Retractable Pool Privacy Screen

Abstract

A retractable pool privacy device 10 for attachment to a screened patio or pool enclosure 2 , the device 10 has: a frame 12 for attachment to a frame 3 of the patio or pool enclosure 2 ; a flexible privacy layer 20 stowed inside the frame 12 ; a means 40 or 50 for winding and unwinding the privacy layer 20 ; and wherein the frame 12 has a opening 14 through which the flexible privacy layer 20 can be withdrawn to extend outwardly to provide a visual privacy barrier. The frame 12 is shaped in a substantially square or rectangular tubular cross section having at least a one side open for allowing the privacy layer 20 to pass and has a pair of ends 12 A, 12 B, each end having attachment or holding structures 15, 16 for supporting the flexible privacy layer 20 . A rotatable rod 22 for attaching the privacy layer 20 thereto is preferably used. The rod 22 is rotatably supported at each end 27, 28 to the attachment or holding structures 15, 16.

1 . A retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure, the device comprises a frame for attachment to a frame of the patio or pool enclosure; a flexible privacy layer stowed inside the frame; a means for winding and unwinding the privacy layer; and wherein the frame has a opening through which the flexible privacy layer can be withdrawn to extend outwardly to provide a visual privacy barrier. 
   
   
       2 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the frame is shaped in a substantially square or rectangular tubular cross section having at least a one side open for allowing the privacy layer to pass. 
   
   
       3 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the frame further comprises a pair of ends each end having an attachment structure for supporting the flexible privacy layer. 
   
   
       4 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 3  further comprises:
 a rotatable rod for attaching the privacy layer thereto, the rod being rotatably supported at each end to the attachment structure.   
   
   
       5 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  further comprises:
 a coil spring mechanism to bias the flexible privacy layer toward a retracted, rolled up position inside the frame.   
   
   
       6 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 5  wherein the coil spring mechanism can be locked after the layer is withdrawn from the frame thereby allowing the layer to be extended outward from the frame at any desired distance to form a privacy layer and upon a further downward pull the layer can be retracted to a stowed position inside the frame. 
   
   
       7 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  further comprises:
 a wind up motor for retracting and extending the flexible privacy layer.   
   
   
       8 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 7  wherein
 two or more of the devices are rotatably connected together by a rotatable shaft and are driven by the wind up motor.   
   
   
       9 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the flexible layer is made of a plurality of elongated slats and wherein the slats are pivotally connected together to allow rolling about an axle or rod. 
   
   
       10 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the flexible layer is made of a UV blocking material to provide a solar barrier. 
   
   
       11 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the flexible layer is made of a reflective material on at least an outwardly facing side to provide a thermal cooling barrier within the enclosure to which the device is attached. 
   
   
       12 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the device is mounted horizontally to the enclosure and the flexible panel extends vertically along an interior side of the enclosure. 
   
   
       13 . The retractable pool privacy device for attachment to a patio or pool enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the device is mounted onto a ceiling frame of the enclosure and the panel extends along the ceiling generally horizontally, the panel being held along lateral edges by a pair of guides to provide support. 
   
   
       14 . A pool or patio enclosure comprising:
 an enclosure frame structure;   a screen covering attached to the frame structure; and   one or more retractable pool or patio privacy devices attached to the frame structure.   
   
   
       15 . The pool enclosure of  claim 14  wherein the retractable pool or patio privacy device includes a frame, the frame being a structural member of the enclosure frame structure.