Patent Publication Number: US-2013233985-A1

Title: Hanger for Aboveground Pool Cover

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/607,656 filed on Mar. 7, 2012. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an improved hanger for an above ground pool cover that permits the pool cover to be stored in an elevated position and adjacent to the aboveground pool when not in use. The improved hanger is adjustable and does not require tools for assembly or adjustment. The improved hanger is also relatively easy to install and use, inexpensive to manufacture and can accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes of pool covers and pool rails. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many individuals with aboveground pools cover the surface of the pool water with a pool cover or solar blanket when the pool is not in use to keep debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, insects and the like from entering the pool. Pool covers, such as solar pool covers, are also useful in heating and/or maintaining the temperature of the pool water when the pool is not being used. The forgoing are but a few of the many advantages known in the art that are associated with pool covers and solar blankets. 
     Despite the many advantages of aboveground pool covers and solar blankets, it can be challenging to store said covers and blankets when the same are not in use. For example, most pool owners desiring access to their aboveground pool will simply pull or roll the cover off of the pool and place the same on the ground or the deck of the pool. However, such storage techniques often result in the cover becoming dirty with debris such as dirt, grass clippings, leaves, insects and the like, which may then be inadvertently deposited into the pool water when the cover is re-installed onto the pool. The introduction of such debris into the pool water not only degrades the quality and aesthetics of the pool water, but can also damage pool pumps, filters and other pool equipment. Once such debris enters the pool water, the pool owner will typically be required to clean the pool and/or add chemicals to treat the pool water, both of which can be time consuming and expensive and are therefore undesirable. 
     Another common problem associated with storing an unused pool cover or solar blanket on the ground or pool deck is that the cover can become damaged or torn by people or pets stepping on the same, or the cover being pulled across a rough surface such as a rock, nail, splintered wood, etc. Not only can the cover become damaged by storing the same on the ground or pool deck, but the pool cover or solar blanket may also cause damage to the surface upon which it is being stored. For example, pool water, which typically contains harmful chemicals, may be transferred from the pool by the pool cover to the ground or pool deck. Said chemicals can kill grass, plants and other vegetation, and/or stain the surface of the pool deck over time. Solar pool covers that are stored on grassy surfaces have also been known to burn the grass beneath the cover, particularly on sunny days. 
     Pool covers and solar blankets can also be heavy, particularly when wet, and difficult and/or awkward to carry because of their shape and size. Because it may be difficult for the pool owner to transport the heavy and awkward cover over relatively long distances to store the same when not in use, it is also desirable to have a pool cover holder that is located in close proximity to the associated pool. 
     Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for an improved aboveground pool cover hanger that can be removably attached to an aboveground pool for easy and convenient storage of an associated pool cover. There also exists in the art a long felt need for an improved pool cover hanger that is adjustable and can accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes of pool covers and/or solar blankets, as well as aboveground pools. Moreover, there is a long felt need for an aboveground pool hanger that does not require any tools to assemble and/or adjust the hanger. Finally, there is a long-felt need for an aboveground pool cover hanger that accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof; is a plurality of improved hangers for supporting and storing an aboveground pool cover and/or solar blanket when not in use, and in close proximity to the associated aboveground pool. Each of the plurality of improved pool cover hangers can be removably attached and positioned along the sidewall of an aboveground pool and is preferably comprised of a generally U-shaped cradle portion, a lateral support for engaging the sidewall of the aboveground pool and a hook portion for removable and repositionable attachment to the sidewall and rail of an aboveground pool. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hook portion and lateral support are both adjustable in size to accommodate a wide variety of aboveground pools. 
     The plurality of improved pool cover hangers allows an individual to safely and securely store their aboveground pool cover and/or solar blanket off of the ground and in close proximity to the associated pool when not in use. By storing the pool cover in an elevated position, the pool cover is not as susceptible to damage and/or damaging the surfaces upon which it would otherwise be stored, and is far less likely to transfer dirt, leaves, grass clippings, insects and other undesirable elements into the pool water when the pool cover is reinstalled on the surface of the pool. Moreover, tools are not required to install or adjust the aboveground pool solar cover hanger of the present invention. Finally, the aboveground pool cover hanger of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the aboveground pool cover hanger of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of the hangers depicted in  FIG. 1  installed on the sidewall of an aboveground swimming pool with a solar cover thereon. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a close-up perspective view of one of the hangers depicted in  FIG. 2  installed on the sidewall of an aboveground swimming pool with a solar cover thereon. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective exploded view of the components of one embodiment of the hanger of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of the hangers depicted in  FIG. 1  installed on the sidewall of an aboveground swimming pool, and supporting a solar cover. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. 
     The plurality of improved aboveground pool cover hangers permit an individual to store an unused aboveground pool cover in an elevated position and in close proximity to the associated swimming pool. By storing the pool cover in an elevated position, the pool cover is not as susceptible to damage and/or damaging the surfaces upon which it would otherwise be stored, and is far less likely to transfer dirt, leaves, grass clippings, insects and other undesirable elements into the pool water when the pool cover is reinstalled on the surface of the pool. Finally, the aboveground pool cover hanger of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an improved hanger device  100  of the present invention. Hanger device  100  is preferably comprised of a cradle portion  110  for receipt of a pool cover, a lateral support  130 , and a hook portion  150  for removably attaching hanger  100  to the rail and sidewall of an aboveground pool, as described more fully below. Hanger  100  can be manufactured of unitary construction or comprised of individual components, such as sections of pipe, attached to one another by any common means known in the art. Unless otherwise specified herein, hanger device  100  is preferably comprised of plastic, fiberglass, metal, polyvinyl chloride, or any other sturdy material that is generally weather resistant and capable of supporting the load of a pool cover. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, cradle portion  110  is generally U-shaped and comprised of a first leg  112 , a connector  114  and a second leg  116 , though it is contemplated that other shapes could also be used without affecting the overall concept of the present invention, provided that the same are capable of retaining a pool cover in the manner described herein. First leg  112  is an elongated member that is in a generally parallel, spaced apart relationship with and connected to second leg  116  by connector  114 . The distance between first and second legs  112 ,  116  is preferably between 6 and 14 inches to accommodate the width of most rolled or folded pool covers. Likewise, the overall depth of cradle portion  110 , as measured from the end of first leg  112  to connector  114 , is preferably between 9 and 14 inches. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that other widths and depths could also be employed to satisfy a particular application or suit user preference. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , lateral support  130  is comprised of an elongated body member  132  that extends outwardly from cradle portion  110  and in the general direction of the pool sidewall, and an end portion  134  for contacting said pool sidewall. The overall length of lateral support  130 , as measured from cradle portion  110  to end portion  134 , is preferably between 5 and 10 inches, but can be varied to suit the needs of the user. As explained below, the overall length of lateral support  130  can also be adjustable. 
     The purpose of lateral support  130  is to transfer a portion of the load or weight of hanger device  100  and the pool cover that rests in cradle portion  110  against the sidewall of the pool, and to prevent or reduce the likelihood that device  100  will prematurely detach from the pool rail. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the present invention, lateral support  130  extends outwardly from the second leg  116  of cradle portion  100  at an elevation above that of connector  114 . Nonetheless, as shown in  FIG. 4 , it is also contemplated that lateral support  130  could extend outwardly from and at the same elevation as cradle portion  100 . End portion  134  is preferably blunt in shape so as to not puncture or otherwise damage the pool sidewall and may further comprise a non-slip surface such as rubber, plastic or the like. 
     Hook portion  150  is preferably generally L-shaped and comprised of a first member  152  that extends outwardly from second leg  116  in the general direction of the pool, and a second member  154  that extends generally downward from the end of first member  152  opposite second leg  116 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , second leg  116 , first member  152  and second member  154  form an opening  160  in hanger device  100  for receipt of a pool rail as described further below. The overall length of opening  160 , as measured from second leg  116  to second member  154  is preferably between 6 and 12 inches to accommodate the width of most pool rails though other dimensions can also be used to accommodate a particular user&#39;s needs. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is depicted in  FIG. 4 , first member  152  can be further comprised of two separate portions, namely a threaded male portion  1522  and a corresponding threaded female portion  1524  for receipt of said threaded male portion  1522 . It should be appreciated that by screwing/unscrewing male portion  1522  into/out of female portion  1524 , a user can shorten or lengthen the overall length of first member  152  and correspondingly decrease or increase the size of opening  160  to accommodate pool rails of various shapes and sizes. Of course, the use of threaded male portion  1522  and threaded female portion  1524  is just one way of increasing/decreasing the size of opening  160 , and other means are known in the art. For example, a telescoping first member can also be used to adjust the overall length of opening  160  without affecting the overall scope of the present invention. 
     As also depicted in  FIG. 4 , body member  132  of lateral support  130  can be further comprised of two separate portions, namely a threaded male portion  1322  and a corresponding threaded female portion  1324  for receipt of said threaded male portion  1322 . It should be appreciated that by screwing/unscrewing male portion  1322  into/out of female portion  1324 , a user can shorten or lengthen the overall length of lateral support  130  to establish contact with pool sidewall  212 . Of course, the use of threaded male portion  1322  and threaded female portion  1324  is just one way of adjusting the overall length of lateral support  130 , and other means are known in the art. For example, a telescoping lateral support  130  could also be used without affecting the overall scope of the present invention. 
     Having now described the overall structure of hanger device  100 , its use and usefulness will now be described.  FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a pool cover  200  installed on an aboveground pool  210 , which is comprised of a sidewall  212  and a pool rail  214  positioned atop of said sidewall  212 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates a plurality of hanger devices  100  positioned along said sidewall  212  and pool rail  214 . A user (not shown) desiring to remove said pool cover  200  from pool  210  and store the cover  200  adjacent to said pool  210  in hanger devices  100  will simply roll-up the cover  200  or fold it accordion style and slip the same over rail  214  and into cradle portion  110  of hanger device  100 . In this manner, cover  210  does not come into contact with the ground or other rough or dirty surface, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood that cover  200  will become damaged or transfer debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, insects and the like into the pool  210 . Further, because hanger devices  100  are located immediately adjacent to sidewalls  212 , the user does not have to transport cover  200 , which can be heavy and awkward to carry, over a long distance to store the same. 
     To install hanger  100  on pool  210 , a user (not shown) will simply slip pool rail  214  into opening  160  of hanger device  100  as best shown in  FIG. 3 . When correctly installed, end portion  134  of lateral support  130  will be in contact with pool sidewall  212  and transfer a portion of the load associated with hanger  100  and the pool cover  200  to pool sidewall  212 . As previously stated, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the overall length of first member  152  of hook portion is adjustable in size to enable hanger device  100  to accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes of pool rail  214 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of hanger devices  100  attached to the sidewall  212  and rail  214  of an aboveground pool  210 , and supporting a pool cover  200  in an elevated position adjacent to sidewall  212 . To reinstall cover  200  on pool  210 , a user (not shown) will simply pull the folded or rolled up cover  200  back over rail  214  and onto the surface of the pool  210 . Because the cover  200  is immediately adjacent to pool  210 , the user does not need to transport cover  200 , which may be heavy and awkward to carry, over a long distance to reinstall the same on the surface of pool  210 . Similarly, because cover  200  does not come into contact with the ground or other rough or unclean surfaces, the likelihood of cover  200  becoming damaged or transporting debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, insects and the like into the pool  210  is eliminated or greatly reduced. 
     Consequently, the improved pool cover hanger device of the present invention enables a user to easily store a pool cover in close proximity to an aboveground pool and in an elevated position where the cover is less susceptible to damage and/or debris. Due to its adjustability, the improved pool cover hanger device of the present invention can accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes of pool covers and/or solar blankets, as well as aboveground pools. Additionally, the improved pool cover hanger device of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use. 
     Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.