GB2605426A

GB2605426A - Lifting Device for a Hot Tub Cover

Info

Publication number: GB2605426A
Application number: GB2104610.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Blick Vivian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-03-31
Filing date: 2021-03-31
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Also published as: GB202104610D0

Abstract

A lifting device 10 for a hot tub cover comprises a first drive assembly 15 including a base member 18 and a support arm 20 pivotally mounted at one end to the base member 18, a lifting member 32 mounted to a free end of the support arm 20, and a connecting means 40 for connecting between the lifting member and the hot tub cover. The lifting member may be pivotally mounted to the support arm via a further crank arm. The support arm and the crank arm may each be driven by a linear actuator. The lifting device may comprise a second drive assembly comprising a second base member, second support arm and second crank arm connected to the lifting member. One of the drive assemblies can be positioned each side of the hot tub cover and the lifting member may lift the cover along a central hinge. The operation of the device may be controlled electronically via a remote control or wireless control.

Description

LIFTING DEVICE FOR A HOT TUB COVER

The present invention relates to a lifting device for a hot tub cover, and particularly but not exclusively to a powered lifting device for a hot tub, swim spa or other bathing pool.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Hot tubs contain water heated to around 40 degrees Celsius. To maintain this temperature and conserve energy while doing so, an insulated cover is placed on the hot tub when not in use. The cover is typically formed in two halves, joined together at a flexible connection made from the material of the cover. This enables the cover to be folded to reduce its size and lifted off Removing the cover is quite easy for two people and can be done with some effort by one person. Replacing the cover is hard work for two people and near impossible for one person, especially if the environment (weather) is inclement. Being near naked at low, even sub-zero temperatures while trying to replace a cover undoes all the enjoyment of using the hot tub.

To address the problem of lifting and replacing a cover single-handed, various solutions have been proposed, including some which include one or more hydraulic gas struts. These solutions usually attach to the side walls of a hot tub, are not straightforward to install and still require a reasonable amount of physical effort to operate. Furthermore, a hot tub warranty is usually voided by attachment of an add-on system or solution.

The problem has also been addressed by an automated 4-post system. Vertical posts are positioned at the corners of the hot-tub. A rigid roof sits over the hot tub and is powered up and down the four posts, supported at its corners. This system requires an installation team taking around a day to install the posts. The cost of the unit is also high. For example, the total installed cost currently starts from around £7,500 for the smallest available version. An annual maintenance program to maintain problem free operation is also required. The 4-post system is key-operated and the user must still operate the opening and closing while adjacent to the hot tub, that is, still semi naked. Hot-tubs are used throughout the year and so standing in a cold wind, for example, to operate the cover closure can ruin the experience of using the hot-tub.

Other automated covers are slightly less expensive, but must be secured to the hot tub itself, again voiding the warranty on the hot tub shell. Alternatively, they require fixing to the floor, weighting down or require plates to be fitted under the hot tub. This requires a full drain down, lift and refill. Most require a new custom cover, or if the existing cover is to be used then it must be drilled for fixings, thereby invalidating the cover warranty and creating future water logging problems caused by penetrating the cover skin.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a lifting device for a hot tub cover comprising a first drive assembly including a base member and a support arm pivotally mounted at one end to the base member, a lifting member mounted to a free end of the support arm, and a connecting means for connecting between the lifting member and the hot tub cover.

Advantageously, the base member can rest on the floor or ground alongside a hot tub, negating the need for fixings.

The lifting member may be pivotally mounted to the free end of the support arm.

The connecting means may comprise a lifting arm connected at one end to the lifting member and a flexible connector at the other end for connecting to the hot tub cover. The lifting arm may be rigidly connected to the lifting member. Alternatively, it may be connected through a clutch device. The clutch device may allow a small degree of unrestricted angular movement.

Advantageously, the lifting arm can fold a hot tub cover by pivoting it up from one edge of the hot tub about it's central flexible connection and the lifting member.

A drive means may be provided for driving the support arm about the pivotal mounting 25 to the base member.

The drive means may be a first linear actuator.

A drive means may be provided for rotating the lifting member relative to the support arm.

A crank arm may be rigidly connected to the lifting member, the lifting member drive means driving through the crank arm.

The lifting member drive means may be a second linear actuator. A second drive assembly may be connected to the lifting member.

The lifting member may be an axial member for extending across a hot tub cover from one side to the other at the central flexible join in the cover, the first drive assembly being connected to one end of the lifting member and the second drive assembly being connected to the other end of the lifting member.

The second drive assembly may include a base member and a support arm pivotally mounted at one end to the base member.

Advantageously, the lifting device is free standing. It does not need to be fixed to the hot tub or cover in any permanent way and hence the hot tub warranty is not invalidated. Furthermore, in view of the respective support arms being mounted part way along the base members, the lifting device does not need to be bolted or otherwise fastened to the floor or ground. It does not need to be weighted down.

The lifting member may be pivotally mounted to the free end of the support arm of the second drive assembly.

A third drive means may be provided for driving the support arm of the second drive assembly about the pivotal mounting to the base member.

The drive means may be a third linear actuator.

Advantageously, electrically driven linear actuators are substantially silent and maintenance free.

The support arms of the first and second drive assemblies may move in concert.

The support arms of the first and second drive assemblies may be length adjustable, for fitting the device to hot tubs of different heights.

The device may be electronically controlled. The device may be remotely controlled, for example, controlled by a wireless device. This enables the device to be actuated from inside a building. In other words, a hot tub cover can be removed and replaced at the click of a button from inside, rather than outside where it can be cold.

The length of the lifting member may be adjustable. Advantageously, by being able to adjust the length of the lifting member, the first and second drive assemblies can be placed different distances apart for fitting to hot tubs or spas of different sizes.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a cover removal assembly comprising a lifting device of the first aspect of the invention, a water tank and a water tank cover, the water tank cover being formed in two halves and connected by an axial flexible connection, in use the lifting member being positioned immediately adjacent the axial flexible connection, in use, one half of the cover being folded over the lifting member by rotation of the lifting member, and the folded cover being moved to the side of the water tank by arcuate movement of the at least first drive assembly.

The water tank cover may be returned to a position lying on top of the water tank in use by return arcuate movement of the at least first drive assembly, and subsequent return rotation of the lifting member.

The water tank may be a hot tub, swim spa or swimming pool.

It is important for covers to be replaced, not only to keep the pool insulated and to prevent debris from entering the pool, but also as a safety feature to prevent small children and animals from accidentally getting into the pool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lifting device and a hot tub cover in a closed position on a support frame; Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of a first drive assembly of the lifting device of Fig 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective side view of a second drive assembly of the lifting device of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view from above of a connecting means attached to a handle of the hot tub cover; Figure 4A shows a clutch device between the lifting member and a lifting arm; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first stage in the movement of the hot tub cover to the open position; Figure 6 shows a perspective close up view of the first drive assembly in a second stage in the movement of the hot tub cover to the open position; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the second drive assembly and hot tub cover in a third stage in the movement of the hot tub cover to the open position; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the second drive assembly and hot tub cover in a fourth stage in the movement of the hot tub cover to the open position; and Figure 8A shows the second drive assembly and hot tub cover in the open position. 10 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figure 1, a lifting device for moving a cover off a hot tub, holding it to one side of the hot tub, and then replacing it is generally indicated at 10. The device 10 is also suitable for covers on swim spas and other containers, particularly where the cover is manufactured in two halves and is connected together at a flexible central joint, for example, with a waterproof fabric. In Figure 1, a hot tub is represented by a framework 12 and a cover 14 is disposed on the frame 12.

The lifting device 10 includes a first drive assembly 15 positioned on one side of the cover 14 and a second drive assembly 16 positioned on the other side of the cover. The first drive assembly 15 comprises a base member 18, which is an elongate member. A support arm 20 is pivotally mounted to the base member 18 about a pivot 22, substantially at the mid-point of the base member 18. The support arm 20 is adjustable in length and is provided in two parts, a lower part 22 and an upper part 24. The upper part 24 telescopes within the lower part 22 and is held in position by a screw knob 26. The screw knob 26 is hand tightened and released for adjustment of the support arm 20.

A first drive means in the form of a first linear actuator 28 is mounted to the base member 18 and the lower part 22 of the support arm 20. When the actuator is in its retracted position, as shown in Figure 1, the angle of the support arm 20 to the base member is around 45°. The larger and deeper the hot tub, the longer the support arm 20 will be.

Referring also to Figures 3 and 8, the lower part of the second drive assembly 16 is similar to that of the first drive assembly, in that it comprises a base member 18a, which is elongate. A second support arm 20a is pivotally mounted to the base member 18a about a pivot 22a, substantially at the mid-point of the base member 18a. The support arm 20a is adjustable in length and is provided in two parts, a lower part 22a and an upper part 24a. The upper part 24a telescopes within the lower part 22a and is held in position by a screw knob 26a. The screw knob 26a is hand tightened and released for adjustment of the support arm 20a.

A second drive means in the form of a second linear actuator 30 is mounted to the base member 18a and the lower part 22a of the support arm 20a. The second drive assembly moves in concert with the first drive assembly 15.

Referring also to Figure 2, a lifting member 32 extends between the upper end of the first and second support arms 20, 20a. The lifting member 32 is rotatably mounted to the support arms 20,20a. The lifting member is tubular. A crank arm 34, which is rigidly connected to the lifting member 32, extends radially from the lifting member 32.

A further link member 36 is attached to the distal end of the crank arm 34. Drive means for rotating the lifting member 32, through the link 36 and crank 34 is provided by a third linear actuator 38. The third linear actuator is mounted to the upper part 24 of the support arm 20 of the first drive assembly. A similar actuator is not required on the second drive assembly.

As best seen in Figures 1 and 5, a lifting arm 40, for initially lifting one side of the cover 14 is attached to the mid-point of the lifting member 32 and extends perpendicularly from the lifting member along the horizontal surface of the cover On the closed position). Referring also to Figures 4 and 5, a flexible strap 42 is attached to the distal end of the lifting arm 40 and attaches to the side of the cover 14. In fact, the strap may be conveniently attached to a handle of the cover, as shown.

A linear actuator cannot usually be utilised to drive a rotary movement, because it is limited by a tangent impediment, ie a linear actuator cannot usually operate beyond 170 degrees due to torque loading. The inversion of the third actuator 38, together with the use of the link 36, enables an angular range of movement of just short of 180 degrees to be achieved around a central pivot bar point.

The use of the flexible strap 42 allows the torque to be increased once the angle of actuation has been increased, hence avoiding a problem of instant torque loading at a minimal angle of advantage. Furthermore, by using the flexible strap 42, which is also adjustable, allows the device to be fitted to any size of hot tub.

In another embodiments, not shown, the lifting member has a central telescoping section or a movable collar at one or both ends, enabling the lifting member to be extended or shortened to fit hot tubs of different widths. It will be appreciated that as long as the hot tub cover fits between the first and second drive assemblies, then the lifting device 10 can be utilised.

The first, second and third actuators are controlled from a wireless device, such as a key fob. The key fob transmitter sends a rolling code (secure, interference free signal) to a receiver box and power supply. The range is in excess of 50 Metres. The receiver box manages the sequence of the actuators for both the opening and closing sequences.

Alternatively, the wireless controller may be a mobile phone application. This enables a cover to be removed and replaced remotely.

The cover 14 and lifting device 10 are shown in the closed position in Figure 1. On actuation of the opening device using the key fob, for example, the third actuator 38 extends, causing the lifting member 32 to rotate, as shown in Fig 5. The lifting arm 40 moves away from the surface of the cover 14 and the flexible strap 42 starts to extend. Then, the edge of the cover 14, where the strap 42 is attached, starts to lift up. In other words, the one side of the cover starts to fold towards the other side of the cover about the central fold line and the lifting member 32.

Once the lifted side of the cover 14 reaches the position as shown in Figure 6, tipped around 45 degrees back towards the other side of the cover 14, then the first and second linear actuators 28,30 of the first and second drive assemblies 15,16 operate in concert at the same speed to begin to drive the support arms and the lifting member 32. The lifting member 32 sits in the fold in the partially folded cover 14. The lifting member 32 moves in an arc to the side of the hot tub, whilst lifting the cover from its centre line at the fold and moving it, in it's entirety, towards the end of the hot tub. When the support members reach the vertical position, as shown in Figure 7, then the hot tub is fully exposed and the movement is nearing completion.

Finally the support arms 20, 20a move over centre to the final rest position of the cover 14, as shown in Figure 8. In this position, the support arms are angled back at around 15 degrees. One side of the cover 14 hangs below the lifting member 32, on one side, and the other side of the cover is supported on the lifting arm 40, to the other side.

Referring to Figure 4A, the lifting arm 40 may be connected to the lifting member 32 though a clutch 44. The clutch 44 is provided by a collar 46, which is integral with or rigidly connected to the lifting arm 40. Part circumferential slots 48a, 48b are provided through the collar 46. Pins 50a, 50b are attached to the lifting member 32, which runs through the collar 46. The pins 50a, 50b sit in the respective slots 48a, 48b.

If the lifting member 32 is rotated in one direction, as shown by arrow A, then the pins 50a, 50b abut the end of the slots 48a, 48b, and on continued rotation, the lifting arm 40 is rotated. However, if the device was the other way up (ie inverted from the position in Figure 4A, then the lifting arm would be able to drop freely, because the collar would be unrestrained by the pins 50a, 50b, until they were arrested at the other end of the slots 48a, 48b. In other words, the clutch 44 allows a small amount of free angular movement, allowing the cover to move under gravity when unconstrained.

When the clutch 44 is utilised, then when the first side of the cover moves over centre (past the vertical) to the position shown in Figure 6, then the lifting arm 40 will rotate under gravity enabling the top faces of the cover to lie adjacent one another. At the end of the movement, this means that the cover drops neatly over the lifting member 32 with the halves of the cover extending vertically beneath it, as shown in Figure 8A.

The cover is replaced by movement of the actuators in the same sequence, in reverse.

Advantageously, the opening and closing sequence takes around 40 seconds for each open or close operation. The lifting device 10 is constructed from aluminium, so is maintenance free. It also utilises non-moving, no maintenance phosphor bronze bearings. In this way the lifting device can be provided at a fraction of the cost of prior alternatives. No tools are required for installation and installation time is a matter of minutes.

Another major advantage of the lifting device 10 is that it can be used on any hot tub size with a folding cover, be it a new installation or retrofitted. The height of the lifting member 32 can be adjusted by extending or retracting the support arms 20, 20a to fit the height of the hot tub. The length of the lifting member 32 can be adjusted to fit the width of the hot tub and the flexible strap 42 can be of a length to fit the length of the hot tub. Furthermore, the first and second drive assemblies 15,16 are placed on the ground either side of the hot tub. Nothing, apart from the flexible strap is attached to any part of the hot tub or cover 14.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A lifting device for a hot tub cover comprising a first drive assembly including a base member and a support arm pivotally mounted at one end to the base member, a lifting member mounted to a free end of the support arm, and a connecting means for connecting between the lifting member and the hot tub cover.
2. A lifting device as claimed in claim 1, in which the lifting member is pivotally mounted to the free end of the support arm.
3. A lifting device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the connecting means comprises a lifting arm connected at one end to the lifting member and a flexible connector at the other end for connecting to the hot tub cover.
4. A lifting device as claimed in claim 3, in which the lifting arm is connected to the lifting member either directly or through a clutch.
5. A lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a drive means is provided for driving the support arm about the pivotal mounting to the base member.
6. A lifting device as claimed in claim 5, in which the drive means is a first linear actuator.
7. A lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a drive means is provided for rotating the lifting member relative to the support arm.
8. A lifting device as claimed in claim 7, in which a crank arm is rigidly connected to the lifting member, the lifting member drive means driving through the crank arm.
9. A lifting device as claimed in claim 8, in which the lifting member drive means is a second linear actuator.
10. A lifting device as claimed in claim 9, in which an articulating link member is provided between the second linear actuator and the crank arm for enhancing the mechanical advantage of the actuator.
11. A lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim in which a second drive assembly is connected to the lifting member.
12. A lifting device as claimed in claim 11, in which the lifting member is an axial member for extending across a hot tub cover from one side to the other at the central flexible join in the cover, the first drive assembly being connected to one end of the lifting member and the second drive assembly being connected to the other end of the lifting member.
13. A lifting device as claimed in 10 or claim 12, in which the second drive assembly includes a base member and a support arm pivotally mounted at one end to the base member.
14. A lifting device as claimed in claim 13, in which the lifting member is pivotally mounted to the free end of the support arm of the second drive assembly.
15. A lifting device as claimed in a claim 13 or 14, in which a third drive means is provided for driving the support arm of the second drive assembly about the pivotal mounting to the base member.
16. A lifting device as claimed in claim 15, in which the drive means is a third linear actuator.
17. A lifting device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, in which the support arms of the first and second drive assemblies move in concert.
18. A lifting device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, in which the support arms of the first and second drive assemblies are length adjustable, for fitting the device to hot tubs of different heights.
19. A lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device is electronically controlled.
20. A lifting device as claimed in claim 18, in which the device is remotely controlled.
21.A lifting device as claimed in claim 19, in which the device is controlled by a wireless device.
22. A lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the length of the lifting member is adjustable.
23. A cover removal assembly comprising a lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim, a water tank and a water tank cover, the water tank cover being formed in two halves and connected by an axial flexible connection, in use the lifting member being positioned immediately adjacent the axial flexible connection, in use, one half of the cover being folded over the lifting member by rotation of the lifting member, and the folded cover being moved to the side of the water tank by arcuate movement of the at least first drive assembly.
24. A cover removal assembly as claimed in claim 23, in which the water tank cover is returned to a position lying on top of the water tank in use by return arcuate movement of the at least first drive assembly, and subsequent return rotation of the lifting member.
25. A cover removal assembly as claimed in claim 23 or 24, in which the water tank is a hot tub, swim spa or swimming pool.