CA2130046A1 - Cover for openings contiguous to a swimming pool - Google Patents
Cover for openings contiguous to a swimming poolInfo
- Publication number
- CA2130046A1 CA2130046A1 CA002130046A CA2130046A CA2130046A1 CA 2130046 A1 CA2130046 A1 CA 2130046A1 CA 002130046 A CA002130046 A CA 002130046A CA 2130046 A CA2130046 A CA 2130046A CA 2130046 A1 CA2130046 A1 CA 2130046A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- swimming pool
- stairwell
- opening
- liner
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims description 46
- 230000010485 coping Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000009882 destearinating Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002352 surface water Substances 0.000 description 2
- BSYJBXQZRHPHRD-OVCMMVBBSA-N (2s)-n-[(2s)-4-amino-1-[[(2r)-1-[(2s)-2-[[(2s)-5-amino-1-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)amino]-1-oxopentan-2-yl]carbamoyl]pyrrolidin-1-yl]-1-oxo-3-sulfanylpropan-2-yl]amino]-1,4-dioxobutan-2-yl]-2-[[(2s,3s)-2-[[(2s)-2-[[(2r)-2-amino-3-sulfanylidenepropanoyl]amino]- Chemical compound C([C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CS)C(=O)N1[C@@H](CCC1)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCN)C(=O)NCC(N)=O)NC(=O)[C@@H](N)C=S)C1=CC=CC=C1 BSYJBXQZRHPHRD-OVCMMVBBSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000009581 Balanites aegyptiaca Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000004770 Eucalyptus longicornis Species 0.000 description 1
- 108700007550 Phe(2)-Orn(8)- oxytocin Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007665 sagging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
- E04H4/08—Coverings consisting of rigid elements, e.g. coverings composed of separate or connected elements
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
A cover devised to be positioned over and to overlay an opening contiguous to a swimming pool such as a stairwell opening. The cover is a preformed modular plastic unit. The cover may comprise a single molded piece or a plurality of pre-molded sections that are secured side-by-side to form a rigid unit. The cover is preferably slightly domed and provided with integrally formed strengthening ribs or channels. The dome shape facilitates flowing of water which may accumulate on the cover surface, to the rear and to the sides of the cover. Suitable means, such as pliable plastic water filled tubes, or other hold down means, function to retain the cover in place when in position, against undesirable dislocation from its covering position. The cover also facilitates the installation of a flexible vinyl liner in a swimming pool by providing means to hold the liner over, and to seal, the opening during the installation of the liner.
A cover devised to be positioned over and to overlay an opening contiguous to a swimming pool such as a stairwell opening. The cover is a preformed modular plastic unit. The cover may comprise a single molded piece or a plurality of pre-molded sections that are secured side-by-side to form a rigid unit. The cover is preferably slightly domed and provided with integrally formed strengthening ribs or channels. The dome shape facilitates flowing of water which may accumulate on the cover surface, to the rear and to the sides of the cover. Suitable means, such as pliable plastic water filled tubes, or other hold down means, function to retain the cover in place when in position, against undesirable dislocation from its covering position. The cover also facilitates the installation of a flexible vinyl liner in a swimming pool by providing means to hold the liner over, and to seal, the opening during the installation of the liner.
Description
hl~UU~
COYER FOR OPENINGS CO~TIGUOUS TO A SWIhMING POOT
The invention relates to a cover for openings that are contiguous to a swi~ning pool. Openings of this kind include, especially stairwells, but also relate to other openings, such as swi~-out areas, spas, seating facilities, and the like, that are contiguous to a swi~ing pool. The cover will be described priDarily with reference to swi~ing pool stairwells, it being understood, however, that the -cover with appropriate ~odification ~ay be applied also to such other openings that are for~ed contieuous to and generally open into the ~ain swi~ing pool. The cover of the invention is adaptable for use uith openings, e.g., stairwells of various widths, and is readily adaptable for virtually all pools with such openings including new as well as pre-existing swi~ming pools. More particularly, th-cover of the invention, uhich is provided in ~odular parts that are assenbled into a single cover unit, or is ~olded as conplete ~odular unit, is devised for positioning over a stairwell or other opening uhich extends fro~ the swi~nin~
pool and is secured in place by suitable ~eans. The cover ;~
is preferably provided at the front edge, uhich faces into -the swin~ing pool, with a dependent ledge which carries a dual receiver bead that aligns with a bead receiver which is generally positioned below the coping on the inside perimeter of a swi~ing pool. The invention ~ay be used in any of a wide variety of swi~ing pool stairwells including use in those swi~ing pools for~ed fro2 a plurality of contiguously j~i~e~ -mod~lar uall panels. The cover of the h~U~
invention is preferably for~ed with a slightly dome-shaped configuration and is constructed fro~ a substantially rigid and tough, though not brittle, plastic composition and is provided with integrally for~ed strengthening ribs and integrally for~ed, i.e., ~olded, channels to effectively ~-;
drain water which may accumulate on the surface of the cover.
BACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTTON
In preparing a in-ground swimming pool for off season "storage , so~etiDès referred to as "winterizing" the pool, ~ ~`
especially in relatively cooler climates, a cover is usually ~ ~-used over the body of water in the pool. This winterizing of the swin~ing pool is desirable for a variety of reasons, including but not li~ited to: the prevention of accu~ulation in the pool of debris, such as leaves and other Daterials; the prevention of unnecessary evaporation of the pool water; as a safeguard to prevent the falling into the unattended pool of a young child or other person or anioal;
and generally to protect the swimming pool against the ele~ents. In those swinming pools that e~ploy a stairway that comprises a plurality of steps or a ra~p-like swim-out area leading from the pool deck into the shallow end of the pool, as distinguished from those swi~ming pools that use only a re~ovable ladder for ingress and egress fro~ the pool, the stairway opening must also be covered when winter-izing the pool. In the past, the usual practice has been to place a sheet ~f ~l"h'O~d over the stairwell or other opening and attempt to i~lprovise some arrangement for holding the plyuood in place and for securing the pool cover to the edge ;: - .:
U (I 'i ~
of the plyuood closest to the pool interior or to try to use a larger than necessary cover which extends not only over the swi~ing pool area but also over the deck and other contiguous opening and then to hold the cover in place with weights such as logs, water tubes, sandbags, or other ueights. This practice has been largely unsatisfactory; is unsafe, because a child or ani~al can fall through the well area; is relatively ineffective; and is unsightly. ~ith respect to the use of a plywood sheet as a cover, the ~
plywood weathers and splinters. Also, the connection of the ~ -pool cover draped over the pool with the cover positioned over the stairwell, to provide an overall integrated seal has been particularly difficult to acco~plish and is prone -to separation and substantial leakage between the two ;
covers. For at least these reasons, a need exists for a conveniently adaptable stairuell cover or shield that is effective econo~ical and practical such as that provided by the present invention. ~ ~-SUMMARy OF THE INVENTION ~ ~ ;
The present invention provides a novel, cover for those openings contiguous to a swi~ing pool; the cover being being applied by positioning it horiaontally over the openin~. The basic for~ of the cover of the invention co~prises a ~odular unit which is a slightly do~e-shaped ~olded unit having a configuration which extends across and slopes downward and covers the opening such as that of a stairwell. The cover unit is provided with integrally ~;~
~olded ribs for added rigidity and resistance to sagging and with integrally ~olded channels to direct the flow of water, ' " ' ';
: ' :
: . .
that accu~ulates on the cover, to the sides and back away fro~ the interior of the swi~ing pool. The for~ and design of the cover unit of the invention is so constructed and arranged that its use with the swi~Ding pool structure involves essentially only the positioning of the cover over the opening that is contiguous to the pool and securing it in place by suitable ~eans such as with water-filled plastic tubes that are positioned in the channels for~ed on the ~
cover, or by suitably securing the cover with other suitable -~eans such as a strap positioned over the cover and anchor-ing the strap at its ends with pins fastened on the swi~ing pool deck. The cover unit of the invention is light in ueight, strong and durable, and affords a convenient, highly desirable accessory for swi~ing pool ~aintenance.
The ~odular cover unit of the invention ~ay co~prise a single section or a plurality of sections joined side-by-side and is preferably provided uith a bead receiving chhnnel at its front edge to assist in holding a swi~ing pool cover. The bead receiving channel on the front edge of the cover is preferably a dual reversible bead receiver that cooperates with the conventional bead receiving channel that is for~ed below the coping of the sui~ing pool to thereby provide a substantially uninterrupted gripping ~eans for the pool cover around the entire periphery of the swi~ing pool. The bead receiver is preferably a dual reversible bead receiver uhich accepts a conventional bead that is lock in the bead receiving channel by a botto~ projection contained on the receiver or, in the case of a reverse bead (which is supplied by so~e 4 ~ :
.
~anufacturers), locked in place by an upper projection contained at the top of the bead receiving channel.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide swi~ing pool stairwell cover which is readily positioned horizontally and held in place over the stairuell opening. ~ :
It is another object of the invention to provide a swi~ing pool stairwell cover uhich co~prises a slightly do~ed ~olded unit uhich allows water which ~ay accunulate on the surface of the cover to flow fro~ the cover to the sides and rearward away fro~ the pool interior~
A further object o~ the invention is to provide a - -~olded plastic swi~ing pool stairwell cover which contains integrally forned strengthening ribs and/or channels or indentations that provide convenient locations .:.
for hold-down ueights.
lt is another object of this invention to provide a swi~ing pool stairwell ~odular cover that is eguipped with a bead receiving channel, preferably a dual bead receiver, to hold the bead of a sui~ing pool cover. ~`
It is a further object of the invention to provide a swi~ing pool stairwell cover that is provided uith a depending front ledge uhich extend to a depth that confor~s with the swi~ing pool coping and is devised to hold a bead;~ ;
receiving channel at a level substantially the sa~e as the ;
bead receiving channel provided below the coping of a swi~ing pool and to restrict side-to-side ~ove~ent of the cover when the cover is positioned in place over the open-ing, such as a stairwell, that is contiguous to the pool.
h ~
Another object of the invention is to provide a ~odular cover capable of perforoing an an i~portant function in the installation of a swi~ing pool liner, or the replace~ent of a liner with a neu liner. The cover which is preferably provided at the front edge which faces into the pool with a dependent leg ledge which carries a bead receiver. This bead receiver aligns with the bead receiver carried by the coping on the inside peri~eter of the swi~ing pool. By continuing the cover bead across the front edge of the cover of the invention (locked in the bead thereof) the open stairwell or other opening is sealed off thereby allouing an uninterrupted liner bead peri~eter per~itting a vacuu~ to be applied to set the liner in place.
A further and preferred object of the inYention resides in the provision of a ~odular ~olded stairwell cover which co~prises a co~posite of ~odular parts that are devised to be joined side-by-side to acco~odate a variety of stairwell size openings.
Another object of the invention is to provide a joint betueen the asse~bled parts of a cover the affords a seal against seepage between the ~odular parts that co~prise an asse~bled cover unit.
Additional objects, advantages and capabilities afforded by the invention will beco~e apparent fro~ the acco~panying drawing and the detailed description which follow:
~ESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one form of a cover according to the invention in which the cover is illustrated on a stairwell and in conjunction with a segment of a perineter uall and deck of a the swi~ing pool.
Fig. 2 is a top plan vieu of the ~odular cover of the invention which is shown in Figs. 1.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 of Fig. 2.
Fig. 3A is an enlarged cross sectional elevational view of a dual bead receiver, which acco~odates a conventional, ~
as well as a reverse type bead. - -Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of Fig. ~ illustrating also the position of a water filled plastic tube for weighting down the cover that is positioned in a channel forned in the cover.
Fig. 5 is a front elevational taken along line 5 - 5 of Fig. 2 and also illustrating, in phantom, water tubes - that ~ -weight down and hold the cover - in position on the cover ~;
for the purpose of substantially i~obilizing the cover.
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of an alternative e~bodi~ent in uhich the nodular cover is for~ed of three sections to for~ the cover in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 6A is a frag~entary schematic view showing :
an arrange~ent for joining an inner ~odular section so as to ;~
better preclude seepage of surface water at the joint of the cover parts and which, by interfitting the parts, also lends increased strength and rigiditY~ to the asse~bled unit.
~: '``'' '-.'' "."-'.' Fig. 7 is an elevational view of a ioined edge portion of a ~odular section of the Dulti-segnent unit of the kind shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a top view of another relatively s~aller cover unit forned fro~ two of the three ~odular seg~ents of the unit illustrated in Fig. 6.
~TAILED DESCRIPT~ON OF THE I~V~NTIO~
The swi~Ding pool stairwell cover of the invention, in its preferred e~bodi~ent, conte~plates the provision of the preforDed plastic ~odule devised to be positioned over and secured in place horizontally over the open stairwell.
Suitable ~eans are used to hold the cover in place over the stairwell against accidental Dovenent by the eleDents, e.g., against storDs, or by contact with persons or objects. The securing ~eans Day co~prise weights placed on the stairwell cover or any convenient hold-down arrange~ent for the cover.
One such weighting arrange~ent utilizes pliable plastic tubes having a dia~eter of about 6 inches and a len~th of 3 to 4 feet which when filled with water provide a suitable ballast. A plurality of these water filled tubes approxi~ately fitted in spaced indentations on the cover are very effective in holding the cover in place.
! . , Alternatively, other suitable hold down ~eans for retaining the cover in place ~ay be used. Preferably such hold down ~-~eans should not entail a significant Dodification of the cover or of the surrounding pool structure. One Deans nay coDprise a spring loaded strap uhich is passed over the stairwell cover when in the horizontal position over the stairwell uith the ends of the strap secured in a below deck _ _ ~U~4~
fasteners or pins in the deck at either side of the stairwell or in the openings provided by the stair railings which are renoved in the winterizing of the pool operation.
During the swinning season when the stairwell cover of the invention is not in use, the cover which is light in weight, nay be conveniently stored by hanginB it up vertically on a hook against either an inside or outside wall of a building such as by a rope secured on an interior portion of the underside of the cover. The outer surface nay be provided with an aesthetically designed surface or overlay for a nore pleasing appearance when the cover is ~-hung at a place exposed to view.
The cover of the invention is adaptable to a wide variety of swinn~ng pools which are provided with walk-in type stairs, swin-out ra~ps, spas, seating acconnodations and other openings contiguous to the swinning pool, including one piece gunnite type pools and those pools that are fabricated fron a plurality of contiguously joined, vertically disposed wall panels and enploy a pre-nolded one-piece stair nodule fitted between vertical wall panels.
Typical swinning pools of the latter construction are those disclosed for exanple in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,596,295;
4,661,247; and 4,797,957. Generally, pools of this kind include a flexible water i~perneable vinyl liner which covers the walls (that are forned of the contiguously secured nodular wall panels) and the botton of the swinning pool to define a water hold;n~ r~n~ainer. The nodular cover of the invention is devised to be positioned over the ;~
stairwell of such pools and nay be provided with a depending _ g ~
front ledge which fits in the stairwell at the pool coping level and restricts side to side Lovenent of the cover when it is fitted over the stairwell opening.
The cover of the invention is adaptable to be placed over any opening contiguous to a swi~ing pool. In addition to stairwells, such opening nay include: SWiD-out ra~ps; spas of the kind illustrated, for exanple, in U.S. Patent Nos.
4,001,899, 4,238,859 and 4,371,003; seating acco~odations such as that shown in U. S. Patent No. 5,228,148, and the like.
The advantages of the ~odular preforned plastic cover of the invention include:
- an aesthetically attractive and durable overlay for a swi~ing pool opening;
- a relatively inex~ensive, strong, light weight unit which when in place over a swi~ning pool stairwell or other opening will withstand the ele~ents and the weight of a person uithout da~age to the cover; and ~`
- a oonvenient, easy to use and to store, i~portant accessory for effective swi~ing pool Daintenance.
Referring now to the drawing, and ~ore particularly to Fig. 1, a seg~ent 10 of a swi~ing pool stairuell with the ~:~
cover ~odule of the invention 15 in place on the stairwell is shown. The frag~ent of the swio~ing pool 10 of Fig. 1 co~prises portions of the vertical peri~eter wall 13, a deck :`
portion 11 and a coping ele~ent 12 which for~s the transitional piece at the corner of the vertioal wall and ~:
the horizontal deck of a conventional swi~ning pool.
: ~:
4 ~
The ~odular cover of the invention which is constructed 50 8S to facilitate its positioning over the opening contiguous to a swi~ing pool co~prises a slihtly do~ed configuration which prevents accu~ulation of uater on the cover surface and directs the flow of any such accuDulated uater to the sides and to the back of the cover away fro~
the swi~ing pool interior 1?. The positioning in place and securing of the cover of the invention over the opening ;~
requires no ~odification of the wall or of the opening or, , in the case of stairwells, without ~odifying the stairs or the stairwell, the pool deck, or other part of the swi~ing pool construction.
As seen in Fig. 1, the cover 15 incorporates a suitable nu~ber of integrally for~ed e~bossed indentations or ribs, six of which are shown 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 Rhich provide significant i~proved rigidity co~pared to a s~ooth, i.e., uninterrupted flat, surface. Because of the slight do~e shape of the cover - the center of the cover at the ;~
highest elevation Rhen the cover is in place - the space ~ `
betu~en these ribs is also effective in directing flow of uater accu~ulating on the cover surface fro~ the center of the cover to the sides as indicated by the arrows shoun ~ .
between the ribs 19 and 20 of Fig. 2. The cover is also preferably for~ed so as to have one or ~ore integrally for~ed drain channels disposed essentially transversely to the integrally forned ribs, three such drain channels, 26, ',' .
~; i t.l U ~
27, and 28 of which are illustrated in Fig. 2. These channels also i~part i~proved rigidity or stiffening to the cover and serve as drain channels and ~ay serve as positions where flexible plastic tubes 40 filled with uater 41 can be placed for the purpose of substantially i~obilizin~ the cover after it is in position over the stairwell. See Fig.
4. Also shown in Fig. 4 are the channels 26, 27, and 28 which are preferably provided with a central rise 34 at the botto~ of the channel which allows ~ater to flow even when the water filled tubes 40 are positioned in the channels.
These central rise portions 34 also function to prevent -uater seepage and enhance overall rigidity of the cover as noted ~ore particularly by reference to Fig. 6A.
Additionally, the cover ~ay optionally be provided with suitably located, integrally for~ed, end ribs two of which 28 and 30 are illustrated in Fig. 2. Suitable alternative ~eans for s~bstantially i~obilizing the cover in addition to the water filled tubes ~ay be e~ployed. As illustrated -~
sche~atically in Fig. 2, a strap or cord C which preferably incorporates a spring seg~ent S is stretched across the top of the cover lS and is appropriately anchored as by neans of pins P in the pool deck on each side of the cover 15. The front of the cover of the invention which substantially aligns with the coping of the s~ ing pool, is preferably provided with a depending ledge portion L which extends below the swi~ing pool deck level when the cover is in place and restricts side-to-side ~ove~ent. Side-to-side ~ove~ent of the cover -``
lJ
in place is restricted because the depending portion L of the cover abuts the coping contiguous to the sides 43 and 44 of the stairuell wall at the entry to the pool. Soe Fig. 1.
The front of the cover is nay be provided with a cover bead holding channel seg~ent or bead receiver 37 secured at 38 near the botto~ 36 of the ledge L. See Fig. 3 and preferably with a dual reversible bead receiver. As shown in Fig. 3A, the bead receiver seg~ent 37 functions in cooperation with a oonventional bead holding channel or receiver positioned below the swi~ing pool coping to hold a sui~ing pool cover that is placed over and covers the entire surface of the swi~ing pool. The bead receiver seg~ent 37 shown in Fig. 3 retains the peripheral bead of `
that seg~ent of the flexible plastic swi~ing pool oover (not shown) which extends in front of the stairwell, within the channel opening 39 or 39a for Fig.3A. Vhen a dual bead ~ -receiver 37b such as that shown in Fig. 3A is inserted at 39a, the receiver is adaptable with either a standard ~ ~
bead(formed on the botto~ of the liner) locked in by the ~ :
extension 37d, or a less conventional bead (for~ed at the top) as supplied by so~e liner ~anufacturers, which is ~ -locked in by the extension 37c. ~ ;~
The front of ths cover of the invention is also provided with a depending botto~ edge flange 35 which extends continuously around the left side, the back, and the right side of the cover lS. to lend greater strength and to inhibit distortion and so that the the this edge flange 35 ~aintains a flat abut~ent against the deck, the flange 35 is provided with suitably spaced integrally for~ed gussets 33 ~
which inhibit upward curl` of the flhnge portion 35 ~ ;
; ~
-- ! 3~
In the alternative e~bodi~ents illustrated in Eigs. 6, 6A, 7 and 8, the cover of the invention co~prises pre-~olded ~odular plastic sections ~hich are suitably joined side by side to provide a unitary cover of a size adequate to fit the an opening to be covered. For exa~ple, in the case of pool stairwells, ~any pool stairwells are either approxi~ately 6 feet wide or approxi~ately 8 feet wide. The covers of Figs. 6 and B illustrate that the sa~e ~odular seg~ents ~ay be used to provide a cover for either a smaller (stairwell) opening -using two ~odular seg~ents, 51 and 56-or larger (stairwell) opening which includes also the center ~odular seg~ent 52. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the invention ~ay be applied to a variety of differing width openings, other than stairwells, by appropriately sizing and joining the appropriate oodular sections when the openings are relatively large or by a one-piece ~olded cover.
In referring to the ele~ents for~ing the covers of Figs. 6 and ô, those elements having the sa~e function as those referenced in Figs. l-5, will also be referred to by the sa~e reference nu~erals with the proviso that these nu~erals are acco~panied by the letter "a" for the ele~ents of Fig. 6 and by the letter "b" when referring to the like ele~ents in Fig. 8. Si~ilarly, references e~ployed in Fig.
8 and not appearing in Figs. 1-5 function si~ilarly as .. . - .;
those with si~ilar reference nu~bers as the ele~ents of Fig.
6 with the proviso that those ele~ents of Fig. 8 bearing the !~
sa~e reference nu~erals are acco~panied by a letter "b".
.
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As seen by reference to Fig. 6, the stairwell cover of the invention coDprises three parts or sections: a left section 51, a center section 52 and a right section 53, suitably joined through respective integrally for~ed flanges at 56 and 57 to for~ a substantially rigid unit which is adaptable to fit over a swimning pool opening, such as a stairuell . The sections 51, 52, and 53, also sometimes referred to as "segments", are pre-nolded with a depending edge flange having a face F (see Fig. 7) of sufficient ~;
thickness and width, and of adequate strength, such that ~-when suitably joined, such as with fasteners, which ~ay i ' include washers, and bolts 59, through preformed openings in the flanges, an overall rigid construction is produced.
In Fig. 6A an arrangement is illustrated wherein a ~;
plurality of sections, which when joined together is substantially effective in precluding the entry into the -~
swim~ing pool of surface water through the cover. The nodular center section 52 is provided with depending sides that fit within the channel 57 between the side of the channel and the central rise 34 at the botto~ of the channel. This fit, when the segments are joined and fastened together, is effective to substantially enhance the overall stiffness of the asse~bled cover.
It is seen by reference to the cover of Fig. 8 that it ~ ;
comprises the left section 51b and the right section 53b which are respectivelY the same as sections 51 and 53 of -15- ~ ~
";.`'~:
;~ 4 ~
Fig. 6. Thus, by omitting the central section 52 of the cover 50 of Fig. 6 which is asse~bled to cover an 8 foot stairwell opening, a cover 50b is provided QS shown in Fig.
8 that is suitable for covering R relatively narrower, i.e., a 6 foot uide stairwell opening. Suitable calking, such as a fibrous or rubberized composition, or any other suitable filler, ~ay be applied at the joint between the segments when the segments are fastened together to fill any space which may be present between the joined seg~ents, to improve the seal, and to enhance the appearance. It will be apparent that by providing the central segment 52 in a ;~-variety of widths, a wide range of cover sizes, in addition to the above referred 6 and 8 foot widths, ~ay be constructed.
As disclosed when describing the embodiment of Figs.
1-5, the covers of Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 are also preferably equipped with a depending leg portion at the front of the cover which restricts side to side ~ovement and on which a cover bead receiving channel (not shown) is secured for ~-holding a coYer bead.
An important advantage available by use of the cover of the invention resides in the use of the cover to install a flexible vinyl liner in a swimming pool. When installing the liner, use is made of the bead holding receiver segment on the cover of the invention to hold that part, of the liner that is positioned in the liner bead holding receiver -~
located around the perimeter of the pool (below the coping), over the opening for~ed by the stairwell. By so doing an uninterrupted covering of the entire swi~ming pool cavity by ~-the vinyl liner is possible. It is thereby possible to apply a vacuum to set the liner because the opening for~ed by the stairwell is sealed. Once the liner is set, a face plate such as that disclosed in pending U.S. Patent Applic~tion Serial No. 07/969,132 of D.E. Dahowski, filed on October 30, 1992, is secured over the liner at the stairwell opening and the portion of the liner covering the stairwell opening is tri~med a~ay. This procedure obviates the prior, relatively very cumberso~e, ~ethods of effecting the installation of a vinyl liner, or the replacement of a vinyl liner in a swi~ming pool.
Suitable alternative ~eans for i~parting rigidity and strength to the cover of the invention ~ay be e~ployed and for fitting the cover on a openin~s that are contiguous to the main swimming pool and to restrict the side-to-side ~ove~ent or displace~ent of the cover when the cover is in ;~
place. Such ~odifications will be apparent to one skilled ~ ;
in the art and ~ay be incorporated in the stairwell cover of the invention. Thus, while the invention is described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings present pref~rred e~bodiments, it uill be understood that the invention ~ay be ~odified in various additional details without departing fro~ the scope and spirit of the invention as presented by the clai~s which follow.
.
COYER FOR OPENINGS CO~TIGUOUS TO A SWIhMING POOT
The invention relates to a cover for openings that are contiguous to a swi~ning pool. Openings of this kind include, especially stairwells, but also relate to other openings, such as swi~-out areas, spas, seating facilities, and the like, that are contiguous to a swi~ing pool. The cover will be described priDarily with reference to swi~ing pool stairwells, it being understood, however, that the -cover with appropriate ~odification ~ay be applied also to such other openings that are for~ed contieuous to and generally open into the ~ain swi~ing pool. The cover of the invention is adaptable for use uith openings, e.g., stairwells of various widths, and is readily adaptable for virtually all pools with such openings including new as well as pre-existing swi~ming pools. More particularly, th-cover of the invention, uhich is provided in ~odular parts that are assenbled into a single cover unit, or is ~olded as conplete ~odular unit, is devised for positioning over a stairwell or other opening uhich extends fro~ the swi~nin~
pool and is secured in place by suitable ~eans. The cover ;~
is preferably provided at the front edge, uhich faces into -the swin~ing pool, with a dependent ledge which carries a dual receiver bead that aligns with a bead receiver which is generally positioned below the coping on the inside perimeter of a swi~ing pool. The invention ~ay be used in any of a wide variety of swi~ing pool stairwells including use in those swi~ing pools for~ed fro2 a plurality of contiguously j~i~e~ -mod~lar uall panels. The cover of the h~U~
invention is preferably for~ed with a slightly dome-shaped configuration and is constructed fro~ a substantially rigid and tough, though not brittle, plastic composition and is provided with integrally for~ed strengthening ribs and integrally for~ed, i.e., ~olded, channels to effectively ~-;
drain water which may accumulate on the surface of the cover.
BACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTTON
In preparing a in-ground swimming pool for off season "storage , so~etiDès referred to as "winterizing" the pool, ~ ~`
especially in relatively cooler climates, a cover is usually ~ ~-used over the body of water in the pool. This winterizing of the swin~ing pool is desirable for a variety of reasons, including but not li~ited to: the prevention of accu~ulation in the pool of debris, such as leaves and other Daterials; the prevention of unnecessary evaporation of the pool water; as a safeguard to prevent the falling into the unattended pool of a young child or other person or anioal;
and generally to protect the swimming pool against the ele~ents. In those swinming pools that e~ploy a stairway that comprises a plurality of steps or a ra~p-like swim-out area leading from the pool deck into the shallow end of the pool, as distinguished from those swi~ming pools that use only a re~ovable ladder for ingress and egress fro~ the pool, the stairway opening must also be covered when winter-izing the pool. In the past, the usual practice has been to place a sheet ~f ~l"h'O~d over the stairwell or other opening and attempt to i~lprovise some arrangement for holding the plyuood in place and for securing the pool cover to the edge ;: - .:
U (I 'i ~
of the plyuood closest to the pool interior or to try to use a larger than necessary cover which extends not only over the swi~ing pool area but also over the deck and other contiguous opening and then to hold the cover in place with weights such as logs, water tubes, sandbags, or other ueights. This practice has been largely unsatisfactory; is unsafe, because a child or ani~al can fall through the well area; is relatively ineffective; and is unsightly. ~ith respect to the use of a plywood sheet as a cover, the ~
plywood weathers and splinters. Also, the connection of the ~ -pool cover draped over the pool with the cover positioned over the stairwell, to provide an overall integrated seal has been particularly difficult to acco~plish and is prone -to separation and substantial leakage between the two ;
covers. For at least these reasons, a need exists for a conveniently adaptable stairuell cover or shield that is effective econo~ical and practical such as that provided by the present invention. ~ ~-SUMMARy OF THE INVENTION ~ ~ ;
The present invention provides a novel, cover for those openings contiguous to a swi~ing pool; the cover being being applied by positioning it horiaontally over the openin~. The basic for~ of the cover of the invention co~prises a ~odular unit which is a slightly do~e-shaped ~olded unit having a configuration which extends across and slopes downward and covers the opening such as that of a stairwell. The cover unit is provided with integrally ~;~
~olded ribs for added rigidity and resistance to sagging and with integrally ~olded channels to direct the flow of water, ' " ' ';
: ' :
: . .
that accu~ulates on the cover, to the sides and back away fro~ the interior of the swi~ing pool. The for~ and design of the cover unit of the invention is so constructed and arranged that its use with the swi~Ding pool structure involves essentially only the positioning of the cover over the opening that is contiguous to the pool and securing it in place by suitable ~eans such as with water-filled plastic tubes that are positioned in the channels for~ed on the ~
cover, or by suitably securing the cover with other suitable -~eans such as a strap positioned over the cover and anchor-ing the strap at its ends with pins fastened on the swi~ing pool deck. The cover unit of the invention is light in ueight, strong and durable, and affords a convenient, highly desirable accessory for swi~ing pool ~aintenance.
The ~odular cover unit of the invention ~ay co~prise a single section or a plurality of sections joined side-by-side and is preferably provided uith a bead receiving chhnnel at its front edge to assist in holding a swi~ing pool cover. The bead receiving channel on the front edge of the cover is preferably a dual reversible bead receiver that cooperates with the conventional bead receiving channel that is for~ed below the coping of the sui~ing pool to thereby provide a substantially uninterrupted gripping ~eans for the pool cover around the entire periphery of the swi~ing pool. The bead receiver is preferably a dual reversible bead receiver uhich accepts a conventional bead that is lock in the bead receiving channel by a botto~ projection contained on the receiver or, in the case of a reverse bead (which is supplied by so~e 4 ~ :
.
~anufacturers), locked in place by an upper projection contained at the top of the bead receiving channel.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide swi~ing pool stairwell cover which is readily positioned horizontally and held in place over the stairuell opening. ~ :
It is another object of the invention to provide a swi~ing pool stairwell cover uhich co~prises a slightly do~ed ~olded unit uhich allows water which ~ay accunulate on the surface of the cover to flow fro~ the cover to the sides and rearward away fro~ the pool interior~
A further object o~ the invention is to provide a - -~olded plastic swi~ing pool stairwell cover which contains integrally forned strengthening ribs and/or channels or indentations that provide convenient locations .:.
for hold-down ueights.
lt is another object of this invention to provide a swi~ing pool stairwell ~odular cover that is eguipped with a bead receiving channel, preferably a dual bead receiver, to hold the bead of a sui~ing pool cover. ~`
It is a further object of the invention to provide a swi~ing pool stairwell cover that is provided uith a depending front ledge uhich extend to a depth that confor~s with the swi~ing pool coping and is devised to hold a bead;~ ;
receiving channel at a level substantially the sa~e as the ;
bead receiving channel provided below the coping of a swi~ing pool and to restrict side-to-side ~ove~ent of the cover when the cover is positioned in place over the open-ing, such as a stairwell, that is contiguous to the pool.
h ~
Another object of the invention is to provide a ~odular cover capable of perforoing an an i~portant function in the installation of a swi~ing pool liner, or the replace~ent of a liner with a neu liner. The cover which is preferably provided at the front edge which faces into the pool with a dependent leg ledge which carries a bead receiver. This bead receiver aligns with the bead receiver carried by the coping on the inside peri~eter of the swi~ing pool. By continuing the cover bead across the front edge of the cover of the invention (locked in the bead thereof) the open stairwell or other opening is sealed off thereby allouing an uninterrupted liner bead peri~eter per~itting a vacuu~ to be applied to set the liner in place.
A further and preferred object of the inYention resides in the provision of a ~odular ~olded stairwell cover which co~prises a co~posite of ~odular parts that are devised to be joined side-by-side to acco~odate a variety of stairwell size openings.
Another object of the invention is to provide a joint betueen the asse~bled parts of a cover the affords a seal against seepage between the ~odular parts that co~prise an asse~bled cover unit.
Additional objects, advantages and capabilities afforded by the invention will beco~e apparent fro~ the acco~panying drawing and the detailed description which follow:
~ESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one form of a cover according to the invention in which the cover is illustrated on a stairwell and in conjunction with a segment of a perineter uall and deck of a the swi~ing pool.
Fig. 2 is a top plan vieu of the ~odular cover of the invention which is shown in Figs. 1.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 of Fig. 2.
Fig. 3A is an enlarged cross sectional elevational view of a dual bead receiver, which acco~odates a conventional, ~
as well as a reverse type bead. - -Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of Fig. ~ illustrating also the position of a water filled plastic tube for weighting down the cover that is positioned in a channel forned in the cover.
Fig. 5 is a front elevational taken along line 5 - 5 of Fig. 2 and also illustrating, in phantom, water tubes - that ~ -weight down and hold the cover - in position on the cover ~;
for the purpose of substantially i~obilizing the cover.
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of an alternative e~bodi~ent in uhich the nodular cover is for~ed of three sections to for~ the cover in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 6A is a frag~entary schematic view showing :
an arrange~ent for joining an inner ~odular section so as to ;~
better preclude seepage of surface water at the joint of the cover parts and which, by interfitting the parts, also lends increased strength and rigiditY~ to the asse~bled unit.
~: '``'' '-.'' "."-'.' Fig. 7 is an elevational view of a ioined edge portion of a ~odular section of the Dulti-segnent unit of the kind shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a top view of another relatively s~aller cover unit forned fro~ two of the three ~odular seg~ents of the unit illustrated in Fig. 6.
~TAILED DESCRIPT~ON OF THE I~V~NTIO~
The swi~Ding pool stairwell cover of the invention, in its preferred e~bodi~ent, conte~plates the provision of the preforDed plastic ~odule devised to be positioned over and secured in place horizontally over the open stairwell.
Suitable ~eans are used to hold the cover in place over the stairwell against accidental Dovenent by the eleDents, e.g., against storDs, or by contact with persons or objects. The securing ~eans Day co~prise weights placed on the stairwell cover or any convenient hold-down arrange~ent for the cover.
One such weighting arrange~ent utilizes pliable plastic tubes having a dia~eter of about 6 inches and a len~th of 3 to 4 feet which when filled with water provide a suitable ballast. A plurality of these water filled tubes approxi~ately fitted in spaced indentations on the cover are very effective in holding the cover in place.
! . , Alternatively, other suitable hold down ~eans for retaining the cover in place ~ay be used. Preferably such hold down ~-~eans should not entail a significant Dodification of the cover or of the surrounding pool structure. One Deans nay coDprise a spring loaded strap uhich is passed over the stairwell cover when in the horizontal position over the stairwell uith the ends of the strap secured in a below deck _ _ ~U~4~
fasteners or pins in the deck at either side of the stairwell or in the openings provided by the stair railings which are renoved in the winterizing of the pool operation.
During the swinning season when the stairwell cover of the invention is not in use, the cover which is light in weight, nay be conveniently stored by hanginB it up vertically on a hook against either an inside or outside wall of a building such as by a rope secured on an interior portion of the underside of the cover. The outer surface nay be provided with an aesthetically designed surface or overlay for a nore pleasing appearance when the cover is ~-hung at a place exposed to view.
The cover of the invention is adaptable to a wide variety of swinn~ng pools which are provided with walk-in type stairs, swin-out ra~ps, spas, seating acconnodations and other openings contiguous to the swinning pool, including one piece gunnite type pools and those pools that are fabricated fron a plurality of contiguously joined, vertically disposed wall panels and enploy a pre-nolded one-piece stair nodule fitted between vertical wall panels.
Typical swinning pools of the latter construction are those disclosed for exanple in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,596,295;
4,661,247; and 4,797,957. Generally, pools of this kind include a flexible water i~perneable vinyl liner which covers the walls (that are forned of the contiguously secured nodular wall panels) and the botton of the swinning pool to define a water hold;n~ r~n~ainer. The nodular cover of the invention is devised to be positioned over the ;~
stairwell of such pools and nay be provided with a depending _ g ~
front ledge which fits in the stairwell at the pool coping level and restricts side to side Lovenent of the cover when it is fitted over the stairwell opening.
The cover of the invention is adaptable to be placed over any opening contiguous to a swi~ing pool. In addition to stairwells, such opening nay include: SWiD-out ra~ps; spas of the kind illustrated, for exanple, in U.S. Patent Nos.
4,001,899, 4,238,859 and 4,371,003; seating acco~odations such as that shown in U. S. Patent No. 5,228,148, and the like.
The advantages of the ~odular preforned plastic cover of the invention include:
- an aesthetically attractive and durable overlay for a swi~ing pool opening;
- a relatively inex~ensive, strong, light weight unit which when in place over a swi~ning pool stairwell or other opening will withstand the ele~ents and the weight of a person uithout da~age to the cover; and ~`
- a oonvenient, easy to use and to store, i~portant accessory for effective swi~ing pool Daintenance.
Referring now to the drawing, and ~ore particularly to Fig. 1, a seg~ent 10 of a swi~ing pool stairuell with the ~:~
cover ~odule of the invention 15 in place on the stairwell is shown. The frag~ent of the swio~ing pool 10 of Fig. 1 co~prises portions of the vertical peri~eter wall 13, a deck :`
portion 11 and a coping ele~ent 12 which for~s the transitional piece at the corner of the vertioal wall and ~:
the horizontal deck of a conventional swi~ning pool.
: ~:
4 ~
The ~odular cover of the invention which is constructed 50 8S to facilitate its positioning over the opening contiguous to a swi~ing pool co~prises a slihtly do~ed configuration which prevents accu~ulation of uater on the cover surface and directs the flow of any such accuDulated uater to the sides and to the back of the cover away fro~
the swi~ing pool interior 1?. The positioning in place and securing of the cover of the invention over the opening ;~
requires no ~odification of the wall or of the opening or, , in the case of stairwells, without ~odifying the stairs or the stairwell, the pool deck, or other part of the swi~ing pool construction.
As seen in Fig. 1, the cover 15 incorporates a suitable nu~ber of integrally for~ed e~bossed indentations or ribs, six of which are shown 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 Rhich provide significant i~proved rigidity co~pared to a s~ooth, i.e., uninterrupted flat, surface. Because of the slight do~e shape of the cover - the center of the cover at the ;~
highest elevation Rhen the cover is in place - the space ~ `
betu~en these ribs is also effective in directing flow of uater accu~ulating on the cover surface fro~ the center of the cover to the sides as indicated by the arrows shoun ~ .
between the ribs 19 and 20 of Fig. 2. The cover is also preferably for~ed so as to have one or ~ore integrally for~ed drain channels disposed essentially transversely to the integrally forned ribs, three such drain channels, 26, ',' .
~; i t.l U ~
27, and 28 of which are illustrated in Fig. 2. These channels also i~part i~proved rigidity or stiffening to the cover and serve as drain channels and ~ay serve as positions where flexible plastic tubes 40 filled with uater 41 can be placed for the purpose of substantially i~obilizin~ the cover after it is in position over the stairwell. See Fig.
4. Also shown in Fig. 4 are the channels 26, 27, and 28 which are preferably provided with a central rise 34 at the botto~ of the channel which allows ~ater to flow even when the water filled tubes 40 are positioned in the channels.
These central rise portions 34 also function to prevent -uater seepage and enhance overall rigidity of the cover as noted ~ore particularly by reference to Fig. 6A.
Additionally, the cover ~ay optionally be provided with suitably located, integrally for~ed, end ribs two of which 28 and 30 are illustrated in Fig. 2. Suitable alternative ~eans for s~bstantially i~obilizing the cover in addition to the water filled tubes ~ay be e~ployed. As illustrated -~
sche~atically in Fig. 2, a strap or cord C which preferably incorporates a spring seg~ent S is stretched across the top of the cover lS and is appropriately anchored as by neans of pins P in the pool deck on each side of the cover 15. The front of the cover of the invention which substantially aligns with the coping of the s~ ing pool, is preferably provided with a depending ledge portion L which extends below the swi~ing pool deck level when the cover is in place and restricts side-to-side ~ove~ent. Side-to-side ~ove~ent of the cover -``
lJ
in place is restricted because the depending portion L of the cover abuts the coping contiguous to the sides 43 and 44 of the stairuell wall at the entry to the pool. Soe Fig. 1.
The front of the cover is nay be provided with a cover bead holding channel seg~ent or bead receiver 37 secured at 38 near the botto~ 36 of the ledge L. See Fig. 3 and preferably with a dual reversible bead receiver. As shown in Fig. 3A, the bead receiver seg~ent 37 functions in cooperation with a oonventional bead holding channel or receiver positioned below the swi~ing pool coping to hold a sui~ing pool cover that is placed over and covers the entire surface of the swi~ing pool. The bead receiver seg~ent 37 shown in Fig. 3 retains the peripheral bead of `
that seg~ent of the flexible plastic swi~ing pool oover (not shown) which extends in front of the stairwell, within the channel opening 39 or 39a for Fig.3A. Vhen a dual bead ~ -receiver 37b such as that shown in Fig. 3A is inserted at 39a, the receiver is adaptable with either a standard ~ ~
bead(formed on the botto~ of the liner) locked in by the ~ :
extension 37d, or a less conventional bead (for~ed at the top) as supplied by so~e liner ~anufacturers, which is ~ -locked in by the extension 37c. ~ ;~
The front of ths cover of the invention is also provided with a depending botto~ edge flange 35 which extends continuously around the left side, the back, and the right side of the cover lS. to lend greater strength and to inhibit distortion and so that the the this edge flange 35 ~aintains a flat abut~ent against the deck, the flange 35 is provided with suitably spaced integrally for~ed gussets 33 ~
which inhibit upward curl` of the flhnge portion 35 ~ ;
; ~
-- ! 3~
In the alternative e~bodi~ents illustrated in Eigs. 6, 6A, 7 and 8, the cover of the invention co~prises pre-~olded ~odular plastic sections ~hich are suitably joined side by side to provide a unitary cover of a size adequate to fit the an opening to be covered. For exa~ple, in the case of pool stairwells, ~any pool stairwells are either approxi~ately 6 feet wide or approxi~ately 8 feet wide. The covers of Figs. 6 and B illustrate that the sa~e ~odular seg~ents ~ay be used to provide a cover for either a smaller (stairwell) opening -using two ~odular seg~ents, 51 and 56-or larger (stairwell) opening which includes also the center ~odular seg~ent 52. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the invention ~ay be applied to a variety of differing width openings, other than stairwells, by appropriately sizing and joining the appropriate oodular sections when the openings are relatively large or by a one-piece ~olded cover.
In referring to the ele~ents for~ing the covers of Figs. 6 and ô, those elements having the sa~e function as those referenced in Figs. l-5, will also be referred to by the sa~e reference nu~erals with the proviso that these nu~erals are acco~panied by the letter "a" for the ele~ents of Fig. 6 and by the letter "b" when referring to the like ele~ents in Fig. 8. Si~ilarly, references e~ployed in Fig.
8 and not appearing in Figs. 1-5 function si~ilarly as .. . - .;
those with si~ilar reference nu~bers as the ele~ents of Fig.
6 with the proviso that those ele~ents of Fig. 8 bearing the !~
sa~e reference nu~erals are acco~panied by a letter "b".
.
:, ~
u ~
As seen by reference to Fig. 6, the stairwell cover of the invention coDprises three parts or sections: a left section 51, a center section 52 and a right section 53, suitably joined through respective integrally for~ed flanges at 56 and 57 to for~ a substantially rigid unit which is adaptable to fit over a swimning pool opening, such as a stairuell . The sections 51, 52, and 53, also sometimes referred to as "segments", are pre-nolded with a depending edge flange having a face F (see Fig. 7) of sufficient ~;
thickness and width, and of adequate strength, such that ~-when suitably joined, such as with fasteners, which ~ay i ' include washers, and bolts 59, through preformed openings in the flanges, an overall rigid construction is produced.
In Fig. 6A an arrangement is illustrated wherein a ~;
plurality of sections, which when joined together is substantially effective in precluding the entry into the -~
swim~ing pool of surface water through the cover. The nodular center section 52 is provided with depending sides that fit within the channel 57 between the side of the channel and the central rise 34 at the botto~ of the channel. This fit, when the segments are joined and fastened together, is effective to substantially enhance the overall stiffness of the asse~bled cover.
It is seen by reference to the cover of Fig. 8 that it ~ ;
comprises the left section 51b and the right section 53b which are respectivelY the same as sections 51 and 53 of -15- ~ ~
";.`'~:
;~ 4 ~
Fig. 6. Thus, by omitting the central section 52 of the cover 50 of Fig. 6 which is asse~bled to cover an 8 foot stairwell opening, a cover 50b is provided QS shown in Fig.
8 that is suitable for covering R relatively narrower, i.e., a 6 foot uide stairwell opening. Suitable calking, such as a fibrous or rubberized composition, or any other suitable filler, ~ay be applied at the joint between the segments when the segments are fastened together to fill any space which may be present between the joined seg~ents, to improve the seal, and to enhance the appearance. It will be apparent that by providing the central segment 52 in a ;~-variety of widths, a wide range of cover sizes, in addition to the above referred 6 and 8 foot widths, ~ay be constructed.
As disclosed when describing the embodiment of Figs.
1-5, the covers of Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 are also preferably equipped with a depending leg portion at the front of the cover which restricts side to side ~ovement and on which a cover bead receiving channel (not shown) is secured for ~-holding a coYer bead.
An important advantage available by use of the cover of the invention resides in the use of the cover to install a flexible vinyl liner in a swimming pool. When installing the liner, use is made of the bead holding receiver segment on the cover of the invention to hold that part, of the liner that is positioned in the liner bead holding receiver -~
located around the perimeter of the pool (below the coping), over the opening for~ed by the stairwell. By so doing an uninterrupted covering of the entire swi~ming pool cavity by ~-the vinyl liner is possible. It is thereby possible to apply a vacuum to set the liner because the opening for~ed by the stairwell is sealed. Once the liner is set, a face plate such as that disclosed in pending U.S. Patent Applic~tion Serial No. 07/969,132 of D.E. Dahowski, filed on October 30, 1992, is secured over the liner at the stairwell opening and the portion of the liner covering the stairwell opening is tri~med a~ay. This procedure obviates the prior, relatively very cumberso~e, ~ethods of effecting the installation of a vinyl liner, or the replacement of a vinyl liner in a swi~ming pool.
Suitable alternative ~eans for i~parting rigidity and strength to the cover of the invention ~ay be e~ployed and for fitting the cover on a openin~s that are contiguous to the main swimming pool and to restrict the side-to-side ~ove~ent or displace~ent of the cover when the cover is in ;~
place. Such ~odifications will be apparent to one skilled ~ ;
in the art and ~ay be incorporated in the stairwell cover of the invention. Thus, while the invention is described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings present pref~rred e~bodiments, it uill be understood that the invention ~ay be ~odified in various additional details without departing fro~ the scope and spirit of the invention as presented by the clai~s which follow.
.
Claims (17)
1. A swimming pool stairwell cover comprising a molded plastic unit preformed to fit over the opening that is contiguous to a swimming pool, said cover having:
a. a plurality of stiffening/strengthening elements integrally molded in the cover;
b. means at the front edge of the cover to secure the peripheral bead of a swimming pool cover or liner; and c. means to hold down the stairwell cover upon positioning of the cover over a stairwell.
a. a plurality of stiffening/strengthening elements integrally molded in the cover;
b. means at the front edge of the cover to secure the peripheral bead of a swimming pool cover or liner; and c. means to hold down the stairwell cover upon positioning of the cover over a stairwell.
2. The cover of claim 1 including means to restrict side-to-side movement when the cover is positioned over the opening contiguous to the swimming pool.
3. The cover of claim 1 comprising a slightly domed shape such that when the cover is in place contiguous to a swimming pool, water accumulating on the cover drains to the sides and to the rear away from the interior of a swimming pool.
4. The cover of claim 1 including means to restrict side-to-side movement of the cover when the cover is located in position contiguous to the swimming pool comprising a depending ledge extending across the front of the cover and wherein the left and right ends of the depending ledge abut the left and right upper walls respectively of the opening contiguous to a swimming pool coping.
5. The cover of claim 4 in which the depending ledge is provided with a bead holding channel which functions to hold a portion of a bead formed around a periphery of a swimming pool cover that is placed over a swimming pool.
6. The cover of claim 1 wherein the embossed elements comprise a plurality of strengthening ribs or channels that are integrally formed on the molded surface of the plastic cover.
7. The cover of claim 6 in combination with water filled plastic tubes which provide ballast positioned in said strengthening ribs or channel to retain the fitted cover in place.
8. A cover as in claim 1 which is constructed by joining plastic molded companion modular sections which are secured side by side to provide a unit having substantial rigidity.
9. The cover of claim 8 which is formed with a slightly domed configuration such that when the cover is in position and water accumulates on the cover, such water will drain to the rear and to the sides away from the interior of the swimming pool.
10. The cover of claim 8 wherein means restricting side to side movement comprising a depending ledge extending across the front of the cover and the left and right ends contact the left and right upper walls of a stairwell contiguous to a swimming pool coping.
11. The cover of claim 8 in which the depending ledge is provided with a bead holding channel to hold a portion of a bead that is formed on a periphery of a swimming pool cover that is placed over a swimming pool.
12. The stairwell cover of claim 8 wherein the strengthening elements comprise a plurality of strengthening ribs that are integrally formed in the molded surface of the respective sections.
13. The cover of claim 8 in combination with water filled plastic tubes which provide ballast to retain the cover when positioned over an opening contiguous to a swimming pool.
14. A stairwell cover in accordance with claim 8 comprising a left section, a center section, and a right section.
15. A stairwell cover comprising solely the left section and the right section of the cover of claim 14.
16. The cover of claim 8 in which the joint between the joined segments of the cover is sealed to preclude water accumulating on the cover from passing through the cover.
17. A method of installing a vinyl liner in a swimming pool that has an opening such as a stairwell which extends outside of the perimeter of a swimming pool which comprises positioning the cover of claim 1 over the opening, draping a liner over the swimming pool opening, fitting a bead that is formed around the periphery of the liner in a receiver located around the swimming pool periphery and in the receiver and the bead securing means in the cover, drawing a vacuum to withdraw air trapped between the liner and the swimming pool wall to set the liner, applying a face plate to secure the liner at the opening, and stripping away that portion of the liner that covers the opening.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US106,827 | 1987-10-09 | ||
| US08/106,827 US5417016A (en) | 1993-08-16 | 1993-08-16 | Cover for openings contiguous to a swimming pool |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2130046A1 true CA2130046A1 (en) | 1995-02-17 |
Family
ID=22313472
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002130046A Abandoned CA2130046A1 (en) | 1993-08-16 | 1994-08-12 | Cover for openings contiguous to a swimming pool |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5417016A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2130046A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5608926A (en) * | 1995-07-03 | 1997-03-11 | Donaton; William S. | Swimming pool cover loop-loc fastener |
| FR2742182B1 (en) * | 1995-12-12 | 1998-01-30 | Lucien Walter Ets | DEVICE FOR COVERING A PART OF A POOL, OF THE POOL TYPE, SUCH AS A STAIRCASE OR THE LIKE |
| US5800089A (en) * | 1996-06-03 | 1998-09-01 | Donaton; William S. | Adjustable detachable pool cover anchor |
| US6581349B1 (en) | 1998-06-04 | 2003-06-24 | Bruce L. Riley | Method and manufacture for constructing watertight |
| US20050262626A1 (en) * | 2004-05-27 | 2005-12-01 | Latham Plastics, Inc. | Modular step cover system for a swimming pool cover |
| US8584271B2 (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2013-11-19 | Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc. | Corner plate for holding a pool liner |
| US10301835B2 (en) | 2017-01-13 | 2019-05-28 | Trojan Leisure Products, LLC | Swimming pool stair covers and methods of covering swimming pool stairs |
| US10472839B2 (en) * | 2018-01-04 | 2019-11-12 | Thursday Pools | Beach entry fiberglass pool system |
| US11293185B1 (en) * | 2020-12-11 | 2022-04-05 | James Dee Sullivan | Attic stair assemblies and methods of installing attic stair assemblies |
Family Cites Families (22)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3236012A (en) * | 1964-11-06 | 1966-02-22 | Merrill L Laven | Swimming pool steps |
| US3564792A (en) * | 1969-09-03 | 1971-02-23 | Sanford Arthur C | Enclosed portable staircase |
| US3596295A (en) * | 1969-09-25 | 1971-08-03 | Quarius Corp | Ice protection system for swimming pools |
| GB1331883A (en) * | 1971-04-20 | 1973-09-26 | Volkle W | Roof for a swimming pool |
| US3774364A (en) * | 1971-12-09 | 1973-11-27 | E Johnson | Covering for mobile home trailers |
| US3755981A (en) * | 1972-01-24 | 1973-09-04 | Cascade Ind Inc | Swimming pool stairs |
| US3859673A (en) * | 1973-03-22 | 1975-01-14 | Sr Arthur E Meyerhoff | Shelter for use adjacent the side of a swimming pool |
| US4001899A (en) * | 1975-09-22 | 1977-01-11 | Mathis Cleo D | Combined swimming and therapy pool |
| JPS52114545A (en) * | 1976-03-24 | 1977-09-26 | Nippon Kokan Kk | Welding method |
| US4170047A (en) * | 1978-06-30 | 1979-10-09 | Corsette Douglas Frank | Vaned anti-vortex pool drain cover |
| US4371003A (en) * | 1981-01-19 | 1983-02-01 | Goguen Robert P | Swimming pool/spa selector valve |
| US4797957A (en) * | 1982-02-17 | 1989-01-17 | Fox Pool Corporation | Swimming pool with improved wall strengthening means |
| US4658555A (en) * | 1985-07-12 | 1987-04-21 | Steiner Thomas J | Attic hatchway insulating cover |
| US4658449A (en) * | 1985-09-19 | 1987-04-21 | Martin Daniel R | Proctective adapter for pool drain |
| US4661247A (en) * | 1986-02-06 | 1987-04-28 | Fox Industries Incorporated | Modular operations center for in-ground swimming pool |
| US5065461A (en) * | 1990-03-05 | 1991-11-19 | Shehan Billy C | Swimming pool and cover |
| US5086525A (en) * | 1990-04-13 | 1992-02-11 | Christopher Larry D | Moisture-proof spa cover and method of construction |
| US4991691A (en) * | 1990-06-22 | 1991-02-12 | Brawer David B | Stair barrier |
| US5068929A (en) * | 1991-02-25 | 1991-12-03 | Weiner Robert I | Edge retainer for a floating pool cover |
| US5131102A (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1992-07-21 | Spa Centers, Inc | Spa cover lift assembly |
| US5228148A (en) * | 1992-04-10 | 1993-07-20 | Fox Pool Corporation | Combination swimming pool with wall seat module |
| US5282339A (en) * | 1992-04-27 | 1994-02-01 | Dabico Inc. | Aircraft servicing pit with retractable ladder |
-
1993
- 1993-08-16 US US08/106,827 patent/US5417016A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1994
- 1994-08-12 CA CA002130046A patent/CA2130046A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1995
- 1995-04-07 US US08/418,816 patent/US5560178A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5560178A (en) | 1996-10-01 |
| US5417016A (en) | 1995-05-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |