SPA COVER

Abstract

A spa cover is described and which includes a first and second portion which are hingedly mounted together; an elongated sleeve is mounted on the second portion of the spa cover; and a rigid conduit is telescopingly mounted and enclosed within the internal passageway of the sleeve, and which has a length dimension which is less than the length dimension of the elongated sleeve.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a spa cover for use with spas, hot tubs and similar products, and more specifically to a spa cover which includes an attached enclosure which allows access to a rigid support member, and which is enclosed, therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years the purchase and use of spas, hot tubs and similar products by homeowners, resorts, and the like, have become widespread. In this regard, home spas, and hot tubs are usually located outside of a house, and are frequently placed on an adjacent deck, or in the backyard. In order to protect the water which is enclosed within the spa from contamination by ambient environmental debris, and to further prevent, infants, children, or other unauthorized individuals from gaining access to the hot tub, these same spas, or hot tubs, are usually covered when not in use. The spa covers employed in the past ranged in design from being a soft, single sheet of vinyl or other fluid impervious material, to hard covers formed, at lest in part, of an insulating core material, which may include such materials as expanded polystyrene, and which is further enclosed within an envelope of protecting material such as vinyl or the like. Additionally, other hard-insulated covers are manufactured and utilized in northern climates because they significantly limit the heat loss from such hot tubs, and further prevents the collapse of the hot tub cover, which may be attributed to the collection of large amounts of snowfall and the like on the covers.

While the various spa cover designs employed, to date, have worked with various degrees of success, they have numerous shortcomings which have detracted from their usefulness. Chief among the disadvantages of the spa covers which have been manufactured, to date, relates to the large and cumbersome nature of such covers. This chief characteristic makes them somewhat difficult to remove, even though they are relatively lightweight. Further, the prior art spa cover insulative cores have a propensity, over time, to absorb moisture from the underlying water which is enclosed within the spa. Therefore the spa covers tend to gain weight as they increase in age. As will be recognized, on the one hand, manufacturers of spa covers have endeavored to make previously fabricated spa covers lightweight so that they may be easily removed by the owner of the spa tub when they desire to have access to the spa tub. On the other hand, the lightweight feature of the hard-style spa and hot tub covers leads to another disadvantage, that being that unless they are held down or secured in some manner, these prior art spa covers can be easily shifted out of position and are/or may be blown off by the wind.

Therefore, various spa cover lifting devices have been manufactured through the years to try and address or eliminate these shortcomings. However, one design of spa cover, which addresses the needs of most of the spa owners, regardless of the geographic location of the spa, has not been readily available.

Therefore, a spa cover which addresses these and other shortcomings attendant with the prior art practices, and products, which have been manufactured, heretofore, is the subject matter of the present patent application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a spa cover which includes a first portion which is operable to partially cover an underlying spa, and which is defined, at least in part, by a peripheral edge; a second portion which is operable to partially cover the underlying spa, and which is defined, at least in part, by a peripheral edge which is hingedly affixed to the peripheral edge of the first portion; an elongated sleeve mounted on the second portion and which is located in adjacent, spaced, substantially parallel relationship relative to the peripheral edge which is defined by the first portion of the spa cover, and which further defines a longitudinally extending internal passageway, and wherein the elongated sleeve has a given length dimension; and a rigid conduit telescopingly mounted within the internal passageway of the sleeve and which has a length dimension which is less than the length dimension of the elongated sleeve.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a spa cover which includes a first and second portion which are hingedly mounted together along a predetermined peripheral edge, and wherein the first portion is moveable relative to the second portion so as to be located in juxtaposed, substantially parallel relationship, one with the other, and wherein the first and second portions are moveable, in unison, when located in the juxtaposed parallel relationship, along a given path of travel so as to be positioned in a non-occluding relationship relative to an underlying spa, and wherein the first and second portions of each have a top surface; a sleeve mounted on the top surface of the second portion, and which is located adjacent to the peripheral edge, and which further has opposite ends, and wherein the sleeve further includes a pair of selectively closable, longitudinally extending openings which are formed in the sleeve, and which are individually located in adjacent, spaced relation relative to the opposite ends of the sleeve, and wherein the sleeve has a given length dimension when measured between the opposite ends; and a rigid, elongated conduit which is telescopingly mounted within the internal passageway of the sleeve, and which further has a length dimension which is less than the length dimension of the elongated sleeve, and which further has opposite, first and second ends, and wherein the rigid elongated conduit cannot be readily removed from the internal passageway, and is further, freely longitudinally rotatable within the internal passageway which is defined by the sleeve, and wherein, when the respective longitudinally extending openings of the sleeve are opened, the first and second ends of the rigid conduit are rendered accessible.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially exploded, side elevation view of the spa cover of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, exploded, side elevation view of a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a portion of the structure as shown in FIG. 2, and with an overlying surface removed to show the structure, therebelow.

FIG. 4 shows a feature of a first form of the prevent invention.

FIG. 4A shows a feature of a second possible form of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows a feature of a third possible form of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective, partial, greatly enlarged view of the spa cover of the prevent invention.

FIG. 6 shows an environmental, side elevation view of the present invention in operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” [Art. 1, §8].

A spa cover 10 which shows the features of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and following. As seen in the various drawings which have been provided, the spa cover 10 is useful when employed to selectively cover a spa or hot tub of traditional design, and which is generally indicated by the numeral 11. The spa 11 is defined by a main body 12, which includes, as seen in FIG. 1, and following, rigid, substantially vertically disposed end walls 13, which are joined or otherwise made integral with spaced sidewalls 14. The respective walls 13 and 14, each are defined by a top peripheral edge 15, which is generally continuous with the adjacent peripheral edges. The respective walls 13 and 14 of the spa 10 also define an internal cavity 16 (FIG. 5), which receives a given amount of water, which is then heated to a predetermined temperature as determined by the user of the spa 17 (FIG. 6).

As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the spa cover 10 of the present invention is defined, at least in part, by a first moveable portion 20, which is operable to selectively occlude a portion of the internal cavity 16 when the first portion is deployed, or located, in a substantially horizontal position, and placed in immediate contact with the top peripheral edge 15 of the spa 10. The movement of the spa cover 10 will be discussed in greater detail, below. This first portion 20 has a main body 21, which is defined, at least in part, by a top surface 22, and an opposite bottom surface 23. A suitable insulative material (not shown) is located between the top and bottom surfaces. Still further, the main body 21 has a first peripheral edge 24, which is located in predetermined, substantially parallel, spaced relation relative to a second peripheral edge 25. Moreover, the first portion 20 is defined by third and fourth peripheral edges 26 and 27, and which respectively couple the first and second peripheral edges, together, and which collectively form the substantially narrowly rectangular main body 21.

The spa cover 10 of the prevent invention includes a second portion 30, which similarly is defined by a main body 31, and which has a top and bottom surface 32 and 33, respectively. The main body is further defined, at least in part, by a first peripheral edge 34, and an opposite, second, peripheral edge 35, which is disposed in predetermined, substantially parallel spaced relation relative thereto. Still further, the second portion 30 is defined, in part, by third, and fourth peripheral edges 36 and 37. The peripheral edges 36 and 37 connect the first and second peripheral edges together so as to define the narrowly rectangular main body 31. As illustrated in the drawings, a hinge, which is here depicted as a film hinge 38, connects the second peripheral edge 35 of the second portion 30, with the second peripheral edge 25 of the first portion 20. This permits the first portion, to move along an arcuately shaped path of travel so that the first portion 20 can be moved into substantially parallel, overlying, or juxtaposed relation relative to the second portion 30, in a manner which is well known in the art (FIG. 6).

As best depicted in FIG. 1, and following, it will be seen that a sleeve 40 is mounted on the top surface 32 of the second portion 30. The sleeve 40 is located closely adjacent to, and substantially parallel with, the second peripheral edge 35 of the second portion 30. The sleeve 40, is fabricated from either a flexible substrate or a rigid substrate, and which further has physical characteristics which resist degradation when exposed to the ambient environment, such as UV radiation, and the like. The sleeve 40 further has a first end 41, and an opposite second end 42. The sleeve 40 has a given longitudinal dimension as measured between the first and second ends. This length dimension is less than the length dimension of the second peripheral edge 35. Still further, this same sleeve 40 has formed therein a pair of selectably closeable longitudinally extending openings which are generally indicated by the number 43, and which are located near the first and second ends 41 and 42, respectively, thereof (FIGS. 4 and 5). The sleeve 40 defines an internal cavity or passageway 44 (FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B), and which extends between the first and second ends, and which further has a given cross-sectional dimension. As seen in the drawings, a closure device 50 is provided, and which is operable to allow selective access to the internal cavity or passageway 44, and through the respective selectively closeable openings 43. The closure devices 50 which may be selected, come from the group which includes a zipper 51, which comprises the first form of the invention; a hook and loop type fastener, which comprises a second form of the invention 52; and snaps and/or buttons and which comprise a third possible form 53 of the invention. These respective closure arrangements are seen in FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, respectively.

The present invention 10 also includes, as another feature, a rigid conduit, which is generally indicated by the numeral 60, and which is received within the internal cavity or passageway 44 of the sleeve 40. As presently conceived, and fabricated, the rigid conduit 60 cannot, typically be easily or readily removed from the internal passageway or cavity 44, but is rather installed, or positioned, within the internal cavity or passageway 44, upon the installation or attachment of the sleeve 40 on the top surface 32 of the second portion 30. This feature allows a spa cover 10 to be manufactured and then sold, and which may be useful for spa owners who live in regions where a spa lift is neither required, nor desired. However, for spa owners who desire a spa lift, this structure is present, and can be engaged by a spa lift, as will be discussed, hereinafter. The rigid conduit 60 has a first end 61, and an opposite, second end 62, which are individually spaced inwardly from the third and fourth peripheral edges 36 and 37 of the second portion 30, and still further is spaced inwardly relative to first and second ends 41 and 42 of the sleeve 40. Additionally, it will be seen that the rigid conduit 60 defines an internal passageway 63, having a given cross-sectional dimension. As should be understood, the rigid conduit 60 is operable to substantially freely, and longitudinally rotate within the internal passageway 44. This rotation is indicated by the line labeled 64. This longitudinal rotation within the internal cavity 44 provides one feature of the invention which will be discussed in greater detail, below. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a multitude of fasteners, here indicated by the numeral 65, are received through the first and second ends 61 and 62, and are operable to engage another conduit, which has been located within the internal passageway 63 (FIG. 3), and which is telescopingly received, at least in part, within the rigid conduit 60, as will be discussed, below.

The present invention 10 includes a lifting member 70 which is operable to matingly cooperate with the rigid conduit 60. The lifting member 70 has a first end 71, which is telescopingly, and matingly received within the internal passageway 63 at the opposite first and second ends 61 and 62, respectively. Further, the lifting member 70 has an opposite second end 72. Still further, the lifting member 70 has an intermediate elbow region 73, which puts the first and second ends at about a 90 degrees offset, relationship one relative to the other. Additionally, as will be seen, a multiplicity of apertures 74 are formed in the first end 71, and are operable to matingly receive or cooperate with the respective fasteners 65 which pass, therethrough. This feature allows the first end 71 to be fastened directly to the rigid conduit 60. As will be recognized from the drawings, the closure device 50 allows the internal cavity 44 of the sleeve 40 to be opened and rendered accessible, so as to allow a user, to install the individual fasteners 65, thereby easily, and readily, connecting the rigid conduit 60, to the lifting member 70. As will be recognized from the drawings, the second end 72 matingly cooperates in the nature of a telescoping, friction fit with a lifting base portion 75, which then provides or otherwise defines an arcuately shaped path of movement or travel 80 for the spa cover 10 from a first, substantially occluding position 81 relative to the underlying spa 11, to a second position 83, where the spa cover is completely removed thereby exposing the internal cavity 16 for the spa's further use (FIG. 6). In particular, as will be seen by a study of FIG. 6, that lifting base portion 75 allows for or defines a path of travel 80, which includes a first path of travel 81, whereby the first portion 20 is moved from an occluding relationship relative to the spa 10, until it is positioned in juxtaposed substantially parallel, relation relative to the second portion 30 (shown in phantom lines). Once it is received in that position, the first and second portions 20 and 30, respectively, are moveable, in unison, along a second path of travel 82, where they are completely removed from the underlying spa 14, thus rendering the spa accessible for further use by the owner or user 17.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiments of the present invention are believed to be readily apparent and are briefly summarized at this point.

In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to a spa cover 10 which includes a first portion 20, which is operable to partially cover an underlying spa 10, and which is defined, at least in part, by a peripheral edge 25. The spa cover 10 further includes a second portion 30, which is operable to partially cover the underlying spa 10, and which is defined, at least in part, by a peripheral edge 35, which is hingedly affixed to the peripheral edge 25 of the first portion 20. Still further, the spa cover includes an elongated sleeve 40, which is mounted on the second portion 20, and which is located in adjacent, spaced, substantially parallel relationship relative to the peripheral edges 25 and 35, and which is further defined by the first and second portions 20 and 30, of the spa cover 10. The elongated sleeve 40 further defines a longitudinally extending passageway 44. Further, the elongated sleeve has a given length dimension. Additionally, the spa cover 10 includes a rigid conduit 60, which is telescopingly mounted within the internal passageway 44, of the sleeve 40, and which has a length dimension which is less than the length dimension of the elongated sleeve 40. The spa cover 10 further includes a lifting member 70, having a proximal and a distal end 71 and 72, respectively. The rigid conduit 60 additionally has opposite first and second ends 61 and 62, and a channel or internal passageway 63, extends between the first and second ends 61 and 62. The proximal end 71 of the lifting member 70 is telescopingly received, at least in part, within the channel 62, which is defined by the rigid conduit 60. The internal passageway 44 is defined by the sleeve 40. The distal end 72 of the lifting member is located outside of the sleeve 40, as seen in the drawings.

The spa cover 10 of the present invention further includes a pair of selectively closeable, and longitudinally extending openings 43, which are formed in the sleeve 40, and which are individually located in adjacent, spaced relation relative to the opposite ends 41 and 42 of the sleeve 40. As should be understood from a study of the drawings, when the respective, longitudinally extended openings 43 are opened, the first and second ends of the rigid conduit 60 are rendered accessible for purposes of installing the individual fasteners 65, which are inserted through both the opposite, first and second ends 61 and 62, of the rigid conduit 60. As earlier described, the respective fasteners 65 also extend through the proximal end 71 of the respective lifting members 70, which are individually, telescopingly received within the internal passageway 63, as defined by the rigid conduit 60, when the longitudinally extending openings are opened. As should be understood, the longitudinally extending openings 43 are closed following the insertion of the individual fasteners 65. As seen in the drawings, the longitudinally extending openings are selectively closeable by means which individually includes a zipper 51; hook and loop type fasteners 52; and snap and/or button fasteners as indicated by the numeral 53.

Therefore, it will be seen that the prevent spa cover 10 provides a convenient means whereby such products may be readily installed on spas 11 of conventional design, and which further may be rendered operable to receive or cooperate with a lifting base portion 75, depending upon the needs of the spa user 17. As earlier described, in some parts of the country, and particularly those regions which have a colder climate, and which may experience significant snowfall, and the like, a lifting base portion may be installed and which will assist in the movement of the spa cover to an open position for spa usage (FIG. 6). In other instances, a spa user may dispense with the lifting base portion 75, and thereby remove the spa cover by hand, assuming that they do not need assistance in lifting the spa cover from its occluding position on the spa 11. In any event, the current construction facilitates the shipping of the lifting base portion to a downstream consumer because the number of parts required for the lifting base portion is reduced so the resulting package shipped for the consumer is reduced in size, and therefore the consumer's costs are reduced.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodological features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalence.

Claims

1. A spa cover, comprising:

a first portion which is operable to partially cover an underlying spa, and which is defined, at least in part, by a peripheral edge;

a second portion which is operable to partially cover the underlying spa, and which is defined, at least in part, by a peripheral edge which is hingedly affixed to the peripheral edge of the first portion;

an elongated sleeve mounted on the second portion and which is located in adjacent, spaced, substantially parallel relationship relative to the peripheral edge which is defined by the first portion of the spa cover, and which further defines a longitudinally extending internal passageway, and wherein the elongated sleeve has a given length dimension; and

a rigid conduit telescopingly mounted within the internal passageway of the sleeve and which has a length dimension which is less than the length dimension of the elongated sleeve.

2. A spa cover as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising:

a lifting member having a proximal and a distal end, and wherein the rigid conduit has opposite, first and second ends, and a channel which extends between the first and second ends, and wherein the proximal end of the lifting member is telescopingly received, at least in part, within the channel which is defined by the rigid conduit, and within the internal passageway which is defined by the sleeve, and wherein the distal end of the lifting member is located outside of the sleeve.

3. A spa cover as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the sleeve has opposite ends, and further includes a pair of selectively closable, longitudinally extending openings which are formed in the sleeve, and which are individually located in adjacent, spaced relation relative to the opposite ends of the sleeve, and wherein, when the respective longitudinally extending openings are opened, the first and second ends of the rigid conduit are rendered accessible.

4. A spa cover as claimed in claim 3, and wherein a fastener is inserted through both the opposite, first and second ends of the rigid conduit, and each of the proximal ends of the respective lifting members which are telescopingly received within the internal passageway as defined by the rigid conduit when the longitudinally extending openings are open, and wherein the longitudinally extending openings are closed following the insertion of the individual fasteners.

5. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the longitudinally extending openings are selectively closable by means of a zipper.

6. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the longitudinally extending openings are selectively closable by means of a hook and loop type fastener.

7. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the longitudinally extending openings are selectively closable by means of snap fasteners.

8. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the sleeve is fabricated from a flexible substrate which resists degradation due to exposure to the ambient environment.

9. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the sleeve is fabricated from a rigid substrate which resists degradation due to exposure to the ambient environment.

10. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the lifting member has a curved shape, at least in part.

11. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the rigid conduit cannot be readily removed from the internal passageway which is defined by the sleeve.

12. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the rigid conduit longitudinally rotates within the internal passageway as defined by the sleeve when the spa cover is removed from an underlying spa.

13. A spa cover, comprising:

a first and second portion which are hingedly mounted together along a predetermined peripheral edge, and wherein the first portion is moveable relative to the second portion so as to be located in juxtaposed, substantially parallel relationship, one with the other, and wherein the first and second portions are moveable, in unison, when located in the juxtaposed, parallel relationship, along a given path of travel so as to be positioned in non-occluding relationship relative to an underlying spa, and wherein the first and second portions of each have a top surface;

a sleeve mounted on the top surface of the second portion, and which is located adjacent to the peripheral edge, and which further has opposite ends, and wherein the sleeve further includes a pair of selectively closable, longitudinally extending openings which are formed in the sleeve, and which are individually located in adjacent, spaced relation relative to the opposite ends of the sleeve, and wherein the sleeve has a given length dimension when measured between the opposite ends; and

a rigid, elongated conduit which is telescopingly mounted within the internal passageway of the sleeve, and which further has a length dimension which is less than the length dimension of the elongated sleeve, and which further has opposite, first and second ends, and wherein the rigid elongated conduit cannot be readily removed from the internal passageway, and is further, freely longitudinally rotatable within the internal passageway which is defined by the sleeve, and wherein, when the respective longitudinally extending openings of the sleeve are opened, the first and second ends of the rigid conduit are rendered accessible.

14. A spa cover as claimed in claim 13, and further comprising:

a pair of lifting member each having a proximal and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end of each of the respective lifting members individually telescopingly cooperate with the respective first and second ends of the elongated conduit, and are received in the internal passageway which is defined by the sleeve, and wherein the distal end of the lifting member is located outside of the sleeve.

15. A spa cover as claimed in claim 14, and wherein a fastener is inserted through both the opposite, first and second ends of the rigid conduit, and each of the proximal ends of the respective lifting members which telescopingly cooperate together, when the longitudinally extending openings are open, and wherein the longitudinally extending openings are closed following the insertion of the individual fasteners.

16. A spa cover as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the longitudinally extending openings are selectively closable by means of a zipper.

17. A spa cover as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the longitudinally extending openings are selectively closable by means of a hook and loop type fastener.

18. A spa cover as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the sleeve is fabricated from a flexible substrate which resists degradation due to exposure to the ambient environment.

19. A spa cover as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the sleeve is fabricated from a rigid substrate which resists degradation due to exposure to the ambient environment.