Pool Cover Support Device

Abstract

A pool cover support device is provided. The device is comprised of a body configured for deployment within both in ground and above ground pools to support a pool cover during winter or inactive months. The body comprises a buoyant bottom member, wherein a vertical shaft extends upward from the bottom member and connects to a top member, which contacts the underside of the pool cover and may be shaped as a flat, domed, or multi-angled surface to promote runoff. At least one arm is pivotally attached to the shaft. The distal end of each arm comprises an attachment point for securing to a pool's surrounding structure. The device is configured to be installed centrally in the pool, with the arms anchored to the perimeter, thereby enabling the pool cover to rest atop the elevated top member in a dome-like configuration.

Claims

1. A pool cover support device comprising: a body comprising a buoyant bottom member, a top member, and a shaft connecting the buoyant bottom member to the top member; and an arm attached to the shaft via a pivot point, wherein the arm is comprised of an attachment point configured to attach the arm to a pool surface.

2. The pool cover support device of claim 1, wherein the buoyant bottom member is weighted with a ballast.

3. The pool cover support device of claim 1, wherein the top member is comprised of a convex shape.

4. The pool cover support device of claim 1, wherein the top member is comprised of an upward-projecting structure.

5. The pool cover support device of claim 1, wherein the arm is comprised of a telescopic arm.

6. The pool cover support device of claim 5, wherein the arm is comprised of a locking mechanism.

7. The pool cover support device of claim 1, wherein the attachment point is comprised of a padding.

8. The pool cover support device of claim 7, wherein the padding is comprised of a texture.

9. The pool cover support device of claim 1, wherein the attachment point is comprised of a clamp, a suction cup, a lever-activated suction cups, an adhesive pad, a hook, a mounting bracket, or a clip.

10. A pool cover support device comprising: a body comprising a buoyant bottom member, a top member, and a shaft connecting the buoyant bottom member to the top member; a central mounting hub comprised of a pivot point, the central mounting hub position on the shaft; and an arm attached to the pivot point, wherein the arm is comprised of an attachment point configured to attach the arm to a pool surface.

11. The pool cover support device of claim 10, wherein the central mounting hub is movable along the shaft.

12. The pool cover support device of claim 10, wherein the central mounting hub is comprised of a first locking mechanism.

13. The pool cover support device of claim 10, wherein the arm is comprised of a telescopic arm.

14. The pool cover support device of claim 13, wherein the arm is comprised of a second locking mechanism.

15. The pool cover support device of claim 10, wherein the buoyant bottom member is weighted with a ballast.

16. The pool cover support device of claim 10, wherein the top member is comprised of a convex shape.

17. The pool cover support device of claim 10, wherein the top member is comprised of an upward-projecting structure.

18. The pool cover support device of claim 10, wherein the attachment point is comprised of a padding.

19. The pool cover support device of claim 10, wherein the top member is comprised of a high friction contact area.

20. A method of using a pool cover support device, the method comprising: providing a pool cover support device comprised of a buoyant bottom member, a shaft, a top member, an arm, and an attachment point; deploying the pool cover support device within a pool such that the buoyant bottom member floats vertically on a water surface and the shaft extends upward from the water surface; securing the arm to a pool surface via the attachment point; and deploying a pool cover over the top member and the arm such that the top member elevates a center of the pool cover and encourages runoff of a precipitation and a debris toward an edge of the pool cover.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pool cover support device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pool cover support device of the present invention while attached to an above ground pool in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a pool cover support device of the present invention while attached to an above ground pool in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a pool cover support device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0021] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pool cover support device that prevents precipitation and debris from accumulating in the center of pool covers. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a pool cover support device that maintains the cover in an elevated position without requiring continuous manual maintenance. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pool cover support device that is adaptable to both above ground and in ground pool types with various edge

[0022] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a pool cover support device. The pool cover support device is designed for placement in both in-ground and above-ground pools to mitigate maintenance challenges associated with pool covers during winter months. The device is comprised of a body featuring a buoyant bottom member, which enables vertical flotation on the pool's surface. A shaft extends upward from the buoyant bottom member and connects to a top member.

[0023] The top member is intended to contact the underside of a pool cover and may be shaped in various forms including flat, domed, frustoconical, umbrella-shaped, or star-shaped to enhance directional water runoff. Surface elements of the top member such as upward-projecting structures aid in channeling runoff, while anti-slip textures improve cover stability under precipitation and wind. By elevating the center of the pool cover, the top member diverts water and debris toward the periphery, preventing accumulation in the center.

[0024] The shaft supports at least one pivotally connected arm. In certain embodiments, the arms are mounted to a vertically adjustable central hub secured to the shaft through locking mechanisms, including threaded collars or lever-operated clamps. Telescoping functionality may be provided, with adjustable lengths secured via suitable locking components.

[0025] Each arm includes one or more attachment points designed to fasten to structural features of the pool, such as the wall, coping, lip, or deck. To prevent surface damage and improve grip, the attachment point may incorporate a padding element, optionally featuring high-friction textures like ribs or dimples.

[0026] Upon deployment, the device raises the central portion of the pool cover, creating a dome-like shape that promotes runoff of precipitation and debris. This configuration prevents sagging and minimizes the need for manual maintenance, thus extending the service life of the pool cover.

[0027] The invention further includes a method of use comprising the following steps: providing the device, allowing the buoyant bottom member to float on the pool's surface, pivoting the arms outward from the shaft, securing the arms to the pool perimeter, and positioning a pool cover over the device such that the top member lifts the cover's center to direct runoff outward.

[0028] As a result, the pool cover support device provides multiple advantages. It elevates the pool cover to prevent accumulation of water and debris, while the buoyant and optionally weighted base maintains vertical orientation. The shaped top member ensures multi-directional runoff, and the adjustable arms allow secure installation across diverse pool designs. Durability is enhanced by surface treatments on the top member and padded contact points. By eliminating the need for manual pumping or debris removal, this device significantly reduces seasonal maintenance burdens and effectively resolves the limitations present in conventional pool cover systems.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pool cover support device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is designed to be deployed within and attached to in-ground and above-ground pools to alleviate common maintenance issues associated with above-ground and in-ground pool covers, particularly during winter months.

[0030] The device 100 is comprised of a body 102. The body 102 is comprised of a buoyant bottom member 104 that allows the body 102 to float vertically on the surface of a pool. The buoyant bottom member 104 may be cylindrical, disc-shaped, spherical, or polygonal in form, and may be comprised of materials such as but not limited to closed-cell polyethylene foam, sealed hollow polymers, inflatable thermoplastic elastomers, and blow-molded or rotationally molded plastic structures. The buoyant bottom member 104 may be made of a sealed internal cavity or cellular foam to ensure flotation even in the presence of minor punctures or leaks. In one embodiment, the bottom member 104 may be weighted with ballast 105 such as but not limited to stainless steel discs, sand-filled compartments, removable inserts, water-filled bladders, etc. to enhance vertical stability under wind or water motion.

[0031] The bottom member 104 is connected to a top member 108 via a shaft 106. The shaft 106 may be comprised of a single rigid tube, a telescoping column, a segmented assembly with interlocking collars, or a modular rod system. The top member 108 is configured to contact the bottom surface of a pool cover 10, wherein the pool cover 10 is deployed over the device 100 once the device 100 is installed to and deployed within a pool. The top member 108 may be any shape. In one embodiment, the top member 108 is flat. In another embodiment, the top member 108 is domed or convex. Additional variations may include dome-shaped, frustoconical, tent-like, umbrella-shaped, or star-shaped configurations, with surface angles designed to encourage multi-directional runoff. In one embodiment, the top member 108 includes upward-projecting structure 109 such as but not limited to ridges, radial ribs, drainage fins, or segmented channels that create defined runoff paths for improved water diversion. In another embodiment, the top member 108 includes an anti-slip or high-friction contact area 111 such as but not limited to a rubberized coating, thermoplastic elastomer surface, micro-textured polyethylene, or grit-enhanced epoxy coating to maintain the stability of the cover 10 during variable load conditions from precipitation or wind. During use, the top member 108 raises the center of the pool cover 10 (as seen in FIG. 3), thereby allowing water, debris, and snow to naturally run off toward the edges of the cover 10 rather than accumulating in the center.

[0032] At least one arm 110 attaches to the shaft 106 via at least one pivot point 112. The pivot point 112 may be but is not limited to a hinge pin, clevis joint, rotating collar, flexible elastomeric junction, friction-locking joint, ratcheting joint, etc. or other pivoting connector that enables angular displacement of the arm 110 relative to the shaft 106. In one embodiment, the pivot points 112 attach to a central mounting hub 114 that is movable upwards and downwards along the shaft 106. The mounting hub 114 may be comprised of a locking mechanism 115 such as but not limited to a threaded compression collar, spring-loaded pin lock, cam-based lever clamp, a twist-lock bushing, etc. to permit controlled vertical adjustment of the arms 110. In one embodiment, the arms 110 may be telescopic and comprised of a locking mechanism 118 that secures the arm 110 at a desired length. The locking mechanism 118 may be a twist collar, button-lock, friction sleeve, spring-loaded pin, or cam lever.

[0033] The arms 110 are further comprised of at least one attachment point 116 that allows the arm 110 to attach to a pool surface 12 (as seen in FIG. 2) such as a lip, a wall, surrounding deck, concrete rim, tile edge, resin coping, etc. The attachment point 116 may be a clamp, suction cup, lever-activated suction cups, adhesive pad, hook, mounting bracket, clip, etc. that anchors to various structural features around the pool.

[0034] In one embodiment, the attachment point 116 may be comprised of a padding 120 that improves grip and prevents pool surface damage. The padding 120 may be a replaceable rubber foot, an anti-slip foam interface, a silicone gel pad, a thermoplastic elastomer mat, etc. In one embodiment, the padding 120 includes a high-friction surface texture 121 such as but not limited to ribs, crosshatching, or dimpled projections.

[0035] When installed, the pool cover 10 may rest atop the convex top member 108, forming a convex dome-like structure over the pool, as seen in FIG. 3. The elevation and tension provided by the device 100 encourage precipitation and debris to slide off the sides of the cover 10 rather than accumulating in the center. This configuration helps preserve the integrity of the pool cover 10 throughout the winter months and eliminates the need for additional maintenance tools or frequent manual removal of accumulated materials. The device 100 supports the pool cover 10 in a manner that prevents sagging and prolongs its functional lifespan, offering a practical solution to a widespread seasonal maintenance challenge.

[0036] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 102 having a buoyant bottom member 104, a shaft 106, a top member 108, at least one arm 110, and at least one attachment point 116 [Step 202]. Then, the device 100 is deployed within a pool such that the buoyant bottom member 104 floats vertically on the water surface with the shaft 106 extending upward [Step 204]. Next, the arms 110 are pivoted outwardly from the shaft 106 via the pivot point 112 and adjusted to a desired length if telescopic via a locking mechanism 118 [Step 206]. Then, each arm 110 is secured to a pool surface 12 via the attachment point 116 [Step 208]. Finally, a pool cover 10 is deployed over the device 100 such that the top member 108 elevates the center of the pool cover 10 and encourages precipitation and debris to run off toward the edges rather than accumulating in the center [Step 210].

[0037] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein pool cover support device and device are interchangeable and refer to the pool cover support device 100 of the present invention.

[0038] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the pool cover support device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the pool cover support device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the pool cover support device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the pool cover support device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the pool cover support device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0039] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.