U.S. patent application number 11/798787 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for pool deck' zebo.
Invention is credited to David Del Valle.
Application Number | 20080282460 11/798787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40026032 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080282460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Del Valle; David |
November 20, 2008 |
Pool deck' zebo
Abstract
A moveable gazebo structure that slides over the pool to cover
it. The gazebo is mounted on a platform that rolls on rails
installed adjacent to the pool. The gazebo may slide from north to
south and vice-versa or from east to west or vice-versa. This
invention is motorized but it may be moved manually.
Inventors: |
Del Valle; David; (Arecibo,
PR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David Del Valle
HC-03 Box 20533
Arecibo
PR
00612
US
|
Family ID: |
40026032 |
Appl. No.: |
11/798787 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/498 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/08 20060101
E04H004/08 |
Claims
1. I claim a moveable pool deck cover structure that works like a
gazebo. Meaning gazebo structure over a platform that covers and
uncovers the pool.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein mean rail goes adjacent to the
pool.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rail is moved motorized.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein wheels are supported under the
platform and over the rail.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] A moveable gazebo structure that slides over the pool to
cover it. The gazebo is mounted on a platform that rolls on rails
installed adjacent to the pool. The gazebo may slide from north to
south and vice-versa or from east to west or vice-versa. This
invention is motorized but it may be moved manually.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] There are pools almost everywhere. Many homeowners have
their own private pools in their backyards. After getting the pool,
then, they need to secure the pool to avoid accidents. Also, they
usually build a gazebo for picnics or a place to cover from sun.
So, the moveable pool deck gazebo can do it. It contributes to the
security avoiding children or other people use without supervision.
To avoid the use by strangers. It reduces the cost of constructing
a gazebo, and implementing the security. It reduces the dirt in the
pool avoiding things falling to water while the pool is not in use.
It improves the esthetics and beautifulness of your house and yard.
Also adds value to the property. Reuses the yard spaces. Reduces
the construction cost related to pool features. Helps reduce the
pool water evaporation. Reduce the chemical usage because it keeps
the pool cleaner and avoids rainwater to get in the pool.
[0005] It should be noted, that no matter if the gazebo is over or
at the side of the pool, it is usable. The family or the users may
enjoy the gazebo while using the pool or may enjoy the gazebo while
it is over the pool. It is also important to notice that many other
pool covers are available for rectangular or square pools. But this
invention is available for any pool no matter the shape, because
the gazebo is over the platform which hides the pool and the form
of it doesn't affect its operations.
[0006] There are many other pool decks patented that exist in the
prior art. Typical of these are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,662,410;
3,854,149; 4,175,361; 4,459,711; 4,466,143; 4,494,256; 4,601,072;
4,683,686; 5,168,675; 5,799,342; 5,970,531; 6,026,522; 6,374,433
B1; 6,604,327 B1; 6,622,318 B2; 6,708,706 B1; 6,871,362 B1. While
these pool decks are suitable for the purposes they were made, they
would not be suitable for the presented invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,662,410
Inventor: Lankheet
Issued: May 16, 1972
[0007] A plurality of support members for the pool enclosure extend
upwardly from a foundation and then curve out over the pool and are
fastened at their opposite ends to a steel gutter which in turn is
secured to the eave of a house. Each support member, except the end
two, includes a pair of tracks on either side such that a flexible,
insulated panel can be slidably supported between a pair of
adjacent support members in one of said tracks, while a second
flexible, insulated panel can be supported between adjacent support
members and the second track. Each end support member includes a
pair of tracks only on one side, pointing inwardly.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,149
Inventor: Mischke
Issued: Dec. 17, 1974
[0008] A canopy to provide shade which converts to a cover for an
adjacent swimming pool has a roof hinged to a back; the back is
hinged to a base which in turn is hinged for relative rotation to
ground securing means. The entire assembly may be pivoted about the
ground securing means and extended over the top of a swimming pool
to provide a cover for the pool.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,361
Inventor: Kumode
Issued: Nov. 27, 1979
[0009] An openable canopy housing having a series of movable,
telescoping transparent arched panels which form the combination
roof and sides. Part of the roof of the housing is formed by a
horizontal beam which runs the length of the structure. The
transparent panels can be selectively opened or closed to provide a
structure which can be used for indoor as well as outdoor use.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,711
Inventor: Sartain et al.
Issued: Jul. 17, 1984
[0010] A swimming pool cover assembly is adapted to be operated by
hand by a single person, for extending a cover sheet over a
swimming pool or for retracting the cover. The cover sheet is wound
upon a drum at one end of the pool, while a rope is wound upon a
spool located at one end of the drum. A hand crank or electric
motor is used either to drivingly rotate the spool to take up the
rope, or to drivingly rotate the drum to take up the cover. The
rope is positioned in a tensioned loop configuration with its
remote end being connected to the forward end of the cover sheet,
and is supported on pulleys removably secured to the pool decking.
The hand crank or motor drives either the spool or the drum through
a gear mechanism, being automatically switched from one to the
other depending upon the direction of rotation of the hand crank.
Side fasteners secured along the side edges and free end of the
cover sheet are removably attached to anchors on the pool decking
when the cover is in its extended position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,143
Inventor: Lamb
Issued: Aug. 21, 1984
[0011] A wheel assembly for use with extendible and retractable
swimming pool covers having a raised leading edge. The apparatus of
the present invention preferably comprises two rigid arms which
each have a wheel attached to one end thereof. The other end of the
arms are rotatably connected to an expandable plug which is adapted
to fit into one end of the horizontal leading edge carrier member
of the pool cover. A bolt passes through a washer, through an axial
bore in the expandable plug, and through holes in the ends of both
arms so as to connect all of the component parts together. A wing
nut is then tightened onto the end of the bolt, thereby causing the
expandable plug to expand within the leading edge carrier member.
The wheel assembly is thus secured to the end of the carrier
member, with the arms being prevented from further rotation after
installation.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,256
Inventor: Radtke et al.
Issued: Jan. 22, 1985
[0012] A pool cover sheet has beaded edges guided in side edge
guides along the pool. The cover sheet is wound onto and pulled
from a spool mounted on a motor driven shaft. The cover sheet is
pulled by the spool by cords traveling along the side edge guides
with cords being wound onto and from cord drums. The velocity of
the cover sheet travel is attempted to be matched to the cover
sheet velocity by means frustoconical drums having tapered surfaces
onto which the cords are wound and unwound. To attempt to equalize
the tension in the cords as well as in the cover sheet, the spools
and drums are driven through opposed torsion springs from a common
main shaft. The tension in the respective sides of the sheet or in
the respective cords may be adjusted to take up any slack found to
occur. A traversing cord handling carriage moves in timed
relationship to the velocity of the cord travel and lays the cord
onto or takes it from the tapered drum surface at a velocity
matched to velocity of the cord traveling in the side edge guides
or at the front of the cover sheet.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,072
Inventor: Aine
Issued: Jul. 22, 1986
[0013] A thermally insulative buoyant swimming pool cover floats on
the surface of the pool for covering the pool and for retaining the
heat within the pool. Sinking means, such as weights or a
mechanical pull-down structure, may be secured to the pool cover
along certain predetermined action lines such as fold lines. In one
embodiment, an inflatable and deflatable bladder is coupled to the
weights. The bladder is dimensioned relative to the weights such
that when inflated it overcomes the negative buoyancy of the
weights to retain the pool cover in the fully covered position.
However, when the bladder is deflated, the weights overcome the
positive buoyancy of the cover along the certain fold lines causing
the cover to be at least partially pulled below the surface of the
pool and folded while at the same time being retracted against one
of the side walls of the pool. Pool water is circulated over or
through channels of the pool cover to provide solar heating. Pool
water is circulated over the top of the cover for cleaning thereof.
The weights, in one embodiment, are hollow to receive the
inflatable bladders. Air permeable structures are contained within
the bladders to obtain more uniform inflation thereof. The lip of
the cover contains additional positive buoyancy for additional
support at the lip. In an alternative embodiment, air and water are
fed into a container or conduit portion of the cover, the ratio by
volume of air to water is changed for switching the cover between a
pool covering and a pool uncovering state. Air is injected via a
venturi into the pool return line which is connected to the cover.
The air and water mixture is fed through solar heating channels of
the cover for solar heating of the pool water.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,686
Inventor: Ozdemir
Issued: Aug. 4, 1987
[0014] A removable enclosure cover for a swimming pool or the like
is disclosed. The enclosure cover includes a plurality of rigid
frame members of rectangular panel sections. Th frame members are
spaced apart and extend parallel to one another transversely across
the pool area. A flexible material is stretched between the frame
members. A pair of spaced parallel channel-shaped track members
extend along the sides of the pool and guide means is attached to
the lower ends of each of the frame members. The guide means has
rollers which extend into the interior of the track members. One
roller rolls along the bottom of the track members and is mounted
on a vertically movable carriage, permitting the frame members to
be moved together to one end of the pool deck and collapsing the
flexible material to uncover the pool. A threaded adjustment is
provided for raising and lowering the carriage with the roller
thereon so that the top portion of the track may be clamped between
the roller carriage and the bottom of the frame member. The other
roller is adapted to engage the sides of the track member to
longitudinally guide the frame members.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,675
Inventor: Shea, Sr.
Issued: Dec. 8, 1992
[0015] A manufactured building structure which can be transported
via road travel. The structure includes a pool, spa, or the like
which can be shifted between a travel position inside the structure
to a lowered operative position when the structure reaches its
destination.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,342
Inventor: Last
Issued: Sep. 1, 1998
[0016] A manually powered swimming pool cover drive for extending
and retracting swimming pool covers is described which includes a
pair of overrunning, one-way clutch devices journaled around a
drive shaft coupled for rotating a swimming pool cover drum for
retracting a swimming pool cover and a pair of one-way clutch
devices journaled around a drive shaft coupled for rotating a cable
reel for extending a swimming pool cover. The respective pairs of
overrunning, one-way clutch devices are reciprocated back and forth
respectively, manually with long lever handles for rotating the
respective drive shafts.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,531
Inventor: Demby
Issued: Oct. 26, 1999
[0017] A modular, wooden, pool cover frame, designed to replace
conventional floating supports with a frame that spans the area
above the pool, providing rigid support that is not susceptible to
the problems such as puncture, rupture, structural integrity
failure or water sitting on the pool cover. An A-frame like wooden
structure covers the entire pool area. The frame is modular in
design and has a plurality of locking wheel assemblies on the
bottom thereof making it easy to store and set up, even by a single
person. Depending upon the size and shape of the pool, a number of
vertically aligned, equally spaced A-frame assemblies are placed
spanning across the pool and are connected to one another by
multiple support beams. Additional support arms are angled from the
A-frame components to the ground in order to provide additional
support. With the pool cover placed over the frame, a tent-like
shape results that allows debris and water to run off the pool
cover.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,522
Inventor: Last
Issued: Feb. 22, 2000
[0018] A manually powered swimming pool cover drive for extending
and retracting swimming pool covers and which includes a pair of
overrunning one way clutch devices for intermittent coupled
rotation with and also freewheeling about a drive shaft. A drum
rotates with the drive shaft and allows winding of a cover about
the drum when retracted from a covered position over a swimming
pool. A pair of one way clutches may be trained around a drive
shaft and coupled for rotating a cable reel allowing for the
winding of cables used to extend a swimming pool cover. The
respective pairs of overrunning, one-way clutches are reciprocated
back and forth respectively in a type of indexing operation,
manually and with long lever handles for rotating the drive
shafts.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,433 B1
Inventor: Gray
Issued: Apr. 23, 2002
[0019] A moveable hot tub cover structure removably covers a hot
tub and includes at least one rail structure mounted generally
adjacent the hot tub and extending outwards therefrom and a rigid
hot tub cover structure including at least two upright walls having
bases and upper sections and a roof extending between and
connecting the at least two upright walls adjacent upper sections
thereof such that the roof is spaced from the bases of the upright
walls to permit the rigid hot tub cover structure to enclose the
hot tub and be used with the rigid hot tub cover structure thereon.
At least two rail-engaging wheels are mounted on the rigid hot tub
cover structure. The wheels are operative to rollably engage the
rail structure. A drive device, such as a garage door opener-type
chain drive, is operatively connected to the hot tub cover
structure for rollably moving the rigid hot tub cover structure on
the rail structure between a hot tub covering position over and
above the hot tub and a hot tub open position adjacent to and not
covering the hot tub whereby the hot tub is useable in both the hot
tub covering and open positions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,327 B1
Inventor: Reville
Issued: Aug. 12, 2003
[0020] A retractable trackless spa enclosure includes at least two
sections, a first section being slightly smaller than a second
section. The first section may be retracted into the second section
in reverse telescoping fashion. Both sections are mounted on wheels
so that the spa may be more easily moved. Both sections of the
enclosure may also include a sliding door for access/egress. In
addition, the front end panel of the front section is pivotally
mounted on rollers that move within a track. The pivotal mounting
allows the front end panel to be rotated in its frame, so that it
can be moved to a position horizontal to the ground, thereby
providing sufficient clearance for the enclosure to pass over the
spa. When the enclosure is retracted, the front end panel can be
moved to a position adjacent the end wall of the rear section, so
that an open-ended alcove is formed. The frame of the structure is
formed from extruded aluminum, and is therefore very lightweight.
The roof utilizes unique purlins that enable the roof to meet snow
load requirements with a minimum of material. The panels inserted
into the frame will typically be clear plastic.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,318 B2
Inventor: Mathis
Issued: Sep. 23, 2003
[0021] A pool cover system including a pool cover collecting drum
supported for rotation on its ends and a drive gear connected to
the drum by a drive shaft. A power gear is operably connected to a
portable electric drill by a power shaft, engaging the drive gear.
Upon activation of the drill, the collecting drum rotates
retracting the pool cover. A complementary apparatus on the same
side of the pool, such as a rope reel collecting apparatus having
an engageable drive gear and a drive shaft connected to a reel,
extends the pool cover over the pool by pulling on a rope attached
to a rigid end of the pool cover. The pool cover is extended and
retracted with the sides sliding in one channel of a dual channel
track, allowing the cover to serve as a safety cover.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,706 B1
Inventor: Robinson
Issued: Mar. 23, 2004
[0022] A retractable pool shade, for use with a pool having a pool
edge and a pool deck extending outside of the pool edge, having a
shading assembly and a stand. The stand has a pair of horizontal
members which extend parallel to each other and are supported by
legs. The shading assembly includes a shading element which is
selectively deployable along the horizontal members. Wheels are
provided at the bottom of the legs to selectively provide mobility
to the pool shade around the pool deck. Suction cups are associated
with the legs to selectively engage the pool deck to maintain the
stand in a stationary position.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,362 B1
Inventor: Zell
Issued: Mar. 29, 2005
[0023] The present invention 10 discloses a pair of end heads 28,
30 that are interconnected onto the inwardly disposed tube assembly
26 to form the pool cover 12 storage reel. Hand wheels 32 are
rotationally attached to tube assembly 26 by end tubes 36 on the
outside of the end heads 28, 30. Each of the end heads 28, 30
includes a pair of casters 40 mounted to the bottom surface of the
end head. The tube assembly 26 consists of five components, a
center tube 34, two outer tubes 36 and two end caps 42. The center
tube is of larger diameter and allows for the two outer tubes to be
telescopically inserted into the opposing distal ends. The
cylindrically shaped tubes include mating male 48 and female 46
extrusions along the surfaces to ensure joint rotational movement
of the tube assembly. The telescoping tubes 26 include a series of
holes 38 along the surface creating cavities and providing
convenient and efficient means to store the straps, springs or
other anchoring means that are positioned around the perimeter of
the covering.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0024] This invention provides a cover for pools in which a
gazebo-like is mounted over the cover called platform. It is
mounted on a rail-like structure and will move motorized or
manually. The platform of the gazebo moves away from the pool or
over the pool and also goes back or forward from the pool. It works
no matter the size and form of the pool because it is constructed
around the pool. Also, the gazebo-like and platform may be used
while it is covering the pool or off the pool. The gazebo-like
could be mounted on any place of the platform and will not affect
the functionality of the invention. This invention can be mounted
on any side of the pool and moves over the pool and goes back to
its point of origin.
[0025] This invention goes beyond the needs to cover pools. It
exceeds the need of safety for pools and reuses the space
surrounding and over the pool. It also supplies a place in where
the family members may enjoy a picnic while protecting themselves
from the sun.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0026] FIG. 1 Shows the gazebo-like in the platform that moves from
north, point A, to over the pool, point B.
[0027] FIG. 2 Shows the gazebo-like in the platform parallel to the
pool that moves from the west, point C, to over the pool, point
D.
[0028] FIG. 3 Shows the platform with the gazebo-like structure. It
is what moves to cover the pool.
[0029] FIG. 4 Shows the platform structure where the gazebo-like is
mounted and the one that runs on the rail.
[0030] FIG. 5 Shows the rail structure.
[0031] FIG. 6 Shows the wheel over the rail
[0032] FIG. 7 Shows the system that moves the platform. The
platform is mounted over this system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCES NUMERALS
[0033] 10. The gazebo-like structure that is mounted over the
platform. [0034] 11. The platform, where the gazebo-like is mounted
that moves it over the pool [0035] 12. The rail adjacent to the
pool. [0036] 13. The pool. [0037] 16. The base of the platform.
Constructed with structural aluminum. [0038] 17. The middle of the
platform. It covers the base and gives support to the upper lever
of the platform. It is built in aluminum. [0039] 18. The outside
part of the platform and is constructed to avoid the user falling
in the water. It is constructed with polyvinyl. [0040] 19. Bolt
that supports the rail. It goes adjacent to the pool. [0041] 20.
Long square support that secures the position of the rail. It
connects corner with corner via a stick and a hole. [0042] 21.
Stick or a hole, vary depending on the corner they are presented.
[0043] 22. Stainless steel round rod object that works like the
base of the rail system. The wheel supported on the platform will
run over it. [0044] 23. The wheel supported on the platform and
gives movement to it. It runs over a round rod. [0045] 25.
Heavy-duty synchronous belts that transfer movement from one axis
to another. [0046] 27. Bearing to absorb the torque force created
by the spindle of the axis. [0047] 28. Motor that gives the
movement to the axis. [0048] 29. Heavy-duty synchronous belts that
connect the motor with the axis and give movement to the whole
platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0049] The invention is about a gazebo-like structure to cover
pools. All the components/parts will be secured with stainless
steel screws. The gazebo (10) is mounted over a platform (11)
constructed of structural aluminum (16) covered with aluminum
plates (17) which will be covered with polyvinyl (18). This is
moved by wheels (23) over rails (22) connected to an axis made of
stainless steel attached to the platform (11) by bearings (27)
which is moved by heavy-duty synchronous belts (29) which is pushed
by a motor (28) allowing it to roll horizontally from point A to
point B (FIG. 1) or to roll horizontally lateral from point C to
point D (FIG. 2) of the pool (12).
* * * * *