastic (polyethylene) to prevent water from getting hot due to exposure from the Sun. The first tank is molded from a high density linear polyethylene (HDPE) or a high density cross linked polyethylene (XLPE). The first tank has increased structural integrity and durability against impact, puncture, or tears. Further, the first tank is resistant to rust and corrosion. The second tank is made of hard plastic, metal or any other suitable material. It is preferable to provide the second tank in metal to prevent the water from getting hot. In one example, the second tank is made of galvanized steel. Pool apparatus 14 is used for storing water. Users get into pool apparatus 14 for performing a variety of recreational activities in the water. The recreational activities include, but not limited to, swimming, sitting, splashing, playing, etc.

Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, a perspective view and a top view, respectively of inflatable pool cover 12 is shown, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Here, inflatable pool cover 12 is shown in an inflatable configuration. Inflatable pool cover 12 has a body 20. Body 20 comes in a flat configuration. Body 20 comes in a circular configuration with a suitable thickness. It should be understood that body 20 can come in various shapes, sizes, and thickness depending on the need. In one example, inflatable pool cover 12 can come in 10 ft: 122″, 8 ft: 98″, and 6 ft: 72″, depending on the need. In one example, body 20 is made of a lightweight and waterproof material. Body 20 has a slightly larger diameter than pool apparatus 14 such that body 20 covers the entire area at the top of pool apparatus 14, as shown in FIG. 1.

Body 20 presents a top end 22 and a bottom end 24. Top end 22 is exposed to the environment and bottom end 24 is made to face pool apparatus 14. Body 20 has a plurality of rings 26 such as O-rings or D-rings at top end 22. In one example, plurality of rings 26 include six rings spread across the entire circumference of body 20. In some examples, rings 26 are used to tie inflatable pool cover 12 over pool apparatus 14 using (ground/bottom) straps 18, as shown in FIG. 7. Further, body 26 has a valve 28 at top end 22. Valve 28 is used to inflate air into body 20 using an air pump (not shown). In some implementations, a kit (not shown) is provided with inflatable pool cover 12. The kit includes a plastic valve wrench (not shown), the air pump, and a bag (not shown). In the case of inflatable pool cover 12 losing air, the valve wrench is used to tighten valve 28. In one example, the valve wrench is operated in ¼″ turns to tighten valve 28. The air pump is used to pump air into body 20 to inflate inflatable pool cover 12 via valve 28.

Further, body 20 includes handles 30 at top end 22. Handles 30 help to place and remove inflatable pool cover 12 from the top of pool apparatus 14. In one example, handles 30 include at least two handles positioned at the periphery of body 20 for easy handling of inflatable pool cover 12. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of handle 30 connected to body 20. Here, each handle 30 is connected to body 20 with the help of a connecting member 32. In one example, handles 30 are stitched to connecting members 32 to keep handles 30 in a flat configuration with respect to body 20.

In one embodiment, body 20 consists of two circular sheets (top layer facing top end 22 and bottom layer facing bottom end 24) connected by bands at the outer sides forming a thick circular inflatable pool cover 12 having a hollow space for filling air to inflate inflatable pool cover 12. At top end 22, rings 26, valve 28 and handles 30 are provided. Body 20 formed with the top layer and the bottom layer is inflated via valve 28. After inflating, inflatable pool cover 12 is placed over pool apparatus 14 covering an interior 16 of pool apparatus 14. FIG. 4 shows the feature of inflatable pool cover 12 aligned with pool apparatus 14. Further, FIG. 5 shows the feature of inflatable pool cover 12 placed over pool apparatus 14. In one embodiment, interior 16 of pool apparatus 14 receives water and inflatable pool cover 12 is made to sit over pool apparatus 14. Due to its lightweight, inflatable pool cover 12 can sit over the water.

When placed over pool apparatus 14, inflatable pool cover 12 prevents leaves, debris and unwanted pests from entering pool apparatus 14. In a case where inflatable pool cover 12 appears to be weighed down by rain or debris, a squeegee or broom can be used to push off water and debris from the top of inflatable pool cover 12. It should be understood that inflatable pool cover 12 comes as a sturdy pool cover for covering the top of pool apparatus 14. However, inflatable pool cover 12 may not reliably hold their inflated shape with heavy rains or snow fall over an empty pool.

In some embodiments, pool apparatus 14 includes (ground/bottom) straps 18. Straps 18 extend from the bottom of pool apparatus 14, as shown in FIG. 6. Straps 18 are a web of narrow polyester straps (similar to the material of seat belts). Straps 18 include rings 19 (metal D-rings) at their distal end. Straps 18 sit flat underneath pool apparatus 14 such that just rings 19 stick out. Upon placing inflatable pool cover 12 over pool apparatus 14, straps 18 are pulled through rings 26 and rings 19 are locked in rings 26 to retain inflatable pool cover 12 over pool apparatus 14, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. This way, inflatable pool cover 12 is made sit over and can be used even during extreme weather conditions. In some instances, inflatable pool cover 12 can be configured to endure heavy rains and snow fall over an empty pool apparatus 14.

When it is not needed, straps 18 are removed and inflatable pool cover 12 can be deflated to fold inflatable pool cover 12. The folded inflatable pool cover 12 can be stored in the bag provided in the kit for easy storage and transportation.

Now referring to FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C, a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, and a side perspective view, respectively of an inflatable pool cover 100 is shown, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. Inflatable pool cover 100 has a body 102. Body 102 presents a top end 104 and a bottom end 106. Top end 104 is exposed to the environment and bottom end 106 is made to face a pool apparatus 14 (similar to pool apparatus 14 as explained above). In the present embodiment, body 102 has a tapered portion 108 in that body 102 takes the shape of a pyramid as it goes from circumference to the center. FIG. 8C shows the feature of tapered portion 108. The raised tapered portion 108 at top end 104 forms a hollow portion at the bottom providing a space between pool apparatus 14 and inflatable pool cover 100 at the center.

Body 102 has a plurality of rings 110 such as O-rings or D-rings at top end 104. In one example, plurality of rings 110 include six rings spread across the circumference of body 102. In some examples, rings 110 are used to tie inflatable pool cover 100 over pool apparatus 14 using bottom/ground straps (not shown), similar to straps 18 shown in FIG. 7. Further, body 102 has a valve 112 at top end 104. Valve 112 is used to inflate air into body 102 using an air pump (not shown). In some implementations, a kit (not shown) is provided with inflatable pool cover 100. The kit includes a plastic valve wrench (not shown), the air pump, and a bag (not shown). In the case of inflatable pool cover 100 losing air; the valve wrench is used to tighten valve 112. In one example, the valve wrench is operated in ¼″ turns to tighten valve 112. The air pump is used to pump air into body 102 to inflate inflatable pool cover 100 via valve 112.

Further, body 102 includes handles 114 at top end 104. Handles 114 help to place and remove inflatable pool cover 100 from the top of pool apparatus 14. In one example, handles 114 include at least two handles spread at the periphery of body 102 for easy handling of inflatable pool cover 100. In one embodiment, each handle 114 is connected to body 102 with the help of a connecting member 116. In one example, handles 114 are stitched to connecting members 116 to keep handles 114 in a flat configuration with respect to body 102. Further, body 102 encompasses a foldable section 118 at bottom end 106, as shown in FIG. 8B. Foldable section 118 is formed in the shape of a plus sign or any other shape allowing body 102 to fold easily.

In the present embodiment, when inflatable pool cover 100 is placed over pool apparatus 14, the tapered portion 108 ensures leaves and debris slide and fall outside of pool apparatus 14. This way, the leaves and debris do not get accumulated over inflatable pool cover 100. In some implementations, inflatable pool cover 100 is made of waterproof material. This allows inflatable pool cover 100 to be placed over pool apparatus 14 even when it rains. The tapered portion 108 allows the water to flow down inflatable pool cover 100 and does not allow inflatable pool cover 100 to be weighed down by rain or debris. Further, raised tapered portion 108 allows to maintain the temperature of water in pool apparatus 14.

The presently disclosed inflatable pool cover provides several advantages over the prior art. The inflatable pool cover presents a lightweight design and allows a user to place or remove the inflatable pool cover from the pool apparatus. The inflatable pool cover is lightweight yet sturdy when inflated, allows for placement over the pool apparatus and prevents debris, leaves, and pests from contaminating the water. In one example, the tapered portion ensures leaves and debris slide and fall outside of pool apparatus. In another example, when the body is provided in a flat configuration, the collected debris and water can be easily removed, preventing the inflatable pool cover from being weighed down. Further, the inflatable pool cover includes rings for tying the inflatable pool cover to the pool apparatus. This allows the inflatable pool cover to remain over the pool apparatus. Further, the valve allows the inflatable pool cover to inflate or deflate the inflatable pool cover. The inflatable pool cover can be deflated and folded when not in use. Further, the folded inflatable pool cover can be stored and transported in a bag provided in the kit.

In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter.

In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the subject matter, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Other embodiments of the subject matter will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A pool cover for a pool apparatus, including a hot tub or spa, comprising: a body having a top end and a bottom end;a plurality of rings positioned around a periphery of said body at said top end;a valve positioned at said body, wherein said valve is configured for inflating said body; andhandles provided at said top end of said body,wherein said handles allow placement and removal of said body, facing said bottom end, over a pool apparatus storing water, andwherein said plurality of rings configure to secure said body to said pool apparatus.

2. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein said body comprises two sheets connected by bands at outer sides, forming a hollow space for inflating said body via said valve.

3. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein said body has a diameter larger than said pool apparatus.

4. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein said body is made of a lightweight and waterproof material.

5. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein each handle of said handles connects to said body via a connecting member.

6. The pool cover of claim 5, wherein each of said handle is stitched to said connecting member to maintain a flat configuration relative to said body.

7. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein said plurality of rings configure to secure said pool cover to said pool apparatus via ground straps of said pool apparatus.

8. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein said plurality of rings comprise O-rings or D-rings.

9. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein said body is deflated via said valve and folded enabling for compact storage.

10. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein said pool apparatus comprises ground straps with strap rings at their distal ends, and wherein said strap rings lock into said plurality of rings of said pool cover ensuring said body secures to said pool apparatus.

11. The pool cover of claim 1, wherein said body is configured to remain inflated under light to moderate environmental conditions and to resist being weighed down by rain or debris.

12. A pool cover for a pool apparatus, including a hot tub or spa, comprising: a body having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said body comprises a tapered portion forming a pyramid shape from a circumference to a center of said body at said top end; a plurality of rings positioned around a periphery of said body at said top end;a valve positioned at said body, wherein said valve is configured for inflating said body; andhandles provided at said top end of said body,wherein said handles allow placement and removal of said body, facing said bottom end, over a pool apparatus storing water, andwherein said plurality of rings configure to secure said body to said pool apparatus.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said tapered portion creates a hollow portion at said bottom end between said pool apparatus and said body when said body is placed over said pool apparatus.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein said body comprises a foldable section at said bottom end of said body allowing said body to fold when deflated.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein said tapered portion allows rainwater and debris to slide off when said body is placed over said pool apparatus.

16. The pool cover of claim 12, wherein said body has a diameter larger than said pool apparatus.

17. The pool cover of claim 12, wherein said body is made of a lightweight and waterproof material.

18. The pool cover of claim 12, wherein said plurality of rings comprise O-rings or D-rings.

19. The pool cover of claim 12, wherein said pool apparatus comprises ground straps with strap rings at their distal ends, and wherein said strap rings lock into said plurality of rings of said pool cover ensuring said body secures to said pool apparatus.

20. A method of providing a pool cover for covering a pool apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: providing a body having a top end and a bottom end;providing a plurality of rings positioned around a periphery of said body at said top end;providing a valve positioned at said body, wherein said valve is configured for inflating said body;providing handles at said top end of said body for placement and removal of said body, facing said bottom end, over a pool apparatus storing water; andsecuring said body to said pool apparatus via said plurality of rings.