Abstract: A spa cover and receptacle in combination, the spa cover being a retractable, folding, insulating spa cover with interconnected, plural, elongated, generally rectangular, panel members, the panel members being connected to each other along their longitudinal edges or sides by hinge members that act as seals to close the entire gap between adjoining panel members, wherein the hinge members alternate between the upper and lower surfaces of adjacent panel members, such that the panel members are easily foldable into a vertical stack. The open-topped receptacle is provided with roller members to reduce friction when the panel members are delivered into the panel members in a vertical stack adjacent the spa, the receptacle being a free-standing member, a member mounted to the spa wall, or a member manufactured as an integral component of the spa housing.

Abstract: A spa cover and receptacle in combination, the spa cover being a retractable, folding, insulating spa cover with interconnected, plural, elongated, generally rectangular, panel members, the panel members being connected to each other along their longitudinal edges or sides by hinge members that act as seals to close the entire gap between adjoining panel members, wherein the hinge members alternate between the upper and lower surfaces of adjacent panel members, such that the panel members are easily foldable into a vertical stack. The open-topped receptacle is provided with roller members to reduce friction when the panel members are delivered into the panel members in a vertical stack adjacent the spa, the receptacle being a free-standing member, a member mounted to the spa wall, or a member manufactured as an integral component of the spa housing.

Abstract: A monolayer synthetic or artificial thatch shingle comprising a plurality of tapering extensions extending from a base flange member, the thatch shingle having been formed from a thin sheet of stiff plastic, and the extensions having been formed by removing material from the thin sheet. The base flange member presents a solid surface, such that when shingles are overlaid in successive rows advancing up the pitched roof, the combination of overlapping base flange members provides a water barrier such that all rain water is directed from the slanted roof.

Abstract: A retractable, folding, insulating spa cover assembly with interconnected, plural, elongated, generally rectangular, panel members, the panel members being connected to each other along their longitudinal edges or sides by hinge members that act as gaskets to close the entire gap between adjoining panel members, wherein the hinge members alternate between the upper and lower surface of the panel members, such that the panel members are foldable into a vertical stack. Track members may be provided on opposing upper walls of the spa, with pins or roller members disposed on each end of the panel members such that the panel members slide laterally within the track members. The track members may each have a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, such the panel members remain in the track members when vertically stacked as well. In an alternative embodiment, vertically oriented roller conveyor members may be positioned beside the spa.

Abstract: A thatch eave member formed of a plurality of individual thatch elements, either natural or synthetic, having a backing member retaining a plurality of individual thatch elements such that the free ends present a generally planar exposed face, wherein the backing member is adapted for attachment along the eave of a roof such that the exposed face matches the ends of a lowermost thatched roofing shingle or roll to give the illusion of a thicker roof, and the system comprising the combination of such eave members and roof members.

Abstract: A thatch eave member formed of a plurality of individual thatch elements, either natural or synthetic, having a backing member retaining a plurality of individual thatch elements such that the free ends present a generally planar exposed face, wherein the backing member is adapted for attachment along the eave of a roof such that the exposed face matches the ends of a lowermost thatched roofing shingle or roll to give the illusion of a thicker roof, and the system comprising the combination of such eave members and roof members.