US20040034915A1

US20040034915A1 - Spa cover lifter

Info

Publication number: US20040034915A1
Application number: US10/223,329
Authority: US
Inventors: John Tedrick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-20
Filing date: 2002-08-20
Publication date: 2004-02-26

Abstract

A device for removing spa covers and storing them, while the spa in use, and returning them to cover the spa after use. This invention takes a different approach to the mounting requirements for the system hardware. Most notable, the right and left flanged side plates are attached directly to the bottom of the spa frame, thus negating the necessity to drill holes for mounting screws in the side of the spa or holes for mounting screws in the concrete base. Many spa purchasers object to the drilling of these holes. This invention provides a reasonable solution to these problems.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a lifting mechanism for removing and replacing the cover of a spa. The use of spas has become widespread, and most spas are equipped with covers which when closed prevents debris, rain and the like from contaminating the tub water. The cover further serves to retain heat within the tub. As a consequence, spa covers tend to be relatively heavy and difficult to remove and replace.

Lifting devices have been developed to aid in the removal and replacement of these relatively heavy spa covers which can be operated with varying amounts of difficulty.

Some problems exist with past lifting mechanism designs. A unit with one lifting arm can produce excessive wear on the edge of the spa and the bottom of the spa cover when the cover is slid and pushed to the “off” position.

With only one lifting arm rigidity suffers and the spa cover tends to become angularity offset when the operator pulls or pushes on one side only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many spa cover lifters have been designed and patented. Some have a multiplicity of parts which would be expensive to manufacture and install. This invention accomplishes the lifting operation with only four major parts, a right flanged side plate, a left flanged side plate and two lift bars. Thus manufacturing and installation costs should be very economical. The installation of the flanged side plates is simple and straightforward and can be accomplished in the dealer's shop area, thus reducing costs of mechanics labor at the customer's home.

Additional features may be used in conjunction with this invention. Refer to my patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,305. A spring counterbalance, illustrated and claimed, can be added to this invention by extending the end of the center lift bar to form an attach point. Also, a method to power the cover back and forth between the “on” and “off” positions is illustrated and claimed. See claims 2 and 3.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: [0007]
FIG. ([0008] 1) is a right side view of a spa with the cover shown in the “folded on” position. The right side plate is shown attached by three screws. The near lift bar is shown attached to the spa cover with straps. The end of the bar is pivotally attached to the flanged side plate. The center lift bar is shown between the cover halves and pivotally attached to the flanged side plate.
FIG. ([0009] 2) is a right side view of a spa with the cover shown in the “off” position.
FIG. ([0010] 3) is an end view of a spa with the cover in the “folded on” position. The near lift bar is attached to the cover with straps, and pivotally attached to the right and left flanged side plates. The flanged side plates are shown attached to the bottom of the spa with screws.
FIG. ([0011] 4) is a plan view of the flanged side plates, showing a side view, a top view, and an end view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. ([0012] 1) shows a spa (21) with spa cover (22) in the “folded on” position on the spa. Center lift bar (44) lays in position between the halves of spa cover (22). Near lift bar (45) is attached to the spa cover with straps (41). Each end of the lift bars (44) and (45) is attached to its respective pivot on its respective flanged side plate. Many new spa designs have rounded corners, shown as (23).
FIG. ([0013] 2) shows the position of the spa cover (22) and lift bars (44) and (45) when the cover is in the “folded off” position.
FIG. ([0014] 3) shows the spa (21) with cover (22) in the “folded on” position. The flanged side plates (24) and (25) are shown attached to the bottom of the spa frame by screws (26). Each end of the lift bar (45) is shown attached to the respective pivots (42) and (43) on the flanged side plates (24) and (25).

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for lifting a folding spa cover, having folding sections from a covering position over a spa to an uncovering position beside the spa comprising:

a U-shaped center lift bar adapted to be pivotally attached to one of the folding sections of the cover;

a U-shaped near lift bar adapted to be pivotally attached to one of the folding sections of the cover;

one flanged mounting plate on each side of the spa adapted for attachment to the bottom of said spa frame;

opposing legs of each lift bar being pivotally attached to the respective left and right flanged side plates.