US4059855A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Retractable cover for ground opening
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-11-08
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Granted: 1977-11-29
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Expires: 1996-11-08
Abstract
Abstract A retractable cover mechanism for covering an open area, such as a swimming pool. The mechanism comprises a pair of parallel channels secured on a respective opposed side of an open area to be covered. A plurality of displaceable intermediate cylinders are provided in each of the channels between displaceable end cylinders. The intermediate cylinders are water-conducting and the end cylinder at a first common end of both channels is water-conducting. The end cylinders at a second common end of both channels have solid end walls which are non-water conducting. A first extensible conduit means is secured between facing ends of adjacent ones of the intermediate and end cylinders. Attachment means are secured to at least some of the cylinders and to a cover sheet to displaceably support the cover sheet between the pair of parallel channels. First and second conduit means are connectable to a source of water pressure. The second extensible conduit means is secured between outer end walls of the end cylinders and an associated one of the first and second conduit means whereby the source of water pressure is applicable against the outer end walls of one of the end cylinders at a common end of each of the channels. Valve means is further provided to evacuate the first and second conduit means.
Inventors
- 👤 Carmel Riendeau
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:22
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H4/00; E04H4/06; E04H4/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
A retractable cover mechanism for covering an open area, said mechanism comprising a pair of parallel channels secured on a respective opposed side of an open area to be covered, a plurality of displaceable intermediate cylinders in each of said channels between displaceable end cylinders, said intermediate cylinders and said end cylinder at a first common end of both said channels being water conducting, said end cylinders at a second common end of both said channels having solid end walls which are non-water conducting, first extensible conduit means secured between facing ends of adjacent ones of said intermediate and end cylinders, attachment means secured to at least some of said cylinders and to a cover sheet to displaceably support said cover sheet between said pair of parallel channels, first and second conduit means connectable to a source of water pressure, second extensible conduit means secured between outer end walls of said end cylinders and an associated one of said first and second conduit means whereby said source of water pressure is applicable against said outer end walls of one of said end cylinders at a common end of each of said channels, and valve means to evacuate said first and second conduit means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
A retractable cover mechanism for covering an open area, said mechanism comprising a pair of parallel channels secured on a respective opposed side of an open area to be covered, a plurality of displaceable intermediate cylinders in each of said channels between displaceable end cylinders, said intermediate cylinders and said end cylinder at a first common end of both said channels being water conducting, said end cylinders at a second common end of both said channels having solid end walls which are non-water conducting, first extensible conduit means secured between facing ends of adjacent ones of said intermediate and end cylinders, attachment means secured to at least some of said cylinders and to a cover sheet to displaceably support said cover sheet between said pair of parallel channels, first and second conduit means connectable to a source of water pressure, second extensible conduit means secured between outer end walls of said end cylinders and an associated one of said first and second conduit means whereby said source of water pressure is applicable against said outer end walls of one of said end cylinders at a common end of each of said channels, and valve means to evacuate said first and second conduit means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said channels is an elongated hollow channel member of circular cross-section, said end cylinders at said first common end and said intermediate cylinders having a longitudinal bore therethrough whereby water can flow therethrough, said hollow channel member having a longitudinal slot to permit passage therethrough of said attachment means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein said channel member is a plastic tube, said attachment means being a clamp member secured to each of said cylinders and displaceable along said slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein said channel member is an elongated tube embedded in concrete on each said opposed sides of said open area, said longitudinal slot extending through said concrete and through which said attachment means project.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein there is further provided a drain conduit, said drain conduit being connected to said channels and to said valve means to evacuate said first and second conduit means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
97 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first and second extensible conduit means is stretchable hose disposed within said channels, said stretchable hose constituting said first extensible conduit means being of substantially equal lengths, said stretchable hose constituting said second extensible conduit means being considerably longer than said first extensible conduit means to permit said end cylinders at a common end of each of said channels to be displaced a distance sufficient to displace said cover sheet from a storage position adjacent said open area to an extended position over said open area.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein said stretchable hose has an undulated side wall, said hose having opposed open ends sealingly secured to respective cylinder ends or said associated one of said first and second conduit means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein a stop member is associated with each of said end cylinders to restrict displacement thereof in said channels and to permit said cover sheet to be extended over said open area.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is further provided a storage housing having roof means for storing said cover sheet, said storage housing being positioned adjacent an end of said open area, said channels extending within said storage housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 9 wherein said end cylinders facing said storage housing are arrested when moved in said housing to permit said cover sheet to be completely located in said housing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 10 wherein said housing is provided with a side opening for entry and exit of said cover, a hinged door covering said side opening, said hinged door being hinged on a longitudinal top edge thereof and displaceable on said top edge by actuation of a piston having a piston rod end connected to said door, said piston being actuated by connection through a valve to a recirculating pump circuit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
73 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein said source of water pressure is a household water supply of approximately 60 lbs./sq. in., said first and second conduit means being tubular conduits connected to said water supply via respective shut-off valves, said valve means being two valve elements connected to a respective one of said tubular conduits downstream of said shut-off valves to interconnect said tubular conduits with a drain conduit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
89 words
A retractable cover mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover sheet is comprised of a plurality of rigid transverse elongated carrier members interconnected at each opposed end to an attachment bracket of a respective one of said cylinders, a cover wall section spanning adjacent carrier members, said cover wall section being collapsible as said carrier members are displaced closer together and being extended as said carrier members move further away from one another, said carrier members being displaced transversely by displacement of said cylinders in said channels.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
A retractable cover as claimed in claim 13 wherein said cover sheet is of flexible sheet material, such as vinyl, canvas or the like materials, said open area being a swimming pool.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of displacing a cover sheet over an open area, said method comprising the steps of: i. providing a plurality of displaceable cylinders in a pair of channels extending parallel to one another on a respective side of said open area, said cylinders being secured to said cover sheet to displace it between said pair of channels; and ii. applying water pressure to said cylinders to displace them in a predetermined manner relative to one another to cause said sheet to be displaced over and away from said open area.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of displacing a cover sheet over an open area, said method comprising the steps of: i. providing a plurality of displaceable cylinders in a pair of channels extending parallel to one another on a respective side of said open area, said cylinders being secured to said cover sheet to displace it between said pair of channels; and ii. applying water pressure to said cylinders to displace them in a predetermined manner relative to one another to cause said sheet to be displaced over and away from said open area.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said step (ii) comprises a. displacing said cylinders closer or further from one another whereby said cover sheet will fold in an accordion fashion or extend, and b. displacing said cylinders from adjacent said open area to a storage area remote from said open area.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein said steps (a) and (b) are effected by applying water pressure at the ends of end cylinders at a common end of said pair of channels whilst evacuating the area between cylinders to cause said cylinders to be displaced in a predetermined direction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3413661A
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US3903552A
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Cited
US3979782A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-11-28 | 1981-05-30 | 1981-11-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-11-28 | 1985-05-30 | 1985-11-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-11-28 | 1989-05-30 | 1989-11-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |