Automatic, remote controlled convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system

Abstract

An automatic, remote controlled convertible and solid top spa cover lifting using a stock and/or preexisting cover. The system requires a hot tub or a spa with a switch operably connected to the hot tube, a controller, a power supply, lifting actuators, at least one spa cover support bracket affixed to the lifting actuators, and one or more than one spa cover support arm connected to the one or more than one spa cover support bracket for supporting the spa cover. Where the cover moves up and down to protect the spa/hot tub when not in use and raises when in use. There are also covers for the actuators for branding purposes and to keep debris and water away from the actuators. Additionally, a projector is installed on the actuator or the support brackets for entertainment while users are in the spa/hot tub.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of spa covers and more particularly to an automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system using a stock and/or a preexisting cover.

BACKGROUND

Current spa covers to protect users from harsh sunlight or other weather only act like a roof over the spa. For example, the Legend, Horizon and Evolution Spa Covers by Covana offer limited functionality at a large price. Additionally, the Covana covers are single purpose devices and don’t add any additional functionality to the spa owner.

Therefore, there is a need for an automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system using stock and or preexisting cover., overcoming the limitations of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing an automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system using stock and or preexisting cover.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a spa cover lifting system installed on a square hot tub according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a spa cover lifting system prior to installation of a convertible or solid top spa cover shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of an automatic, remote controlled convertible and solid top spa cover lifting using a stock and/or preexisting cover, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is another diagram of a spa cover lifting system installed on a rectangular hot tub;

FIG. 5 is a yet another diagram of a spa cover lifting system installed on an extra large rectangular hot tub;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a spa cover lifting system prior to installation of a convertible or solid top spa cover on the extra large rectangular hot tub;

FIG. 7 is an exterior side view diagram of a shipping container for transporting the spa cover lifting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exterior perspective view diagram of a shipping container for transporting the spa cover lifting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a partial interior perspective view diagram of a shipping container for transporting the spa cover lifting system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is a rear full interior perspective view diagram of a shipping container for transporting the spa cover system.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing an automatic, remote controlled convertible and solid top spa cover lifting using a stock and/or preexisting cover. The system has a switch; a controller for synchronously raising and lowering a spa cover; a power supply; one or more than one lifting actuator to raise the spa cover for easy access to the spa/hot tub; one or more than one spa cover support bracket; and one or more than one spa cover support arm. The switch, the controller, the power supply, the one or more than one lifting actuator are affixed to the hot tub. The system also comprises one or more than one lifting actuator cover removably connected to the one or more than one lifting actuator. The system further comprising one or more than one projector connected to the spa cover lifting system for displaying movies, videos, and other multimedia. The power supply is battery powered, main line powered, or both battery and main line powered. There is also a back up battery for controlling the system in case of a power outage. The switch is remote, local or both remote and local for operating the system. The switch is selected from the group consisting of mechanical, wireless, or wired. The one or more than one spa cover support bracket is attachable to an existing spa cover or to a new spa cover. The one or more than one spa cover support bracket is configured so that the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator does not interfere or touch the sides of the spa so as to not interfere with the normal operation of the hot tub, and are only minimally intrusive to occupants of the hot tub. The one or more than one spa cover support arm carry inner cover panels of the spa cover, and do not touch the perimeter of spa cover allowing the weather seal function of the spa cover to work as usual.

There is also provided a shipping container for transporting the spa cover lifting system. The shipping container has one or more than one lifting actuator, one or more than one wheel, one or more than one handle, installation hardware, and installation instructions. The shipping container also has packing foam shaped to hold and protect the one or more than one lifting actuator.

There is also provided a method for installing an automatic, remote controlled convertible and solid top spa cover lifting using a stock and/or preexisting cover. The method has the steps of first installing the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator. Then, attaching the one or more than one spa cover support bracket and the one or more than one spa cover support arm to the spa cover. Next, attaching the one or more than one spa cover support bracket to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator, the one or more than one spa cover support arm and the one or more than one spa cover support bracket. Then, attaching a control unit to the lone or more than one spa cover lifting actuator. Next, attaching power to the control unit and to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator. Finally, controlling the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator with a remote control or a switch to raise or lower the spa cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing an automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system using stock and or pre-existing cover. Unlike the currently available solutions, that have a non-pragmatic design, bad packaging, and a high price. Unlike the currently available solutions, that have a non-pragmatic design, bad packaging, and a high price. The present invention is economical, provides a one size fits all plug and play product with minimal installation and no maintenance issues. The present invention can be delivered to s customer’s doorstep in 3-5 days versus current art delivery of a huge crate truck delivery with difficult installation and maintenance issues. Instead of replacing the existing spa cover, as in the current art, the present invention uses the existing cover including folding it or a convertible top versus manufacturing an expensive aftermarket solid top. The system uses a wireless remote control, a wired remote control or both a wireless and wired remote control to operate the system. This is unlike the currently available systems that use a manual keyed to operate. In one embodiment, the automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system comprises a three stage waterproof and dust proof linear actuators versus the existing art’s cumbersome chain drive and pulley system that requires excess maintenance. Because the system operates on a low power draw, the system is able to also use battery power for remote sites, such as a cabin, etc. The currently available systems do not.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any system, any device or part of a system or device disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use.

Methods and devices that implement the embodiments of the various features of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known circuits, structures and techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures can illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer programs according to various embodiments disclosed. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of code, that can comprise one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function. Additionally, each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention.

The term “control unit” refers to a remotely controllable device that comprises a processor with hard coded instructions, such as, for example a programmable logic unit (PLU), for operating the automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system using stock and or pre-existing cover.

The term “lifting actuator” refers to any type of mechanism that can be used to lift a spa cover, such as, for example, a linear actuator.

Various embodiments provide an automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system. One embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system. In another embodiment, there is provided a method for using the system. The system and method will now be disclosed in detail.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a diagram of the spa cover lifting system 100 in an open position on a square hot tub 102. As can be seen, when the spa cover lifting system 100 is opened, the hot tub 102 user can enter and exit the hot tub 102 normally. The system 100 is designed to suspend the existing cover so there’s is no damage to cover while keeping all benefits including weather seal of existing cover.

Additionally, there is contemplated various methods for activating the system 100 to raise and lower the spa cover 104. Using sensors, remote controls, electric eye beams, infrared detection, pressure plates and other methods of detecting the approach of a user can be used to automatically raise and lower the spa cover 104. The spa cover lifting system 100 can also be controlled with enhancements to the stand spa/hot tub 102 controls. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, all controls, remotes and any other devices are waterproof or water-resistant for user safety.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a diagram 200 of a spa cover lifting system 100 prior to installation of a convertible or solid top spa cover 104. As can be seen, the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204 are used to safely raise and lower the spa cover 104. In this embodiment, two spa cover lifting actuators 202 and 204 are used. Although a single actuator 202 or 204 can be used, for safety reasons, there are preferably at least two spa cover lifting actuators 202 and 204. Other hot tub 102 variations, sizes and shapes are contemplated by this disclosure and a few examples are discussed below. The examples presented are not meant to be limit, but only serve to demonstrate how the invention operates.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an exploded schematic diagram 300 of an automatic, remote controlled convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system 100 using a stock and or preexisting cover, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment of the system 100 comprises, a hot tub 102, a switch 304 connected to the hot tube 102, a controller 306 operably connected to the switch and affixed to the hot tub 102, a power supply 308 operably connected to the switch, the controller 306 and affixed to the hot tub 102, one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204 operably connected to the controller 306 and affixed to the hot tub 102, one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 affixed to the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204, one or more than one spa cover support arm 310 affixed to the one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312, one or more than one lifting actuator cover 314 and 316 removably connected to the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204, and one or more than one projector 318 affixed to the spa cover lifting system 100.

The switch 304 is used to power on the system 100. As discussed above, there are a variety of ways to activate the system 100 to raise or lower the spa cover 104. Similarly, there are a variety of ways to turn the system 100 on. The switch 304 can be remote, local or both remote and local. The switch is usually selected from the group consisting of mechanical, wireless, or wired. In this embodiment, the switch 308 is a mechanical switch attached to the hot tub 102.

The power supply 308 provides power to the controller 306, one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204 and the one or more than one projector 318. The automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system 100 power supply 308 can be battery powered, main line powered, or both battery and main line powered. Optionally, the automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system cab be powered by any other electrical source. Preferably, the automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system is main line powered. Optionally, a back up battery can be installed for controlling the automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system 100 in case of a power outage.

As can be seen, the spa lifting system 100 comprises one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 that is attachable to an existing spa cover 104 or to a new spa cover 104. The one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 is configured so that the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204 does not interfere or touch the sides of the spa 102. Thereby, the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204 stay out of the way of the normal operation of the hot tub 102, and are only minimally intrusive to occupants of the hot tub 102.

The one or more than one spa cover support arm 310 slide out on the far side of one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312, while using the one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 to carry the inner cover panels of the existing spa cover 104. None of the one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 touch the perimeter of spa cover 104 allowing the weather seal function of the original spa cover to work as usual. The one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 is attached to one or more than one spa cover support arm 310 inside the spa cover 104 to carry the inner cover panels and create a connecting support to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204. None of the one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 touch the perimeter of spa cover 104 allowing the weather seal function of original spa cover 104 to work as it normally would.

The one or more than one lifting actuator cover 314 and 316 protects the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204 from accidental damage while the hot tub 102 is in use, or from the weather. Additionally, company logos, or other decorative designs can be affixed to or impressed into the one or more than one lifting actuator cover 314 and 316.

The one or more than one projector 318 is used to show movies, slides, ect. Or just to increase the ambiance surrounding the hot tub 102. The one or more than one projector 318 can be pointed in any direction and affixes to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204 at any non-interfering location to avoid damage to the one or more than one projector 318. Connection to the one or more than one projector 318 is performed by industry standard methods known in the art from various devices.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown another diagram 400 of a spa cover lifting system 100 installed on a rectangular hot tub. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of spa cover lifting actuators 402, 404, 406 and 408, in this case four spa cover lifting actuators 402, 404, 406 and 408. As can be seen, in a closed position, the spa cover lifting system 100 the plurality of spa cover lifting actuators 402, 404, 406 and 408 are equidistant from a front end and a rear end of a hot tub 102. Placement of the another diagram 400 of a spa cover lifting system 100 installed on a rectangular hot tub is up to the individual, but it is recommended that the plurality of spa cover lifting actuators 402, 404, 406 and 408 are placed on each side of the hot tub 102 where it is not used for access to the hot tub 102.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown yet another diagram 500 of a spa cover lifting system 100 installed on an extra large rectangular hot tub 102. As can be seen, in a closed position, the spa cover lifting system comprises a plurality of spa cover lifting actuators 502, 504, 506 and 508 equidistant from a front end and a rear end of the hot tub 102. Placement in this instance is not equidistant. Placement of the a plurality of spa cover lifting actuators 502, 504, 506 and 508 is such that the spa cover 104 is supported over the length of the spa cover 104 so that the spa cover 104 does not sag or deform.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a diagram 600 of a spa cover lifting system 100 prior to installation of a convertible or solid top spa cover on the extra large rectangular hot tub 500. As can be seen, four spa cover lifting system mechanisms are needed for this type of hot tub. Other hot tub variations, sizes and shapes are contemplated by this disclosure. The examples presented are not meant to be limit, but only serve to demonstrate how the invention operates.

Referring now to FIGS. s 7 and 8, there is shown an exterior view 700 and an exterior perspective view 800 of a shipping container for transporting the spa cover lifting system. The shipping container 702 comprises a handle 704 and wheels 706 for easy transport of the spa cover lifting system 100. The shipping container 702 is sized so that any number of the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204 can be sold and transported easily. Although it is possible that an odd number of the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204 might be needed, conventionally the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204 is sold in pairs for safely supporting the spa cover 104. Replacement units and individual spa cover lifting system actuators also have a shipping container 702 for transportation.

Referring now to FIGS. s 9 and 10, there is shown partial interior perspective view 900 and a rear full interior perspective view 1000 of a shipping container 702 for transporting the spa cover system 100. As can be seen, the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204 is packed a protected by packing foam 902 and 904 to prevent damage to the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204. The packing foam 902 and 904 inside the spa cover 702 is vacuum sealed with plastic wrap so that the packing foam 902 and 904 does not become saturated with water.

All the required hardware to install the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204 on a hot tub 102 is included inside the shipping container 702.

Installation can be done by individuals with the included instructions or professionally installed. All the required hardware to install the one or more than one lifting actuator 202 and 204 on a hot tub 102 is included inside the shipping container 702. Installation can be done by individuals with the included instructions or professionally installed.

There is also provided a method for installing the system 100. In one embodiment, the system 100 operates by first installing the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204. Then, attaching the one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 and the one or more than one spa cover support arm 310 to the existing spa cover 104. Next, the one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312 is attached to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204, the one or more than one spa cover support arm 310 and the one or more than one spa cover support bracket 308 and 312. Then, a control unit is attached to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204. Next, power is supplied to the control unit, and to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204. Finally, a user controls the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator 202 and 204 with a remote control or a switch.

What has been described is a new and improved system for an automatic, remote controlled, convertible and solid top spa cover lifting system using stock and or pre-existing cover., overcoming the limitations and disadvantages inherent in the related art.

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.

Claims

1. An automatic, remote controlled convertible and solid top spa cover lifting using a stock and/or preexisting cover, the system comprising:

a) a switch operably connected to a hot tube;

b) a controller operably connected to the switch for synchronously raising and lowering a spa cover;

c) a power supply operably connected to the switch, the controller;

d) one or more than one lifting actuator operably connected to the controller to raise the spa cover for easy access to the spa/hot tub;

e) one or more than one spa cover support bracket affixed to the one or more than one lifting actuator; and

f) one or more than one spa cover support arm affixed to the one or more than one spa cover support bracket.

2. The system of claim 1, where in the switch, the controller, the power supply, the one or more than one lifting actuator are affixed to the hot tub.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more than one lifting actuator cover removably connected to the one or more than one lifting actuator.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more than one projector affixed to the spa cover lifting system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the power supply is battery powered, main line powered, or both battery and main line powered.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a back up battery for controlling the system in case of a power outage.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the switch is remote, local or both remote and local.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the switch is selected from the group consisting of mechanical, wireless, or wired.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more than one spa cover support bracket is attachable to an existing spa cover or to a new spa cover.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more than one spa cover support bracket is configured so that the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator does not interfere or touch the sides of the spa so as to not interfere with the normal operation of the hot tub, and are only minimally intrusive to occupants of the hot tub.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein one or more than one spa cover support arm carry inner cover panels of the spa cover, and do not touch the perimeter of spa cover allowing the weather seal function of the spa cover to work as usual.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shipping container for transporting the spa cover lifting system.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the shipping container comprises: one or more than one lifting actuator, one or more than one wheel, one or more than one handle, installation hardware, and installation instructions.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the shipping container further comprises packing foam shaped to hold and protect the one or more than one lifting actuator.

15. A method for installing an automatic, remote controlled convertible and solid top spa cover lifting using a stock and/or preexisting cover, the method comprising the steps of:

a) installing the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator;

b) attaching the one or more than one spa cover support bracket and the one or more than one spa cover support arm to the spa cover;

c) attaching the one or more than one spa cover support bracket to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator, the one or more than one spa cover support arm and the one or more than one spa cover support bracket;

d) attaching a control unit to the lone or more than one spa cover lifting actuator;

e) attaching power to the control unit and to the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator; and

f) controlling the one or more than one spa cover lifting actuator with a remote control or a switch to raise or lower the spa cover.