Patent Abstract:
A system and method for an inflatable swimming pool cover that is elevated above the water line, particularly for above ground pools, is herein disclosed. The cover is configured with a donut-shaped air pillow around a higher center air pillow. The donut-shaped air pillow maintains the cover above the levels of the pool sidewalls such that rain, snow, leaves and the like are directed off the pool cover to the ground, thus eliminating unwanted debris from accumulating on the cover. Further, since no water can collect on the pool cover, the risk of drowning by young children or pets that may accidentally be trapped upon or within the pool cover is significantly reduced. The two air pillows are interconnected with a tube structure and also an air filling tube that extends to the side of the pool to allow the air pillows to be filled or refilled from the perimeter. A plurality of straps secures the pillows in place to the underside of the pool cover.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/846,264, filed Sep. 22, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an inflatable swimming pool cover that is elevated above the water line specifically for above ground pools and, more particularly, to the cover having a plurality of air pillows and a donut-shaped ring around a higher center air pillow that causes rain, snow, leaves and the like to drain off the pool cover to the ground for a safe environment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Above ground swimming pool owners who live in areas that require that they cover their pools during the winter months know all too well of the burdens associated with such maintenance. The existing covers are usually anchored around the pool perimeter and supported in the pool by balloon-like floats. The floating supports tend to either deflate or move about resulting in sagging portions that collect leaves, branches and water. As a result, the pool owner must constantly adjust the cover, re-position and inflate the floats, and tighten the perimeter anchoring. Further, the cover can become damaged and torn due to the excessive stress created by the collected water and debris. Ultimately, the cover needs to be replaced prematurely and at a considerable cost. Another identified problem is that existing covers&#39; often trap water posing a potential drowning hazard to children and pets. The development of the invention and system herein described fulfills this need. 
     Although the invention resembles a conventional above ground pool cover, the invention has a donut-shaped ring around a higher center air pillow and a plurality of other inflatable pillows. In this manner the pool cover is kept above the levels of the sidewalls of the pool causing any rain, snow, leaves or the like simply fall of the pool cover and onto the ground. Leaves, water and unwanted debris are unable to accumulate on the cover. Additionally, since no water is present on the cover of the pool, the risk of drowning by young children or pets that may access the pool cover area is greatly reduced. The pillows are interconnected with a tube structure that extends to the side of the pool to allow it to be filled or refilled from the perimeter. Finally, a series of straps hold the pillows in place to the underside of the pool cover. The use of the innovative above ground pool covering apparatus and system allows pool owners to keep rain, snow, leaves, and other debris off of their above ground pool cover over the winter months while providing a safer environment for children and pets. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to cover and protect a swimming pool, especially during extended periods of inactivity. U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,254 in the name of Terreri discloses a pool cover support comprising a balloon for placement on the surface of the water in a swimming pool, an air hose with one end attached to said balloon and another attached to a valve, that when during an inflation, the balloon can raise a pool cover to prevent build-up of unwanted debris thereon the pool cover. Unfortunately, the Terreri device does not provide a tie-down means to secure the pool cover via ropes or strapping to an exterior location. Additionally, the present invention utilizes a secondary outer ring pillow as well as a center pillow with air distribution conduits evenly distributing the pressurized air from an air supply source thereto both outer ring and center pillows. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,479 in the name of Bonneau teaches a inflatable swimming pool cover adapted to become arched over the pool when air under pressure is projected under the cover, having a skirt adapted to hang in the water adjacent to a peripheral side wall with a series of holes that bleed air in order to maintain the cover at a desired height. The Bonneau device differs in scope from the present invention in that a constant supply of pressurized air must be introduced to the cover, thereby increasing energy consumption and maintenance. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,239 in the name of Gadsby describes an inflatable swimming pool cover which, when installed and inflated with a blower, floats on a water surface and has a bulbous surface raising above the swimming pool perimeter. Unfortunately, the Gadsby device also depends on a constant supply of pressurized air must be introduced to the cover, thereby creating the same energy consumption and maintenance problems as in the Bonneau device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,704 in the name of Genzel et al. discloses a swimming pool cover with multiple air compartments which are fixed in location with respect to each other, which may be interleaved with laterally overlapping portions. The cover also comprises a removable exterior portion which is exposed for cleaning and maintenance. The Genzel et al. device differs in scope from the present device in that it does not provide for a center pillow and an annular-shaped outer ring pillow interconnected with a plurality of air distribution conduits, all attached via attachment straps thereto an encompassing pool cover, which incorporates means by which a user can securely tie-down to an exterior location. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a swimming pool cover, particularly for above-ground pools, that can be inflated with an air supply source into a protective cover having an outer ring pillow and air distribution conduits channeling pressurized air into a center pillow, thereby raising an attached pool cover to a sufficient height in order to prevent the accumulation of unwanted debris. Accordingly, there is a need for a pool covering apparatus and system that solves the problems identified with conventional covers and methods 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for an inflatable protective cover for a swimming pool comprising a pool cover, 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 and, a means to secure said pool cover thereto an exterior location. 
     Such a pool cover is designed wherein the center pillow and outer ring pillow remain on a water surface of said pool, the plurality of air distribution conduits distributes air from an air supply source thereto the outer ring pillow and center pillow, the center pillow and outer ring pillow raise the pool cover to a height above the water surface and, the pool cover impels objects such as rain, snow, leaves, or debris such that the objects will not collect and accumulate thereon the pool cover. 
     An object of the present invention provides for such a pool cover to further comprise a shape and size particularly for swimming pools having a bottom floor and cylindrically-shaped wall or barrier, with a top peripheral rim positioned at an upper portion of said swimming pool comprises; wherein the pool cover covers the water surface and is manufactured using weatherproof and waterproof materials. 
     A further object of the present invention provides for a plurality of inner attachment straps and outer attachment straps comprising rectangular-shaped elements positioned so as to be affixed using fastening devices in an overlapping manner thereto the pool cover, center pillow, and outer ring pillow. Such a plurality of inner and outer attachment straps comprise similar materials as the pool cover and provide an airtight means for the protective cover to substantially remain in a stationary position thereover the water surface at a substantially constant height. Also the pool cover, center pillow, outer ring pillow, plurality of air distribution conduits, and air inlet conduit, each comprise an airtight construction prohibiting escape of air between seams formed therebetween. 
     Additionally, the present invention may utilize a plurality of outer ring pillows provided for larger sized pools, comprising multiple pluralities of air distribution conduits and inner and outer attachment straps. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for the air distribution conduits each to comprise a first distal end in fluid communication with the center pillow located at a median height thereupon, and a first proximal end in fluid communication with the outer ring pillow. Such first distal and proximal ends would each have an open-air connection such that the first proximal end thereof would receive air therefrom the outer ring pillow and distribute therethrough the air distribution conduits thereto the center pillow via the first distal end. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for an air inlet conduit for providing an attachment means thereto the air supply source at a second proximal end and provides fluid communication thereto the outer ring pillow at a second distal end. Such an air inlet conduit provides the center pillow and the outer ring pillow with a sufficient amount of pressurized air. 
     An air cap is removably attached thereto the air inlet conduit at the second proximal end. The air inlet conduit with the air cap comprises a sufficient length such that the air inlet conduit extends at least thereto a top outer edge of the pool for easy access for inflation and deflation of the protective cover. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention provides the air supply source to further comprise a pressurized air generator for generating a flow of pressurized air, a flexible air hose removably attachable thereto the second proximal end of the air inlet conduit via an air cuff, a power cord, a power supply for supplying power thereto the pressurized air generator, and an ON/OFF control switch for controlling said power supply. Such an air hose directs pressurized air therefrom the air supply source thereto the protective cover wherein the outer ring pillow and the center pillow become progressively and uniformly expanded thereby forming an arcuate surface thereupon the pool cover. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for such an air supply source to further comprise a 110-volt AC high-volume/low-pressure unit. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for a plurality of equidistantly-spaced securing eyelets therealong an outer perimeter region of the pool cover, wherein the securing eyelets provide a means to affix the protective cover thereto a stationary feature with a securing element to produce a uniform taut surface during use. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides such a securing element to be one of the following list: rope, cord, bungee cord, or strapping device. 
     Yet another object of the present invention vides such a securing element to be a weighted element. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of an inflatable safety swimming pool cover  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an inverted perspective view of an inflatable safety swimming pool cover  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of an inflatable safety swimming pool cover  10  taken along a vertical centerline, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  inflatable safety swimming pool cover 
               20  pool cover 
               25  securing eyelet 
               30  outer ring air pillow 
               35  air distribution conduit 
               40  center air pillow 
               50  inner attachment strap 
               55  outer attachment strap 
               60  air inlet conduit 
               65  cap 
               70  air blower 
               71  air hose 
               72  air cuff 
               73  power cord 
               74  ON/OFF switch 
               100  pool 
               105  pool water surface 
               110  tie strap 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 2   b  and as alternate embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for an inflatable safety swimming pool cover that is elevated above a pool water surface  105 , preferably for an above ground pool  100 . The inflatable safety swimming pool cover (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  comprises an air inlet conduit  60 , a plurality of air distribution conduits  35 , an outer ring air pillow  30 , a center air pillow  40 , and a pool cover  20 . The apparatus  10  would be made of plastic tarpaulin materials as used in conventional pool covers. The air pillows  30 ,  40  and interconnecting air distribution conduits  35  are interconnected via a heat welding process and/or adhesives. The structure of the apparatus  10  is capable of absorbing pressures resulting from freezing and expansion of pool water  105  during storage period. The apparatus  10  further provides an electric air blower  70  inflating means. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to attach thereto an above-ground swimming pool  60 , having a bottom floor and cylindrically-shaped wall or barrier, with a top peripheral rim positioned at an upper portion of said swimming pool  60 . The apparatus  10  is illustrated here depicting a circular pool  100  embodiment; however, it is envisioned that the apparatus  10  be introduced in various sizes corresponding to standard pool sizes, diameters, and shapes, such as, but not limited to, round, rectangular, oval, oblong, and/or other shaped pools  100  in a variety of, or combination of, colors with or without decorative motifs, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . The outer ring pillow  30  and/or the center air pillow  40  would accordingly be designed to fit alternate pool  60  shapes, i.e. for a rectangular pool  100 , the outer ring air pillow  30  may be in a rectangular shape. 
     A center air pillow  40  is envisioned to be in a circular fashion, but may be in a variety of shapes suitable for operation of the apparatus  10 . The center air pillow  40  is positioned centrally under a pool cover  20 . The apparatus  10  comprises a donut-shaped outer ring air pillow  30  encircling the higher center pillow  40 . The center air pillow  40  and the outer ring air pillow  30  are envisioned to remain on the surface of the pool water surface  105  and underneath a pool cover  20 . This configuration elevates the pool cover  20  centrally above the levels of the sidewalls of the pool  100  so as to impel objects such as rain, snow, leaves, or debris to fall off the pool cover  20  and onto a surrounding ground surface such that said objects will not collect and accumulate thereon the pool cover  20 . The apparatus  10  is depicted here providing a single outer ring air pillow  30 ; however, it is understood that additional circumscribed outer ring air pillows  30  may be provided for large pools  100  without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . 
     The pool cover  20  is envisioned to cover the entire water surface  105  and manufactured using weatherproof and/or waterproof materials such as, but not limited to; polyethylene, vinyl, or the like. The pool cover portion  20  further comprises a plurality of securing eyelets  25  along an outer perimeter region being equidistantly-spaced and positioned such that said securing eyelets  25  are not too close to the edge and easily ripped out by wind or other forces. The securing eyelets  25  are envisioned to be made of plastic or metal rings attached thereto said pool cover  20  using heat welding, adhesives, swaging, or the like. The securing eyelets  25  provide a means to affix the apparatus  10  thereto stationary features such as a pool body  100 , a surrounding deck, a pool rim, and/or a ground surface therefrom multiple points along said perimeter of the pool cover  20  to produce a uniform taut surface during use. It is envisioned that the securing eyelets  25  would utilize securing elements such as rope, flexible strapping, cord, or the like in an expected manner. Alternatively, the apparatus  10  may utilize the securing eyelets  25  being affixed along said perimeter and tied thereto weighted objects for securement. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an inverted perspective view and a section view taken along a vertical centerline of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  is illustrated here in an inverted position to better depict particular elements of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of air distribution conduits  35 , a plurality of inner attachment straps  50 , a plurality of outer attachment straps  55 , an air inlet conduit  60 , and an air blower  70 . 
     The air distribution conduits  35  provide fluid communication and an attachment means therebetween the outer ring air pillow  30  and the center air pillow  40 . The air distribution conduits  35  comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The distal ends of each air distribution conduit  35  are in fluid communication with the center air pillow  40  located at a median height thereupon. The proximal ends of each air distribution conduit  35  are in fluid communication with the outer ring air pillow  30 . The distal and proximal ends would each have an open-air connection such that the proximal ends thereof would receive the air therefrom the outer pillow  30  and distribute therethrough the air distribution conduits  35  to the center pillow  40  via the distal ends until the center pillow  40  and air distribution conduits  35  are fully inflated. An air inlet conduit  60  provides an attachment means thereto an air blower  70  at a proximal end and provides fluid communication thereto the outer ring air pillow  30  at a distal end. The air inlet conduit  60 , air distribution conduits  35 , center air pillow  40 , and outer ring air pillow  30 , are of an airtight construction prohibiting escape of air between seams formed therebetween. The distal end of the air inlet conduit  60  is in fluid communication with the outer ring air pillow  30  to provide said air pillow  30  and consequently, the following air distribution conduits  35 , and the center pillow  40 , with a sufficient amount of air. The air inlet conduit  60  is removably attached thereto an air inlet cap  65  at a proximal end being threadingly attached thereto and sealing contained pressurized air therein the apparatus  10 . The air inlet conduit  60  and the air cap  65  extend thereto a top outer edge of the pool  100  for easy access for inflation and deflation of the apparatus  10  when desirable. Although a single air inlet conduit  60  is depicted here, it will be appreciated that the apparatus  10  may provide a plurality of air inlet conduits  60  with equal benefit. 
     The pool cover  20  provides an attachment means thereto said air pillows  40 ,  30  via a plurality of inner attachment straps  50  and outer attachment straps  55 , respectively, allowing the apparatus  10  to substantially remain in a stationary position over the pool water surface  105  and at a substantially constant height. Said inner  50  and outer  55  attachment straps comprise of generally rectangular-shaped elements positioned so as to be affixed in an overlapping manner thereto the pool cover  20 , and the air pillows  40 ,  30 . The inner  50  and outer  55  attachment straps are envisioned to be made using similar materials as the aforementioned pool cover  20 . Attachment points therebetween the inner  50  and outer  55  attachment straps, the pool cover  20 , and the air pillows  40 ,  30 , are envisioned to be made using methods such as adhesives, snaps, heat welding, sewing, or the like, while maintaining an airtight characteristic of the air pillows  40 ,  30 . 
     The air blower  70  would be utilized to inflate the air pillows  40 ,  30  and air distribution conduits  35  via the air inlet conduit  60 . The air blower  70  further comprises an air hose  71 , an air cuff  72 , a power cord  73 , and an ON/OFF switch  74 . The air blower  70  comprises a 110-volt AC high-volume/low-pressure unit similar to devices used to inflate air mattresses being common in the industry. The air blower  70  would be removably attachable thereto a proximal threaded region of the air inlet conduit  60  via a flexible corrugated air hose  71  and a threaded cuff  72 . The cuff  72  comprises a cylindrical shape being permanently affixed thereto an end of the air hose  71  and further comprising an internal female threaded region. The air hose  71  and threaded cuff  72  are envisioned to be made of plastic or rubber materials in a similar manner as common vacuum cleaner components. Once affixed, the air hose  71  is in fluid communication with the air inlet conduit  60  being threadingly removably sealed thereupon for receiving pressurized air therefrom the air blower  70 . The power cord  73  and ON/OFF switch  74  provide an electrical current control means thereto a 110-volt power source thereto said air blower  70  in a conventional manner. When the air blower  70  is actuated via the ON/OFF switch  74 , pressured air flows therethrough the air hose  71  and air inlet conduit  60  flowing therein the outer ring air pillow  30 , further continuing to the center air pillow  40  via the air distribution conduits  35 . The air blower  70  provides a sufficient motor torque and effluence capacity varying in a corresponding manner thereto the size of the apparatus  10 . During inflation, the air pillows  40 ,  30  become progressively and uniformly expanded thereby forming an arcuate surface thereupon the pool cover  20 . It is understood that the air blower  70  may also comprise a pump, compressor, blower, or other applicable air delivery device without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing the apparatus  10  on a water surface  105  of a swimming pool  100 , such that the center air pillow  40  is positioned in the center of the pool  100  with the outer ring air pillow  30  encircling said center air pillow  40  being interconnected via air distribution conduits  35  in an un-inflated condition; securing the pool cover portion  20  about a perimeter of said pool  100  thereon using the securing eyelets  25  and securing said pool cover  20  thereto a location outside of the pool  100  via a series of straps, rope, bungee cords, or other applicable devices disposed evenly around the pool  100 ; threadingly securing the air cuff  72  portion of the air blower  70  thereto the threaded proximal end of the air inlet conduit  60  by turning in a clockwise direction thereupon; providing electrical power thereto the air blower  70  using the power cord  73 ; energizing the air blower  70  by pressing the ON/OFF switch  74  thereto the ON position; inflating the air pillows  20 ,  30  and the air distribution conduits  35  thereto a desired volume and pool cover  20  tautness above a water surface  105 ; stopping a flow of pressurized air thereto the apparatus  10  by pressing the ON/OFF switch  74  thereto the OFF position; threadingly removing the air cuff  72  therefrom the air inlet conduit  60  by turning in a counter-clockwise direction thereupon; threadingly installing the cap  65  thereupon said threaded proximal end of the air inlet conduit  60 ; removing the cap  65 , thereby allowing said air to dissipate therefrom at the conclusion of a pool storage period; releasing an internal pressurized air volume within the apparatus  10 ; and, benefiting from elimination of unwanted leaves, debris and rain water collecting upon one&#39;s pool cover  20 , while appreciating increased safety while utilizing the present invention  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  is placed evenly over the pool surface  105  to evenly overlay the pool  100 . Once inflated, the apparatus  10  stationarily floats on the surface of the water  105  being stabilized such to prevent rotation or other movements. The pool cover  20  will rise under the interior air pressure therein the air pillows  40 ,  30  and inlet distribution conduits  35  and assume a bulbous shape. The apparatus  10  is sized and shaped to fully cover the entire water surface  105  of the pool  100 . 
     In the assembled state, the apparatus  10  is elevated such to allow rainwater, snow, and ice to run off of edges of the pool  100  as well as keeping leaves, twigs, and other debris from collecting on its surface, achieved by having the center of the pool cover  20  higher than the pool rim. This configuration of the apparatus  10  averts collected pockets of rain, snow, leaves, twigs and such thereby avoiding the need of siphoning or cleaning of pool  100  while providing safety for animals, children, and such. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4