GB2579410A

GB2579410A - Cover assembly for a spa

Info

Publication number: GB2579410A
Application number: GB1819595.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Couch Ian; Alexander Crabb Stephen
Original assignee: C & C Hydraulics Ltd; Catalina Spas Ltd
Current assignee: C & C Hydraulics Ltd; Catalina Spas Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-30
Filing date: 2018-11-30
Publication date: 2020-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-30
Also published as: GB2579410B; GB201819595D0

Abstract

A cover assembly for a spa comprises a cover, which may be rigid, having front, rear and side edges, and a cover lifter. The lifter comprises a main body 410, a first arm 430 extending from a first anchor point 460 to a first cover pivot 330 and a second arm 440 extending from a second anchor point 470 a second cover pivot 340. An actuator 450, which may be a linear actuator, is operable to cause the first cover pivot to traverse along a first arc 332 and the second cover pivot to traverse along a second arc 342 to rotate the cover relative to the main body. The first arm may include first and second sections of approximately the same length provided at an angle to one another to form a corner 435. The lifter may include a power source to power the actuator.

Description

COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A SPA

FIELD

[1] The present disclosure relates in general to a cover assembly for a spa. BACKGROUND [2] A spa (or 'spa tub') is a standalone unit for recreational or therapeutic bathing with multi-person capacity. Known spas, including swim spas, hot tubs, and the like, comprise a cabinet carrying a shell therein. The cabinet forms the exterior of the unit, while the shell forms an interior basin. A topside opening in the cabinet exposes the basin in which, in use, a suitable liquid such as water is held. Some known spas are provided with covers for covering the topside opening in order to, e.g., protect the interior from the elements and retain heat within. Suitably, the cover configured to physically seal the topside opening and provide a thermal barrier.

[3] Depending on the size of the spa, the cover may have a weight of tens of kilograms and, in some cases such as swim spas, in excess of 100 kilograms. This weight may make it difficult to manually slide or drag the cover away from or back onto the cabinet and may cause damage to the cover and/or the cabinet, such as seals provided thereon, in the process. Known covers are therefore divided into multiple panels, such that the spa may be opened by the folding the cover and closed by unfolding the cover. This reduces the physical burden and prevents damage which may be caused otherwise by dragging the cover.

[4] However, fold lines in a cover may result in increased evaporate losses as a result of reduced performance of the seals, and heat losses as a result of less thermal insulation. Moreover, a fold lines may increase a risk of causing injury to a person, for example by catching a hand or an arm during an opening sequence, and may also be less aesthetically pleasing.

[5] Hence an alternative cover assembly for a spa is highly desirable. SUMMARY [6] According to the present disclosure there is provided a spa as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[7] According to an example, there may be provided a cover assembly (30) for a spa (10), comprising: a cover (300) comprising: a front edge (302), a rear edge (304), and a side edge (305); a cover lifter (400), comprising: a main body (410), a first arm (430) extending from a first anchor point (460) on the main body (410) to a first cover pivot (330) on the side edge (305) of the cover (300), the first arm (430) being pivotal relative to the first anchor point (460) on the main body (410) that the first cover pivot (330) is constrained to travel along a first arc (332); and a second arm (440) extending from a second anchor point (470) on the main body (410) to a second cover pivot (340) on the side edge (305) of the cover (300), the second arm (440) being pivotal relative to the second anchor point (470) on the main body (410) such that the second cover pivot (340) is constrained to travel along a second arc (332); and an actuator (450) operable to cause the first cover pivot (330) to traverse along the first arc (332) and the second cover pivot (340) to traverse along the second arc (342) to thereby rotate and displace the cover (300) relative to the main body (410).

[8] The cover lifter (400) is configured such that as the first cover pivot (330) and the second cover pivot (340) traverse along the first arc (332) and the second arc (342), respectively, the cover (300) is lifted from a resting configuration into a deployed configuration, the resting configuration being substantially perpendicular to the deployed configuration.

[9] The first arc (332) may have a larger radius than the second arc (334).

[10] When the cover assembly (30) is installed on the spa (10), the spa (10) having a topside opening (26) with an edge (28), the distance between the second anchor point (470) and second cover pivot (340) may be greater than the distance between the second anchor point (470) and edge (28); such that a clearance is maintained between the cover (300) and edge (28) as the second cover pivot (340) traverses along the second arc (342).

[11] The first arm (430) may comprise a first section (432) which extends from the first anchor point (460), and a second section (434) which extends from the first section (432) and is provided at an angle to the first section (432) to form a corner (435), and wherein the second arm (440) and second section (434) of the first arm (430) have approximately the same length.

[12] The distance between the first cover pivot (330) and second cover pivot (340) may be approximately equal to the distance between the corner (435) on the first arm (430) and the second anchor point (470).

[13] The actuator (450) may be a linear actuator which is pivotally connected to the first arm (430) at an actuator pivot (452), and wherein the actuator pivot (452) is located at the first section (432) of the first arm (430).

[14] Each cover lifter (400) may comprise a single actuator (450).

[15] The first cover pivot (330) may comprise a first spherical bearing, and the second cover pivot (340) comprises a second spherical bearing.

[16] The cover lifter (400) may comprise a power source (451) configured to power the actuator (450).

[17] The cover assembly (30) may comprise a remote control system (500) for operation of the cover lifter.

[18] The panel (310) may comprise a layer of thermally insulating foam (312) carried between a pair of plastic sheets (314).

[19] The cover (300) may be provided with a graphic design (329) on an inner surface (326) of the cover (300).

[20] According to another example, there may be provided a spa (10), comprising: a cover assembly (30) as defined above, and a base (20) comprising walls which define: a front (22), a rear (24), and a pair of sides (25), and a topside opening (26); the cover (300) of the cover assembly (30) configured to rest over the topside opening (26), the cover lifter (400) of the cover assembly (30) provided at a side (25) of the base (20), and wherein the first arm (430) and the second arm (440) are configured to cooperate to simultaneously raise the front edge (302) and the rear edge (304) of the cover (300) from the base (20), and configured to rotate the cover (300) about the base (20) so as to maintain a clearance between the cover (300) walls of the base as the cover is lifted and rotated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[21] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a spa in a closed configuration; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the spa in an open configuration; Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the spa in the closed configuration; Figure 4 shows a side view of the spa in the closed configuration; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the spa in a partially opened configuration; Figure 6 shows a side view of the spa in the partially opened configuration; Figure 7 shows another perspective view of the spa in the open configuration; and Figure 8 shows a side view of the spa in the open configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[22] The present disclosure relates to a cover assembly for a tank and particularly for a spa such as, for example, a hot tub or a swim spa.

[23] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a spa 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the spa 10 in a closed configuration, while Figure 2 is a perspective view of the spa 10 in an open configuration.

[24] The spa 10 comprises a base 20 and a cover assembly 30. In the closed configuration of Figure 1, the base 20 is covered by the cover assembly 30 so that access to the interior of the base 20 is inhibited. In the open configuration of Figure 2, the cover assembly 30 is in a retracted position and provides for access to the interior of the base 20.

[25] The base 20 comprises a front 22, a rear 24, and a pair of sides 25. The front 22 and the rear 24 bound the base 20 along a first direction, while the sides 25 bound the base 20 along a second direction.

[26] The base 20 comprises a topside opening 26. The topside opening 26 is configured to enable access to an interior of the base 20. More particularly, the topside opening 26 allows access along a third direction, which according to the present example is substantially perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[27] The topside opening 26 comprises a front edge 27, a rear edge 28, and a pair of side edges 29.

[28] The spa 10 is adjustable between the open configuration and the closed configuration by means of the cover assembly 30. More particularly, a cover 300 of the cover assembly 30 is locatable on the base 20 to fully obstruct the topside opening 26 to bring the spa 10 into the closed configuration. Conversely, the cover assembly 30 is configured to lift the cover 300 away from the base 20 so that the cover 300 is fully removed therefrom in order to bring the spa 10 into the open configuration.

[29] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the spa 10 in a closed configuration. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the spa 10, while Figure 4 is a side view of the spa 10.

[30] The cover 300 is configured to rest on the base 20 and, in particular, on the topside opening 26 of the base 20 to thereby obstruct the topside opening 26. That is to say, the cover 300 has a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the topside opening 26 so that the cover 300 may be located thereon and physically cover the topside opening 26.

[31] The cover 300 is a hard cover, as opposed to a soft cover, in that the cover is substantially rigid. The cover 300 comprises a single panel 310 which is configurable to fully cover the topside opening 26. According to the present example, the panel 310 comprises a layer of thermally insulating foam 312 carried between a pair of plastic sheets 314. For example, a thermally-insulating high-foam may be carried between a pair of composite plastic panels.

[32] The cover 300 has a front edge 302, a rear edge 304, and a pair of side edges 305. The front edge 302 and the rear edge 304 bound the cover 300 along the first direction, while the side edges 305 bound the cover 300 along the second direction. When the cover 300 is located on the base 20, i.e. the spa 10 is in the closed configuration, the cover 300 inhibits access to the interior of the base 20 along the third direction.

[33] The cover 300 comprises a first surface 326 and, opposite thereto, a second surface 328. In the closed configuration, the first face 326 (or 'inner surface') engages the topside opening 26 and the second face 328 (or 'outer surface') is exposed.

[34] The cover assembly 30 comprises a cover lifter 400. The cover lifter 400 is a means for removing the cover 300 from the base 20, and placing the cover 300 thereon. More particularly, the cover lifter 400 is configured to lift the cover 300, as opposed to slide or drag the cover 300. That is to say, the cover lifter 400 is configured to simultaneously raise the front edge 302 and the rear edge 304 of the cover 300, i.e. the panel 310 in its entirety, and to rotate and displace the cover 300 relative to the base 20 when bringing the spa 10 from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[35] The cover lifter 400 is located at a side of the spa 10. More particularly, the cover lifter 400 is connected to one of the sides 25 of the base 20 and to a side edge 305 of the cover 300, such that actuation of the cover lifter 400 causes adjustment of the relative position of the base 20 and the cover 300.

[36] The cover lifter 400 comprises a main body 410. The main body 410 (or 'framework') is secured to the side 25 of the base 20.

[37] The cover lifter 400 comprises a first arm 430 and a second arm 440. The first arm 430 is located closer to the front of the spa 10, i.e. closer to the front 22 of the base 20 and the front edge 302 of the cover 300. The second arm 440 is located closer to the rear of the spa 10, i.e. closer to the rear 24 of the base 20 and the rear edge 214 of the cover 300.

[38] The arms 430, 440 are pivotally connected to the cover 300. That is to say, the physical connection of the arms 430, 440 and the cover 300 is such that relative pivoting or rotating motion of the arms 430, 440 and the cover 300 is possible. More particularly, the first arm 430 is pivotally connected (or 'anchored') to the cover 300 at a first cover pivot 330 about which the first arm 430 is rotatable.

[39] The first cover pivot 330 and the second cover pivot 340 are spaced apart along the side edge 305 of the cover 300. The spacing between the first cover pivot 330 and the second cover pivot 340 may also be referred to as a first distance.

[40] The first cover pivot 330 defines a first pivot axis about which the cover 300 is rotatable. Similarly, the second cover pivot 340 defines a second pivot axis about which the cover 300 is rotatable. During an opening sequence and a closing sequence, the cover 300 rotates about both pivot axes.

[41] According to the present example, the first cover pivot 330 and the second cover pivot 340 each comprise a spherical bearing. The first arm 430 and the second arm 440 connect to the cover 300 by means of suitable means, such as stainless steel pins.

[42] The cover lifter 400 comprises an actuator 450 powered by a power source 451. The actuator 450 is configured to move the arms 430, 440 to thereby adjust the spa 10 between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In particular, the actuator 224 is configured to cause the first arm 430 and the second arm 440 to rotate about a first anchor point 460 (or 'first lifter pivot') and a second anchor point 470 (or 'second lifter pivot'). The first arm 430 extends from the first anchor point 460 on the main body 410 to the first cover pivot 330 on the side edge 305 of the cover 300, while the second arm 440 extends from the second anchor point 470 on the main body 410 to the second cover pivot 340 on the side edge 305 of the cover 300. Thus the first arm 430 and the second arm 440 are pivotally arranged relative to the first anchor 460 and the second anchor 470, respectively, such that the first cover pivot 330 and the second cover pivot 340 are constrained to travel along the first arc 332 and the second arc 342.

[43] The first anchor point 460 is spaced from the first cover pivot 330 by a first radial distance. According to the present example, the first radial distance is substantially equal to the first distance. That is to say, the distance between the first anchor point 460 and the first cover pivot 330 is approximately equal to the distance between the first cover pivot 330 and the second cover pivot 340.

[44] The second anchor point 470 is spaced from the second cover pivot 340 by a second radial distance. The second radial distance is approximately equal to the distance between the second cover pivot 340 and the rear edge 305 of the cover 300.

[45] The second arm 430 is configured to lift the rear edge 304 of the cover 300 from the topside opening 26 so that the cover 300 stays clear of the rear edge 28 of the base 20 when rotating the cover 300 about the base 20. Suitably, the distance between the second cover pivot 340 and the second anchor point 470, i.e. the second distance, is greater than the distance between the second anchor point 470 and the rear edge 28 of the topside opening 26. Thus a clearance is maintained between the cover 300 and edge 28 as the second cover pivot 340 traverses along the second arc 342.

[46] The first anchor point 460 and the second anchor point 470 are spaced apart by a distance which is smaller than the distance between the first cover pivot 330 and the second cover pivot 340. The distance between the first anchor point 460 and the second anchor point 470 may also be referred to as a second distance.

[47] According to the present example, the actuator 450 is a linear actuator 450. The actuator 450 is pivotally connected to the first arm 430 at an actuator pivot 452 and thus causes rotation of the first arm 450 as the actuator 450 extends or retracts.

[48] The actuator 450 causes the lifter assembly 30 to lift the cover 300 from the base 20 by rotating the arms 430, 440. This causes the first cover pivot 330 to traverse along a first arc 332, and the second cover pivot 340 to traverse along a second arc 342; as is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The arcs 332, 342 are curved trajectories, as opposed to straight trajectories which might result, e.g., from dragging a cover across a base. According to the present example, each arc 332, 342 corresponds to a segment of a circle. More particularly, the first arc 332 has a radius which is larger than the radius of the second arc 342. The radius of the first arc 332 may be larger by a factor of 1.5, 2, or 2.5.

[49] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the spa 10 in a partly opened configuration. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the spa 10, while Figure 6 is a side view of the spa 10.

[50] The first arm 430 and the second arm 440 are configured to cooperate to simultaneously raise the front edge 302 and the rear edge 304 of the cover 300 relative to the main body 410. The arms 430, 440 are further configured to rotate the cover 300 about the main body 410.

[51] By traversing the first arc 332, the front edge 302 of the cover 300 is moved towards the rear 24 of the base 20. More particularly, the front edge 302 is first raised from the base 20, and then lowered towards the rear 24 of the base 20. Similarly, by traversing the second arc 340, the rear edge 304 of the cover 300 is moved towards the rear 24 of the base 20 by raising the rear edge 304 and then lowering the rear edge 304 towards the rear 24 of the base 20.

[52] The front edge 302 and the rear edge 304 of the cover 300 are raised simultaneously by means of the arms 430, 440. This causes the cover 300 to be lifted away from the topside opening 26 in the base 20.

[53] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the spa 10 in an opened (or 'fully opened') configuration. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the spa 10, while Figure 8 is a side view of the spa 10.

[54] According to the present example, the cover lifter 400 is configured such that the as the first cover pivot 330 and the second cover pivot 340 traverse along the first arc 32 and the second arc 342, respectively, the cover 300 is lifted from the resting configuration into the deployed configuration, where the resting configuration is substantially perpendicular to the deployed configuration.

[55] The first arm 430 comprises a first section 432 and a second section 434. According to the present example, the first section 432 of the first arm 430 is connected to the first anchor point 460, while the second section 434 of the first arm 430 is connected to the first cover pivot 330. That is to say, the first section 432 extends from the first anchor point 460, and the second section 434 extends from the first section 432.

[56] The first section 432 is provided at an angle to the second section 434 to form a comer 435.

[57] The second section 434 of the first arm 430 has a length which is substantially the same length as that of the second arm 440. That is to say, the distance between the corner 435 on the first arm 430 to the first cover pivot 330 is substantially the same as the distance between the second anchor point 470 and the second cover pivot 340 [58] When the spa 10 is in the closed configuration, the second section 434 of the first arm 430 extends substantially parallel to the second arm 440.

[59] The actuator 450 is configured to connect to the first section 432 of the first arm 430. That is to say, the actuator pivot 452 is located on the first section 432 of the first arm 430.

[60] According to the present example, the base 20 comprises a cabinet 210 and a shell 220. The cabinet 110 forms the exterior of the base 20, while the shell 220 forms the interior of the base 20. More particularly, the shell 220 defines a basin (or 'recess') configured to hold liquid. According to other examples, however, the base comprises a cabinet 210 without shell 220, as is known in the art to accommodate for individual choice of shell 220.

[61] A graphic design 329 may be carried on the cover 300. In particular, the graphic design 329 may be provided on the first surface 326.

[62] According to some examples, the cover assembly 30 comprises a remote control system 500 for operation of the cover lifter 400. By means of the remote control system, a user may conveniently initiate the opening sequence or the closing sequence, i.e. cause the cover lifter 400 to remove the cover 300 from the base 20 or place the cover 300 thereon.

[63] The spa 10 according to the present disclosure is configured to lift the cover 300 from the base 20 by raising and rotating the whole cover 300. The cover 300 may therefore be provided with a single panel, as folding is not required, and may be fitted with additional thermal insulation as fold lines are not required. Further, an improved seal may be formed with the base 20 in the absence of fold lines on the cover 300.

[64] As a result of the cover assembly 30 being configured to raise the cover 300, rather than slide the cover 300, from the base 20, damage to the cover 300 and/or the base 20 may be prevented. In particular, damage to sensitive structural features such as seals may be prevented. Also, damage to the first surface 326 may be prevented so that a graphic design can be carried therein, which may serve as a backdrop when the spa 10 is in the open configuration.

[65] By providing a cover 300 having a single panel and the cover assembly 30 configured to raise the cover 300, aspects relating to safety may be improved. In particular, the single panel 310 may serve as a safety cover of improved stability. Moreover, by displacing the cover 300 as a whole during the opening sequence and the closing sequence, the risk of catching, e.g., a limb or an object may be reduced in comparison to a conventional cover which is configured to fold and unfold. Further, the cover 300 is stowed in a position behind the base 20 which may reduce the risk for inadvertent interaction with the cover 300, thus reducing the risk of damage to the cover 300 or injury to a person. The provision of an actuator further ensures that the cover 300 may be easily opened and closed, and reduces the risk of damage to the cover 300 by controlling the speed of operation and the force applied to the cover.

[66] The first arm 430 is provided in a cranked configuration, i.e. comprising the first section 432 and the second section 434, which may improve stability of the cover assembly 30.

[67] In summary, exemplary embodiments of a spa have been described. The described exemplary embodiments provide for an improved spa. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use.

[68] The spa may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[69] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cover assembly (30) for a spa (10), comprising: a cover (300) comprising: a front edge (302), a rear edge (304), and a side edge (305); a cover lifter (400), comprising: a main body (410), a first arm (430) extending from a first anchor point (460) on the main body (410) to a first cover pivot (330) on the side edge (305) of the cover (300), the first arm (430) being pivotal relative to the first anchor point (460) on the main body (410) that the first cover pivot (330) is constrained to travel along a first arc (332); and a second arm (440) extending from a second anchor point (470) on the main body (410) to a second cover pivot (340) on the side edge (305) of the cover (300), the second arm (440) being pivotal relative to the second anchor point (470) on the main body (410) such that the second cover pivot (340) is constrained to travel along a second arc (332); and an actuator (450) operable to cause the first cover pivot (330) to traverse along the first arc (332) and the second cover pivot (340) to traverse along the second arc (342) to thereby rotate and displace the cover (300) relative to the main body (410).
2. The cover assembly (30) according to claim 1, wherein the cover lifter (400) is configured such that as the first cover pivot (330) and the second cover pivot (340) traverse along the first arc (332) and the second arc (342), respectively, the cover (300) is lifted from a resting configuration into a deployed configuration, the resting configuration being substantially perpendicular to the deployed configuration.
3. The cover assembly (30) according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, the first arc (332) has a larger radius than the second arc (334).
4. The cover assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, when the cover assembly is installed on the spa (10), the spa (10) having a topside opening (26) with an edge (28), the distance between the second anchor point (470) and second cover pivot (340) is greater than the distance between the second anchor point (470) and edge (28); such that a clearance is maintained between the cover (300) and edge (28) as the second cover pivot (340) traverses along the second arc (342).
5. The cover assembly (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (430) comprises a first section (432) which extends from the first anchor point (460), and a second section (434) which extends from the first section (432) and is provided at an angle to the first section (432) to form a corner (435), and wherein the second arm (440) and second section (434) of the first arm (430) have approximately the same length.
6. The cover assembly (30) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the distance between the first cover pivot (330) and second cover pivot (340) is approximately equal to the distance between the corner (435) on the first arm (430) and the second anchor point (470).
7. The cover assembly (30) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the actuator (450) is a linear actuator which is pivotally connected to the first arm (430) at an actuator pivot (452), and wherein the actuator pivot (452) is located at the first section (432) of the first arm (430).
8. The cover assembly (30) according to claim 6, wherein each cover lifter (400) comprises a single actuator (450).
9. The cover assembly (30) according to any previous claim, wherein the first cover pivot (330) comprises a first spherical bearing, and the second cover pivot (340) comprises a second spherical bearing.
10. The cover assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover lifter (400) comprises a power source (451) configured to power the actuator (450).
11. The cover assembly (30) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a remote control system (500) for operation of the cover lifter (400).
12. The cover assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (310) comprises a layer of thermally insulating foam (312) carried between a pair of plastic sheets (314).
13. The cover assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (300) is provided with a graphic design (329) on an inner surface (326) of the cover (300).
14. A spa (10), comprising: a cover assembly (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and a base (20) comprising walls which define: a front (22), a rear (24), and a pair of sides (25), and a topside opening (26); the cover (300) of the cover assembly (30) configured to rest over the topside opening (26), the cover lifter (400) of the cover assembly (30) provided at a side (25) of the base (20), and wherein the first arm (430) and the second arm (440) are configured to cooperate to simultaneously raise the front edge (302) and the rear edge (304) of the cover (300) from the base (20), and configured to rotate the cover (300) about the base (20) so as to maintain a clearance between the cover (300) walls of the base as the cover is lifted and rotated.