Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Pool type – Accessory
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-19
2001-09-11
Huson, Gregory L. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Pool type
Accessory
C004S498000, C004S499000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286157
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is an inflatable cover for swimming pools. More particularly, the present invention consists of two large elliptical sheets fused or sewn to one another, with an air inlet valve located on an exterior surface thereof. This allows one to force air into the cavity formed within the two sheets to inflate the pool cover. The top sheet is intended to be larger in circumference than the bottom sheet, allowing the top sheet to hang over the perimeter of the pool. This enables the top sheet to engage a skirt member, which wraps around the perimeter of the pool, for the purposes of secure connection to the pool. Specifically, the skirt comprises a plurality of apertures, preferably in the form of button hole type slits through which a strap is inserted. The tension of the strap may be adjusted by a buckle, allowing the user to tightly secure the cover to the pool.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many innovations for pool covers and inflatable members have been provided in the prior art, described as follows. Although these inventions are suitable for the purposes they address, they differ from the present invention as contrasted herein. Following is a summary of patents most relevant to the invention at hand, including description of differences between features of the invention and those of the prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. D330,087, Invented by Mejias, Jr., Entitled “Pool Cover”
The Mejias patent features an ornamental design for a pool cover, as shown and described.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,888,717, Invented by Domitrovic, Entitled “Silo Sealing Cover”
The Domitrovic invention is a weighted sealing device which rests upon the contents of a silo and effectively seals the contents from the surrounding atmosphere. The cover is constructed of rubber or rubber coated canvas, and includes a valve for the inlet of water. Further, the device teaches a flexible and inflatable chamber and a ring-like member to provide for free peripheral exterior expansion.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,809, Invented by Hughes, Entitled “Swimming Pool Cover”
In the Hughes patent, a hollow air filled flexible horizontal endless plastic waterproof loop floats on top of the water in a swimming pool and is shaped to conform with and bear continuously against the inner periphery of the pool. The loop has an open central region. A thin flat flexible horizontal plastic waterproof sheet is disposed in the region to close same and is sealed at its periphery to the loop.
As outlined above, prior art patents relating to the present invention show the usage of pool covers that allow for openings in the center portion of the annulus formed, pool covers that teach the usage of removable plugs, and inflatable silo covers that are designed to block contents from heat and moisture.
In contrast to the above, the present invention is an inflatable cover for swimming pools with two large elliptical sheets affixed to one another, with an air inlet valve located on an exterior surface thereof, allowing one to force air into the cavity formed within the sheets to inflate the cover. Unlike in the prior art, the top sheet is larger in circumference than the bottom sheet, allowing the same to hang over the perimeter of the pool and engage a skirt member, which wraps around the perimeter for secure connection to the pool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As noted, the present invention is an inflatable pool cover featuring unique securement means. According to the foregoing, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide an effective way for a user to cover a swimming pool, one that is extremely convenient to install and remove.
As such, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly that dispenses with the need for a conventional bubble located beneath a traditional pool cover.
It is another object of the present invention to eliminate the need for two separate cover members, reducing the overall cost of the item in question.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a stronger, more secure pool cover, as a broken or ruptured bubble used in a traditional pool cover often leads to sinking of the same, creating a danger for children, pets, and objects falling on the pool.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover that can more effectively withstand the falling of rain, snow, ice, sleet, hail, leaves, and branches thereon, as the cover will simply allow such elements to roll off to its sides.
It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a unique arrangement that allows a single user to inflate and install the cover atop a pool, dispensing with the need for multiple persons to lift or secure the same.
Finally, it is the intention of the present invention to provide an inflatable cover that may be adapted for effective usage on above ground or in ground pools, or substantially any shape and size.
In total, the novel features considered characteristic for the invention are set forth in the claims. The invention itself both as to its construction and method of operation, will be best understood from the following description of the embodiments when read and understood in connection with the drawings provided.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 330087 (1992-10-01), Mejias
patent: 2888717 (1959-06-01), Domitrovic
patent: 3533110 (1970-10-01), Gisondi
patent: 3940809 (1976-03-01), Hughes
patent: 5144704 (1992-09-01), Genzel et al.
patent: 5826283 (1998-10-01), Edwards
Baumann Brian
Huson Gregory L.
Nguyen Tuan
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