Worry-Free Inflatable Cover

Technical Field

This invention relates to pool covers and, more particularly, to an inflatable pool cover for preventing debris from entering a pool while simultaneously preventing fluids and debris from collecting on top of the pool cover for allowing user to remove the pool cover easily, when desired.

Background Art

A favorite summertime activity enjoyed by millions of American consumers is going to a public or private swimming pool. A great way to beat the summer heat, spending time poolside can help ease the stresses of daily life, leaving one tanned, relaxed, and well rested. For children, aquatic activities are especially popular and long hours are spent splashing in the water and playing spirited games of "water tag" and "Marco Polo" with family and friends. Because swimming, playing or simply relaxing by a pool is such an enjoyable way in which to spend free time, many consumers opt to have an in-ground or above- ground swimming pool installed right in their own backyard. In fact, according to the National Pool and Spa Institute, nearly fifteen million households boast a residential swimming pool. Why are residential swimming pools so popular? Perhaps it is because they enable consumers to enjoy a variety of aquatic activities, without ever leaving their home. A practical alternative to transporting a carload full of kids, water toys, snacks, towels, and similar amenities to a local swimming pool, only to find that the pool is overcrowded with users, or in worse case scenario, closed to the public, owning a residential swimming pool allows consumers to step outside their back door and enjoy a quick swim, whenever desired.

Additionally, considering that the cost of constructing a swimming pool, particularly aboveground pools, is very reasonable, many consumers find that installing a residential swimming pool in their backyards is an affordable endeavor.

While there is little dispute that residential swimming pools provide consumers hours of summertime fun, their use is not without drawbacks. During the "off seasons of autumn, winter and early spring, most swimming pool owners cover their pool with a thick plastic cover.

The usual winterizing procedure for a swimming pool involves cleaning the pool and applying chemicals to keep the water free from algae and bacteria. The chemicals may also include an antifreezing agent to keep the water from freezing with the concomitant expansion of the ice, which could burst the pool walls. Typically, an inflated plastic balloon is then placed on the surface of the water and secured in place at the center of the pool. Then, a cover, such as a tarp, is pulled over the inflated balloon. When the tarp is finally manipulated into its final position, it is secured in place by tying or anchoring it to the side and/or the deck of the pool.

Plastic pool covers are practical in that they prevent leaves, branches, snow, and rainwater from entering the pool, creating a soupy green mess, and damaging the interior and operational mechanics of the pool. Unfortunately, because of their very function, removing a pool cover at the start of a summer season can be extremely difficult. As many pool owners would attest, attempting to pull a cover, loaded with broken twigs, soggy leaves, particles of paper and similar debris, and which is heavily weighted with gallons of rainwater and melted snow, without spilling the contents of the cover into the swimming pool, can be nearly impossible. Requiring the awkward removal of this debris before the cover

can be lifted from the pool, preparing a swimming pool for summertime use can be an extreme hassle.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, a need remains for an inflatable pool cover in order to overcome the above-noted shortcomings. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing a pool cover that is convenient and easy to use, is durable yet lightweight in design, and offers the owners of residential and commercial swimming pools a simple and efficient means of preventing debris from collecting on their pool cover during winter months. Use of the inflatable cover advantageously ensures that the pool remains clean and free of debris.

Furthermore, the assembly also prevents heavy rainwater, melted snow, and sleet from collecting on the top of the cover, thus enabling consumers to remove their pool cover in a quick and easy manner. Ideal for use with both aboveground and in-ground swimming pools, the inflatable cover is versatile, and serves a variety of useful applications.

The various features of novelty that characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims of this application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the inflatable cover of Figure 1 in an installed configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a holding ring according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an installed inflatable cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode(s') for Carrying Out the Invention

The figures generally include various perspective and cross-sectional views showing an inflatable cover, in accordance with the present invention. The assembly of this invention is referred to generally in the figures and is intended to provide an inflatable cover, particularly for pools and hot tubs. It should be understood that the assembly may be used to cover many different types of pools and should not be limited in use to only residential aboveground pools. The inflatable cover described herein can also be used for in-ground and commercial pools, as well as hot tubs, fountains, fishpond, and the like.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the cover assembly, indicated generally as 10, includes an inflatable, dome-like sheet 13 that is configured to rest atop an existing swimming pool 16. The dome-like sheet 13 has a top layer 20 and a bottom layer 22, creating a single inflatable chamber 25 therebetween. The top layer 20 and bottom layer 22 are connected and sealed only along an outer periphery 26 of both by heat sealing, sonic welding, adhesives, or other conventional techniques. The dome-like sheet 13 is produced from heavy duty, yet lightweight plastic or rubber material, which is well suited for extended periods of outdoor use. For a round pool, the dome-like sheet 13 has a substantially circular shape. In a particular embodiment, the cover assembly 10 measures approximately twenty- one feet (21 ^ in diameter, wherein the inflatable portion of the cover assembly 10 measures approximately twenty feet, two inches (20' 2"). Of course, the cover

assembly 10 may be produced in a variety of sizes and shapes appropriate for use with various aboveground and in-ground swimming pools, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the cover assembly 10 may be configured for circular, rectangular, kidney, or oval-shaped pools and sized to accommodate pools of various dimensions.

Extending along a perimeter of the cover assembly 10 is a border 28, which may be an extension or the top layer 20 or bottom layer 22. Alternatively, the extension 28 may be a separate piece attached about the outer periphery 26. The border 28 is approximately ten inches wide. Of course, other widths for the border 28 can be used as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. A plurality of openings 31 may be equidistantly spaced around the border 28. In a preferred embodiment, the openings 31 are circular shaped and may be fitted with grommets for use with a tether or cable for conveniently and effectively securing the cover assembly 10 to the sides of the pool 16. The tether or cable can be threaded into the plurality of openings 31. In some embodiments, the cover assembly 10 is sized and configured to fit over the top edge of a wall of the pool 16. In such embodiment, the cover assembly 10 of the present invention can substitute for a conventional pool cover. In an alternate embodiment, the cover assembly 10 is sized and configured to fit inside the top edge of the pool. In such alternate embodiment, the cover assembly 10 of the present invention is used with a conventional pool cover.

Referring to Figure 3, at least one air valve 34 a positioned proximal to the outer edge of the dome-like sheet 13. Generally, the air valve 34 would be circular shaped; however, other shapes may be used. Said at least one air valve 34 is connected to an opening 37 in the top layer 20. Air valve 34 can be positioned in a first (open) position and a second (closed) position. In the first (open) position, the air valve 34

provides an opening to enable air to be admitted into chamber 25. In the second (closed) position, the air valve 34 provides a seal to prevent air within the chamber 25 from leaking out of the chamber 25. The at least one air valve 34 is configured so that it can be attached to an air pump 40. The at least one air valve 34 is used in conjunction with air pump 40, thus advantageously enabling a user to quickly and easily inflate the cover assembly 10. In a preferred embodiment, the air pump 40 could be included for sale with the cover assembly, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the air pump 40 may be electrically operated, powered by a cord or by battery. In other embodiments, the air pump 40 may be manually operated.

In use, the cover assembly 10 is very simple and straightforward to operate. First, the user purchases a cover assembly 10 sized and configured in accordance with the size and shape of their pool or hot tub. After preparing their pool for the winter months by conditioning the water, the user positions the cover assembly 10 so that it rests directly above the pool 16, then attaches a cable around the pool 16 through the openings 31, see Figure 4. In an embodiment where the cover assembly 10 fits inside the top edge of the pool 16, the user should place a conventional cover over the pool before positioning the cover assembly 10 on the pool 16. Next, using an air pump 40, the user fills the inflatable chamber 25 of the cover assembly 10 with air. Once inflated, the dome-like sheet 13 assumes a convex shape that effectively provides an impenetrable umbrella, which completely shrouds the pool, while effectively repelling debris, rainwater, and snow, which is essential for preventing debris from collecting on the top surface of the cover assembly 10. After proper installation, the cover assembly 10 is left in place throughout the autumn, winter, and early months of spring, conveniently protecting the pool until the weather is warm enough to

prepare the pool for use. After use, the cover assembly 10 is quickly and easily deflated by opening the at least one air valve 34, and the cover assembly 10 is removed and stored away along with other pool accessories, until again needed.