Track assembly for flexible enclosure covers

Abstract: A track assembly for allowing movement of a flexible enclosure cover over an area to be enclosed as, for example, a body of water in a swimming pool. The assembly comprises a pair of spaced apart tracks (T) mounted on opposite sides of the area to be enclosed with each being comprised of an elongate strip (10). Each track strip (10) comprises a cable receiving channel (40) with a gutter or debris trough (42) located generally beneath the channel (40) for collection of debris. Preferably, a slider (50) can be located in the cable receiving channel (40) for locking to the cable and for securement of the cover to the cable. The track (T) can be constructed to also allow for lubrication of the cable receiving channel (40) enabling a slider mechanism (50) to freely move therein. When a slider (50) is used, it extends into each channel (40) at approximately a 45° angle with respect to a vertical direction. In accordance with this construction, debris which might otherwise collect in the cable receiving channel (40) will drop into the gutter (42) and will not interfere with movement of the slider mechanism (50) or the leading edge of the cover. The slider (50) may be adjustably secured to a rigid body which is, in turn, secured to the leading edge of the cover, and which allows side-to-side adjustment of the leading edge.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in track assemblies for moving flexible enclosure covers over an area to be enclosed. The commercially available swimming pool cover systems usually employ a powered reel upon which a flexible swimming pool cover is rolled. A pair of tracks are mounted on opposite sides of the swimming pool and the leading edge of the cover is connected to a motor driving the reel through a cable arrangement. U.S. Patent No. 5,349,707, dated September 27, 1994, to Harry J. Last, and U.S. Patent No. 4,393,798, dated July 10, 1990, to Harry J. Last, are representative of pool covers of this type. Alternate types of assemblies are shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,464,801, dated August 14, 1984, to Joe H. Lamb, and U.S. Patent No. 4,466,144, dated August 21, 1984, to Joe H. Lamb. The tracks which are used to receive the sliders on the sides of the swimming pool covers usually contain a track receiving channel with a slit on a surface of the track leading into the channel. The slider contains a strip which extends through this elongate relatively narrow slit into the channel and on its inner end has a circular tube or so-called "guide" which rides within the slider mechanism receiving channel in the track. In this way, the slider is precluded from moving outwardly from the track and allows for sliding movement of the cover along the track. Track constructions of the foregoing type are illustrated and described in U.S. Patent No. 3,060,455, dated October 30, 1962, to Joe H. Lamb, U.S. Patent No. 3,979,782, dated September 14, 1976, to Joe H. Lamb, and U.S. Patent No. 4,939,798, dated July 10, 1990, to Harry J. Last. However, debris, such as twigs, leaves, dirt and the like, readily collects within this track receiving channel, and which will ultimately materially interfere with the movement of the slider within the channel. Another one of the problems associated with the tracks normally used with the automatic pool cover systems is the fact that there is essentially no means to enable a lubricant to remain within the track as the slider moves within the cable receiving channel. In these conventional slider track assemblies, the slider tends to literally push any lubricant out of an end of the cable receiving channel. There have also been several attempts to mount a track on the side of and flush with the upper surface of a deck. This is oftentimes desirable when obstacles may exist on the deck at or adjacent to the edge of the swimming pool, or otherwise, where surface mounted tracks adjacent to pool might otherwise interfere with pool side activities or the like. These so-called "flush mounted tracks" are usually located within a groove formed in the surface of the deck adjacent to a side of the pool. In the flush mounted track systems, the flexible cover must be angulated at the edge of the track for extending into the cable receiving channel and for securement to the cable in that channel. This type of construction thereby causes extensive wear very rapidly on the cover itself. For this purpose, sliders are preferably employed. However, and here again, when the cover is secured to the slider, a substantial torque is imposed on the slider, and this torque imposes a bending force on the track. Additional swimming pool cover assemblies are shown in the prior art as, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,067,184, dated November 26, 1991, to Harry J. Last, and also in U.S. Patent No. 4,466,143, dated August 21, 1984, to Joe Lamb, and in U.S. Patent No. 3,979,782, dated September 14, 1976, to Joe H. Lamb. Cover systems are also shown in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2,072,006A, and Canadian Patent No. 1,046,706. However, none of these slider track arrangements solve the specific problems identified herein. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention broadly relates, in one aspect, to a track for use with a flexible cover capable of being moved over an area to be enclosed. The improved track of the invention includes a separate debris collection trough which allows for collection of debris and which would otherwise collect in the cable receiving channel of the track and thereby interfere with the free movement of the cable or a slider mechanism used in the cable receiving channel. In one embodiment of the invention, the track is in the form of an elongate strip having means for mounting the strip adjacent an edge of the area to be covered. A cable receiving channel is formed in this elongate strip and is sized and shaped to receive a cable capable of pulling the leading edge of the cover to a fully extended or closed position. The cable receiving channel of the track generally includes a somewhat bulbous or enlarged portion sized to receive a cover pulling cable. Again, when a slider is used, the slider has an inner cable attaching tube which is sized to move within the bulbous or enlarged portion of the track. The edges of the cover are thereupon secured to either the cable or an outer portion of the slider or so-called slider plate. In the improved track of the invention, a recess or trough is located beneath the cable receiving channel and forms a type of gutter located to receive the debris which might otherwise collect in the cable receiving channel. This gutter is typically located beneath the cable receiving channel, and when debris falls into the cable receiving channel, it is allowed to drop through an opening into the gutter. Each of the tracks is provided with means for mounting the track in a position adjacent the edge of the body of water in the swimming pool. In many cases, the tracks can be so-called "flush mounted tracks", that is, they are mounted adjacent the deck of the swimming pool and have upper surfaces which are flush with the upper surface of the deck. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a slider is used and extends outwardly from the cable receiving channel at an angle which is displaced upwardly from the horizontal and at an angle which approaches approximately a 45° angle. That angle can range, however, from about 20° to about 65°. The debris which collects in the trough can be easily and readily cleaned on a periodic basis by pushing a plunger through an end of the debris collecting trough so that the debris is literally pushed out of the opposite end thereof. In another aspect of the present invention, lubricating grooves are literally formed in the interior surface of the cable receiving channel. These grooves operate in a manner somewhat similar to bearing sleeves and retain a lubricant for imparting and holding a lubricant on the wall of the cable receiving channel. In another embodiment of the invention, a separate rigid body, often referred to as a "slider body", is mounted on and is movable with each slider. This slider body carries with it a slider plate and the leading edge of the swimming pool cover is secured to this sliding plate. Further, adjusting means are provided to enable an adjustable sliding movement of the slider body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a track constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a track and a slider in the track and carrying the leading edge of a swimming pool cover; Figure 3 is an enlarged end elevational view, partially in section, of the track of Figure 1 with a slider extending into a slider receiving channel of the track; Figure 4 is an enlarged end elevational view of a portion of a modified form of track; Figure 5 is an end elevational view of a portion of another modified form of slider and track assembly; Figure 6 is an end elevational view, partially in section, and showing another modified form of slider and track assembly, which uses supporting wheels; and Figure 7 is an end elevational view of still a further modified form of slider and track assembly, using a floating leading edge arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a portion of a track T used with a swimming pool cover, more fully illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. The track T of the present invention generally includes an elongate strip 10, preferably formed of aluminum or other lightweight metal, although other materials of construction could be employed. The elongate strip 10 has an upper plate 12 which is relatively flat, as best shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. The plate 12 on its underside is provided with a somewhat U-shaped depending channel-forming wall 16, forming a return cable channel 18, which is sized to receive a cable 20, and which may be a return of another cable, as hereinafter described in more detail. This cable is capable of being operatively connected to the leading edge of the cover and pulling same within the track during movement of the cable 20. A depending tab 22 extends downwardly from the underside of the top wall 12 and partially encloses the channel 18 to retain the cable 20 therewithin. However, the tension on the cable usually retains this cable within the channel in any event. Along its opposite longitudinal side, the elongate strip 10 of the track T is provided with an integrally formed depending cable receiving channel-forming wall 24. The channel-forming wall 24 is constructed, as best shown in Figure 3, with somewhat of an arcuately shaped left-hand side 28, reference being made to Figure 3, and which integrally includes an integrally formed inwardly projecting boss 30, which forms a first somewhat arcuately shaped inner wall surface 32. The channel-forming wall 24 is also provided with a right-hand side 34, which also includes a lower flange 36, thereby forming an inwardly presented arcuately shaped surface 38. The arcuate surfaces 32 and 38 combine to effectively form a generally cylindrically shaped cable receiving bore, or channel 40, all as best shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. By further reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the construction of the channel-forming wall 24, along with the boss 30 and the flange 36, also form a lower trough or gutter 42 for receiving debris which might otherwise collect in the cable receiving channel 40 formed by the wall 24. This cable receiving channel 40 also receives a portion of the cable which may be trained around a pulley or other cable (not shown). In accordance with this above-identified construction, it can be seen that the trough 42 is located generally beneath the channel 40 formed by the channel-forming wall 24. This channel 40 includes a generally cylindrically shaped somewhat bulbous portion 44. This bulbous portion 44 is that portion of the cable receiving channel 40 which is sized to receive a cable such as the cable 20. The track of the present invention may be used readily with a cable secured directly to a fabric cover 48. However, it may also be used in connection with a slider 50, as shown in Figure 2. The right-hand wall section 34 integrally merges into a diagonally arranged plate section 52, which is referred to as a bearing plate, and which, in turn, integrally merges into a relatively flat horizontally extending extension plate 54. By reference to Figure 3, it can be observed that the extension plate 54 effectively serves as an extension of the top plate 12 but is spaced from the top plate 12 and thereby forms an elongate slit 56, sized to receive a slider 58. Generally, the slider comprises a relatively flat plate section 60 which integrally merges into a reduced thickness neck 62, and which, in turn, is secured to an attachment tube 64, sometimes referred to as a "cable attaching tube". In the embodiment as shown in Figure 3, it can be seen that the cable 20 is secured within the cable attachment tube 64 by means of a plurality of screws (not shown), or like fasteners. By further reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, it can be observed that the cable attachment tube 64 is diametrally larger than an opening 66 leading from the lower portion of the slider mechanism receiving channel 40 and communicating with the trough 42. Moreover, the tube 64 is diametrally larger than the size of the slit 56 which accommodates the slider neck 62. In accordance with this construction, the tube 64 is physically restrained within the cable receiving channel 40, but afforded free sliding movement therein. Further, the neck 62 of the slider 58 is allowed to bear against the bearing plate 52, thereby supporting the slider 58 and precluding undue torque or rotational forces on the track. In the embodiment of the slider, as shown in Figure 2, the slider includes an extension or so-called "slider plate" 70, and in this case, the cover 48 has a leading edge 72 which is secured to the slider plate, all as best shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. Moreover, the slider is secured to the cable 20 and therefore movement of the cable 20 will cause movement of the cover 48. The actual mechanism for mounting of the swimming pool cover to the slider is not shown and reference is made to the aforesaid U.S. Patent No. 4,939,798, dated July 10, 1990, to Harry J. Last for that purpose. Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a track 76, in which the somewhat bulbous portion 44 is provided with a plurality of lubricating fluid receiving grooves 78. These lubricating grooves 78 are effective to retain a lubricating fluid, and provide a lubricated movement of either the cable or the slider within the cable receiving channel. Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a separate slider plate 80 is secured to the slider 58 through the use of a relatively rigid body 82. In this case, the rigid body 82 could be a plastic or wooden block or the like. In the embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 5, the slider in this track and slider assembly is rotated approximately at a 45° angle relative to the deck 87 on which the track T is flush mounted. Moreover, it can be observed that the slider 58 is secured to the rigid body 82 by means of a bolt 84 which extends within an elongate slot 86 formed within the slider. In this way, adjustable positioning of the block 82 and hence the slider plate 80, can occur relative to the slider 58. Moreover, and by reference to Figure 5, it can be observed that the slider plate 80 is secured to the rigid body 82 through another adjustment bolt 88, which extends through an elongate slot 90, formed in the slider plate. At its outer end, the slider plate 80 carries a leading edge, such as the leading edge 72. In accordance with the construction as illustrated in Figure 5, it can be seen that the bolt 88 extending through the elongate slot 90 enables a side-to-side adjustment of the leading edge 72. The bolt 84 extending through the slot 86 allows for vertical positioning of the leading edge. The adjustable locking of the slider 58 to the rigid body 82 provides the necessary adjustment to compensate for this vertical shifting movement of the leading edge 72. Figure 6 illustrates a track and slider embodiment of the invention which is similar to that track and slider mechanism illustrated in Figure 5, except that it includes the provision of wheels 91. In this embodiment of the invention, a rigid body 92 which is also somewhat triangularly shaped, is employed and carries an integrally formed inverted U-shaped bracket 94. The wheels 91 are carried in this U-shaped bracket 94 by means of a pin 96 and which extends through bearings 98 located in the wheels. The 45° plane of the slider 58 also provides an excellent adjustment capability to ensure that the wheels and sliders are maintained in a perfect relationship to prevent jamming. A sufficient amount of play may be allowed with the adjustment bolts 84 and 88, as, for example, 0.25 to 3 µm (0.010 to about 0.12 inches), to ensure this desired relationship. It should also be understood that in place of the bolts extending through slots, other forms of adjustability could be provided. Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a track and slider arrangement which is effective for use with a floating leading edge of a swimming pool cover. In this case, the assembly as shown in Figure 5 can effectively be inverted. It can be seen that an overhang or coping on a deck is provided on its under surface with a groove 102 to receive a track T which is effectively inverted. In this case, the slider 58 extends downwardly and outwardly from a cable receiving channel 40 in the track. In the embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 7, the leading edge 72 is constructed as a floating tube or as a floating leading edge. In this case, it is effectively secured to the underside of the slider plate 80, as shown in Figure 7. As the leading edge 72 rides along the surface of a body of water 104, it will bob up and down in a vertical direction. The adjustability provided by the adjustment bolts 84 in the slot 86 will compensate for this vertical shifting movement. Moreover, the adjustment bolt 88 moveable in the slot 90 will also compensate for side-to-side adjustment.

Claims: A track (T) for use with a flexible enclosure cover (48) allowing movement of the flexible enclosure cover (48) over a swimming pool to be enclosed and which track (T) normally includes an elongate strip (12) with means for mounting adjacent an edge of the swimming pool to be covered, a generally arcuately shaped cable receiving channel (40) in said elongate strip (12) and sized to receive a cylindrically shaped cable (20) adapted to move the flexible cover (48), as the cable (20) is moved, characterized in that the track (T) allows for collection of debris, said track (T) further comprising: a) a recess located beneath said cable (20) receiving channel (40) and forming a gutter (42) to collect debris and in which no part of the enclosure cover (48) or cable move and where the collected debris can be moved to one end of the track and readily removed by a plunger independent of the cover or cable; and b) an opening (66) between said cable receiving channel (40) and said gutter (42) enabling debris which enters said cable receiving channel (40) to drop into said gutter (42) so that the debris will not interfere with movement of the cable (20) in the cable receiving channel (40) of the track (T), said opening (66) being located to one side of the cable receiving channel (40) and the gutter (42) and having a cross-sectional size substantially less than that of the cable receiving channel (40) so that only the debris can pass therethrough. The track (T) of claim 1 further characterized in that said track (T) has an elongate slit (56) on an upper portion thereof in communication with the cable receiving channel (40) to receive a slider mechanism (50). The track (T) of claim 2 further characterized in that the flexible swimming pool cover (48) is attached to said slider mechanism and which slider mechanism extends through said elongate slit (56) into said cable receiving channel (40). The track (T) of one of claims 1 to 3 further characterized in that said cable receiving channel (40) comprises a somewhat cylindrically shaped bulbous portion (44) to receive a somewhat cylindrically shaped cable or slider tube (64) and that said slider mechanism (50) has a slider neck (62) extending into said cable receiving channel (40) at an angle which is angularly offset from a vertical direction while moving in said cable receiving channel (40). The track (T) of one of claims 1 to 4 further characterized in that said cable receiving channel (40) is provided with a plurality of axially extending lubricating fluid receiving grooves (78). The track (T) of any of the preceding claims in combination with a slider assembly for moving a leading edge (72) of a flexible cover (48) over a swimming pool to be enclosed and allowing for withdrawing of the flexible cover (48) from a position over the swimming pool to be enclosed, said assembly further comprising a cable strip (20) extending into said cable receiving channel (40) for sliding movement therein and having means (50, 58) to pull with it the leading edge (72) of the flexible cover (48). The assembly of claim 6 further characterized in that said track (T) has a bearing surface (52) leading into the cable receiving channel (40) and the neck (62) of the slider (50, 58) is adapted to bear against and move along the bearing surface (52). The assembly of claim 6 or 7 for allowing sliding movement of a leading edge (72) of a swimming pool cover (48) over a body of water (104) in a swimming pool with tracks (T) of the assembly generally flush with the deck (87) of the swimming pool, and said assembly further comprising: a) a slider (58) extending into said cable receiving channel (40) for sliding movement therein and adapted to cause a pulling of the leading egde (72) of a swimming pool cover (48); b) a separate rigid body (82, 92) mounted on and being moveable with said slider (58) and operatively carrying with it the leading edge (72) of the swimming pool cover (48); and c) adjusting means (84, 86, 88, 90) to enable an adjustable sliding movement of the rigid body (82, 92) relative to the slider (58) during movement of the slider at said track (T) to reduce any twisting movement during pulling of the cover and thereby reduce any possibility of jamming. The assembly of any of claims 6 to 8, further characterized in that said slider (58) extends at an angle of 20° to 65° and preferably of about 45° relative to a vertical direction and that a slit (56) is on one side of said track (T) and said opening (66) is on another side of the track (T) so that the slit (56) and opening (66) lie in a common plane which is located at about a 45° angle relative to a vertical direction. The assembly of claim 9 further characterized in that the adjusting means to enable an adjustable sliding movement comprises an elongate pin receiving slot (86) one of said rigid body (82, 92) or slider (58) and a pin (84) on the other to enable a slidable movement between the body (82, 92) and the slider (58). The assembly of claim 10 further characterized in that wheel means (91) is mounted on said body (92) for riding on a flat surface and the adjusting means (84, 86) enables an adjustable sliding movement and also allows for adjustment of the relationship of the wheel means (91) to the track (T). The assembly of one of claims 6 to 11 for moving a swimming pool cover over a body of water (104) in a swimming pool comprising a pair of spaced apart elongate tracks (T) with each track adapted for mounting to one of a pair of opposite sides of the swimming pool in generally parallel relationship.

Inventors: LAST HARRY, LAST, HARRY
Applicants: LAST HARRY, LAST, HARRY
Application year: 1998
Main classification: E04H4
IPC codes: E04H4