Leading edge and track slider system for an automatic swimming pool cover

Abstract

A leading edge and track slider system for automatic swimming pool covers which carries the front edge of the swimming pool cover as it is drawn across to cover or uncover a swimming pool includes a rigid structural boom having a flat or planer longitudinal surface with "C" channel along one edge of the flat surface receiving and capturing a front beaded edge of the pool cover. Connecting plates, secured to the flat surface of the boom, pivotally couple the ends of the boom to a pair slider elements each having a hollow cylindrical sliding edge captured and sliding within a "C" channel of conventional swimming pool cover track secured on either side of the pool. The pivotal coupling between the connecting plate and slider element is achieved by a bolt translating in a slot cut through the slider element oriented perpendicularly relative to the direction of cover travel as it is drawn across the pool. The cables or ropes extending from the beaded side edges of the pool cover each thread a hollow cylindrical sliding edge of a slider element and connect to a take-up reel of the drive mechanism. Each slider element is anchored to the cable or rope threading its hollow cylindrical sliding edge by a plurality screws with a smooth shank having a diameter less than the thickness of a necked section joining to the hollow cylindrical sliding edge and a length extending beyond the necked section into the main body of the slider element.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.