U.S. patent application number 10/735144 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-01 for universal track and coping assembly for pool covers.
Invention is credited to Shebek, Michael J..
Application Number | 20040123380 10/735144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32659390 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040123380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shebek, Michael J. |
July 1, 2004 |
Universal track and coping assembly for pool covers
Abstract
The present invention provides a universal track and coping
assembly for use with different commercially available swimming
pool covers. The universal track and coping assembly includes a
coping body defining a slot for receiving a reversible track for
retaining side edges of a pool cover, and a reversible track
insertable within the slot in two orientations. In a first
orientation, the reversible track can receive a traditional
construction of commercially available pool covers, and in a second
orientation, the reversible track can receive other constructions
of pool covers. The universal track and coping assembly may include
a pulley which may reside in a pulley housing. The pulley housing
may define a passageway having an opening for easily releasing the
pulley from the housing.
Inventors: |
Shebek, Michael J.; (Carmel,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & DANIELS
300 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET
SUITE 2700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204-1782
US
|
Family ID: |
32659390 |
Appl. No.: |
10/735144 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60433441 |
Dec 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/502 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/10 20130101; E04H
4/141 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/502 |
International
Class: |
E04H 004/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A universal track and coping assembly for use with swimming pool
covers comprising: a coping body defining a slot having a slot
opening for receiving a track, an inner wall and an opposite inner
wall, either one of said inner wall and said opposite inner wall
defining a coping tap projecting therefrom; and a reversible track
defining a first channel having a first opening and a second
channel having a second opening, said reversible track insertable
into said slot, whereby either one of said first opening and said
second opening faces in the same direction as said slot opening,
and whereby said coping tab keeps said reversible track from
sliding out of said slot opening.
2. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 1 further
comprising at least one insert plate insertable into said slot
between said reversible track and one of said inner walls of said
coping, said at least one insert plate keeping said reversible
track pressed against the other one of said inner walls.
3. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 2, wherein said
insert plate is a wedge.
4. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 2, wherein said
reversible track further defines two locking ledges positioned such
that one of said ledges interlocks with said coping tab to keep
said reversible track from sliding out of said slot opening.
5. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 4 wherein at
least one of said locking ledges includes a track tab projecting
from said reversible track.
6. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 1, wherein one
of said first channel and said second channel is configured for
receiving a rope attached to an edge of a pool cover, and the other
one of said first channel and said second channel is configured for
receiving a return leg of the rope.
7. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 6 further
comprises a pulley attached to said track for receiving and
changing direction of said rope.
8. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 7 further
comprises a pulley housing for receiving said pulley, said housing
attached to said track.
9. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 8, wherein said
pulley housing defines a passageway for receiving said pulley and
releasing said pulley from said pulley housing.
10. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 1, wherein
said second channel is configured to receive a rope and a slider
attached to an edge of a pool cover.
11. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 1, wherein
said coping further defines a surface for attaching to a deck of a
pool.
12. A universal track and coping assembly for use with swimming
pool covers comprising: a coping body defining a slot having a slot
opening for receiving a reversible track, wherein said coping
defines an inner wall and an opposite inner wall, either one of
said inner wall and said opposite inner wall defines a coping tap
projecting therefrom; a reversible track defining a first channel
having a first opening, a second channel having a second opening
and a rope passage, one of said first channel and said rope passage
configured for receiving a leg of a rope attached to an edge of a
pool cover, and the other one of said first channel and said rope
passage configured for receiving a return leg of the rope, said
second channel configured for receiving a portion of a slider
attached to a pool cover, said reversible track insertable within
said slot, whereby either one of said first opening and said second
opening faces in the same direction of said slot; at least one
insert plate insertable into said slot and between said reversible
track and one of said inner walls of said coping, for keeping said
reversible track pressed against the other one of said inner
walls.
13. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 12, wherein
said reversible track further defines two locking ledges positioned
such that one of said ledges interlocks with said coping tab to
keep said reversible track from sliding out of said slot
opening.
14. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 13 wherein at
least one of said locking ledges includes a track tab projecting
from an outer surface of said reversible track.
15. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 12 further
comprises a pulley attached thereto for changing a direction of
said rope.
16. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 15 further
comprises a pulley housing for receiving said pulley, said housing
attached to said reversible track.
17. The universal track and coping assembly of claim 16, wherein
said pulley housing defines a passageway having a passageway
opening for receiving said pulley and releasing said pulley from
said pulley housing.
18. A reversible track for inserting into a slot of a coping for a
swimming pool comprising: a first channel having a first opening; a
second channel having a second opening and a rope passage there
within, one of said first channel and said rope passage configured
for receiving a rope attached to an edge of a pool cover, and the
other one of said first channel and said rope passage configured
for receiving a return leg of the rope, said second channel
configured for receiving a slider attached to a pool cover; and two
locking ledges positioned such that one of said ledges interlocks
with a coping tab to keep said reversible track from sliding out of
the slot.
19. A pulley assembly for use with a pool cover assembly
comprising: a pulley; and a housing defining a passageway having a
passageway opening for receiving said pulley, and a side opening
for receiving a rope attached to a pool cover sheet, said pulley
resealable from said housing through said passageway opening.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/433,441, entitled UNIVERSAL TRACK AND COPING ASSEMBLY FOR POOL
COVERS, filed on Dec. 13, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The field of the present invention pertains to tracks and
coping for use with swimming pool covers.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Swimming pool covers are needed to prevent debris from
entering the pool, and to heat the pool in the case of a solar
cover. A pool cover may reduce chemical usage, as well as provide
some safety. An automatic pool cover system allows the cover to be
easily extended over the pool during periods of non-use, and
retracted during periods of use. A typical automatic pool cover is
wound around a reel or tube, which usually is disposed within a
cover box at one end of the pool, commonly the deep end. The
automatic cover system usually includes a pair of tracks extend
along each side wall of the pool. The tracks may be top-mounted to
the surface deck or under-mounted to a coping, which is a formed
material disposed along the periphery of the pool and above water
level.
[0006] A traditional construction of a pool cover includes a cover
sheet made of a durable fabric, such as heavy vinyl. Each side edge
of the pool cover is normally fastened to a rope for retaining in
the tracks. The rope usually extends the length of the pool and
winds around a pulley positioned at the end opposite to the cover
box in a continuous loop. The rope defines a first leg sewn into
the cover along each side edge and a return leg moving in an
opposite direction of the first leg, when the pool cover extends or
retracts. Other known constructions of the pool cover include a
slider or a lead guide attached to a lead bar adjacent to the first
leg, or a webbing reinforcing the edges of the cover sheet. The
slider or the lead guide serves to guide the cover within the
track. A common pool cover has a leading edge, which may include a
leading bar extending across the width of the pool. The leading bar
may be locked in place when the cover sheet extends completely and
the pool cover is in a closed position.
[0007] Extruded copings which are formed from metal, e.g., aluminum
are commonly used. An aluminum coping provides advantages such as
increased ability to withstand thermal expansion and contraction,
resistance to UV radiation, and relatively high strength and
rigidity. A coping may include an upright or curved surface
attachable to a pool deck, and a slot for receiving a track for
holding a pool cover. Although a track may be installed separately
from the coping, a track installed within a coping slot is
preferred for safety and aesthetic purposes. A coping may also
define a slot for receiving a pool liner bead, and may further
include a slot for receiving a fiber optic or light emitting source
for decorative purposes.
[0008] A common track is made of extruded metal such as aluminum. A
conventional configuration of a track includes two channels, a
front channel for receiving a first leg of a rope fastened to the
side edge of a pool cover, and a back channel for receiving a
return leg of the rope. Another known configuration of a track
includes three channels, a front channel configured to receive a
portion of a slider or a "lead guide" for guiding the cover through
the track, a middle channel open into the front channel for
receiving the first leg of the rope, and a back channel for
receiving the return leg of the rope.
[0009] One problem with the known track and coping combinations is
that some coping manufactures provide copings that do not have a
slot for receiving the track or copings that have a slot that fits
only a certain construction of commercially available track, and
not others.
[0010] Another problem is that known track and coping combinations
can only be used with few specific constructions of the
commercially available pool covers. The two-channel track can only
be used with a pool cover having a rope attached to the edges
thereof, but without a slide or a guide attached thereto. It is
common that this particular construction of the pool cover has a
cover sheet that extends between the front channel of a track at
one side of the pool and the front channel of another track on the
other side of the pool. The three-channel track is commonly used
with the pool cover having a slider or a guide attached thereto.
Normally three-channel track requires a wider pool cover sheet that
is extended from the middle channel of a track at one side of the
pool to another middle channel of another track at the other side
of the pool. The three channel-track cannot be used with the pool
cover made for two-channel tracks unless the cover sheet is wide
enough to extend beyond the front channel, configured to receive a
slider or a lead guide, to the middle channel for receiving the
first leg of the rope. However, this configuration results in
increased wear and tear on the cover sheet when the edges rub on
the track walls defining the front channel. Similarly, the
two-channel track cannot be used with the wider pool cover made for
the three-channel track because the cover sheet will sag too much
due to its extra width, and the two-channel track cannot accept the
slider, because the two-channel track has no third channel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a universal track and coping
assembly for use with different commercially available swimming
pool covers or suitable new pool covers. The universal track and
coping assembly includes a coping body and a reversible track for
retaining side edges of a pool cover. The reversible track is
insertable within a slot of the coping body in two orientations. In
each orientation, the track is configured to retain or operate a
different construction of the pool cover.
[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, the universal track
and coping assembly provides a reversible track configured to
interlock with the coping body within the coping slot. Once locked
inside the coping slot, the reversible track is stably retained
within the slot despite the pulling weight of the pool cover.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the universal
track and coping assembly includes a coping body defining a slot
having a slot opening, an inner wall, and an opposite inner wall.
Either one of the inner walls may define a coping tab projecting
therefrom. The coping tab interlocks with the reversible track to
keep the reversible track from being pulled out of the slot
opening.
[0014] In another embodiment, the universal track and coping
assembly further includes at least one insert plate or a wedge
insertable into the slot, between the reversible track and one of
the inner walls of the coping, for keeping the reversible track
tightly fit against the other one of the inner walls.
[0015] According to another embodiment, the reversible track
further defines two locking ledges positioned such that one of the
ledges interlocks with the coping tab to keep the reversible track
from sliding out of the slot opening. The locking ledges may
include a track tab projecting from an outer surface of the
reversible track.
[0016] In a form of the present invention, the reversible track
defines a first channel and a second channel for receiving and
retaining a rope attached to each edge of the pool cover. A first
channel defines a first opening and a second channel defines a
second opening. The first and the second openings face opposite
directions. When the reversible track is inserted into the coping
slot, either the first or the second opening may face in the same
direction as the slot opening. %
[0017] The second channel of the reversible track may further
define a rope passage and a passage opening within the second
channel. The passage opening is in communication with the second
channel opening. The first channel and the rope passage are
configured to receive the rope attached to the pool cover. Either
the first channel or the rope passage may receive a first leg of
the rope, which is directly associated with the edge of the cover,
or the return leg of the rope. The second channel is also
configured for receiving a portion of a slider attached to a pool
cover.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the universal and coping
assembly further includes a pair of pulleys for receiving and
changing the direction of the ropes, each attached on each side of
the pool cover. Each pulley may reside in a pulley housing attached
within the coping slot or on the reversible track. The housing may
define a passageway with a passageway opening for receiving the
pulley and releasing the pulley from the housing.
[0019] One objective of the present invention is to provide a track
and coping assembly that can be easily installed with a pool.
[0020] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
universal track and coping assembly that is compatible with any
construction of the commercially available pool covers.
[0021] A further objective is to provide an extruded pool cover
track that will consolidate most current extruded pool cover
tracks. Use of this track will be for applications on vinyl pools,
fiberglass, and many other styles of pools that require a cover
track to be placed at or below the deck.
[0022] Other objects of the invention will become apparent upon
consideration of the following written description and accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this
invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by
reference to the following description of an embodiment of the
invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swimming pool having a
universal track and coping system of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the universal track and
coping assembly of the present invention, showing a first
orientation of the reversible track within the coping slot;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the universal track and
coping assembly of the present invention, showing the second
orientation of the reversible track within the coping slot;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a coping of the
universal track and coping assembly of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the reversible track of
the universal track and coping assembly of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an insert plate of the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the first orientation of
the reversible track within the coping slot, holding a first
construction of a pool cover;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the second orientation
of the reversible track within the coping slot, holding a second
construction of a pool cover; and
[0032] FIG. 9 is a top elevational view of a pulley according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the pulley housing
according to the embodiment in FIG. 9.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another pulley
housing.
[0035] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent
embodiments of the invention, the drawings are not necessarily to
scale and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted in order
to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The
exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the
invention, in several forms, and such exemplifications are not
intended to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in
any manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The embodiment disclosed below is not intended to be
exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form disclosed in
the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiment is
chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize
its teachings.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, pool 10 is installed with universal
track and coping assembly 20 along sidewalls 14 of pool 10. Pool
cover 30 has side edges 32 retained in universal track and coping
assembly 20. Cover 30 may be extended over pool 10 from first end
11 to second end 12. Pulley 101 may be provided on each of side of
pool 10, at second end 12 for directing the direction of a rope
(not shown) attached to each of side edges 32. During periods of
non-use, cover 30 is retracted to first end 11, and during periods
of use, cover 30 is extended to second end 12. First end 11 may be
a shallow end or a deep end of the pool, however, typically first
end 11 is the deep end. The extension and the retraction of cover
30 may be carried out manually or automatically. In case of an
automatic operation of pool cover 30, a motor and reel system (not
shown) is provided.
[0038] Universal track and coping assembly 20 includes coping 40
affixed along side walls 14 of pool 10. Coping 40 may include top
portion 41 disposed along top surface 15 of the sides 14 of pool 10
and integrated with pool deck 13.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, universal track and coping assembly
20 includes coping 40 defining slot 42 having reversible track 60
inserted therein. Universal track and coping assembly 20 may also
include at least one insert plate 90.
[0040] As depicted in FIG. 4, slot 42 of coping 40 is defined by
first inner wall 43, second inner wall 44, end wall 45, and slot
opening 46. First inner wall 43 defines coping tab 48 projecting
towards second inner wall 44. The shape and sizes of slot 42 may
vary. For example, as demonstrated in FIG. 4, slot 42 is depicted
as having a rectangle cross section, having first inner wall 43
positioned on the top side of slot 42, and second inner wall 44
positioned on the bottom side of slot 42. End wall 45 may have a
flat surface or an arching surface. Slot 46 may have a depth -a-,
and a height -b-. As an example, depth -a- may be about 1 and
{fraction (7/8)} inch, and height -b- may be about 1.0 inch.
[0041] As further depicted in FIG. 4, coping tab 48 is positioned
at distance -c- from end wall 45 of slot 42. As an example,
distance -c- may be about {fraction (15/32)}". Space 49 is created
between inner wall 45 and coping tab 48.
[0042] In FIG. 5, reversible track 60 defines first head 61 and
second head 62. First head 61 defines first channel 64 having
opening 65. First head 61 also defines top wall 66 having first
ledge 63 projecting from top wall 66. First ledge 63 may be shaped
as track tab 67. First head 61 may also define second track tab 68
having front surface 69. Second head 62 is connected to first head
61, having space 82 therebetween. Second head 62 defines top wall
78 and ledge 76 projecting from top wall 78. Second head 62 further
defines second channel 70 having second channel opening 71. Second
channel 70 may include rope passage 74 having passage opening 75
open toward second channel opening 71.
[0043] Reversible track 60 may be of any suitable size and
dimension, provided that it can be insertable and locked within
coping slot 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, reversible track
60 has width -a- and height -b.sub.1-. First track tab 67 is
positioned at distance -c.sub.1- from outer surface 69 of second
track tab 68, and second ledge 76 also is positioned at distance
-c.sub.1- from outer surface 80 of second head 62. As an example,
width -a- is about 1 and {fraction (7/8)} inch, height -b.sub.1- is
about {fraction (3/4)} inch, and distance -c.sub.1- is about
{fraction (7/16)} inch.
[0044] Both coping 40 and reversible track 60 may be made of any
suitable material, such as extruded aluminum or extruded plastic.
Aluminum may withstand thermal expansion and contraction better
than plastic. Color may be added for aesthetic purposes. Other
metals such as steel and copper may also be used.
[0045] In FIG. 6, at least one insert plate 90 is shown. Insert
plate 90 may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, at
least one insert plate 90 may be a rectangular plate or a wedge. As
shown in FIG. 6 insert plate 90 is rectangular and has width -a-,
and thickness -d-. As an example, width -a- is about 1 and
{fraction (7/8)} inch and thickness -d- is about 1/4 inch. At least
one insert plate 90 may be made of any suitable material that can
be easily inserted into slot 42 between reversible track 60 and one
of inner walls 43-44 and that is rigid enough to keep reversible
track 60 interlocked within slot 42. For example, insert plate 90
may be made of rubber or plastic. More than one insert plates may
also be used to lock reversible track 60 within coping slot 42.
[0046] Coping 40, reversible track 60, and insert plate 90 may have
any suitable length for extending from first end 11 to second end
12 of pool 10 (see FIG. 1).
[0047] FIGS. 2 and 3 demonstrate universal track and coping
assembly 20 having reversible track 60 inserted into slot 42 of
coping 20 in two orientations. FIG. 2 depicts reversible track 60
inserted in slot 42 in a first orientation, having first channel
opening 65 faces back wall 45, and second channel opening 71 faces
in the same direction as slot opening 46. First ledge 63 or track
tab 67 is interlocked with coping tab 48 within space 49 of slot
42. At least one insert plate 90 is inserted between reversible
track 60 and second inner wall 44 of slot 42.
[0048] FIG. 3 depicts reversible track 60 inserted in slot 42 in a
second orientation, having second channel opening 70 facing back
wall 45 of slot 42, and first channel opening 65 facing in the same
direction as slot opening 46. Second ledge 76 is interlocked with
coping tab 48 within space 49 of slot 42. At least one insert plate
90 is inserted between reversible track 60 and second inner wall 44
of slot 42.
[0049] FIGS. 7-8 depict universal track and coping assembly 20
disposed at side wall 14 of swimming pool 10 (see FIG. 1). Coping
40 may be attached to side wall 14 or pool deck 13 by any suitable
fasteners. Cement may be poured around coping 40 such that top
portion 41 of coping 40 is integrated with deck 13, and slot 42 of
coping 40 projects into each of walls 14, having slot opening 46
flush with an outer surface 16 of each of walls 14.
[0050] In FIG. 7, reversible track 60 is inserted in slot 42 in the
first orientation, having first head 61 facing back wall 45 of
coping 40, and second head 62 facing in the same direction as slot
opening 46. Second head 62 defines second channel 70 having rope
passage 74 for receiving first construction 18 of pool cover 30.
Specific construction 18 may be any commercially available pool
cover that has each of side edges thereof attached to a rope.
Specific construction 18 includes slider or lead guide 26 attached
to pool cover 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, specific
construction 18 includes cover material 34 having each of edges 32
wrapped around rope 36. Rope 36 defines first leg 37 running along
the length of cover 34 and return leg 38. First leg 37 may extend
beyond the length of cover sheet 34 to wind around pulley 101
disposed at second end 12 of pool 10 (see FIG. 1). Pulley 101 may
rotate in one direction to pull on first leg 37 while releasing
return leg 38 in order to pull cover sheet 34 towards second end 12
of pool 10 for a closing position. Pulley 101 may rotate in an
opposite direction to pull on leg 38 while releasing leg 37 when
cover sheet 34 retracts for an opening position.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, pulley 101
resides in pulley housing 102 which may be connected to the coping
or the reversible track. Housing 102 may include insert block 107
which is configured to fit into space 82 of reversible track 60
(see FIGS. 4, 7-8). Housing 102 may define end 105 aligned with the
reversible track for receiving rope 36 and open side 104. End 105
may include openings 111 and 110 for receiving return leg 38 and
first leg 37, respectively. In a specific embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10, housing 102 further defines passageway 103
communicated with opening 106 for moving pulley 101 in or out of
housing 102. When rope 36 is relaxed, pulley 101 may be moved along
passageway 103 to be released from housing 102 through opening 106.
This passageway feature of housing 102 allows pulley 101 or the
rope to be adjusted or replaced easily without having to take apart
housing 102.
[0052] Shown in FIG. 11 is housing 122, which has the same features
as housing 102 in FIG. 10. However, passageway 113 is open to an
opposite side of passageway 103. Housing 102 and Housing 122 may be
placed at opposite side walls at the second end of the pool, such
that openings 106 and 116 face the pool cover. Each pulley may be
removed or inserted through opening 106 or 116.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 8, Slider or lead guide 26 may be
attached to cover sheet by any known mechanism. For example, slider
or lead guide 26 may have rope duct 27 for receiving a portion of
first leg 37 that extends beyond cover sheet 34. In this way, the
slider or lead guide 26 is not attached directly onto cover sheet
30, but at leading edge 35 of cover sheet 34 (see FIG. 1). Slider
or lead guide 26 may also be clamped onto a corner of leading edge
35 by each of side edges 32. When pool cover 30 is extended along
pool 10 (see FIG. 1), slider or lead guide 26 serves to thread
first leg 37 through rope passage 74 of reversible track 60. As
shown in FIG. 7, a portion of slider or lead guide 26 is received
in second channel 70. Return leg 38 of rope 36 is retained in first
channel 64.
[0054] In FIG. 8, reversible track 60 is inserted in slot 42 in the
second orientation, having first head 61 facing in the same
direction as slot opening 46, and second head 62 facing back wall
45 of coping 40. First head 61 defines first channel 64. Received
therein is second construction 19 of pool cover 30. In alternative
construction 19, cover 30 has edges 32, each attached to rope 36.
Rope 36 has first leg 37 attached to cover sheet 34, and return leg
38. Alternative construction 19 does not have a slider or lead
guide. When pool cover 30 is extended along pool 10 (see FIG. 1),
first leg 37 is pulled along first channel 64 and return leg 38 is
pulled in an opposite direction through rope passage 74.
[0055] In addition to first construction 18 and second construction
19, other traditional constructions of commercially available pool
cover may be used with universal track and coping assembly 20 of
the present invention. For example some pool covers, although has
no slider or lead guide, may have reinforcement material such as a
webbing sewn onto the edges of the pool cover sheet. Second channel
70 may be configured to receive such reinforcement material. An
alternative example of other pool covers may include plurality of
wheels attached to edges 32 of cover sheet 34. Second channel 70
may receive the plurality of wheels that can be moved along
reversible track 60.
[0056] As demonstrated in FIGS. 7-8, reversible track 60 may be
inserted in two orientations, as described above. At least one
insert plate 90 keeps reversible track 60 tightly fitted in slot 42
having either first track tab 67 (FIG. 7), or second ledge 76 (FIG.
8) interlocking with coping tab 48. Reversible track 60 is capable
of resisting pulling force from the weight of pool cover 30.
[0057] Universal track and coping assembly 20 of the present
invention provides pool installers with a flexibility in using
different types of pool covers, without having to purchase or stock
up many different combinations of track and copings. Similarly,
manufacturers do not need to manufacture, transport, or store
different copings and tracks for different constructions of pool
covers.
[0058] Although universal track and coping assembly 20 of the
present invention should be installed primarily along the side
walls of the swimming pool, it can alternatively be installed along
the deck of the swimming pool.
[0059] While this invention has been described as having an
exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains.
* * * * *