METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENCAPSULATION AND ALIGNMENT OF POOL COVER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An encapsulation apparatus configured to connect about a perimeter of a pool for a pool cover includes an elongated encapsulation extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage a perimeter of the pool cover. A channel is formed on a first side of the elongated encapsulation by opposing channel walls configured to receive a webbing of the pool cover. A support structure forms a second side of the elongated encapsulation. The support structure includes opposing interior walls extending at a wall angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The opposing interior walls of the support structure are configured to receive a splice member disposed between adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present device generally relates to an alignment apparatus and corresponding alignment methods to align various assemblies associated with a retractable pool cover system and, more particularly, to apparatuses and methods including splice members configured to retain and align adjacent structures of retractable pool cover assemblies.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, the disclosure may provide a lid assembly for a retractable pool cover assembly. The lid assembly may include a plurality of cover segments comprising a support deck on a first side and a plurality of stiffening ribs extending from an opposing second side. At least one neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs form a slot comprising a longitudinal opening extending therebetween. The lid assembly may further comprise a splice member having an elongated body with a first end portion extending to a second end portion along a longitudinal axis. The splice member is interposed between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs of adjacent cover segments of the plurality of cover segments. A retaining fastener is in connection with the splice member on the first end portion via a threaded interface. The retaining fastener binds the first end portion of the splice member within the slot formed by the neighboring pair of stiffening ribs.

In some implementations, the disclosure may provide for an encapsulation apparatus configured to connect about a perimeter of a pool for a pool cover. The apparatus may include an elongated encapsulation extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage a perimeter of the pool cover. A channel may be formed on a first side of the elongated encapsulation by opposing channel walls configured to receive a webbing of the pool cover. A support structure forms a second side of the elongated encapsulation. The support structure comprises opposing interior walls extending at a wall angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The opposing interior walls of the support structure are configured to receive a splice member disposed between adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation. In various implementations, the splice member may have tapered sidewalls converging at a base at a taper angle complementary to the wall angle. The tapered sidewalls of the splice member may align with the opposing interior sidewalls of the adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.

In some implementations, the disclosure may provide for a method of aligning adjacent segments of the encapsulation for a retractable pool cover. The method may include steps including positioning the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure along a longitudinal axis aligned with a pool edge. The method may further include providing an angled trough having opposing walls forming a wall angle across the angled trough and extending along the longitudinal axis of the adjacent segments. A splice member may be positioned within the angled trough of the adjacent segments. The splice member may include an elongated bar having at least one tapered sidewall converging at a base along the wall angle. The adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure may be oriented such that the wall angle of the tapered sidewalls of the splice member settles within the opposing interior walls of the adjacent segments formed by the angled trough. In this way, the method may provide for the longitudinal alignment of the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 demonstrates an elevational view of an exemplary retractable pool cover system demonstrating an encapsulation structure;

FIG. 2 is a projected view demonstrating a drive assembly including a motor in connection with a rope wheel and a roll tube of a pool cover;

FIG. 3 is a detailed projected view of an encapsulation structure demonstrating a webbing interface of a retractable pool cover;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a segment of encapsulation structure demonstrating a webbing interface of a retractable pool cover;

FIG. 5A is a projected view of a pool cover demonstrating a webbing interface;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the pool cover demonstrating the webbing interface;

FIG. 6A is a projected view of an encapsulation structure demonstrating a splice member aligning adjacent segments;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the encapsulation structure demonstrated in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a side view of a splice member configured to align the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure demonstrating tapered sidewalls configured to align with the wall angle of the angled trough of the encapsulation structure;

FIG. 7A is a side view demonstrating an encapsulation structure comprising a coping portion configured to form a perimeter edge of a pool;

FIG. 7B is a projected view of the encapsulation structure demonstrated in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a front projected view demonstrating a lid assembly for a retractable pool cover system including a splice member;

FIG. 8B is a side front projected view demonstrating a lid assembly for a retractable pool cover system including a splice member;

FIG. 8C is a projected view of a splice member of a lid assembly; and

FIG. 8D is a detailed sectional view of the splice member located in a pocket formed by stiffening ribs of a lid assembly for a retractable pool cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disclosure may provide for assemblies related to a retractable pool cover system 10. In general, the system 10 may comprise a drive motor 12 configured to selectively engage a drive assembly 14 to extend and retract a pool cover 16. In operation, the motor 12 may engage the drive assembly 14 to extend the pool cover 16 by retrieving a plurality of draw lines 18 around a spool of a rope wheel 20. The draw lines 18 may extend along opposing sides 22a, 22b of a pool 22 within an encapsulation structure 24. As demonstrated in Detail A, the encapsulation structure 24 may be implemented as longitudinally aligned, adjacent segments connected via an encapsulation coupling 26. The encapsulation structure 24 may provide an enclosed or partially enclosed passage through which the draw lines 18 are guided by pulleys 28 aligned with the rope wheel 20 as shown in FIG. 2. In response to the retraction of the draw line 18 on the rope wheel 20, a webbing 30 extending along perimeter edges 32 of the pool cover 16 may be drawn through a channel 34 formed by opposing channel walls 62 of the encapsulation structure 24 to guide the pool cover 16 along the sides 22a, 22b. In response to the retraction or spooling of the draw lines 18, the pool cover 16 may be extended to enclose the pool 22. To retract the pool cover 16, the drive assembly 14 may be engaged in an opposite direction to rotate an axle 36 and roll-up the pool cover 16 on a roll tube 38 extending from the first side 22a to the second side 22b of the pool 22.

As demonstrated in FIG. 1, the encapsulation structure 24 may form a finished, enclosed perimeter wall 40 of the pool 22 enclosing or encapsulating the draw lines 18 and the webbing 30 along the perimeter edges 32 of the pool cover 16. As further shown in FIG. 1, the motor 12, the drive assembly 14, and the pool cover 16 may be housed and enclosed within a storage cavity 42 which may be formed as a pit or cavity beneath a level of a deck 44 adjacent to the pool 22. In such configurations, the cover system 10 may further comprise a deck lid 50. The deck lid 50 may include one or more segments of support decking configured to enclose the storage cavity 42 and provide a structural support allowing users to walk or step on the support decking 52. As discussed further in the following detailed disclosure, the cover system 10 may comprise a variety of features to improve the ease of assembly, build quality, and longevity of the retractable pool cover 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the encapsulation structure 24 is demonstrated in both a projected view and a side profile view demonstrating a relationship between the encapsulation structure 24 and the webbing 30 of the pool cover 16. As shown, the encapsulation structure 24 may comprise an encapsulation insert 60 that may be installed within the channel 34 formed by opposing channel walls 62 of the encapsulation structure 24. The encapsulation insert 60 may separate the channel 34 into a first partitioned region 64a and a second partitioned region 64b. The first partitioned region 64a may comprise a draw line opening 66 extending into a draw line pocket 68. In this configuration, the draw lines 18 extending along the opposing sides 22a, 22b of the pool 22 may be installed into the draw line pocket 68 via the draw line opening 66. Within the draw line pocket 68, the draw lines 18 may be captured and retained within the channel 34 formed by the encapsulation structure 24. In this way, the encapsulation structure 24 and the encapsulation insert 60 may combine to house and protect the draw lines 18 extending along a length of the pool 22 throughout operation.

The second partitioned region 64b formed by the encapsulation insert 60 may comprise a webbing interface opening 70 that partially encloses a webbing pocket 72 formed on a second side 60b of the encapsulation insert 60 opposite a first side 60a comprising the draw line opening 66. The webbing interface opening 70 may be open at opposing ends of each of the plurality of segments of the encapsulation structure 24 extending along the sides 22a, 22b of the pool 22. Accordingly, the webbing 30, including a draw cord 80, may be guided through the webbing pocket 72. In this configuration, the pool cover 16 may extend between the perimeter edges 32 of the webbing 30 and slidably engage one or more encapsulation protrusions 82 to retain and capture the draw cord 80 and the webbing 30 within the webbing pocket 72. As shown, the encapsulation protrusions 82 may extend into and partially enclose the webbing interface opening 70 to securely capture the draw cord 80 and the webbing 30 within the webbing pocket 72. In some implementations, the encapsulation protrusion 82 formed by the encapsulation insert 60 may include a plurality of encapsulation protrusions 82 that extend into the webbing interface opening 70 from opposing sides of the channel 34 to form a smooth, curved barrier wall on which the webbing 30 may rest to draw and support the pool cover 16 across the opposing sides 22a, 22b of the pool 22.

The encapsulation insert 60 may be removable and selectively locked into engagement with the channel 34 to assist in an assembly procedure for the cover system 10. During the assembly, a plurality of segments of the encapsulation structure 24 may be aligned and secured to the opposing sides 22a, 22b of the pool 22. With the encapsulation structure installed, the cover 16 and draw lines 18 may be installed in sequence with the encapsulation insert 60 to facilitate the installation of the retractable cover 16 and later maintenance of the system 10. As shown, the encapsulation insert 60 may be retained within the channel 34 formed by the channel walls 62 by a locking shim or locking insert 84. The locking insert 84 may be installed along the adjacent segments or lengths of the encapsulation structure 24 between one of the channel walls 62 and the encapsulation insert 60. In this way, the encapsulation insert 60 and the encapsulation structure 24 may provide for an enclosed guide for the draw line 18 within the draw line pocket 68 and the webbing 30 within the webbing pocket 72 to retain the webbing 30 along the opposing sides 22a, 22b of the pool 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the encapsulation structure 24 of the pool cover 16 is demonstrated in further detail. As previously discussed, the draw cord 80 of the webbing 30 may extend over a length of the pool cover 16 in connection with the opposing sides 22a, 22b of the pool 22. Though discussed generally as the pool cover 16, the construction of the pool cover 16 may comprise a central cover portion 90 configured to cover the body of the pool 22. The central cover portion 90 may correspond to a flexible material or fabric panel extending over the surface of the pool 22 and connect about a perimeter to a bonding surface 92 formed by the webbing interface in connection with the webbing 30 along the opposing sides 22a, 22b. The bonding surface 92 may be formed by one of a plurality of flaps 94 of a webbing sheet 96 wrapped around the draw cord 80. The flaps 94 of the webbing 30 may correspond to opposing sides of the webbing sheet 96 wrapped around and extending from the draw cord 80 along a connection side 98. The flaps or sheet flaps may include a first flap 94a and a second flap 94b, which may be welded or fused along the connection side 98 forming a first weld 100a and defining the webbing interface. For clarity, the combination of the draw cord 80 in connection with webbing sheet 96 may be referred to as the webbing 30.

As best demonstrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first flap 94a may extend beyond the second flap 94b on the connection side 98. The extent of the first flap 94a beyond the second flap 94b may form the bonding surface 92 over an exposed portion of an interior side 102a of the webbing sheet 96 opposite an exterior side 102b. As previously discussed, the perimeter edges 32 of the cover portion 90 may be affixed to the interior side 102a of the first flap 94a along the bonding surface 92 via a second weld 100b. In this configuration, the webbing 30, including the draw cord 80, webbing sheet 96, and cover portion 90, may be configured to engage the webbing pocket 72 and pass through the webbing interface opening 70 to support the pool cover 16 drawn across the pool 22 from the first side 22a to the second side 22b. Though described specifically as first and second welds 100a, 100b, the connections among the various portions of the pool cover 16 may be provided by additional or alternative connection methods including, but not limited to, stitching, adhesives, combined welding or material fusion, individual welds, etc. unless otherwise specified.

In some implementations, the central cover portion 90 may correspond to a large rectangular sheet of material comprising a pool side 90a and an environment side 90b. In some cases, the pool side 90a of the central cover portion 90 may include one or more decorative features and/or printed graphics, referred to herein as surface designs 104, that may be applied to or formed on the outward facing material of the pool cover 16. In such applications, the surface designs 104 may extend over the entire surface formed by the cover side 90b of the central cover portion 90. For example, the surface designs 104 may extend to a boundary 106 of the central cover portion 90 and may abut or extend proximal to the second flap 94b along the bonding surface 92 of the webbing 30. The surface designs 104 may correspond to graphics that may be formed on, printed, or otherwise applied to the cover side 90b of the central cover portion 90 in the form of various decorative colors, graphics, photographic likenesses, artistic works, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the engagement of the webbing 30 with the encapsulation structure 24 may provide for an overlapping region OR that may be defined by an extent of the central portion or central cover portion 90 of the visually-exposed cover side 90b that extends into an opening plane 110 formed by the channel 34 of the encapsulation structure 24. As best illustrated in detail of FIG. 4, the overlapping region OR may correspond to an extent of the central cover portion 90 in connection with the bonding surface 92 that engages the first flap 94a of the webbing 30 and extends into and beyond the opening plane 110. In some cases, the overlapping region OR may extend from approximately 1 millimeter to 50 millimeters into the channel 34 formed by either of the channel walls 62 and extending beyond the opening plane 110. In this configuration, the surface designs 104 of the central cover portion 90 of the pool cover 16 may extend across the pool 22 from the first side 22a to the second side 22b while eliminating a visibility of the webbing sheet 96 of the webbing 30 from visibility over the surface of the pool 22. Though discussed in reference to specific dimensions and ranged in reference to the overlapping region OR of the central cover portion 90 and the corresponding surface designs 104, the dimensions of the overlapping region OR may vary to effectively mask and hide the webbing sheet 96 within the encapsulation structure 24 and beneath (e.g., opposite the cover side 90b of the central cover portion 90). In this way, the surface designs 104 may extend over the entirety of the pool surface and into the encapsulation structure 24 to mask the appearance of the webbing sheet 96 along the perimeter edges 32.

In various implementations, the construction of the webbing 30 in connection with the central cover portion 90 may support the operability of the pool cover 16 to include the overlapping region OR. For example, the construction of the webbing 30 may provide for excellent tensile strength and resiliency to wear in connection with forces applied to the central cover portion 90 throughout operation of the retractable cover system 10. As discussed herein, the central cover portion 90 may extend into the channel 34 of the encapsulation structure 24. This configuration allows the surface designs 104 to extend to the perimeter pool edges 22a, 22b providing a frameless view of the surface designs 104. In order to ensure that the pool cover 16 maintains resiliency to wear while providing the surface designs, the webbing 30 may provide for the first flap 94a to extend from the webbing pocket 72 and beyond the opening plane 110. In this configuration, the first flap 94a may provide for the bonding surface 92 with the central cover portion 90 while also having the exterior side 102b of the webbing sheet 96 extend through the webbing interface opening 70, through the encapsulation insert 60 and beyond a boundary of the channel 34 defined by the opening plane 110. As shown in FIG. 4, this configuration allows the first flap 94a of the webbing 30 to extend out through the channel 34 beyond the opening plane 110 over the pool side 90a of the central cover portion 90 to provide resistance to abrasion and wear associated with the pool cover 16 being repeatedly retracted and extended through the encapsulation structure 24. Opposite the pool side 90a, the central cover portion 90 may extend into the channel 34 across the opening plane 110 or proximate thereto allowing the surface designs 104 to extend to the perimeter edge of the pool 22.

In some implementations, the thickness of the webbing interface formed by the flaps 94a, 94b and a cover interface between the first flap 94a and the central cover portion 90 may be limited to a thickness of two layers formed by the webbing sheet 96 and/or the central cover portion 90. In this configuration, the pool cover 16 may be designed to ensure that the retention of the draw cord 80 within the webbing pocket 72 is maintained while limiting a material thickness extending out through the opening formed by the encapsulation protrusions 82 of the encapsulation insert 60. For example, the webbing interface including the first weld 100a of the first flap 94a and the second flap 94b may be limited in thickness to the combination of two layers of the webbing sheet 96. Similarly, the cover interface, formed by engagement of the first flap 94a to the central cover portion 90 over the bonding surface 92, may be limited in thickness to the combination of a single layer of the webbing sheet 96 with a layer of the material forming the central cover portion 90. In this configuration, the webbing interface and the cover interface forming the first weld 100a and the second weld 100b may be limited to a clearance thickness that readily passes outward from the encapsulation insert 60 in connection with the central cover portion 90. Additionally, the design of the first flap 94a extending from the encapsulation structure 24 opposite the central cover portion 90 may ensure that the limited thickness retains resiliency to wear.

As discussed herein, the materials associated with the draw cord 80, the central cover portion 90, and the webbing sheet 96 may vary among a diverse range of applications for retractable pool cover systems. In an exemplary embodiment, the draw cord 80 may correspond to a nylon rope or similar material that may be resistant to tensile stretching and also resilient to environmental deterioration over time. The webbing sheet 96 may similarly correspond to a woven or reinforced fabric or nylon sheet extending about the draw cord 80 and forming the flaps 94 on the connection side 98. The central cover portion 90 may correspond to a canvas, vinyl, or various other forms of materials on which the surface designs 104 may be applied or printed to provide a decorative pool cover as provided by the disclosure. Though the features described herein are discussed in reference to specific combinations of elements, the related invention and corresponding disclosure may not be so limited.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the encapsulation structure 24 may comprise an elongated body 120, which may be extruded or formed from a corrosion resistant material, for example aluminum, ceramic, polymeric materials, etc. The elongated body 120 may extend along a longitudinal axis A_L configured to be aligned with the opposing sides 22a, 22b of the pool 22. In some implementations, the encapsulation structure 24 may further comprise a coping structure 122 as later discussed and demonstrated in the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In various implementations, adjacent segments 124a, 124b of the encapsulation structure 24 may be aligned along the longitudinal axis A_L to accommodate proportions of the pool 22 that may exceed a length of each of the segments 124. For example, the segments 124 of the encapsulation structure 24 may commonly be provided in 2-3-meter lengths that may need to be aligned along the longitudinal axis A_L. The alignment of the segments 124 of the encapsulation structure 24 may be imperative to maintain alignment with the encapsulation inserts 60 to provide the passage for the draw lines 18 and the webbing 30.

As previously discussed, the channel walls 62 may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A_L forming the channel 34 along a first side of the encapsulation structure 24. In order to provide for accurate alignment of the segments 124, opposite the channel 34 along a second side of the encapsulation structure 24, a support structure 126 may be formed in connection with the elongated body 120. The support structure 126 may correspond to a plurality of support walls forming an exterior rectangular perimeter wall 128. An angled trough 130 may be formed extending along a union of a base of the channel 34 and the support structure 126 forming a first interior wall 132a. Opposite the first interior wall 132a, a second interior wall 132b may be formed by the support structure 126 extending from the exterior perimeter wall 128. As demonstrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the interior walls 132 may comprise a parallel section 134 forming an opening of the angled trough 130 and a tapered section 136 tapering centrally within the support structure 126 along a wall angle θ_W. In an assembly operation, the angled troughs 130 of the adjacent segments 124 may be aligned and configured to receive a splice member 140, which may align the adjacent segments 124 along the longitudinal axis A_L.

Still referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the splice member 140 is demonstrated as being formed from an elongated bar 142 having tapered sidewalls 144 converging at a taper angle θ_T, which may be complimentary to the wall angle θ_W. In this configuration, the splice member 140 may be inserted between the adjacent segments 124 of the encapsulation structure 24, thereby aligning the angled troughs 130 by adjusting the alignment of the adjacent segments 124 such that the tapered angle θ_T of the splice member 140 is aligned with the wall angle θ_W and settles within the angled trough 130. Once the splice member 140 is positioned within the angled trough 130 and the adjacent segments 124 are aligned along the longitudinal axis A_L, the splice member 140 may be affixed to the support structure 126 by a plurality of fasteners 146 in connection with each of the adjacent segments 124.

As previously discussed, the encapsulation structure 24 may incorporate a coping structure 122 in some implementations. As demonstrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the implementations of the encapsulation structure 24 comprising the coping structure 122 may similarly comprise the channel 34 formed by the channel walls 62 extending along the first side of the encapsulation structure 24. The support structure 126 may extend along the second side 22b and be positioned away from the pool 22. In general, the coping structure 122 may provide for the perimeter wall 40 in cases where it is desired to pour concrete to the perimeter of the pool 22. In implementations where the encapsulation structure 24 does not include the coping structure 122, the perimeter wall 40 of the pool 22 may be formed by pavers, curbing, or various forms of specialty stone or tile that may provide a structure for the perimeter wall 40 of the pool 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, adjacent segments 150 of the deck lid 50 are shown demonstrating a spliced region of the support decking 52. As shown, each of the adjacent segments 150 of the deck lid 50 may be interconnected or spliced together by one or more splice members 152. In operation, the splice members 152 may bind the adjacent segments 150 of the deck lid 50 together such that forces (e.g., weight applied by walking on the support decking 52) may be supported without allowing relative displacement between the adjacent segments 150. As shown, the splice members 152 may be disposed between a plurality of stiffening ribs 154 extending from an interior side 156 of the deck lid 50 opposite the support decking 52. The splice member 152 may be positioned within a slot or channel 158 formed by a neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs 154.

As best demonstrated in the side profile view shown in FIG. 8D, the slot or channel 158 may extend from a proximal end portion 154a in connection with the interior side 156 to a distal end portion 154b. On the distal end portion 154b of one or more of the stiffening ribs 154, an encapsulation tab 160 may partially enclose an elongated opening 162 formed between the neighboring stiffening ribs 154. As demonstrated in FIG. 8D, the encapsulation tab 160 extends laterally from each of the neighboring stiffening ribs 154 and into the elongated opening 162. As shown, the splice member 152 may be retained between the stiffening ribs 154 as well as the at least one encapsulation tab 160. In this configuration, movement of the splice member 152 may be limited to translation within the slot or channel 158 along a longitudinal axis A_L. Once installed between the adjacent segments 150 of the deck lid 50, the splice member 152 may effectively bind the adjacent segments 150 together along the longitudinal axis and ensure that the adjacent segments 150 of the support decking 52 deflect uniformly in response to an applied force.

Referring still to FIGS. 8C and 8D, the splice member 152 may extend along the longitudinal axis A_L from a first end portion 152a to a second end portion 152b. The first end portion 152a may be secured within the channel 158 formed between the neighboring stiffening ribs 154 by an interference fit. The interference fit may be provided by an engagement of a top wall 164a and a bottom wall 164b of the splice member 152 within the channel 158 partially enclosed by the encapsulation tab 160 and/or an engagement between the lateral sides 166 of the splice member 152 with the sides of the channel 158 formed by the neighboring stiffening ribs 154. In some implementations, the encapsulation tabs 160 may comprise bent or biased end portions 168 that may angle inward into the channel 158 and partially enclose the elongated opening 162. In such cases, the splice member 152 may comprise engaging protrusions 180 extending from the bottom side 164b opposite the surface of the support decking 52. The engaging protrusions 170 may create a controlled interference fit with the biased end portions 168 of the encapsulation tabs 160 to securely bind the splice member 152 within the adjacent segments 150 of the channel 158 formed by the neighboring stiffening ribs 154.

On the second end portion 152b, the splice member 152 may form a recessed pocket 172 extending approximately parallel to the lateral direction of the stiffening ribs 154 relative to the interior side 156 of the deck lid 50. The recessed pocket 172 may correspond to a rectangular cutout that may form an opening between a base portion 174 formed by the recessed pocket 172 of the splice member 152 and the adjacent stiffening rib 154 forming the channel 158 as shown in FIG. 8D. In such configurations, a locking fastener 176 or bolt may be fitted within a threaded aperture 178 extending through the base 174 and into the second end portion 152b of the splice member 152. In an installed configuration, as best demonstrated in FIG. 8A, the locking fastener 176 may be extended outward from the base 174 by turning the fastener 176 (e.g., in a loosening or counterclockwise direction). The withdrawal of the locking fastener 176 from the threaded aperture 178 may cause a head of the fastener 176 to engage the adjacent stiffening ribs 154 of the channel 158. In this way, the locking fastener 176 may be withdrawn from the threaded aperture 178 to bind the second end portion 152b of the splice member 152 within the channel 158.

When applied in combination with the interference fit of the first end portion 152a, the splice member 152 may effectively align and bind the adjacent segments 150 of the deck lid 50 to prevent deflection between the adjacent segments 150, particularly from pressure applied to the surface of support decking 52. As further demonstrated in the examples shown, multiple splice members 152 may be fitted within a plurality of channels 158 formed by the neighboring stiffening ribs 154 to further align and secure the adjacent segments 150 to each other. Notably, the combined implementation of the splice members 152 applied in alternating directions relative to the longitudinal axis A_L of the deck lid 50 may ensure that the interference fit associated with the first end portion 152a and the locking engagement via the locking fastener 176 associated with the second end portion 152b may be alternated along the coupling between the adjacent segments 150. Such an application of the splice member 152 may further ensure that the adjacent segments 150 are securely engaged and deflect uniformly in response to forces applied to the surface of support decking 52.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, a lid assembly for a retractable pool cover assembly comprises a plurality of cover segments forming a support deck on a first side and a plurality of stiffening ribs extending from an opposing second side, wherein at least one neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs form at least one slot comprising a longitudinal opening extending therebetween. A splice member comprises an elongated body including a first end portion extending to a second end portion along a longitudinal axis, wherein the splice member is interposed between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs of adjacent cover segments of the plurality of cover segments; and a retaining fastener in connection with the splice member on the first end portion via a threaded interface, wherein the retaining fastener binds the first end portion of the splice member within the at least one slot formed by the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs. According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or more of the following features or configurations in various combinations:

According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or more of the following features or configurations in various combinations:

• • the splice member binds the adjacent cover segments together along the longitudinal axis and structurally binds the adjacent cover segments to uniformly deflect in response to a force applied to the support deck;
  • the second end portion is bound between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs by an interference fit of the elongated body between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs;
  • each of the stiffening ribs extend laterally from a proximal end portion in connection with the second side of the cover segments to a distal end portion;
  • the neighboring pair of stiffening ribs comprise at least one encapsulation tab extending therebetween from the distal end portions and partially enclosing the longitudinal opening;
  • at least one neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs comprises a plurality of neighboring pairs of the stiffening ribs configured to receive a plurality of the splice members spaced over the opposing second side;
  • the second end portion is bound between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs and an encapsulation tab forming an interference fit about the elongated body of the splice member;
  • the second end portion is configured to slide longitudinally within the slot and is retained within the slot by the encapsulation tab by the interference fit and is retained longitudinally on the first end portion by the retaining fastener;
  • the stiffening ribs comprising the encapsulation tab form a profile shape along the longitudinal axis, wherein the profile shape is one of a T-shape or an L-shape;
  • the retaining fastener is withdrawn from the splice member along the threaded interface, thereby binding the splice member and the retaining fastener between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs; and/or
  • the retaining fastener is extended outward along the threaded interface disposed in a recessed pocket formed in the first end portion of the splice member perpendicular to the second side and the longitudinal axis.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, an encapsulation apparatus configured to connect about a perimeter of a pool for a pool cover comprises an elongated encapsulation extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage a perimeter of the pool cover; a channel formed on a first side of the elongated encapsulation by opposing channel walls configured to receive a webbing of the pool cover; and a support structure forming a second side of the elongated encapsulation, wherein the support structure comprises opposing interior walls extending at a wall angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the opposing interior walls of the support structure are configured to receive a splice member disposed between adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.

According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or more of the following features or configurations in various combinations:

• • the splice member comprising an elongated bar having tapered sidewalls converging at a base at a taper angle complementary to the wall angle;
  • the tapered sidewalls of the splice member align with the opposing channel walls of the adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation;
  • the taper angle of the tapered sidewalls settles in contact with the opposing channel walls thereby longitudinally aligning the adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation;
  • the splice member is affixed to the support structure by a plurality of fasteners thereby rigidly aligning the adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation; and/or
  • the wall angle ranges from 15 to 65 degrees.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method of aligning adjacent segments of encapsulation structure for a retractable pool cover comprises positioning the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure along a longitudinal axis aligned with a pool edge; providing an angled trough having opposing interior walls forming a wall angle across the angled trough extending along the longitudinal axis of the adjacent segments; inserting a splice member into the angled trough of the adjacent segments, the splice member comprising an elongated bar having at least one tapered sidewall converging at a base along a taper angle complementary to the wall angle; and orienting the adjacent segments such that the tapered sidewalls settle within the opposing interior walls of the adjacent segments formed by the angled trough, thereby longitudinally aligning the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure.

According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or more of the following features or configurations in various combinations:

• • affixing the splice member to the support structure via a plurality of fasteners thereby rigidly securing the alignment of the adjacent segments to the splice member;
  • the encapsulation structure forms a channel extending on a first side of the encapsulation structure comprising opposing interior walls configured to receive a webbing of the pool cover; and/or
  • a support structure extends along a second side of the encapsulation structure, wherein the support structure forms the opposing interior walls.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a retractable pool cover assembly comprising: a plurality of cover segments forming a support deck on a first side and a plurality of stiffening ribs extending from an opposing second side, wherein at least one neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs form at least one slot comprising a longitudinal opening extending therebetween;a splice member comprising an elongated body comprising a first end portion extending to a second end portion along a longitudinal axis, wherein the splice member is interposed between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs of adjacent cover segments of the plurality of cover segments; anda retaining fastener in connection with the splice member on the first end portion via a threaded interface, wherein the retaining fastener binds the first end portion of the splice member within the at least one slot formed by the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs.

2. The lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the splice member binds the adjacent cover segments together along the longitudinal axis and structurally binds the adjacent cover segments to uniformly deflect in response to a force applied to the support deck.

3. The lid assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second end portion is bound between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs by an interference fit of the elongated body between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs.

4. The lid assembly according to claim 2, wherein each of the stiffening ribs extend laterally from a proximal end portion in connection with the second side of the cover segments to a distal end portion.

5. The lid assembly according to claim 4, wherein the neighboring pair of stiffening ribs comprise at least one encapsulation tab extending therebetween from the distal end portions and partially enclosing the longitudinal opening.

6. The lid assembly according to claim 4, wherein the at least one neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs comprises a plurality of neighboring pairs of the stiffening ribs configured to receive a plurality of the splice members spaced over the opposing second side.

7. The lid assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second end portion is bound between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs and an encapsulation tab forming an interference fit about the elongated body of the splice member.

8. The lid assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second end portion is configured to slide longitudinally within the slot and is retained within the slot by the encapsulation tab by the interference fit and is retained longitudinally on the first end portion by the retaining fastener.

9. The lid assembly according to claim 6, wherein the stiffening ribs comprising the encapsulation tab form a profile shape along the longitudinal axis, wherein the profile shape is one of a T-shape or an L-shape.

10. The lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the retaining fastener is withdrawn from the splice member along the threaded interface, thereby binding the splice member and the retaining fastener between the neighboring pair of the stiffening ribs.

11. The lid assembly according to claim 10, wherein the retaining fastener is extended outward along the threaded interface disposed in a recessed pocket formed in the first end portion of the splice member perpendicular to the second side and the longitudinal axis.

12. An encapsulation apparatus configured to connect about a perimeter of a pool for a pool cover, the encapsulation apparatus comprising: an elongated encapsulation extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage a perimeter of the pool cover;a channel formed on a first side of the elongated encapsulation by opposing channel walls configured to receive a webbing of the pool cover; anda support structure forming a second side of the elongated encapsulation, wherein the support structure comprises opposing interior walls extending at a wall angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the opposing interior walls of the support structure are configured to receive a splice member disposed between adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.

13. The encapsulation apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: the splice member comprising an elongated bar having tapered sidewalls converging at a base at a taper angle complementary to the wall angle.

14. The encapsulation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the tapered sidewalls of the splice member align with the opposing channel walls of the adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.

15. The encapsulation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the taper angle of the tapered sidewalls settles in contact with the opposing channel walls thereby longitudinally aligning the adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.

16. The encapsulation apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the splice member is affixed to the support structure by a plurality of fasteners thereby rigidly aligning the adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.

17. The encapsulation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the wall angle ranges from 15 to 65 degrees.

18. A method of aligning adjacent segments of encapsulation structure for a retractable pool cover, the method comprising: positioning the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure along a longitudinal axis aligned with a pool edge;providing an angled trough having opposing interior walls forming a wall angle across the angled trough extending along the longitudinal axis of the adjacent segments;inserting a splice member into the angled trough of the adjacent segments, the splice member comprising an elongated bar having at least one tapered sidewall converging at a base along a taper angle complementary to the wall angle; andorienting the adjacent segments such that the tapered sidewalls settle within the opposing interior walls of the adjacent segments formed by the angled trough, thereby longitudinally aligning the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: affixing the splice member to the support structure via a plurality of fasteners thereby rigidly securing the alignment of the adjacent segments to the splice member.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the encapsulation structure forms a channel extending on a first side of the encapsulation structure comprising opposing interior walls configured to receive a webbing of the pool cover; and a support structure extending along a second side of the encapsulation structure, wherein the support structure forms the opposing interior walls.