GB2178308A

GB2178308A - Swimming pool cover

Info

Publication number: GB2178308A
Application number: GB08615233A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stanley Binns
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-06-29
Filing date: 1986-06-23
Publication date: 1987-02-11
Also published as: GB8615233D0; GB2178308B

Abstract

A swimming pool cover comprises a plurality of cantilevered frame structures 12 incorporating panels 18. The frame structures 12 are each capable of being moved from a first position substantially completely covering the pool to a second position only partially covering the pool. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Swimming Pool/Patio Cover This invention relates to covers for outdoor structures and in particular for swimming pools and patios.

Until recent years a swimming pool in the garden was a luxury reserved for only the very weaithiest of people. However, as people have become more affluent it is becoming more and more common for people to have swimming pools built on their property. It is also common to have a patio surrounding the pool which enables people to sit outside by the pool and sunbathe on warm sunny days.

One problem encountered with an outdoor swimming pool is that it is continually exposed to the elements and therefore it quickly becomes dirty and unfit for use. The pool has to be drained and cleaned fairly frequently because of this and, of course, this is expensive and time consuming.

Another drawback is that, due to the relatively cool climate experienced in this country, it is necessary to heat the water in the pool and conserve this heat.

It is possible to reduce these problems by having a pool cover installed. This is usually a large fixed structure which is expensive to build and can be an eyesore. Other alternatives are floating mats on the pool (which are potentially dangerous should a child fall in) or an inflatable dome which is laborious to erect and suffers from condensation.

It is intended that the present invention should provide a convenient and relatively inexpensive form of pool cover which overcomes or reduces the above disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a swimming pool cover comprising a plurality of cantilevered frame structures incorportaing panels; each capable of being moved from a first position substantially completely covering the pool to a second position only partially covering the pool.

Preferably the frame structures are arranged easily to be elevated and lowered by means of a counterbalance system utilising weights such as concrete blocks or the like but it will be appreciated that other means could be used such as a hydraulic system, gas struts or a winch mechanism without detracting from the ambit of the invention.

Preferably the covers are panels of flexible or rigid plastics material e.g. vinyl, GRP, or other similar material and are preferably transparent or translucent.

The frames may also have front, rear and side panels which also are preferably flexible panels but could also be roller blinds, flexible concertina type panels or the like.

In one embodiment the frame structures can be such as to present a very low profile in the second, or 'closed', position. In other embodiments, however, the frame structures can be such as to allow access to the pool in both the first and second positions, the latter giving a more 'open-air' effect and the former effectively converting the pool to 'indoor' conditions.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the pool cover in its closed position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pool cover of figure 1 in its open position; Figure 3 is a side view of the assembly of figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment, a segmented pool cover, mostly in the closed position; and Figure 5 is another view of the cover of figure 4 in the closed position.

Referring to figures 1 to 3, a pool cover 10 has a plurality of frame structures 12 being metallic or of a similar rigid material. Each frame structure 12 is counter balanced by means of concrete blocks 14 or the like acting through a fulcrum 16 which takes the form of a cylindrical metal bar. The mass of the concrete blocks 14 is such that only a small turning movement needs to be applied to the frame structure 12 to raise or lower it. This ensures that the assembly can be operated by almost anybody. A locking mechanism can easily be provided which will lock the assembly in its open or closed position.

Transparent roof panels 18 are fixed on to the frame structures 12 to protect the pool, and its users, from the elements and these panels 18 also conserve heat in the pool and its surroundings due to the so-called green house effect. These roof panels 18 are removable so that the frame structures can be painted from time to time. Transparent front panels 20, side panels 22 and rear panels 24 may also be provided to afford further protection from the elements. The side panels 24 need only be provided at one side of each of the end frame structure 12.

These panels are flexible so that the assembly can be lowered effectively and are also removable.

The assembly is aesthetically pleasing as it is very low profile and unobstrusive and it will not obstruct the view of the owner or his neighbours in the closed position. When in its open position the height of the open end can be about nine feet, which enables adults to easily walk beneath the structure, and when in its closed position this can reduce to as little as eight inches. The height of the other side (at the fulcrum) can be about thirty inches. Atypical pool and patio would have four or five of these frame structures, aithough this can vary with the size of the pool.

An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that it reduces the risk of wind damage as the structure can be quickly closed if a sudden wind arises and its low profile offers little wind resistance in the closed position. It is also much cheaper than conventional pool covers and since it is not a permanent structure it is not subject to rates.

Referring to figures 4 and 5 and using like numerals for like parts, the pool cover 10 has a plurality of segmented frame structures 12 being made of metal or a similar rigid material. Each frame structure 12 is counterbalanced by means of concrete blocks 14 or the like acting through a fulcrum 16 which may take the form of a cylindrical metal bar. The mass of the concrete blocks 14 is such that only a small turning moment needs to be applied to the frame structure 12 to raise or lower it.

This ensures that the assembly can be operated by almost anybody. A locking mechanism may easily be provided which will lock the assembly in its open or in is closed position. Transparent roof panels 18 are fixed to the frame structures 12 to protect the pool, and its users, from the elements and these panels 18 also conserve heat in the pool and its surroundings owing to the so-called greenhouse effect. The roof panels 18 may be removable so that the frame structures can be repainted from time to time. Transparent end panels 21 may also be provided, to afford further protection from the elements and such end panels may include a door 23. The panels 21 may be fixed to the end structures 12 but are preferably fixed to the ground surrounding the pool or patio area.

The shape of the structures 12 illustrated in figures 4 and 5 differs from the shape illustrated in figures 1 to 3 in that, instead of being wedge shaped, the frames 12 are angled so that even in the second, closed, position (illustrated in figure 5) the cover has the structure of a pitched roof allowing access to the pool through the door 23. The height above ground at the apex of the pitch 25 may be varied according to design but it is preferably in excess of six feet. The access can be gained to the pool even when the cover is in its closed position underwhich circumstances the pool is effectively an 'indoor' pool.

Once the weather improves, or if the sun emerges, the structures 12 can quickly be cantilevered to the first or 'open' position in which the pool once again becomes 'open air' and the structures 12 merely provide a canopy.

Whilst the shape of the cover as disclosed herein is not as low in profile as that disclosed in the first embodiment, the wind resistance is not greatly increased and the advantages of access in the closed position are such that this configuration would be the choice particularly in thP areas where high winds are not a great problem.

Claims

1. A low profile swimming pool cover comprising a plurality of cantilevered frame structures incorporating a cover; each capable of being moved from a first position substantially completely covering the pool to a second position only partly covering the pool.

2. A cover as claimed in claim 1 in which the frame structures are arranged to be elevated and lowered by means of a counterbalance system utilising weights.

3. A cover as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 which comprise panels of flexible or rigid plastics material.

4. A cover as claimed in claim 3 in which the material is transparent or translucent.

5. A cover as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 in which, in the second position, the frame structures present a low profile.

6. A cover as claimed in claims 1 to 4 in which, in the second position, access to the pool can be gained.

7. A cover as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 in which additional side and/or end walls are provided so as to give substantially enclosed structure in the first position.

8. A swimming pool cover substant lly as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in figures 1 to 3 and figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.