POOL COVER SYSTEMS AND CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING MECHANIZED POOL COVER SYSTEMS

Matthew Stephens

TECHNICAL FIELD

(0001] A system is configured for selectively covering a pool. Tn one embodiment, a control system is configured for selectively facilitating operation of a mechanized pool cover system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Pool covers are often conventionally employed for protecting swimming pools from undesired access by persons, rainfall, and/or debris. Pool covers (e.g., solar-type covers) are also conventionally used in certain circumstances to selectively retain heat within the pool water. Many conventional swimming pool covers are installed and removed through a manual process of dragging the cover over a pool. However, some automated systems are conventionally available for selectively installing and removing a swimming pool cover. Such automated systems often involve use of a motorized spool to layout or take-up the cover, and are controlled through use of a key-type switch. This conventional arrangement requires an operator to keep track of a key. Loss of the key can present extreme inconvenience and resultant inability to operate the cover.

SUMMARY

[0003] In accordance with one embodiment, a system is configured for selectively covering a pool. The system comprises a cover, a carriage, an actuator, a security device, a

controller and a switch circuit The carriage is attached to the cover The actuator is attached to the carnage and is configured to selectncly drive the carnage to iacihtate movement ot the co\er with respect to a pool between a covering position and a non covering position The security device comprises at least one of a keypad, a biometπc sensor, a microphone, and a wneless receiver circuit The controller is in communication with the security device and is configured to generate an actuation signal in response to a predetermined interface by an operator with the security device lhe switch circuit is configured to facilitate provision of power from a power source to the actuator in response to receipt by the switch circuit of the actuation signal

[0004] In dccoi dance with another embodiment, a system is configured for selectively covcnng a pool lhe system comprises a cover, a spool an actuator, a keypad a controller, and a switch circuit The spool is attached to the cover 1 he actuator is attached to the spool and is configured to selectively dn\e the spool to facilitate movement of the co\er with respect to a pool between a coveπng position and a non-covering position The keypad has a pluiahty ot ktys Vv herein at least some of said keys include symbolic indicia selected from the group consisting ol alphanumeric indicia and numeπc indicia The controller is in communication with the keypad and is configured to generate an actuation signal m response to a piedetemiined sequence of contacts by an operator with at lea&t one of said keys l he switch circuit is configured to facilitate piovision of power lrom a power source to the actuator in tcsponse to receipt by the switch circuit of the actuation signal

[0005] In accordance with yet another embodiment a control system is configured for selectively facilitating operation of a mechanized pool cover system The control system composes a security device, a controller, and a switch circuit The security device comprises at

least one of a keypad a biomotiic sensor, a microphone, and a wireless reccncr circuit The controller is in communication with the security deuce and is configured to generate an actuation signal in response to a predetermined interface bv an operator with the security device A switch circuit is configured to facilitate provision of power from a power source to a pool cover actuator m response to receipt by the switch circuit of the actuation signal

[0006] In accoidancc with still another embodiment a svstcm is configured foi selectively coveπng a pool The system comprises a cover, a carnage, an actuator a sensor a controller and a switch circuit The carnage is attached to the co\er The actuator is attached to the carnage and is configuied to selectively dπve the carnage to facilitate movement of the cmei with respect to a pool between a coveπng position and a non-covenng position The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a pool occupant and is configured to generate an occupation signal upon said detection The controller is. m communication with the sensor and is configured to selectively generate an actuation signal in response to the occupation signal The switch circuit is configured to facilitate provision of pow ei from a power source to the actuator in response to receipt by the switch circuit of the actuation signal

[0007] In accordance with yet another embodiment a control system is configured for selectively facilitating operation of a mecham/ed pool co\ er system The control system comprises a sensor, a controller and a switch circuit The sensor is eonhguied to dctcet the presence of a pool occupant and is configured to geneiate an occupation signal upon said detection The controller is in communication with the sensor and is configured to selectively generate an actuation signal in response to the occupation signal The swiích ciicuit is configured to facilitate provision of power from a power source to a pool co\er actuator in response to receipt by the switch circuit of the actuation signal

BRIEF DESCRIPTrON OF TfIE DRAWINGS

|0008] It is believed that certain embodiments will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which

[0009| FIG 1 is a top perspective -view depicting a pool having a pool co\er system in accordance with one embodiment;

[0010] FIG 2 is a front elevational view depicting a portion of the pedestal of FIG 1,

10011] FIG 3 is a schematic block diagram depicting components of a housing having <i security device in accordance with one embodiment;

[0012] FIG 4 is a schematic block diagram depicting components of a control box in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0013] FlG. 5 is a top perspective view depicting a handheld remote control device in accordance with one embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIFl ION

|0014] Embodiments arc hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views and examples of FIGS. 1-5, wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views. In accordance with one embodiment, with reference to FIG 1 , a system can be provided for selectively coveπng a pool 8 with a cover 10 While the pool S is shown to comprise a swimmmg-type pool, it will be appreciated that a system in accordance with other embodiments can be provided for use with other types of pools such as, for example, hot tubs, bathtubs, ponds, wells, industrial liquid reservoirs, and tanks, and any of a variety of other applications The cover 10 is shown to comprise a flexible material such as polypropylene,

allhough any of a variety of other materials can alternatively be pioviJed to ⁽ orm the cover Also, while the cover 10 is shown to comprise a flexible material, it will be appreciated that a cover can alternatively comprise an assembly of substantially inflexible members (e g , hingedly connected boards), or can even be formed as a single substantially inflexible membei

[0015] A carnage can be attached to a cover such as for selectively transporting and/or stoπng the cover to facilitate removal of the cover trom the pool In one embodiment, as sπown in FlG 1, the carnage comprises a spool 12 which is attached to the co\er 10 The carnage can be positioned in an> ot a variety of suitable locations For example, as shown in 1 IG 1, the spool 12 can be disposed completely below-ground and withm a well 24 covered by a removable lid 26 Pn this configuration, the lid 26 can be substantially flush with adjacent portions of a patio 6 In other embodiments, a spool might be provided above the surface of a patio and either within or outside of an enclosuie

[0016] The spool 12 can be rotated to facilitate rolling ot the cover 10 with respect to

(i c , onto and off from) the spool 12 It will be appreciated that the cover ! 0 can be rolled onto the spool 12 as the cover 10 is removed from the pool 8 Conversely, the cover 10 can be rolled off from the spool 12 when the cover 10 is applied to the pool 8 It will be appreciated that tracks 22 can be provided on both sides of the pool S to shdablv retain a forw ard cud 11 ot the cover 10 during movement of the cover 10 with respect to the pool 8

10017| An actuator can be provided to facilitate rotation of the spool 12 In one embodiment as show n m FlG 1 , the actuator can compiise an clectπc motor 14 Howeve, in an alternativ e embodiment, the actuator can comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic motor In still anothei embodiment the actuator can comprise a linear actuator such as a hydtauhc or

pneumatic piston In the example of FIG 1 , the electric motor 14 is shown to be coupled with a gearbox 16, wherein the gearbox 16 comprises a shaft 17 coupled with the spool 12 'I he electπc motor 14 is accordingly configured to selectively rotate the spool 12 to facilitate rolling of the cover 10 with respect to the spool 12, and to provide resultant movement of the cover 10 with respect to the pool 8 between <ι coveπng position and a non-covering position In an alternative embodiment, a gearbox might be provided in some other configuration or might not be provided at all

|0018] A control box 70 is also shown in FlG 1 as being disposed within the well 24 lhe control box 70 is shown to receive conduits 72, 74, and 76 The conduit 72 can be configured to provide power to the control box 70 In one embodiment, power wiring can be routed through the conduit 72 such as for conducting 120 V A C , 240 V A C , 12 V D C , 24 V D C , or any of a variety of other suitable electrical power sources The conduit 7ό can be configured for passage of electnc power wiπng from the control box 70 to the electπc motor 14. as shown in FlG 1. In another embodiment, hydraulic or pneumatic cables might additionally or alternatively be routed through the conduits 72 and 76 The conduit 74 can be configured for passage of confrol winng and/or other communication lines or wiring to a security device and/or sensor(s) as discussed in furthci detail below It will be appreciated that a control box can alternatively be disposed outside of the well 24 such as at a location remote from the patio 6 In this latter circumstance, if a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator is employed, it will be appieciatcd that the system can be constructed without introduction of any electricity within the well 24 and/or otherwise in the vicinity of the pool 8 and/or patio 6.

|0019j As shown in FIG. 1 , a pedestal 28 can be provided on or near the patio 6 The pedestal 28 can comprise a post 29 which supports a housing 30 and/or one or moie sensors (e g .

a motion sensor 32). The conduit 74 is shown to connect the pedestal 28 with the control box 70. FIG 2 depicts an enlargement of a portion of the pedestal 28. Ill particular, the housing 30 is ihown to be attached to the pest 29 with screws 58 and to support security devices A security de\ice can comprise an actuator which facilitates operation of a system by designated users, but which does not facilitate operation of the system by non-designated useis For example, the secuπty devices are shown in FIGS. 2-3 to include a keypad 34, a biometπc sensor 36, a microphone 38, and a wireless transceiver circuit 54 It will be appreciated that the secuπty devices can be configured to be resistant to sunlight and moisture The housing and/or security device(s) can alternatively be provided in any of a variety of other configurations and might not be attached to a pedestal, but might rather be attached to a wall, a fence, a tree, or s,ome other structure, oi might even comprise a remote control device as discussed below

[0020] The wireless transceiver circuit 54 can include a wiiclcss receiver circuit and a wireless transmitter circuit The wireless transmitter circuit can be configured to communicate with a wireless receiver circuit (e g., 56 in FlG 4) within the well 24, thereby potentially avoiding any need for control wiring and/or communications lmcs extending from the well 24 to the pedestal 2S, and thus potentially avoiding any need for the conduit 74 The wireless receiver circuit ol the wireless transceiver circuit 54 can be configured for receiving a signal from a remote control device such as a handheld remote control device (e.g., 48 in FIG. 5), a telematics device, a mobile telephone, a personal computer, or the like. It will be appreciated that the wireless transceiver circuit 54 can be configured to communicate through use of optical (e.g., infrared), audible, radio frequency, and/or any of a variety of other types of communications It will also be appreciated that an alternative secuπty device might not include a wireless transceiver circuit, but may rather include only a wireless transmitter circuit or a wireless

leceiver αrcuit, or might alternatively not include any wireless circuits whatsoever

[0021] Each of the keypad 34, the biometπc sensor 36, the microphone 38, and the wireless transceiver circuit 54 can be provided in communication with a controller 40, as. also shown in FIG 3 The controller 40 can be configured to generate an actuation signal in response to a predetermined interface by an operator with at least one of the secuπty devices For example, if a secuπty device comprises a keypad having a plurality of keys (e.g , 34 in FIG 2), the controller can be configured to generate the actuation signal in response to a piedetermined sequence of contacts by an operator with at least one of the keys As another example, if a secuπty device compnses a microphone (e g., 38 m FIG 2), the controller can be configured to generate the actuation signal in response to detection by the microphone of a particular voice and/or audible statement As still another example, if a secuπty device comprises a biometπc sensor (e g . 36 in FIG 2), the controller can be configured to generate the actuation signal m response to detection by the biometπc sensor of an operator's personal feature such as a fingerprint or retina. While the housing 30 is shown in FIGS. 2-3 to compnse four respective security devices, namely the keypad 34, the biometπe sensor 36, the microphone 38, and the wireless transceiver circuit 54, it will be appreciated that systems in accordance with other embodiments might include fewer or greater than four secuπty devices, and might perhaps include only a single secunty device For example, in one particular embodiment, a system might comprise a keypad but might not compnse a biometπc sensor, a microphone, or a wireless transceι\er circuit 54

(0022] When a s>stcm is provided to include a keypad as shown, for example, in FlG 2. it will be appreciated that at least some of the keys of the keypad can include symbolic indicia selected from the group consisting of alphanumeπc indicia (e.g., letters A-Z) and numeric indicia

(e g , numbers 0-9) Keys might additionally or alternatively include other symbolic indicia (e g., *, #) It will be appreciated that the symbolic indicia present upon the kevs of a keypad can assist an operator m remembering which keys to press, and m which sequence λ keypad can be constructed in any of a vaπcty of mechanical configurations For example, a keypad can be constructed as a pushbutton array in which multiple depress-type pushbuttons are arranged in an array As another example, a keypad can be provided as a flat-panel type arrangement such as may be achieved through use of a touchscreen or capacitive panel

[0023] It will be appreciated that an actuation signal can be conducted from the controller

40 to the control box 70 through use of wires in such circumstance, the wires can attach to a connector 52 in the housing 30 and can lead (e g , through the conduit 74 in FIG 1) to the control box 70 These wires can also provide power to the controller 40 (e g , to serve as the power source 50 shown in FIG 3) In anothei embodiment, the actuation signal can be conducted wirclessly from the controller 40 to the control box 70, such as through transmission of the actuation signal by the transceiver 54 and reception of the actuation signal by the receiver 56 within the control box 70 In this configuration, a battery and/or solar cell might be provided as the power source 50 for the controller 40, as shown in FIG 3

|0024] When a security device comprises a ^" wireless receiver circuit, a remote control device (e g , 48 in FIG 5) can be provided for use by an operator to remotely adjust the position of the cover 10 In particular, the remote control device can include an infrared or radio frequency transmitter which communicates an actuation signal to the wireless tiansceiver circuit 54 at the pedestal 28 and/or to the wireless receiver circuit 56 at the control box 70 The remote control device includes an actuator for use in accepting a command from an operator In one embodiment, the actuator may itself comprise a keypad (c g , similar to the keypad 34 ot I IG 2),

a microphone, or a biomctπc sensor. However, in another embodiment, the actuatoi might alternatively comprise one 01 more switches or pushbuttons which are configured to accept simple commands from an operator For example, in the embodiment of FIG 5, the handheld remote control device 48 is shown to include two pushbuttons 92 and 94 provided vv ithm a housing 90 When an operator depresses the pushbutton 92, a wireless transmitter circuit within the handheld remote control device 48 can communicate with the wireless transceiver circuit 54 and/or the wireless receiver circuit 56 regarding removal of the cover 10 iτom the pool 8 Likewise, when an operator depresses the pushbutton 94, the wireless, transmitter circuit withm the handheld remote control device 48 can communicate with the wireless transceiver circuit 54 and/or the wireless receiver circuit 56 regarding application of the cover 10 upon the pool 8 In still another embodiment, the remote control device can comprise a conventional mobile telephone For example, a secuπty device m accordance with one embodiment can include a wireless receiver circuit which can lcceive transmissions from a mobile telephone and can communicate those transmissions to a controller such that actuation signals can correspondingly be generated for operating the cover In this manner, an operator can use his or her mobile telephone to effect operation of the cover In yet another embodiment, the remote control device may compose a telematics unit which is controlled by a user or call center and which can communicate particular user-defined transmissions to effect operation of the cover

[0025] The control box 70 can also include a switch circuit 46 and multiple connectors

(e g , 62, 64, 66, and 68), as shown in FIG 4 In such circumstance where the housing 30 is wired to the control box 70 (c g , as shown in FlG 1 to involve the conduit 74), the actuation signal can be received into the control box 70 by way of wires attached to the connector 62 A power source can be attached to the connector 66 and can compose, for example, 120 V A C ,

240 V A C , 12 V D C , 24 V D C , or any of a oi other suitable electπcal power sources The actuator (c g , the electric motor 14 discussed above) can be attached to the connector 68 for receiving power from the control box 70 The switch circuit 46 can be vonhgured to facilitate provision of power from the power source to the actuator in response to receipt by the switch circuit 46 of the actuation signal In one embodiment, the switch circuit 46 can comprise at least one of a relay and a transistor to facilitate selective provision of power fiom the power source to the actuator

[0026] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG 4, the control box 70 might also mJude a controller 44 It can be seen that the controller 44 can communicate with the connectors 62 and 64 and with the receiver 56, and can accordingly communicate an actua'ion signal from any of these devices to the switch circuit 46 In an alternative embodiment, no such controller might be provided within the control box 70, but might only be provided at or near the security device (e g , the controller 40 withm the housing 30) In yet another embodiment, no controller might be provided near the security device, but might rather only be provided withm the contiol box It therefore will be appreciated that a system can include one or more contiollers, and that the controller(s) can be provided in any of a variety of locations It will be appreciated that a controller can comprise analog circuitry, a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array, a programmable logic controller ("PLC"), and/or other digital circuitry

[0027] A system can also include one or moie sensors wnich communicate with the controller Such sensors can be wired to the connector 64 in the control box 70 as shown in F ^T G 4, tor example In other embodiments, such sensors can communicate wirelessly with the wireless, transceiver circuit 54 and/or the wireless receiver circuit 56 For example, a system in accordance with one embodiment might include one or more sensors which aic configured to

detect the presence of a pool occupant In particular, the motion sensor 32 is shown in FlG 1 to be attached to the pedestal 28 and can be configured to detect motion near or in the pool >> Upon detection ol such motion the motion sensor 32 can selectively generate an occupation signal, and can then communicate the occupation signal to a contioller (e g , 40 and or 44) The controller can then selectively generate the actuation signal in response to the occupation signal In particular, the controller can be configured to suppress the actuation signal upon detection of the occupation signal In other words, when motion is detected b> the motion sensor the controller might thereafter prevent movement ol the cover for a predetermined period of time The controller can comprise a timer circuit which can assess passage of the predetermined peπod of time In other embodiments, a motion sensor might be disposed elsewhere such as, for example, with reference to FIG 1 , beneath a vι ater surface 18 of the pool 8 and'or on one or more side walls 20 of the pool 8 Other types of sensors (e g , audible sensors, thermal sensors, light curtains, float valves) might additionally or alternatively be provided m communication with the controller to detect the presence of a pool occupant

[0028] A system might additionally or alternate el> include one or more temperature stnsors (e g , 42 in HG 2) which is/aie configured to generate a tempeidture signal l he temperature sensor(s) can be positioned and configured to monitor the temperature of pool water and/or ambient air The temperature sensor(s) can be provided m communication with the controller, and the contioller can selectiv ely generate the actuation signal in further response to the temperature signal For example, m one embodiment the controller can automaticallv generate the actuation signal for closing the cover over the pool if the temperature signals indicate that the temperature of the ambient air falls beiow the temperature of the water within the pool In this manner, the system can function to assist in maintaining pool water

temperature, and can therefore conserve energy costs by reducing the amount of water heating that might otherwise be provided or required to maintain the pool at a desired temperature.

[0029] Likewise, through use of a timer (e.g., as aforementioned), the system can be configured to automatically open or close the cover at certain times of the day. In this manner, the system can help to effectively regulate the temperature of the pool, but can also ensure that access to the pool is restricted during certain hours of the day. The system can also be configured to close the cover if the controller detects that the pool has not been used for some predetermined period of time. Accordingly, a system can be configured so as to ensure that a pool does not remain uncovered unnecessarily for an extended period of time. The system might also include one or more rainfall, wind, and/or humidity sensor(s) which communicate with the controller such that the cover might be automatically closed during rain to prevent carrying of leaves and debris into the pool. Accordingly, the system can reduce the frequency at which a pool must be cleaned.

|0()30j Jt will be appreciated that the system can be configured such that it will not close the cover over the pool without first detecting whether anyone is present within the pool, and without perhaps additionally first generating a warning signal (e.g., a visible and/or audible signal) alerting that the cover is to be closed. Also, the system can be configured so as to automatically retract the cover upon detection of occupation of the pool (e.g., by detection of heat and/or noise beneath the cover when closed). Additionally, the system can be configured to detect the presence of persons or objects atop the cover when closed, and to prevent opening of the cover until the cover has been cleared of such persons or objects.

[0031] What has been described above includes examples. It is. of course, not possible

to descnbe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the disclosed systems and methods, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recogni/e that many further combinations and permutations are possible Accordingly, the disclosed systems and methods are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations

[0032J In addition, while a particulai feature may ha\ e been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," and "including" and variants thereof are used, these terms arc intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "composing "

[0033] The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented tor purposes of illustration and description It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms descnbed Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art The embodiments were chosen and descnbed in order to best illustiatc certain principles and various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated The scope ot the invention is, of course, not limited to the examples or embodiments set forth hciein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto