Patent Application
20240376734
The various embodiments herein relate to devices and systems for use with above-ground and/or semi-above ground pool covers.
Above-ground and/or semi-above ground pools can require year-round attention and upkeep. This maintenance can include protecting the above-ground and/or semi-above ground pool from the elements and miscellaneous debris. Water can be kept in the above-ground and/or semi-above ground pool throughout the year, not just when the pool is in use. Leaves, bugs, and other detritus can enter the pool, resulting in sometimes costly cleaning by draining and replacing the water and necessary chemicals.
Pool covers can reduce the need for such maintenance. Pool covers provide a barrier for the inside of the pool from the outside elements, preventing entry of debris. In some instances, pool covers can be affixed using cable-and-winch systems, which can leave gaps between the pool cover and pool walls and/or posts. Other approaches include adding weights to the pool cover, which can result in tearing or other damage to the pool cover, or adding shrink wrap around the pool cover and pool.
Weather elements can cause extreme, sharp, or sudden movement of the pool cover. Such movement can cause the cable-and-winch system to damage the pool by scratching and breaking the plastic. If the damage of the plastic is extensive, it can pose a risk of hurting a person using the pool. Further, replacing the damaged components can be costly.
In general, the various embodiments herein relate to above-ground and/or semi-above ground pool covers. In particular, the embodiments herein relate to retention devices for pool covers. The pool cover retention devices can be embedded into the pool covers, or placed on or over pool covers when in use. The pool cover retention device includes a retaining band, retention structure, or combination of retaining band and retention structure.
Devices described herein can improve the performance of pool covers. The devices herein can address potential issues with existing pool covers that can cause damage to pools. For example, the devices disclosed herein can reduce the passage of air to the space between the pool cover and the pool, thereby reducing movement of the pool cover. This can reduce damage caused to the pool by pool cover movement while reducing the capacity for debris to enter the pool.
One embodiment includes a pool cover retaining system for above-ground and/or semi-above ground pools including a self-contracting retaining band. The self-contracting retaining band is configured to be fitted around a pool wall. The embodiment includes a retention structure. The retention structure includes a first rod comprising a first rod length. The first rod is configured for use with a pool cover to be fitted over a pool. The pool comprises a pool perimeter length. The first rod length is less than the pool perimeter length.
Additionally or alternatively, the self-contracting retaining band comprises an elastic material.
Additionally or alternatively, the embodiment includes a pool cover. The self-contracting retaining band is attachable to the pool cover.
Additionally or alternatively, the embodiment includes a second rod comprising a second rod first end and a second rod second end. The first rod comprises a first rod first end and a first rod second end. The first rod first end is connectable to the second rod second end to form a rod assembly.
Additionally or alternatively, the embodiment includes an end connector disposed between the first rod first end and the second rod second end.
Additionally or alternatively, the rod assembly is usable with a pool cover disposed on a pool comprising a pool shape. The rod assembly comprises a rod assembly shape that is substantially the same shape as the pool shape.
One embodiment of a pool cover retaining device includes a self-contracting retaining band. The self-contracting retaining band is configured to be fitted around a wall of an above-ground and/or semi-above ground pool.
Additionally or alternatively, the self-contracting retaining band comprises an elastic material.
Additionally or alternatively, the embodiment includes a pool cover. The self-contracting retaining band is attachable to the pool cover.
Additionally or alternatively, the pool cover comprises a material. The self-contracting retaining band is sewable into the material of the pool cover.
Additionally or alternatively, the pool cover comprises a tarp, a net, or both a tarp and a net.
One embodiment of a pool cover retaining device includes a first rod comprising a first rod length. The first rod is configured for use with a pool cover to be fitted over an above-ground and/or semi-above ground pool. The pool comprises a pool perimeter length. The first rod length is less than the pool perimeter length.
Additionally or alternatively, the first rod comprises a substantially circular shape.
Additionally or alternatively, the first rod comprises a substantially semi-circular shape.
Additionally or alternatively, the embodiment includes a second rod comprising a second rod first end and a second rod second end. The first rod comprises a first rod first end and a first rod second end. The first rod first end is connectable to the second rod second end to form a rod assembly.
Additionally or alternatively, the embodiment includes an end connector disposed between the first rod first end and the second rod second end.
Additionally or alternatively, the first rod and the second rod of the rod assembly each comprise a flexible material.
Additionally or alternatively, the rod assembly comprises a substantially circular shape.
Additionally or alternatively, the rod assembly comprises a substantially semi-circular shape.
Additionally or alternatively, the rod assembly comprises an adjustable length.
The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The following drawings are illustrative of particular examples of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, though embodiments can include the scale illustrated, and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description wherein like reference characters denote like elements. Examples of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings.
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to retention devices and systems for use with or integration with above-ground and/or semi-above ground pool covers. Some embodiments relate for integrated use with pool covers. Other embodiments relate to use in combination with above-ground and/or semi-above ground pool covers. Some embodiments can be used in combination with one another.
As shown in
The retaining band 14 can be made of a material. The material can be, for example, clastic, rubber, bungy material, or any other material or combination of materials that can expand or stretch to a larger size and naturally return, or constrict, to its initial size. This list is not exhaustive; the material of the retaining band 14 can be any material. The retaining band 14 can be integrated into the pool cover 12 or be placed over the pool wall 16 and posts 18. The pool cover 12 can be any pool cover with which the retaining band 14 is attachable to. The pool cover 12, in some embodiments, can be a net. In other embodiments, the pool cover 12 can be a tarp.
The retaining band 14 can be a length. The length of the retaining band 14 can be approximately the circumference of a pool 11. Thus, the length of the retaining band 14 can vary depending on the size of the circumference of the pool 11. The length of the retaining band 14 can be any length with the ability to be placed or stretched around the pool wall 16 and posts 18. In some embodiments, the length of the retaining band 14 can range from about 5 feet long to about 600 feet long. In other embodiments, the length of the retaining band 14 can be any length necessary to generally maintain a position of a tarp and/or net over a pool 11. In some embodiments, the length of the retaining band 14 when the retaining band 14 is not stretched (e.g., contracted and/or in a relaxed state) can be shorter than the pool perimeter length, such that the retaining band 14 is taut against the pool wall 16 when stretched and in use.
In some embodiments, the retaining band 14 can be integrated into the pool cover 12. The pool cover 12 can include a pool cover edge 15. The pool cover edge 15 can span length of the circumference of the pool cover 12. When the pool cover 12 is used on the above-ground pool 11, the pool cover edge 15 can be placed over the ledge (not pictured) of the pool cover 12. In use, the pool cover edge 15 can be adjacent to the pool wall 16 and posts 18. The device 14 can be integrated into the pool cover 12 by a variety of means, including sewing the device 14 into the cover 12, gluing the device 14 to the cover 12, taping the device 14 to the cover 12, or any other means of attachment.
In other embodiments, the device 14 can be placed over the pool cover 12 without being integrated into the pool cover 12. Because the device 14 is self-contracting, the device 14 can be stretched over the pool cover 12 before returning to a smaller size. The pressure applied by the device 14 on the pool cover 12 maintains the pool cover 12 adjacent to the pool wall 16 and posts 18. In some embodiments, portions of the retaining band 14 can be integrated into the pool cover 12 and other portions of the retaining and 14 can be disposed over the pool cover 12.
The device 14 can reduce the quantity of and size of gaps between the pool cover 12 and the pool wall 16 and posts 18. This can prevent wind from moving air underneath the pool cover 12, and in turn prevents the pool cover 12 from blowing away from the pool 11. This prevents damage to the pool cover 12 caused by force and torque applied by the wind to the pool cover 12. The device 14 uniformly secures the pool cover 12 to the pool 11. This can prevent air from moving underneath the pool cover 12 (for example, when the pool cover is used and the climate is windy) and moving and/or displacing the pool cover. This can prevent damage to the pool 11 caused by movement of the pool cover 12. In some instances, pool covers 12 can include weights and/or components that can cause damage to pool walls 16. Use of the retaining band 14 can reduce movement of the pool cover 12 in windy conditions, which can reduce the risk of damage caused by pool cover components (such as weights or other components). The retaining band 14 can also maintain the placement of the pool cover 12, which can prevent debris from entering the pool 11.
In other examples, the structure 22 can include a plurality of rods 24 and rod connectors 26. Each of the rods 24 can include a first end 28A and a second end 28B. The structure 22 can include at least one rod 24. In some embodiments, the structure 22 can include any number of rods 24 as required to create the structure 22. The quantity of rods 24 can vary based on at least the size of the pool 11. The structure 22 can include a first structure end and a second structure end (not pictured), which can be placed adjacent to one another using an end connector 26. This can form a circular structure. The structure 22 can be a ring.
In some embodiments, the structure 22 can be substantially the same shape as the pool shape. In such embodiments, the pool perimeter can have a shape and the structure 22 can have approximately the same shape as the pool perimeter. However, the structure 22 may be a different size than the pool perimeter in order to be disposed on the pool cover 12 and reduce and/or prevent airflow underneath the pool cover 12. The structure 22 can be any shape or combination of shapes that anchors the pool cover 12 to the pool 11. For example, the structure 22 can be a shape such as a ‘C’ shape. However, these examples are not limiting; the structure can be any shape.
The members 24 can be made of a variety of materials, including, for example, metal, plastic, fiberglass, or other materials. The member connectors 26 can be made of metal, plastic, fiberglass or other materials. The member connectors 26 can be any flexible or rigid material. In some embodiments, the member connectors 26 can be more or less rigid than the members 24. The flexibility or rigidity of the materials can affect the shape of the structure 22. As discussed above, some embodiments of the structure 22 can be substantially circular and other embodiments of the structure can be substantially semi-circular. The approximate shape of the structure 22 can be influenced by the rigidity of the materials. For example, some embodiments of the member connectors 26 may be more rigid than the rods 24. The rods 24 can bend in an arch, while the member connectors 26 may not follow the arch-like shape of the rods 24, resulting in the member connectors 26 having a straighter appearance than the rods 24.
The structure 22 can include a length. The length of the structure 22 can be any length that anchors the cover 12 to the pool 11. In some embodiments, the length can be about 30 feet long to about 400 feet long. In other embodiments, the length can be any length less than the length of the circumference of the pool with which the structure 22 can be used.
In some embodiments, the structure 22 can be affixed or attached to a pool cover 12. A series of fabric loops, holes, or other affixation structures (not pictured) can be attached to or integrated into the pool cover 12. The structure 22 can be placed through the loops or affixation structures (not pictured), effectively attaching the structure 22 to the pool cover 12.
In other embodiments, the structure 22 can be placed atop a pool cover 12 without attachment to the pool cover 12. When atop the pool cover 12, the structure 22 can be enclosed within the pool wall 16. The structure 22 can maintain its position on the pool cover 12 without affixation to the pool cover 12.
Use of the structure 22 can maintain the pool cover 12 inside the pool 11 under various conditions. The structure 22 applies weight to the pool cover 12 and pressure against the interior of the pool wall 16. This continued weight and pressure maintains the pool cover 12 can in contact with water (not pictured) in the pool 11. This prevents air from entering under the pool cover 12, which in turn prevents billowing or parachuting of the pool cover 12.
As discussed above, the positioning mechanism 130 can be disposed at an end 128A, 128B of a rod 124. In some examples, the positioning mechanism 130 can be located at an end 128A, 128B of a rod 124 not including an end connector 126. Alternatively, the positioning mechanism 130 can be located at an end 128A, 128B of a rod 124 including an end connector 126, though the end connector 126 can not be engaged with an adjacent rod 124. In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 130 can be engaged prior to positioning the structure 122 over the pool cover 112. In other applications, the positioning mechanism 130 can be engaged after the positioning structure 122 is disposed over a pool cover 112.
The embodiments described above with respect to
While the various systems described above are separate implementations, any of the individual components, mechanisms, or devices, and related features and functionality, within the various system embodiments described in detail above can be incorporated into any of the other system embodiments herein.
The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring techniques and equipment, with respect to any quantifiable variable, including, but not limited to, mass, volume, time, distance, wave length, frequency, voltage, current, and electromagnetic field. Further, there is certain inadvertent error and variation in the real world that is likely through differences in the manufacture, source, or precision of the components used to make the various components or carry out the methods and the like. The term “about” also encompasses these variations. The term “about” can include any variation of 5% or 10%, or any amount-including any integer-between 0% and 10%. Further, whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities or amounts.
Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges, fractions, and individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and decimals and fractions, for example, 1.2, 3.8, 1.1/2, and 43/4 This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Although the various embodiments have been described with reference to preferred implementations, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
Although the various embodiments have been described with reference to preferred implementations, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
This disclosure claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 63/501,562, filed on May 11, 2023.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63501562 | May 2023 | US |
