Abstract:
A wind-resistant cover for pools, spas, water basins and other large outdoor water enclosures is provided which addresses the needs and provides the advantages outlined herein. The cover includes a perimeter stabilizer and, at least one somewhat concentric and buoyant inner stabilizer. The stabilizers are preferably joined by at least one connector, and joined with a canopy, which is affixed at least at the perimeter stabilizer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/175,722, filed Jun. 15, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The subject matter described herein relates generally to pool covers and other similar enclosures for back yard pools, spas, basins and other outdoor surface-water-containing structures. 
         [0003]    The typical back yard pool and other water-containing structures, such as spas and basins, are generally in need of a cover, at least at certain times, and in most geographic areas, during certain seasons. However, currently available pool covers generally prove deficient when confronted with high winds or wind gusts. The typical cover is subject to being blown about and may even blow all or partially off the pool, when buffeted by strong winds, e.g., those exceeding about 60 mph or more. Alternatively, when covers may be provided with, e.g., tie ropes or in-ground hooks or tie rods to counteract such winds, there use is highly time consuming and expensive to apply, and obtrusive to use. Other issues with conventional pool covers include their difficulty of installation; e.g., they frequently require more than one person to put on and take off, and/or take considerable time to install and remove. 
         [0004]    What is needed, therefore, is a highly wind-resistant, yet, for its use, relatively lightweight cover which is easy to install, even by a single person, lacks complexity, is safe, durable, easy to store, yet reasonably inexpensive. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Accordingly, a highly wind-resistant cover is provided which addresses the needs and provides the advantages outlined herein. The cover includes a perimeter and at least one inner, somewhat concentric and buoyant stabilizer. The stabilizers are preferably joined by at least one connector, and overlayed with a covering material, or canopy, which is affixed at least to the perimeter stabilizer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The presently disclosed subject matter will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a top view of the wind-resistant pool cover of the invention in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded top down view of an embodiment of the pool cover shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3 a    is a depiction of the cross-section of the junction of the perimeter stabilizer  14  and a connector  16 , showing the interconnection between the two components in a preferred embodiment at “Section A-A” of the cover of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3 b    is a depiction of the point of cross section at Section A-A, at a greater scale of detail. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word “a” or “a” should be understood as not excluding the plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. 
         [0012]    Various embodiments as described and shown herein provide a highly wind-resistant, yet light-weight cover which is easy to install, even by a single person, lacks complexity, is durable, easy to store, enhances safety, and yet is relatively less expensive to purchase for the typical pool owner or manager. 
         [0013]    Thus, the covers of the present invention offer an economical, less labor-intensive option to providing pool covers to those with elaborate tie-down ropes or hooks to mitigate against high winds. 
         [0014]    A wind-resistant cover as described herein includes a perimeter stabilizer and at least one, at least somewhat concentric and fully buoyant inner stabilizer, with a canopy material for covering a pool or similar structure, which is affixed to the perimeter stabilizer. In preferred embodiments, the stabilizers may be joined by one or more connectors. 
         [0015]    Referring to the drawings, wherein corresponding numbers refer to corresponding components throughout the various drawings, in an embodiment of the invention, the cover  100  (see  FIGS. 1-3 ) has at least one inner, somewhat concentric, stabilizer  12 , a perimeter, somewhat concentric stabilizer  14 , both of which are sufficiently buoyant, preferably highly buoyant, to stay afloat in the pool or other outdoor water container and to support the weight, e.g., of a large dog or child, i.e., around 40-60 lbs. in most circumstances, who might climb onto the cover  100  for enhanced safety as it helps to keep them atop the surface. The stabilizers  12 ,  14  may be joined together by one or more connectors  16 , such as straps or tubes. The pool or other surface covering  18  may stretch over a substantial portion, nearly all or the entire surface of the cover  100  from, e.g., near or at the location of the inner stabilizer (or innermost, if multiple inner stabilizers are employed)  12  to the perimeter stabilizer  14 . 
         [0016]    The cover  100  of the invention may have one (see  FIG. 1 ), or a plurality of (see  FIG. 2 ), inner stabilizers  12  largely concentric to an innermost point of the pool or other outdoor water container, such as a spa or water fountain. Should the pool or spa be circular, the inner stabilizer(s) is/are preferably also generally circular (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). In another embodiment, e.g., wherein the cover is for a rectangular pool, the inner stabilizer is preferably also generally rectangular in structure (not shown). In yet a third embodiment, e.g., wherein the cover is for an oval pool, the inner stabilizer(s) is preferably also generally oval in shape (not shown). 
         [0017]    The inner and outer or perimeter stabilizer(s)  12 ,  14  may be constructed of any material which is durable, flexible, and resilient. Additionally, the material used is preferably heat, ultraviolet ray, ozone and weather-resistant, fire retardant, relatively light, and made of recyclable material. Examples are polyvinyl chlorides and neoprenes. An exemplary material is a neoprene tube, which may be filled with air to provide pressurized stability when the cover  18  is installed over the pool and inflated. Another exemplary material for use for the tubing is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), an M-class type of synthetic rubber. 
         [0018]    Alternatively, the inner and outer or perimeter stabilizer(s)  12 ,  14  may consist of a hard foam or foam-like material which also provides buoyancy to the cover. Exemplary of such materials are polyurethanes, polyamides and polyethers. Those skilled in the art will be aware of potential substitutions in such materials without departing from the teachings of the invention. The dimensions of the inner stabilizer(s) may vary considerably, depending on the nature of the pool or other water container to be covered, and the cover&#39;s particular intended use (e.g., depending on the particular geographic climate of intended sale and other rigors to be faced). 
         [0019]    Exemplary dimensions for inner-tube style inner stabilizers include tubes having a diameter from about one to about six inches, more preferably from about two to about five inches, and most preferably from about three to about four inches. For such inner-tube style inner stabilizers, the tube diameter may be, e.g., about 1/16 th  to 3/16 th  inch, 3/32 nd  inch to 5/32 nd  inch, and about ⅛ th  inch, and have a maximum pressure, e.g., of from about 5-10 lbs., about 6-9 lbs., and about 7-8 lbs. 
         [0020]    Although placement of the innermost inner stabilizer from the innermost point of the pool or other water container may vary considerably (e.g., depending on whether there are additional “inner” stabilizers employed) and still accomplish its intended function, in preferred embodiments, the innermost stabilizer will form a “donut”, “inner rectangle” or other concentric figure around that innermost point (see  FIG. 1 ), depending on the geometric configuration of the particular pool, spa or other water container. This allows any water contained in the pool, spa, etc., to act with a certain amount of suction effect upon the cover and assist in pulling it in a downwardly direction to provide even more protection against the action of gusts of wind, while it remains buoyant atop the pool. Alternatively, the cover may be configured with multiple inner stabilizers, e.g., at least two, at least three and at least four inner stabilizers, and so forth, depending on factors such as the economies of cover construction, the dimensions of the pool and the needs of militating against more or less rugged weather conditions. 
         [0021]    The perimeter stabilizer  14  may typically be structurally similar to or the same as the inner stabilizer and can also vary substantially depending on the nature of the water container and the cover&#39;s particular intended use, although its dimensions are typically built to a slightly larger diameter to enhance its stabilizing effect. Exemplary dimensions for inflatable tube style perimeter stabilizers include tubes having a diameter from about four to about eight inches, more preferably from about five to about seven inches, and most preferably about six inches. In another embodiment for a cover for a twenty-six foot pool, the perimeter stabilizer  14  may have a diameter of from, e.g., about 2 and ¾ th  to about 4 and ¾ th  inches, 3 and ½ to 4 and ¼ inches, and about 3 and ¾ inches with an outer tube thickness of about 1/16 th  inch. The outer or perimeter tube air pressure for this embodiment may be, e.g., from about 2 to about 3 lbs., from 2 and ¼ to 2 and ¾ lbs., and about 2 and ½ lbs. 
         [0022]    Further, as with the inner stabilizers, the perimeter stabilizer may be constructed of foam or foam-like materials of sufficient buoyancy to assist in keeping the cover afloat. See above. 
         [0023]    Regardless of the specific material employed to construct the perimeter stabilizer, the perimeter stabilizer is preferably dimensioned so that it comes substantially up to, and preferably, just to the lip of the water-containing edge of the pool, spa or other structure, however dimensioned, leaving little uncovered pool surface area between the edge of the cover and the pool&#39;s perimeter. In other words, in such embodiment, the pool cover of the invention is form-fitted to the specifications of the pool, e.g., by being configured so that the cover&#39;s perimeter just abuts the inside of the pool&#39;s water&#39;s edge when the pool is filled. By doing so, it serves to dynamically enhance the ability of the cover to withstand wind gusts and high winds, in general. 
         [0024]    In an alternative embodiment, to provide additional stability to the cover, the cover may include at least two inner stabilizers  12 , see  FIG. 2 , e.g., wherein each of the inner stabilizers (excepting the innermost) is somewhat concentric to, and larger in its perimeter dimension than the next most inner stabilizer, and somewhat concentric to, and smaller in its perimeter dimension than the next most outer (or the ultimate perimeter) stabilizer. 
         [0025]    In a further embodiment, such as when employing a cover for use with, e.g., an inner patio, platform or a fountain basin, where a statue or other inner object must be accounted for, the cover may be dimensioned so that the statue or other object is not enclosed by the cover, but rather, the cover abuts to, e.g., the fountain statue&#39;s platform so that the circumference of the basin&#39;s inner platform forms the inner circumference of the cover with essentially a “carve out”  24  as to the area of the inner platform. To facilitate installation of such a cover, the cover may include an opener in order to wrap the cover around the central object, such as by use of a zipper or hook and eye fasteners, may be applied to the cover at a convenient location (not shown) to assist in laying out and taking off the cover under such circumstances. One skilled in the art may adapt to and account for additional configurations by applying the principles of the invention without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. 
         [0026]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover  100  has one or more connectors  16 , which may be straps or tubes which help maintain the integrity of the cover and also serve as “spines” for the cover between the inner and perimeter stabilizers, adding additional stability and wind resistance. In a particular embodiment, each of the inner stabilizer, perimeter stabilizer and connectors are air-fillable inflatable tubes (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   ) which may be filled with one, two or more built-in valve stems  20 , e.g., at some position on the perimeter  14  and/or inner  12  stabilizer tubes. These valve stems  20  may then be used to fill one or more other components of an inter-connected tubing system (see  FIGS. 1-2 ), e.g., using a 2 and ½ horsepower air blower, such as a Shop-Vac™. Alternatively, the tubing may be inflated with a ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) or a battery powered pump, depending on the needs and circumstances of the pool owner or manager. When the cover is to be removed and stored, the air blower flow may be reversed and the air removed from inside the cover tubing to deflate it for removal and storage. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the connectors may be designed in interconnecting “grid” patterns between the connectors so as to, e.g., add further stability, or to provide a particular design, to a component of the cover. 
         [0027]    Alternatively, the connectors may be made of polypropylene, polyester, nylon or other durable, lightweight, flexible straps, e.g., interwoven, sewed, glued into or onto the cover material or otherwise attached to connect the inner and perimeter stabilizers. Such straps may be, e.g., ¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, ⅞, 1, 1 and ¼, 1 and ½, 1 and ¾, and 2 in. in width, depending on the particular needs and material used. 
         [0028]    In a particular embodiment, some or all of the stabilizers and connectors are foldable or detachable at one or more points. The cover canopy, itself, may also be folded, e.g., as would be a tent. In this embodiment, the pool cover may come as a kit in which the various components, e.g., are an assemblage of parts transported in a storage bag. Should the components include air-fillable tubes, an air blower for filling and/or deflating the cover may also be included. In a particular embodiment, the canopy of the cover may be made principally of a flexible, lightweight, polypropylene material to aid in ease of transport and assembly. 
         [0029]    The material for the body or canopy of the cover  18  is preferably of a highly durable, flexible, relatively lightweight, yet high-tensile strength construction. Other attributes may include resistance to mildew and rot, UV light and chemicals. Examples of possible cover materials, which one skilled in the art would not necessarily be limited to, are polyvinyls, polypropylenes, and nylons, in mesh, woven or solid materials. While various means for attaching the cover canopy to the perimeter and any other points of contact with the cover&#39;s structural elements may be employed, such as, e.g., zip ties, a preferred method is to “sleeve” the canopy canvas to the outer perimeter stabilizer. For example, to “sleeve” the canopy canvas to an outer perimeter stabilizer, the canopy material is wrapped over the perimeter&#39;s edge and sewed back onto itself, creating a tightly bound fit. See, e.g., sleeve lining  22 . 
         [0030]    In certain embodiments, the canopy of the cover may employ features such as shielding components which reduce ultraviolet rays, thus serving to increase the life of the cover. Additionally, the cover may, optionally, be provided with solar panel or other heat-inducing units, or specially-designed solar energy-capturing materials, known to those skilled in the art, so as to raise the temperature of the water under the cover. In another embodiment, the canopy may have a striated underlayer  26  (see  FIG. 2 ) to add strength, resiliency, and additional wind-resistance. Further, the cover may be designed, screen-printed, painted, or otherwise manufactured to provide a particularly desirable depiction, such as the pool owner&#39;s favorite football or other sport team logo, a replica of a favorite vacation destination or any of many other desired decorative or “statement” options. 
         [0031]    In alternative embodiments, the wind-resistant cover of the invention is devised to maximize the downward assistance provided by air currents and water suction. For example, the cover may be configured so that the flow of air moves over the top of the pool&#39;s surface, is pulled down to the waterline and across the top of the cover, but not underneath the waterline, since there is no significant gap between the water and cover, thereby urging the cover in a downward direction to maintain consistent pressure on the cover inhibiting its rising upwards. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments, some or all of the cover, connectors and stabilizers may be made of materials such as a woven polypropylene material, which allow water to be absorbed and pass therethrough into the pool so that the cover surface remains relatively dry. Other such materials, known to those skilled in this art, may be selected for this purpose. This assists in the pool owner or manager&#39;s efforts to maintain the pool, such as by easily blowing accumulated leaves and other debris off the cover with an air blower. Additionally, it assists in deflating, removing and conveniently placing the cover in a storage bag fitted for the cover without requiring considerable effort. 
         [0033]    Certain aspects of the use of the pool cover of the invention may be illustrated by the following example. The pool cover, employing durable, lightweight polypropylene canopy material is form-fitted, e.g., to abut the lip of a 26-ft., largely circular above-ground pool. The perimeter stabilizer, a mid-pool inner stabilizer, and a donut-shaped inner-most stabilizer (about 3 feet in diameter), are all composed of air-fillable tubes and joined together by air-fillable, inter-connected connectors. The cover is part of a kit, pulled from its storage bag, and filled by an accompanying air blower, and placed atop the pool for use. 
         [0034]    Thus, this invention in its various embodiments serves to address the needs and provide the advantages as described above. 
         [0035]    It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the invention without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the invention, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0036]    This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.