Spa covering device

Abstract

A spa covering device is provided. Such spa covering device includes a substantially hollow self-supporting covering member for covering at least one of a tub portion of a spa tub, a deck portion of such spa tub and a combination thereof. The covering member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. An access mechanism is operably disposed on a first predetermined portion of the covering member at a predetermined location thereon for enabling a user to at least one of enter such spa tub, exit such spa tub, and a combination thereof after the covering member has been placed at least one of on and over such spa tub.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to spa type tubs and, more particularly, this invention relates to devices for covering spa type tubs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, spa tubs or spas, as are generally well known in the prior art, have been used for enjoyment and therapy. Usually such spas are outdoors therefore extremely cold or extremely hot weather often limits use and enjoyment of such spas. Therefore there is a need for a spa covering device which can be placed over spa type tubs to provide shelter from extreme temperatures thereby enabling use and enjoyment of such spas all year round.

Specifically of interest to the present invention are the following: Barovetto, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 5,745,932 discloses a hot tub cover and enclosure which, when in a closed position, forms a waterproof cover for a hot tub and a sloping surface to shed snow and water while the hot tub is not in use, and when in an open position, provides privacy screening and wind protection.

Sitzmann, U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,702, discloses a lightweight, spa cover kit. The cover kit includes a square or rectangular-shaped overhead cap pivotally attached at two corners along one end to two dual hinged support posts. The cap is made of lightweight, weather-proof material, such as molded fiberglass, and may include skylights to allow natural light through during use. The lower end of each dual hinged support post is pivotally attached to the deck surface on which the spa sits.

Gray, U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,433 discloses a moveable hot tub cover structure which removably covers a hot tub and includes at least one rail structure mounted generally adjacent the hot tub and extending outwards therefrom and a rigid hot tub cover structure including at least two upright walls having bases and upper sections and a roof extending between and connecting the at least two upright walls adjacent upper sections thereof such that the roof is spaced from the bases of the upright walls to permit the rigid hot tub cover structure to enclose the hot tub and be used with the rigid hot tub cover structure thereon. At least two rail-engaging wheels are mounted on the rigid hot tub cover structure. The wheels are operative to rollably engage the rail structure. A drive device, such as a garage door opener-type chain drive, is operatively connected to the hot tub cover structure for rollably moving the rigid hot tub cover structure on the rail structure between a hot tub covering position over and above the hot tub and a position in which the hot tub is uncovered.

Aragona, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,663, discloses a generally hemispherical dome designed to cover a hot tub and comprises a pair of successively smaller spherical shells, generally quadrantal in configuration, which are pivotally connected to a pin member vertically disposed through the superimposed apexes of the respective shells. A deck surrounding the perimeter of the hot tub provides basal support to the shells as well as a bearing surface for roller wheels attached along the base of the smaller shell. Upon affixation of the larger shell to the deck the smaller shell is rotated about the pin member through a range of superjacent positions relative to the fixed shell. A plurality of arcuate ribs form the framework of each shell. The ribs are adapted to support canopy material.

Wilson, et al, U.S. Publication No. 2005/0108817, discloses a collapsable spa enclosure which includes a canopy that is carried by a frame that is supported by a plurality of support blocks. The support blocks are connected to the outer surface of the spa with an adhesive or a clamping strap. The collapsable spa enclosure may be removed from the spa by detaching the frame from the support blocks. The frame may be collapsed into a convenient storage size. When erected over the spa, the enclosure protects the spa user from insects, sun, and wind while providing the user privacy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a spa covering device. Such device includes a substantially hollow self-supporting covering member for covering at least one of a tub portion of a spa tub, a deck portion of such spa tub and a combination thereof. The covering member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. An access means is operably disposed on a first predetermined portion of the covering member at a predetermined location thereon for enabling a user to at least one of enter such spa tub, exit such spa tub, and a combination thereof after the covering member has been placed at least one of on and over such spa tub.

According to another embodiment, a spa covering device includes a frame member for placement at least one of on and over a first predetermined portion of a spa tub. Such frame member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A covering member for covering at least one of such frame member, at least a second predetermined portion of such spa tub, and a combination thereof is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. An access means is disposed on the covering member at a first predetermined location thereon for enabling a user to at least one of enter such spa tub, exit such spa tub, and a combination thereof.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a covering device for a spa which will protect a person or people within the covering device from wind, inclement weather, sun exposure, insects, dust, pollution and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an spa covering device which includes a rigid frame which will sit atop a spa deck and which is round or dome-like.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a covering device for a spa, such covering device having at least one door-type member for entering and exiting the spa tub.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a covering device for a spa which includes at least one of at least one window, vent, and sun roof.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor spa covering that includes a covering member having a heavy duty rubber flap type skirt along a bottom edge thereof for restricting outside air from entering the area within the covering member.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-5.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a spa covering device, generally designated 10, is provided. Such spa covering device 10 includes a substantially hollow self-supporting covering member 12 for covering at least one of a tub portion 14 of a spa tub 16, a deck portion 18 of such spa tub 16 and a combination thereof. Such covering member 12 is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape.

An access means 22 is operably disposed on a first predetermined portion of the covering member 12 at a predetermined location thereon for enabling a user 26 to at least one of enter such spa tub 16, exit such spa tub 16, and a combination thereof after the covering member 12 has been placed at least one of on and over such spa tub 16.

It is presently preferred that such access means 22 includes at least one door member 28 manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. It is presently preferred that such at least one door member 28 is at least one of a hinged type door member 32 and a sliding type door member 34. Such sliding type door member 34 may slide at least one of sideways and up and down. Such sliding door member may even slide downwards to be stored in a frame portion of such spa tub 16 or a storage box for protection.

It is further presently preferred that such covering member 12 includes at least one window member 36, manufactured from a third predetermined material and having a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape, and being operably disposed on a second predetermined portion of the covering member 12 at a predetermined location thereon. It is presently preferred that such at least one window member 36 is at least one of a hinged type window member 38 and a sliding type window member 42. Such sliding type window member 42 may slide at least one of sideways and up and down. Such sliding window member may even slide downwards to be stored in a frame portion of such spa tub 16 or a storage box for protection.

It is presently preferred that at least one of such at least one door member 28 and such at least one window member 36 be electronically operated. It is further presently preferred that at least one of such at least one door member 28 and such at least one window member 36 be operable via remote control means.

It is presently preferred that such covering member 12 includes at least one sun roof type member 44, manufactured from a third predetermined material and having a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape, and being operably disposed on a third predetermined portion of the covering member at a predetermined location thereon.

It is presently preferred that such covering member 12 includes at least one vent type member 48 operably attached thereto at a predetermined location thereon.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined shape is substantially dome-shaped. According to another embodiment it is presently preferred that such first predetermined shape is at least one of substantially square, substantially rectangular, and substantially round.

It is presently preferred that such spa covering device 10 includes at least one of a removable roof portion generally designated 51, and at least one removable side portion 53.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is at least one of weather resistant, water resistant, fluid resistant, and a combination thereof. It is further presently preferred that such first predetermined material is water impervious.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is at least one of plastic, glass, and a combination thereof. It is further presently preferred that such first predetermined material is plastic. It is presently preferred that such covering member is UV resistant.

It is presently preferred that such spa covering device 10 further includes a securing means 52 operably disposed on a second predetermined portion of the covering member 12 at a predetermined location thereon for removably securing the covering member 12 to a predetermined portion of such spa tub 16. It is further presently preferred that such securing means 52 is at least one of a clamp type securing means, a bracket type securing means and a combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, according to another embodiment, a spa covering device, generally designated 20, is provided. Such spa covering device 20 includes a frame member 64 for placement at least one of on and over a first predetermined portion of a spa tub 16. The frame member 64 is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined portion of such spa tub 16 is at least one of a deck portion 18 and a tub portion 14.

A covering member 68 for covering at least one of the frame member 64, at least a second predetermined portion of such spa tub 16, and a combination thereof, is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape.

It is presently preferred that such second predetermined portion 72 is at least one of such deck portion 18 and such tub portion 14 of such spa tub 16.

An access means 22 is disposed on the covering member 68 at a first predetermined location thereon for enabling a user 26 to at least one of enter such spa tub 16, exit such spa tub 16, and a combination thereof.

It is presently preferred that such spa covering device 20 further includes a first securing means 51 operably disposed on the frame member at a predetermined location thereon for removably securing the frame member 64 to a third predetermined portion of such spa tub 16.

It is further presently preferred that such spa covering device 20 includes a second securing means 53 operably disposed on the covering member 68 at a second predetermined location thereon for operably securing the covering member 68 to at least one of the frame member 64, a fourth predetermined location on such spa tub 16, and a combination thereof.

It is presently preferred that the access means 22 is at least one of at least one door member 28 and at least one window member 36.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is at least one of plastic, glass, vinyl, nylon, nylon taffeta, rip stop nylon, polyester, canvas, cotton canvas, and a combination thereof. It is further presently preferred that such covering member is at least one of mold resistant, mildew resistant, and a combination thereof.

While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A spa covering device comprising:

a. A substantially hollow self-supporting covering member for covering at least one of a tub portion of a spa tub, a deck portion of such spa tub and a combination thereof, said covering member being manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape; and

b. an access means being operably disposed on a first predetermined portion of said covering member at a predetermined location thereon for enabling a user to at least one of enter such spa tub, exit such spa tub, and a combination thereof after said covering member has been placed at least one of on and over such spa tub.

2. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said access means includes at least one door member manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape.

3. A spa covering device according to claim 2 wherein said at least one door member is at least one of a hinged type door member and a sliding type door member.

4. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering member includes at least one window member manufactured from a third predetermined material and having a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape and being operably disposed on a second predetermined portion of said covering member at a predetermined location thereon.

5. A spa covering device according to claim 4 wherein said at least one window member is at least one of a hinged type window member and a sliding type window member.

6. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering member includes at least one sun roof type member manufactured from a third predetermined material and having a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape and being operably disposed on a third predetermined portion of said covering member at a predetermined location thereon.

7. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined shape is substantially dome-shaped.

8. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined shape is at least one of substantially square, substantially rectangular, and substantially round.

9. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is at least one of weather resistant, water resistant, fluid resistant, and a combination thereof.

10. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is water impervious.

11. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering member includes at least one vent type member operably attached thereto at a predetermined location thereon.

12. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is at least one of plastic, glass, and a combination thereof.

13. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said spa covering device further includes a securing means being operably disposed on a second predetermined portion of said covering member at a predetermined location thereon for removably securing said covering member to a predetermined portion of such spa tub.

14. A spa covering device according to claim 13 wherein said securing means is at least one of a clamp type securing means, a bracket type securing means and a combination thereof.

15. A spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering member is UV resistant.

16. A spa covering device comprising:

a. A frame member for placement at least one of on and over a first predetermined portion of a spa tub, said frame member being manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape;

b. a covering member for covering at least one of said frame member, at least a second predetermined portion of such spa tub, and a combination thereof, said covering member being manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape; and

c. an access means disposed on said covering member at a first predetermined location thereon for enabling a user to at least one of enter such spa tub, exit such spa tub, and a combination thereof.

17. A spa covering device according to claim 16 wherein said spa covering device further includes a first securing means operably disposed on said frame member at a predetermined location thereon for removably securing said frame member to a third predetermined portion of such spa tub.

18. A spa covering device according to claim 17 wherein a second securing means operably disposed on said covering member at a second predetermined location thereon for operably securing said covering member to at least one of said frame member, a fourth predetermined location on such spa tub, and a combination thereof.

19. A spa covering device according to claim 16 wherein said access means is at least one of at least one door member and at least one window member.

20. A spa covering device according to claim 16 wherein said first predetermined material is at least one of plastic, glass, vinyl, nylon, nylon taffeta, rip stop nylon, polyester, canvas, cotton canvas, and a combination thereof.