Pool cover box apparatus and methods

Abstract

A method for forming a pool cover box to contain a pool cover assembly for covering a swimming pool is provided herein that includes forming a plurality of sections of substantially identical unitary molded plastic members, coupling the sections together to form an elongated box with two sides, a bottom, an open top and at least one open end, and fastening at least one end piece to the box to close at least one open end.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . A method for forming a pool cover box to contain a pool cover assembly for covering a swimming pool, comprising: 
 (a) forming a plurality of sections of substantially identical unitary molded plastic members,    (b) coupling the sections together to form an elongated box with two sides, a bottom, an open top and at least one open end, and    (c) fastening at least one end piece to the box to close at least one open end.    
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , comprising forming the end pieces from plastic.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , comprising shaping the end pieces to conform to the interior of the sections.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , comprising moving the end pieces along the sections to be positioned where desired along the pool cover box.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , comprising coupling an elongated support member along a side of the pool cover box.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , comprising forming the elongated support member with an elongated hollow tube therein.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , comprising coupling the elongated support members of sections that are adjoining each other.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , comprising coupling at least one of the sides and the bottoms of sections that are adjoining each other.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21 , comprising forming the plurality of sections by molding thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , comprising forming the plurality of sections in a substantially U-shaped form.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 21 , comprising forming the sections of different lengths to accommodate the size of the pool cover assembly.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 21 , comprising sealing the sections and end pieces together to form a substantially waterproof pool cover box, except for the open top.  
     
     
         33 . A method for forming a pool cover box to contain a pool cover assembly for covering a swimming pool, comprising forming an elongated plastic box.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising forming the box in a substantially U-shaped form.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising forming the box from molded thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising substantially sealing the box, except for an open top.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising coupling an elongated support member running substantially along the length of the box.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising reinforcing the elongated support members with steel tubing.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising forming the elongated plastic box from a plurality of separate plastic sections coupled together.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising coupling the separate plastic sections using splice members.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising coupling a plurality of end pieces to the plastic sections.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 33 , comprising forming the pool cover box using a vacuum form process.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 33 , comprising forming the pool cover box using an injection mold process.