Patent ID: 7874023
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
1. An inflatable protective cover in combination with a swimming pool, said swimming pool having a bottom floor, a cylindrically-shaped wall or barrier extending upwardly therefrom, an open top with a top peripheral rim positioned at an upper portion of said swimming pool comprises: a pool cover covering said open top; a center pillow positioned centrally under said pool cover; an annular-shaped outer ring pillow encircling said center pillow and attachable thereto; a plurality of air distribution conduits providing a fluid communication of said outer ring pillow with said center pillow; a means to secure said pool cover thereto an exterior location; wherein said center pillow and outer ring pillow remain on a water surface at said open top of said pool; wherein said plurality of air distribution conduits distributes air from an air supply source thereto said outer ring pillow and said center pillow; wherein said center pillow and outer ring pillow raise said pool cover to a height thereabove said water surface, wherein said pool cover impels objects such as rain, snow, leaves, or debris such that said objects will not collect and accumulate thereon said pool cover, wherein said pool cover further comprises a shape and size to cover said water surface and manufactured using weatherproof and waterproof materials, wherein said outer ring pillow is attachable thereto said center pillow with a plurality of inner attachment straps and outer attachment straps comprising rectangular-shaped elements positioned so as to be affixed in an overlapping manner thereto said pool cover, said center pillow, and said outer ring pillow; wherein said inner attachment straps and said outer attachment straps are comprise similar materials as said pool cover; and, wherein said inner attachment straps and outer attachment straps provide an airtight means for said protective cover to substantially remain in a stationary position thereover said water surface at a substantially constant height, wherein said the inner attachment straps and outer attachment straps are attached thereto said pool cover, said center pillow, and said outer ring pillow using fastening devices, wherein said air distribution conduits each comprises: a first distal end, wherein said first distal end is in fluid communication with said center pillow located at a median height thereupon; a first proximal end, wherein said first proximal end is in fluid communication with said outer ring pillow; and, an air inlet conduit for providing an attachment means thereto said air supply source at a second proximal end and provides fluid communication thereto said outer ring pillow at a second distal end; wherein said distal and proximal ends each having an open-air connection such that said first proximal end thereof receives air therefrom said outer ring pillow and distribute therethrough said air distribution conduits thereto said center pillow via said first distal end; and, wherein said air inlet conduit provides said center pillow and said outer ring pillow with a sufficient amount of pressurized air, wherein said air inlet conduit is removably attached thereto an air cap at said second proximal end and comprising a sufficient length such that said air inlet conduit and said air cap extend at least thereto a top outer edge of said pool for easy access for inflation and deflation of said protective cover, wherein said pool cover, said center pillow, said outer ring pillow, said plurality of air distribution conduits, and said air inlet conduit, each comprises an airtight construction prohibiting escape of air between seams formed therebetween, wherein said air supply source further comprises: a pressurized air generator for generating a flow of pressurized air; a flexible air hose removably attachable thereto said second proximal end of said air inlet conduit via an air cuff; a power cord; a power supply for supplying power thereto said pressurized air generator; and an ON/OFF control switch for controlling said power supply; wherein said air hose is in fluid communication with said air inlet conduit when said air cuff is removably attachable thereto said inlet conduit, thereby directing pressurized air therefrom said air supply source thereto said protective cover; wherein said pressurized air flows therethrough said air hose and said air inlet conduit thereto said outer ring pillow, said air distribution conduits, and said center pillow; and, wherein said outer ring pillow and said center pillow become progressively and uniformly expanded thereby forming an arcuate surface thereupon said pool cover, wherein said air supply source further comprises a 110-volt AC high-volume/low-pressure unit, wherein said pool cover further comprises a plurality of securing eyelets therealong an outer perimeter region being equidistantly-spaced, wherein said securing eyelets provide a means to affix said protective cover thereto a stationary feature with securing elements to produce a uniform taut surface during use, wherein said securing elements are one of the following list: ropes, cords, bungee cords, strapping devices, or a weighted elements.