U.S. patent application number 16/420403 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-26 for automatic cover assembly for a swmming pool.
This patent application is currently assigned to Automatic Pool Covers, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Automatic Pool Covers, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael J. Shebek.
Application Number | 20200370319 16/420403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004109573 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200370319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shebek; Michael J. |
November 26, 2020 |
AUTOMATIC COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A SWMMING POOL
Abstract
A drive arrangement for moving a pool cover between an extended
position and a retracted position. The drive arrangement includes a
tube, at least one reel, a first motor and a second motor. The tube
has a first end, a second end and an internal opening with an
inside diameter. The at least one reel is configured for winding of
a pair of lines. The first motor is positioned at least partially
within the internal opening of the tube. The first motor engages
the inside diameter of the tube and is configured to retract the
cover. A second motor positioned at least partially within the
internal opening of the tube. The second motor engages the at least
one reel, and is configured to retract the pair of lines.
Inventors: |
Shebek; Michael J.; (Carmel,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Automatic Pool Covers, Inc. |
Westfield |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Automatic Pool Covers, Inc.
Westfield
IN
|
Family ID: |
1000004109573 |
Appl. No.: |
16/420403 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/4486 20130101;
E04H 4/101 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/10 20060101
E04H004/10; B65H 75/44 20060101 B65H075/44 |
Claims
1. A cover assembly for covering a pool or a hot tub, the cover
assembly comprising: a tube having a first end, a second end, and
an internal opening with an inside diameter; a plurality of
mounting brackets; a flexible cover having a leading edge and a
trailing edge, the trailing edge being connected to the tube, the
flexible cover movable between an extended position and a retracted
position; a pair of lines, each of the lines having a first end and
a second end, the first end being connected to the leading edge of
the flexible cover; a plurality of line guides configured to guide
the pair of lines; and a drive arrangement for moving the cover
between the extended position and the retracted position, the drive
arrangement including: at least one reel configured for winding of
the pair of lines, each said reel being connected with a second end
of a corresponding one of the lines; a first motor positioned at
least partially within the internal opening of the tube, the first
motor having a fixed end and a rotatable end, the fixed end being
attached to a corresponding one of the mounting brackets and the
rotatable end engaging the inside diameter of the tube, the first
motor being configured to retract the cover; and a second motor
positioned at least partially within the internal opening of the
tube, the second motor having a second fixed end and a second
rotatable end, the second fixed end being attached to a
corresponding one of the mounting brackets and the second rotatable
end engaging the at least one reel, the second motor being
configured to retract the pair of lines.
2. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the first motor and the
second motor are connected to a power source.
3. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the first motor and the
second motor are connected in a series.
4. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the power source is
connected to a motor controller.
5. The cover assembly of claim 4, wherein the motor controller
provides a first voltage to the first motor and a second voltage to
the second motor, the first voltage being higher than the second
voltage when the flexible cover is being retracted, the second
voltage being higher than the first voltage when the pair of lines
are being retracted.
6. The cover assembly of claim 4, wherein the motor controller
provides a first voltage to the first motor and a second voltage to
the second motor, the first voltage being lower than the second
voltage when the flexible cover is being retracted, the second
voltage being lower than the first voltage when the pair of lines
are being retracted.
7. A drive arrangement for moving a pool cover between an extended
position and a retracted position, the drive arrangement
comprising: a tube having a first end, a second end, and an
internal opening with an inside diameter; at least one reel
configured for winding of a pair of lines; a first motor positioned
at least partially within the internal opening of the tube, the
first motor engaging the inside diameter of the tube, the first
motor being configured to retract the cover; and a second motor
positioned at least partially within the internal opening of the
tube, the second motor engaging the at least one reel, the second
motor being configured to retract the pair of lines.
8. The drive arrangement of claim 7, wherein the first motor and
the second motor are connected in a series.
9. The drive arrangement of claim 7, wherein the first motor and
the second motor are connected to a motor controller.
10. The cover assembly of claim 9, wherein the motor controller
provides a first voltage to the first motor and a second voltage to
the second motor, the first voltage being higher than the second
voltage when the flexible cover is being retracted, the second
voltage being higher than the first voltage when the pair of lines
are being retracted.
11. The cover assembly of claim 9, wherein the motor controller
provides a first voltage to the first motor and a second voltage to
the second motor, the first voltage being lower than the second
voltage when the flexible cover is being retracted, the second
voltage being lower than the first voltage when the pair of lines
are being retracted.
12. A cover assembly for covering a pool or a hot tub, the cover
assembly comprising: a tube having a first end, a second end, and
an internal opening with an inside diameter; a plurality of
mounting brackets; a flexible cover having a leading edge and a
trailing edge, the trailing edge being connected to the tube, the
flexible cover movable between an extended position and a retracted
position; a pair of lines, each of the lines having a first end and
a second end, the first end being connected to the leading edge of
the flexible cover; a plurality of line guides configured to guide
the pair of lines; and a drive arrangement for moving the cover
between the extended position and the retracted position, the drive
arrangement including: at least one reel configured for winding of
the pair of lines, each said reel being connected with a second end
of a corresponding one of the lines; a first motor positioned at
least partially within the internal opening of the tube, the first
motor having a fixed end and a rotatable end, the fixed end being
attached to a corresponding one of the mounting brackets and the
rotatable end engaging the inside diameter of the tube, the first
motor being configured to retract the cover; and a second motor
positioned within at least least one of the internal opening of the
tube and the at least one reel, the second motor being configured
to retract the pair of lines.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to swimming pools, hot tubs,
spas, swim spas, and the like, and, more particularly, to automatic
cover assemblies for such containers.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Swimming pools and hot tubs, for example, are commonly
covered with covers. Covers have many uses, including: slowing down
or stopping evaporation; cutting down on chemical use; retention of
heat in the swimming pool or the hot tub; keeping out leaves, twigs
and other yard debris; reducing the amount of maintenance such as
vacuuming less often; saving money by cutting down on energy costs
associated with refilling with water, heating the water and
cleaning the water; increasing safety by preventing someone from
falling in; and conserving water. An automatic cover provides
convenience for a user by allowing the cover to be easily extended
over the pool or the hut tub during periods of non-use and
retracted during periods of use. Typically, a pool cover box is
placed in or on the decking surrounding the swimming pool at a
location opposite from the walk-in steps (i.e., usually located at
the deep end of the pool). The pool cover box extends across the
width of the swimming pool and within the box is mounted a tube or
drum to store the pool cover on. Located at one end of the drum is
a reel or reels lines connecting to the pool cover, an electric
motor and a drive mechanism. The motor is used to turn the drive
mechanism which drives the reel or reels to deploy and retract the
pool cover.
[0003] Drive mechanisms or engagement devices for driving an
extension and a retraction of the pool cover are known. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,353,539 discloses a cover assembly for
covering a swimming pool. The cover assembly includes a drive shaft
having a drive pin and an engagement device configured for moving
axially on the drive shaft when the drive pin engages the
engagement device. The engagement device can be a spiral jaw clutch
system having a double drive member with a diagonal cam slot, an
end member associated with a cover drum and an end member
associated with a reel.
[0004] One problem with such engagement devices is that the double
drive member must be mounted to a drive shaft in a specific
orientation depending upon whether a motor-left or a motor-right
orientation is used.
[0005] Another problem with such engagement devices is the amount
of space required to operate the cover assembly. The motors, drive
mechanism and the reels used to extend and retract the pool cover
are located at one end of the drum used to store the pool cover on.
Having the motors, drive mechanism and reels in this configuration
requires a space much greater than the width of the pool cover. In
other words, less space in or on the decking surrounding the pool
is available for use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention in one form is directed to a cover assembly
for covering a pool or a hot tub. The cover assembly includes a
tube, a plurality of mounting brackets, a flexible cover, a pair of
lines, a plurality of line guides and a drive arrangement. The tube
has a first end, a second end and an internal opening having an
inside diameter. The flexible cover has a leading edge and a
trailing edge that is connected to the tube. The flexible cover is
movable between an extended position and a retracted position over
the pool or the hot tub. Each of the lines have a first end and a
second end where the first end is connected to the leading edge of
the flexible cover. The plurality of line guides are configured to
guide the pair of lines. The drive arrangement moves the cover
between the extended position and the retracted position. The drive
arrangement includes at least one reel configured for winding of
the pair of lines. Each reel is connected to a second end of a
corresponding one of the lines. A first motor is positioned at
least partially within the internal opening of the tube. The first
motor has a fixed end and a rotatable end. The fixed end is
attached to a corresponding one of the mounting brackets and the
rotatable end engages the inside diameter of the tube. The first
motor is configured to retract the cover. A second motor is
positioned at least partially within the internal opening of the
tube. The second motor has a second fixed end and a second
rotatable end. The second fixed end is attached to a corresponding
one of the mounting brackets and the second rotatable end engages
the at least one reel. The second motor is configured to retract
the pair of lines.
[0007] The invention in another form is directed to a drive
arrangement for moving a pool cover between an extended position
and a retracted position. The drive arrangement includes a tube, at
least one reel, a first motor and a second motor. The tube has a
first end, a second end and an internal opening with an inside
diameter. Each reel is connected to a second end of a corresponding
one of the lines. Each reel is also configured for winding of a
pair of lines. The first motor is positioned at least partially
within the internal opening of the tube. The first motor engages
the inside diameter of the tube and is configured to retract the
cover. A second motor is positioned at least partially within the
internal opening of the tube. The second motor engages the at least
one reel and is configured to retract the pair of lines.
[0008] An advantage of the present invention is the elimination of
components used in cover assemblies such as shifting dogs and
clutches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of the embodiment of the invention
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swimming pool which can
include a pool cover assembly of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a swimming pool with a
pool covering assembly of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the drive arrangement forming part
of the pool covering assembly of the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a drive arrangement
forming part of the pool covering assembly of the present
invention.
[0014] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, there is shown an embodiment of a swimming pool 100 which can
include a cover assembly 5 of the present invention. The swimming
pool 100 generally includes a deck 112, a coping 114, a cover 22, a
leading edge bar 118 and a pool cover box 120.
[0016] Deck 112 is generally horizontal and is preferably
constructed from concrete. Coping 114 connects to deck 112 in a
substantially coplanar fashion along the edge of deck 112 facing
the interior of swimming pool 100.
[0017] Coping 114 is connected to deck 112 and provides a track
allowing leading edge bar 118 to slide therein. The general shape
of the exposed portion of coping 114 is generally curved such that
there are no exposed sharp corners.
[0018] Cover 22 is attached to leading edge bar 118 which pulls
cover 22 from pool cover box 120, through an opening existing
between pool cover box 120 and a top edge of swimming pool 100, and
across the length of swimming pool 100. To prepare swimming pool
100 for use, cover 22 retracts into pool cover box 120 pulling
leading edge bar 118 to the previously described opening.
[0019] Leading edge bar 118 is connected to cover 22 and provides
support along the leading edge of cover 22. Each end of the leading
edge bar 118 is connected to at least one cable, rope, or cord
(rope being the term used herein but representing any such cable,
rope, cord, or the like) and is slidably connected to a track in
coping 114. Leading edge bar 118 is shaped in a manner to be
unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing when located at either end
of swimming pool 100. Although coping 114 is shown as including an
integral track for leading edge bar 118 and cover 22, it is also
possible that a pair of top mounted tracks may be mounted to deck
112 along either side of swimming pool 100.
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, conjunctively, the cover
assembly 5 generally includes the cover box 120, coping 114, and
flexible cover 22. The cover assembly 5 also includes within the
cover box 120 a tube 10, a plurality of mounting brackets 20, a
pair of lines 28, a plurality of line guides 34, and a drive
arrangement 36. The tube 10 has a first end 12, a second end 14 and
an internal opening 16 with an inside diameter 18. The tube 10 may
be made from any suitable material, e.g., stainless steel or
aluminum. The plurality of mounting brackets 20 are attached to the
base. The plurality of mounting brackets 20 may be made of any
suitable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum, and are
generally configured to provide support to the cover assembly 5.
The flexible cover 22 has a leading edge 24 and a trailing edge 26
which is connected to the tube 10. The flexible cover 22 may be
made of any suitable material, such as a UV-stabilized
polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. The flexible cover 22 may
have a solid color or can be transparent/opaque. The pair of lines
28 each have a first end 30 connected to the leading edge 24 of the
flexible cover 22. The pair of lines 22 may be made of any suitable
material that provides abrasion, chemical and/or UV resistance,
e.g., stainless-steel cables, nylon rope, polypropylene, polyester
or other synthetic fibers. The plurality of line guides 34 are
arranged to guide the pair of lines 28 around the cover assembly 5.
The plurality of line guides 34 may be of any type of device used
for guiding a line, e.g., a block having grooves or slots that
allow the line to slide through the block, or a pulley that rotates
and/or pivots as line moves through the pulley. The plurality of
line guides 34 may be made of any suitable material used for
guiding a line, e.g. stainless steel, aluminum or plastic.
[0021] The drive arrangement 36 is configured for moving the
flexible cover 22 between an extended position and a retracted
position. The drive arrangement 36 includes at least one reel 38
configured for winding of the pair of lines 28. Each reel 38 is
connected to a second end 32 of a corresponding one of the lines
28. The drive arrangement 36 further includes a first motor 40 and
a second motor 46. The first motor 40 is positioned at least
partially within the internal opening 16 of the tube 10. The first
motor 40 has a fixed end 42 (FIG. 2) and a rotatable end 44 (FIG.
2), with the fixed end 42 being attached to a corresponding one of
the mounting brackets 20 and the rotatable end 44 engaging the
inside diameter 18 of the tube 10. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first motor 40 is configured to retract the flexible cover 22.
The first motor 40 may be of any size, e.g. 3/4 HP, and may be
water resistant or water proof. The second motor 46 is positioned
at least partially within the internal opening 16 of the tube 10.
The second motor 46 has a second fixed end 48 (FIG. 2) and a second
rotatable end 50 (FIG. 2), the second fixed end 48 being attached
to a corresponding one of the mounting brackets 20 and the second
rotatable end 50 engaging the at least one reel 38. The second
motor 46 is configured to wind the reels 38 and thereby retract the
pair of lines 28. The second motor 46 may be of any size, e.g., 3/4
HP, and may be water resistant or water proof. The first motor 40
and the second motor 46 may be connected in parallel or in a series
with a power source 52 and/or a motor controller 54. The first
motor 40 and the second motor 46 may be similarly sized, e.g., both
motors are 3/4 HP, or one motor may be sized larger than the other,
e.g., one motor is 1/2 HP and the other motor is 3/4 HP. It is to
be understood that the motor size ratings are for illustration
purposes only and that the motor sizes may be selected to meet the
design requirements needed to extend and retract the flexible cover
22.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, the drive arrangement 36 may be
further provided with a power source 52 and a motor controller 54.
The first motor 40 and the second motor 46 may be connected in
parallel or in series with the power source 52 and/or the motor
controller 54. The power source 52 may be AC or DC and the motor
controller 54 may allow for distinct position control, e.g. fully
retracted or fully extended, or the motor controller may allow for
variable position control, e.g. at any point between and including
fully retracted and fully extended. The motor controller 54 may
also allow for varying the speed at which the flexible cover 22
moves. The motor controller 54 may also be provided with a key, key
pad or other feature suited for the prevention of use.
[0023] Operation of the cover assembly 5 may be accomplished with
the motor controller 54 or any other device(s) suited for driving
the first motor 40 and the second motor 46. A key or keypad entry
into the motor controller 54 allows a user to move the flexible
cover 22. For example, selecting `uncover` or any other term or
figure or symbol defined to move the flexible cover 22 off of the
pool or hot tub on the motor controller 54, causes the first motor
40 to rotate the tube 10 such that the flexible cover 22 is wound
onto the tube 10. The second motor 46 may be off when the first
motor 40 is on. This allows the second motor 46 and the at least
one reel 28 having the pair of lines 28 wound upon it to freewheel,
i.e., move relative to the first motor 40 motion. Freewheeling of
the second motor 46 and the at least one reel 28 having the pair of
lines 28 wound upon it allow the lines 28 to unwind as the cover
leading edge 24 of the flexible cover 22 moves towards the tube 10.
The second motor 46 may also provide a resistance when the first
motor 40 is winding the flexible cover 22 onto the tube 10. This
resistance advantageously provides a force at the flexible cover
leading edge 24, thereby smoothing out wrinkles in the cover that
may otherwise be wound onto the tube 10. Preventing wrinkles from
being wound onto the tube 10 extends the useful life of the
flexible cover 22 as wrinkles in a cover with a load applied may
result in cracking of the cover or delamination of materials used
in construction of the cover. Providing the resistance during
winding of the flexible cover 22 onto the tube 10 may be
accomplished by providing the second motor 46 with a voltage or
current lower than a voltage supplied to the first motor 40 if the
first motor 40 and the second motor 46 are equivalent in size,
e.g., both motors are 3/4 HP. In other words, the force applied the
flexible cover leading edge 24 by the second motor 46 is less than
the force applied to the flexible cover 22 by the first motor.
[0024] Selecting `cover` or any other term or figure or symbol
defined to move the flexible cover 22 onto the pool or hot tub on
the motor controller 54, causes the second motor 46 to rotate the
at least one reel 38 such that the flexible cover 22 is wound off
of the tube 10 as the at least one reel 38 winds up the pair of
lines 28. The first motor 40 may be off when the second motor 46 is
on. This allows the first motor 40 and the tube 10 having the
flexible cover 22 wound upon it to freewheel. Freewheeling of the
first motor 40 and the tube 10 having the flexible cover 22 wound
upon it allows the flexible cover 22 to unwind as the at least one
reel 38 winds up the pair of lines 28. The first motor 40 may also
provide a resistance during the time when the second motor 40 is
winding the pair of lines 28 onto the at least one reel 38. This
resistance advantageously provides a force at the flexible cover
leading edge 24 thereby smoothing out kinks in the pair of lines 28
that may otherwise be wound onto the at least one reel 38.
Preventing kinks from being wound onto the at least one reel 38
extends the useful life of the pair of lines 28 as kinks in a line
wound onto a reel may cause premature wear of the line. The
resistance may also prevent a condition where the cover assembly 5
is bound by the kink in the line. Providing the resistance during
winding of the pair of lines 28 onto the at least one reel 38 may
be accomplished by providing the first motor 40 with a voltage
lower than a voltage supplied to the second motor 46 if the first
motor 40 and the second motor 46 are equivalent in size, e.g. both
motors are 3/4 HP. In other words, the force applied the flexible
cover leading edge 24 by the second motor 46 is more than the force
applied to the flexible cover 22 by the first motor 40.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a cover assembly 5
which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, with the
exception that the second motor 46 is located within the radial
interior of the reels 38, rather than within the tube 10.
[0026] While this invention has been described with respect to at
least one embodiment, the present invention can 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 and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
* * * * *