GB2578442A

GB2578442A - A spa apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2578442A
Application number: GB1817456.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Evans Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-10-26
Filing date: 2018-10-26
Publication date: 2020-05-13
Also published as: WO2020084597A1; GB201817456D0; GB202106324D0; GB2593089A

Abstract

Spa apparatus comprising a hot tub (fig 2, 1001) and a lid device 1000, wherein the lid device comprises a lid 2 arranged to be moved from a first position covering the hot tub to a second position, where the hot tub is accessible; characterised in that the movement of the lid from the first position to the second position is arranged to be electrically driven and the apparatus comprises a transceiver. The device may contain rigid slats 73 to interlock during movement between first and second positions. It may contain a housing with an internal roller 75. It may contain Bluetooth speakers. It may contain studs 110 projecting from the hot tub surface and interfitting apertures 9 in the edge of the lid. It may contain a low-friction layered rail system to move the cover. The lid may be wheeled and have an insulative layer.

Description

A SPA APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a spa apparatus, in particular apparatus comprising a spa or hot tub in use; more particularly means for effortlessly covering the spa or hot tub when required.

Background

Increasing numbers of people enjoy hot tubs or spas in many societies.

These can be bulky and in climates where there is unpredictable and/or inclement climatic conditions the use or ownership of such apparatus can be problematic.

For example on some occasions unpredicted rain may occur or otherwise unpredictable usage of the hot tub may be expected.

In such occasions it may be desirable to cover the hot tub or uncover easily.

Prior Art

US 2010 0 070 059 discloses a bathing unit control system suitable for controlling a set of bathing unit components in a bathing unit system and having multimedia control functionality is provided. The bathing unit control system includes a bathing unit controller suitable for issuing signals for controlling the set of bathing unit components in the bathing unit system. The control system also includes a multimedia source interface in communication with the bathing unit controller, the multimedia source interface enabling access to media content associated with an external media source. The control system also includes a control interface in communication with the bathing unit controller the control interface is operative for enabling a user to enter information indicative of a desired change in a certain operational setting of the bathing unit and for enabling a user to enter a media control command to cause media content associated with the external media source to be conveyed to the user. Variants of the control system provide a multimedia source interface adapted for enabling access to a telephone network and a data network such as the Internet US 7 155 756 (HELDER) discloses a lifting mechanism for removing and storing a hot tub cover, comprising: at least one power pedestal having a rotational actuator, a threaded shaft rotated by the actuator, a carriage bar having a threaded aperture adapted for threadable cooperation with the threaded shaft, and a fixed roller adapted for rotation about a horizontal axis; at least one lift arm attached to the hot tub cover and adapted for lifting the hot tub cover from the hot tub;wherein a free end of the lift arm is pivotably attached to the carriage bar and rests upon the fixed roller, and the carriage bar is adapted to translate vertically with rotation of the threaded shaft by the actuator, so that the vertical translation of the carriage bar will urge the pivotal movement of the lift arm about the fixed roller to selectively raise and lower the hot tub cover.

US 2004 0 255 375 (SCARLATA) discloses a remotely-operated control system for spas or hot tubs having one or more of pumps, blowers and lights, comprising:an integrated audio system comprising an audio controller that drives one or more loudspeakers; a wireless remote control device that transmits wireless control signals under user control; one or more sensor modules for receiving wireless control signals from the remote control device; an electronic logic element, operatively coupled to the sensor modules, for creating, in response to the wireless control signals received by the sensor modules, appropriate control instructions for the audio system and for the pumps, blowers, and lights; means for providing control instructions to the controller; and means for providing control instructions to the pumps, blowers and lights.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a spa apparatus comprising a hot 35 tub and a lid device, wherein the lid device comprises a lid arranged to be moved from a first position covering the hot tub to a second position, where the hot tub is accessible; characterised in that the movement of the lid from the first position to the second position is arranged to be electrically driven and the apparatus comprises a transceiver.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise a hot tub and a lid device, such device arranged for providing the lid, and for moving the lid.

For example in some embodiments the device may comprise an aftermarket device, comprising an addition to the hot tub so as to provide a lid. In other embodiments the 10 lid may be built into the hot tub.

The device may therefore comprise a housing, which housing may be envisaged to be placed alongside the hot tub, and wherein the lid extends therefrom in use.

In this way the device of the present invention provides an electronic hot tub lid that protects the hot tub and the water.

Some embodiments may have an adjustable frame that fits around the hot tub. This could blend into the hot tub so as to increase its size and advantageously disguise the 20 device.

In some embodiments for example the frame may be adjustable so as to allow the lid to be raised or lowered vertically This may enable the lid to be fitted into or onto a plurality of locations or function in relation to a plurality of hot tub dimensions or heights. 25 In some embodiments the lid may comprise a multi-segment lid, for example capable of rolling. For example in some embodiments the lid may be spooled to save space and be guided out by a rail system. In some embodiments the rail system may include low-friction surface, layer or seal, rollers or wheels to aid movement reference the hot tub. In other embodiments the apparatus may comprise an insulative seal or layer or surface, so as to limit egress of heat from the hot tub in use.

In some embodiments the lid may be rigid or comprised of substantially rigid parts. In this way the eventual lid covering may comprise a substantially rigid format, so as to limit ingress or displacement of the lid in the second position. In preferred embodiments the lid is held down in the first position and during movement from the second position is either guided or held down, or is unable to lift.

In some embodiments the device may comprise one or more side panels. Such panels 5 may advantageously provide storage for parts or mechanisms. Such side panels may advantageously provide guidance or mechanisms for the lid's movement. Such side panels may advantageously provide seating for the users.

In some embodiments the device may comprise steps, or provide means to easily enter 10 the hot tub.

In some embodiments the device may comprise an onboard energy source, for example a displaceable, replaceable and/or rechargeable battery. In other embodiments the device may be envisaged to be connected to a mains electrical 15 supply.

In some embodiments the device may comprise further electrical equipment, for example comprising audiovisual equipment, or comprising one or more light sources.

For example the apparatus may be provided in use with a light source, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or similar. In this way the apparatus may provide a more welcoming and enjoyable spa experience.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a screen or a loudspeaker so as to provide audiovisual entertainment. In some embodiments the audiovisual equipment, such as a speaker or a screen, may be available to connect to wirelessly. In this way the apparatus may enable a user to utilise remotely stored or independently available media, for example via intermachine operability systems such as Bluetooth (RTM).

In some embodiments the device may comprise manual operation, in relation to opening or closing of the lid, or both, for example as a failsafe.

In some further embodiments a rail system may be built into side panels, and/or a roller may spool or release a fabric cover suing a hidden rail system. Side panels may 35 provide additional storage or electronics, for example cup holders, pockets, cupboards or the like. Some embodiments may have extendable or displaceable parts, such as fold-out tables.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only 5 and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention with the lid in the first position; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in the second position; Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 2; Figures 5 show isometric views of the embodiment of the lid device shown in the embodiment of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figures 6 show isometric views from below of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 5; Figures 7 show isometric exploded views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 5, in the first position; Figures 8 and 9 show exploded isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown 30 in Figures 5; Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the edging member shown in the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 5; Figures 11 shows diagrammatic views of the embodiment shown in Figures 1; Figures 12 show diagrammatic side views of further embodiments of the lid for use with apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 13 shows an isometric detail view of the lid from an embodiment of the 5 apparatus according to the present invention; and Figures 14 show exploded isometric detail views of the lid from the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 13.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of apparatus 99 generally comprising a hot tub 1001 and a lid device 1000, wherein the lid device 1000 comprises a lid 2 arranged to be moved from a first position covering the hot tub (as shown in Figure 1) to a second position (as shown in Figure 2), where the hot tub 1001 is accessible; characterised in that the movement of the lid is arranged to be electrically driven and the apparatus comprises a transceiver.

In the pictured embodiment the lid comprises an aftermarket device for addition to a hot tub 1001, and the device 1000 comprises the transceiver (not shown).

The lid 2 extends or is extended out from a housing 100,105. A lower housing 105 is arranged to elevate the upper housing 100 from the ground and comprises a flat panel 25 located parallel a side of the hot tub 1001, and small orthogonal side panels. The lower housing may further provide an internal channel for wiring or the like.

The upper housing comprises a reel or spindle 45, held when in the second position by a shield 46, and driven to the second position by a motor 44, which in turn is 30 controlled by the transceiver (not shown).

The lid 2 is formed from rigid interlocking slats 73, which interlock laterally to drive forward and retract between positions without moving vertically or bunching.

The embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises a felt seal layer, located in use between the lid and hot tub. It may be envisaged that such felt liner may be around 3 inches wide, allowing for a smooth movement of the lid and a better seal to stop heat leakage. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13 the slats 73 have wheeled rollers 75 in slat end caps 74 at the ends of the sides which allow the slats 73 to roll easily along the top of the hot tub.

The lower housing comprises bolts 33 which bolt to the ground, and/or may comprise suction ends. The upper housing may comprise suction cup or adhesive or screwthread attachment to the side of the hot tub.

The distal edge of the lid from the housing comprises a rigid edging member 3, which is arranged with apertures 9 for interaction with studs 110 projecting from the edge of the hot tub in use. Such studs may be added in or before use, or may form a part of the apparatus or hot tub at retail.

The studs projecting from the hot tub surface and interfitting apertures in the edge of the lid allow the lid to stay closed in the first position. In this way the lid is held down in the first position and during movement from the second position is unable to lift.

The edging member comprises Bluetooth (RTM) speakers, which operate according 20 to wireless control. The speakers may be connected through hard wiring to the housing or may be battery operated.

A remote control 5 is located on the side of the hot tub, and may be attached using adhesive or ferromagnetism in aftermarket embodiments.

In some embodiments as shown in Figures 12 a slatted cover with wheels could be unrolled without a rail along the hot tub. Once it reaches the end it could hit two magnetic caps on the end. This could lock the slats together and create a rigid lid as shown in Figure 12b.

In some embodiments the cover may comprise a resilient lower surface, insulative seal or layer, for example felt material, which may be arranged to allow a smooth ride over the hot tub and/or a better seal to stop the heat getting out.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1 A spa apparatus comprising a hot tub and a lid device, wherein the lid device comprises a lid arranged to be moved from a first position covering the hot tub to a second position, where the hot tub is accessible; characterised in that the movement of the lid from the first position to the second position is arranged to be electrically driven and the apparatus comprises a transceiver.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a plurality of substantially rigid slats arranged to interlock during movement form the second position to the first position.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the device comprises an endmost housing comprising an internal roller.
4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims comprising Bluetooth (RTM) speakers.
5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims comprising studs projecting from the hot tub surface and interfitting apertures in the edge of the lid.
6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims comprising a rail system to enable movement of the lid.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the rail system comprises a wheeled lid.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the rail system comprises a low-friction layer.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the lid comprises an insulative seal.
10. A lid device for apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.