US20040055081A1 - Vertically adjustable spa cover assembly - Google Patents
Vertically adjustable spa cover assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20040055081A1 US20040055081A1 US10/253,299 US25329902A US2004055081A1 US 20040055081 A1 US20040055081 A1 US 20040055081A1 US 25329902 A US25329902 A US 25329902A US 2004055081 A1 US2004055081 A1 US 2004055081A1
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- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- cover
- lift
- spa
- raised
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
- E04H4/08—Coverings consisting of rigid elements, e.g. coverings composed of separate or connected elements
- E04H4/084—Coverings consisting of rigid elements, e.g. coverings composed of separate or connected elements with lifting mechanism
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to spa cover assemblies. More particularly, the invention relates to moveable spa cover assemblies. Specifically, the invention relates to a vertically adjustable spa cover assemblies.
- Cover assemblies for spas also known as hot tubs, and for swimming pools have been known for quite some time.
- a spa cover assembly which is vertically adjustable and which can be either built into a spa or added as a retrofit cover assembly.
- Such movable cover assemblies allow the user to selectively use the cover assembly based on weather conditions.
- the prior art includes a dome-shaped cover having a semi-dome-shaped portion that rotates about a central point above the spa to open and close the cover (U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,663 granted to Aragona et al.).
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,646 granted to Lutostanski discloses a convertible enclosure for hot tubs and the like, which includes a tubular frame with sliding cross pieces to which a cover is attached to encompass one side and the top of the space over the hot tub with one side remaining open.
- the invention provides one embodiment wherein a vertically adjustable spa cover assembly has lifts that move a cover, a screen or a combination thereof between a raised position and a lowered position.
- corner lifts are used to raise and lower the insulated cover of the spa.
- a screen may be connected to the cover.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the spa cover assembly of the present invention in the raised position
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the spa cover assembly in the lowered position
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the first embodiment of the spa cover assembly showing the motor, sprockets and chain.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in the lowered position showing one lift in its lowered position;
- FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in an intermediate position of being raised
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in a further stage of being raised showing the medial section in a fully extended position;
- FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in a further stage of being raised
- FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in the raised position
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the upper encircled portion of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the lower encircled portion of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention in the lowered position
- FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention in the raised position
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention in the raised position
- FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention in the raised position showing a rotated position of the cover in phantom;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention in the raised position.
- FIG. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly shown in FIG. 18.
- FIGS. 1 - 3 and 5 - 12 The first embodiment of the spa cover assembly of the present invention is indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1 - 3 and 5 - 12 .
- Cover assembly 10 includes cover 12 and lifts 14 .
- Lifts 14 are configured to move cover 12 vertically between a raised position (FIG. 1) and a lowered position (FIG. 2) above a spa 16 having an upper surface 18 .
- Cover 12 sits atop four lifts 14 and may be attached thereto, if desired, by any suitable means.
- cover 12 may be attached to lifts 14 with bolts, pins, screws, snap fits, etc.
- any attachment used is removable both for safety and convenience.
- Cover 12 may also be attached to, for example, two lifts 14 by hinges (not shown) as a safety feature.
- Cover 12 may include thermal insulation (not shown) and may be made of a wide variety of materials, such as netting, or materials which are wind-proof, water-proof, transparent, translucent, opaque, and so forth. When cover 12 includes insulation, cover 12 is used to keep the water in spa 16 warm when spa 16 is not in use.
- Lifts 14 may be made of a plastic material with appropriate strength which can withstand a wide range of temperature changes suitable to various weather conditions. They may be manufactured of nylon or reinforced nylon. Other materials that may be injection molded may be used. Various polymers and thermoplastics, or other suitable materials may also be used.
- Each lift 14 (FIGS. 5 - 12 ) is housed at least partially in a sleeve 20 having a top 21 as each lift 14 moves between the lowered position (FIG. 5) and the raised position (FIG. 10). In the lowered position, lifts 14 are flush with or below upper surface 18 of spa 16 .
- Each lift 14 (shown in FIG. 10) includes a plurality of threaded sections each of which threadedly engages one of the other threaded sections. All threads used in lifts 14 have the same pitch. Ball screws may also be used, wherein there is a ball-bearing-to-thread engagement instead of a thread-to-thread engagement between the various sections of each lift 14 .
- lift 14 includes a lower section which is a threaded rod 22 sitting atop support member 23 and having a lower end 24 and an upper end 26 .
- a lower stop 28 is connected to lower end 24
- an upper stop 30 is connected to upper end 26
- a sprocket 32 (FIG. 3) is connected to lower stop 28 .
- a tapered tip 33 is connected to upper stop 30 .
- Each threaded rod 22 extends upwardly at slightly varying heights, as explained below.
- Lift 14 also includes a medial section which is a hollow pipe 34 having a lower end 36 and an upper end 38 , each end being internally threaded. Lower end 36 threadedly engages threaded rod 22 .
- Lift 14 further includes an upper section which is an externally threaded hollow tube 40 having a bottom end 42 and a top end 44 .
- a bottom stop 46 is connected to bottom end 42 and a top stop 48 is connected to top end 44 .
- Hollow tube 40 threadedly engages upper end 38 of hollow pipe 34 .
- Cover 12 sits atop stop 48 .
- rod 22 In the lowered position (FIG. 5), rod 22 is situated substantially within pipe 34 , which is in turn situated substantially within tube 40 , and all three sections are partially housed within sleeve 20 .
- rod 22 In the raised position (FIG. 10), rod 22 is situated as in the lowered position with tapered tip 33 , with upper stop pipe 30 and a upper end 26 being within pipe 34 .
- bottom stop 46 and bottom end 42 of tube 40 are within pipe 34 .
- sprockets 32 engage a chain 50 , which extends around the four sprockets 32 and engages a sprocket 52 attached to an electric motor 54 .
- Chain 50 further engages tensioners 56 .
- Motor 54 is wired to control buttons 58 , which in turn is wired to attach to a source of electricity (not shown).
- a cable (not shown) held in tension may be used to engage rods 22 via reinforced channels (not shown) therein or pulleys (not shown) thereabout or the like instead of sprockets 32 .
- a plurality of individual motors may be used to raise and lower each respective lift 14 , directly or indirectly, each motor being timed together to work simultaneously.
- Cover assembly 10 is configured to move between a raised position (FIG. 1) and a lowered position (FIG. 2).
- a user pushes one of buttons 58 (FIG. 3) to supply electric power to operate motor 54 to rotate sprocket 52 , which engages and drives chain 50 , which in turn engages and rotates sprockets 32 and consequently threaded rod 22 .
- a cable (not shown) may be used to engage and rotate rod 22 as described above. The rotation of rod 22 causes it to unthread from threaded lower end 36 of hollow pipe 34 , which causes pipe 34 and tube 40 to move vertically upward and begin raising assembly 10 (FIG. 6).
- Rod 22 unthreads from pipe 34 until upper stop 30 engages lower end 36 of pipe 34 , thus preventing further unthreading and upward movement of pipe 34 (FIG. 8). Stop 30 also prevents the disengagement of pipe 34 from rod 22 . As stop 30 engages lower end 36 of pipe 34 , pipe 34 also begins to rotate along with rod 22 . Because each rod 22 is a slightly different height, the engagement of each stop 30 with each respective lower end 36 is staggered a short time apart to ease torque on motor 54 that would occur if all rods 22 were the same height and all stops 30 thus engaged respective lower ends 36 simultaneously. The rotation of each pipe 34 along with rod 22 causes tube 40 to unthread from upper end 38 of pipe 34 , which causes tube 40 to move vertically upward and continue the raising of assembly 10 (FIG.
- Tube 40 unthreads from pipe 34 until bottom stop 46 engages upper end 38 of pipe 34 , thus preventing further unthreading and upward movement of tube 40 (FIG. 10). Because all threads in lift 14 have the same pitch, assembly 10 is raised at a constant rate throughout the raising process. Lifts 14 may, however, include a tube 40 and an upper end 38 each having threads with a different pitch than those of rod 22 and lower end 36 , so that the rate of raising would change when tube 40 began to unthread from upper end 38 .
- buttons 58 which causes the motor to rotate in a direction opposite that for raising assembly 10 .
- tapered tip 33 serves a self-centering function to ensure that rod 22 will be smoothly inserted into tube 40 .
- top stop 48 engages upper end 38 of pipe 34 to prevent further threading and downward movement of tube 40 .
- lower stop 28 of rod 22 engages lower end 36 of pipe 34 to prevent further threading and downward movement of rod 22 .
- lifts 14 in the lowered position are flush with or below upper surface 18 of spa 16 .
- cover 12 may be removed and lifts 14 lowered to eliminate unsafe protrusions extending upwardly from spa 16 .
- Sleeve 16 may be covered or sealed against the entrance of water if desired.
- FIG. 4 A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 and includes modified cover assembly 110 .
- Assembly 110 is similar to assembly 10 except that sprocket 152 engages a hand crank 154 (FIG. 4) as an alternate power source instead of motor 54 of assembly 10 .
- FIGS. 13 - 15 A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13 - 15 and includes modified cover assembly 210 .
- Assembly 210 is similar to assembly 10 except that lifts 214 are different and that lifts 214 are operated by system 216 , which is a pneumatic or hydraulic system.
- System 216 may include a source of power 218 , a valve 220 , a divider 222 , and a plurality of lines 224 , all respectively connected to one another. Lines 224 are connected to lifts 214 .
- Source of power 218 is either pneumatic or hydraulic.
- Each lift 214 may include three telescoping members 226 .
- Each lift 214 may also include a safety latch (not shown) to prevent assembly from falling in case system 216 fails.
- the safety latch may be, for example, a ratchet system attached to lift 214 or a solenoid valve located near lift 214 .
- Source of power 218 pressurizes air in the pneumatic system or hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system.
- the source of power for the pneumatic system may be the compressor that is built in to many spas or a separate source.
- Valve 220 allows air or hydraulic fluid to flow in alternating directions to respectively raise and lower lifts 214 .
- Divider 222 allows the air or fluid to branch so as to flow through lines 224 and vice versa.
- Lines 224 deliver the air or fluid to lifts 214 to raise and lower them.
- Telescoping members 226 are thus raised and lowered by a typical pneumatic or hydraulic system.
- a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 16 and includes modified cover assembly 310 .
- Assembly 310 is similar to assembly 10 except that assembly 310 includes screen 31 1 , which is removably attached to cover 312 by a plurality of snaps 320 , velcro or other suitable fasteners, and may be attached to itself as well with fasteners.
- Screen 311 may also be attached to lifts 14 instead of cover 312 , and thus screen 311 may be used without cover 12 if desired.
- Screen 311 includes a door 322 , which may utilize a zipper or other suitable means for opening and closing.
- Screen 31 1 is a single piece of material surrounding the perimeter defined by lifts 14 in the raised position and surrounds spa 16 in the lowered position.
- Screen 311 may be provided in sections.
- Screen 311 may be netting, such as mosquito netting, or may be wind-proof, water-proof, insulated, transparent, translucent, opaque, or any variety of combinations thereof, or any other appropriate material.
- Screen 311 adds the convenience of creating a wide variety of settings, to include netting to keep bugs out, or material to block wind and rain or provide shade in varying degrees. Amongst other things, it may also be used to add thermal insulation, privacy and for decorative purposes.
- a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 17 and includes modified cover assembly 410 .
- Assembly 410 is similar to assembly 10 except that assembly 410 includes a modified cover 412 , only one lift 414 and a telescoping guide 416 .
- Guide 416 extends from cover 412 downward into spa 16 parallel to lift 414 .
- Guide 416 is fixedly attached to spa 16 and is removably attached to cover 412 .
- Cover 412 includes an attachment housing 418 attached to lift 414 and support arms 420 extending from housing 418 .
- the power source (not shown) to rotate lift 414 may be as described above in relation to assemblies 10 and 110 , with modifications as desired for a single lift 414 , or as described below in relation to assembly 510 .
- Cover 412 may also be hingedly attached to lift 414 as a safety precaution to allow the user to lift cover 412 in case of emergency, for example, where lift 414 became stuck in the lowered position due to loss of power to lift 414 .
- Cover assembly 410 is configured to allow cover 412 to rotate about lift 414 when in the raised position, allowing the user to alter shading on or adjacent the spa or alter the view from the spa without removing the cover.
- Guide 416 Telescopes out and in to prevent said rotation while cover 412 is being raised or lowered, respectively. Guide 416 does not aid in lifting. When assembly 410 is in the raised position, guide 416 may detached from cover 412 to allow cover 412 to rotate as noted above.
- Housing 418 provides a structure for mounting cover 412 on lift 414 , such as with a bracket (not shown). Arms 420 provide support for cover 412 to allow assembly 410 to function with only a single lift 414 .
- FIGS. 18 - 19 A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 18 - 19 and includes modified cover assembly 510 .
- Assembly 510 is similar to assembly 410 (fifth embodiment) except that assembly 510 includes a modified lift 514 , a lift housing 516 , a modified attachment housing 518 connected to a bracket 519 , a modified motor 520 and a screen 522 , but does not include a guide ( 416 ), although a guide could be included.
- Lift 514 includes threaded rod 524 having a lower end 526 and a beveled gear 528 connected to rod 524 adjacent lower end 526 .
- Motor 520 is connected to beveled gear 530 which engages gear 528 .
- Spa 16 defines a hole 532 adjacent motor 520 .
- Assembly 510 is configured as a retrofit assembly which can be attached to spa 16 .
- Motor 520 is inserted into hole 532 cut in spa 16 to protect motor 520 from weather.
- Lift housing 516 is attached to spa 16 to provide support for lift 514 .
- Housing 516 also functions to guard motor 520 and lift 514 from weather and shields the user from moving parts.
- Housing 518 provides a structure for externally mounting cover 512 on lift 514 with bracket 519 .
- Screen 522 surrounds spa 16 in the lowered position and as assembly 510 is being raised, and thus prevents the rotation of assembly 510 about lift 514 until screen 522 is above spa 16 . While screen 522 prevents this rotation, a guide such as guide 416 (FIG.
- Motor 520 is adapted to bevel gear 530 , which engages gear 528 to rotate lift 514 to raise and lower assembly 510 .
- Other power sources may be used and the means of engaging and rotating rod 522 may vary.
- the means of engaging the lower section of the lift could be a gear, a sprocket, a smooth or textured surface or other suitable configuration.
- a motor adapted with an elastomeric wheel which could engage and rotate the rod is a variety of other means of lifting assembly 10 .
- assembly 10 may be lifted with levers in various arrangements, such as a scissors-type lift or a lift using levers and cables.
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Abstract
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- The invention relates generally to spa cover assemblies. More particularly, the invention relates to moveable spa cover assemblies. Specifically, the invention relates to a vertically adjustable spa cover assemblies.
- 2. Background Information
- Cover assemblies for spas, also known as hot tubs, and for swimming pools have been known for quite some time. There are a variety of configurations, some of which move in various ways. However, there is a need for a spa cover assembly which is vertically adjustable and which can be either built into a spa or added as a retrofit cover assembly. Such movable cover assemblies allow the user to selectively use the cover assembly based on weather conditions.
- The prior art includes a dome-shaped cover having a semi-dome-shaped portion that rotates about a central point above the spa to open and close the cover (U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,663 granted to Aragona et al.). U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,646 granted to Lutostanski discloses a convertible enclosure for hot tubs and the like, which includes a tubular frame with sliding cross pieces to which a cover is attached to encompass one side and the top of the space over the hot tub with one side remaining open. U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,893 granted to Neer discloses a retractable decorative screen to provide privacy around swimming pools and the like which slides back and forth horizontally on an overhead track, or on a cable or rope. U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,059 granted to Girerd discloses a movable covering device or roof which moves on hinged structural members from a position above a swimming pool to a position above an adjacent terrace. U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,702 granted to Sitzmann discloses a rectangular spa cover wherein two poles are hingedly connected to adjacent corners of the cover and hingedly connected to the spa deck to facilitate lifting the cover from a position on the ground beside the spa to a position over the spa, with two other poles then being respectively connected to the other two corners of the cover and the deck. U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,433 granted to Gray discloses a rigid house-like hot tub cover which moves horizontally along a deck on rollers or the like from a position over the hot tub to a position adjacent the hot tub.
- The invention provides one embodiment wherein a vertically adjustable spa cover assembly has lifts that move a cover, a screen or a combination thereof between a raised position and a lowered position.
- In one embodiment, corner lifts are used to raise and lower the insulated cover of the spa. A screen may be connected to the cover.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the spa cover assembly of the present invention in the raised position;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the spa cover assembly in the lowered position;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the first embodiment of the spa cover assembly showing the motor, sprockets and chain.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in the lowered position showing one lift in its lowered position;
- FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in an intermediate position of being raised;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in a further stage of being raised showing the medial section in a fully extended position;
- FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in a further stage of being raised;
- FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly in the raised position;
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the upper encircled portion of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the lower encircled portion of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention in the lowered position;
- FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention in the raised position;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention in the raised position;
- FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention in the raised position showing a rotated position of the cover in phantom;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention in the raised position; and
- FIG. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of the spa cover assembly shown in FIG. 18.
- Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
- The first embodiment of the spa cover assembly of the present invention is indicated generally at10 in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-12.
Cover assembly 10 includescover 12 andlifts 14.Lifts 14 are configured to movecover 12 vertically between a raised position (FIG. 1) and a lowered position (FIG. 2) above aspa 16 having anupper surface 18. -
Cover 12 sits atop fourlifts 14 and may be attached thereto, if desired, by any suitable means. For example,cover 12 may be attached tolifts 14 with bolts, pins, screws, snap fits, etc. Preferably, any attachment used is removable both for safety and convenience.Cover 12 may also be attached to, for example, twolifts 14 by hinges (not shown) as a safety feature.Cover 12 may include thermal insulation (not shown) and may be made of a wide variety of materials, such as netting, or materials which are wind-proof, water-proof, transparent, translucent, opaque, and so forth. Whencover 12 includes insulation,cover 12 is used to keep the water inspa 16 warm whenspa 16 is not in use. -
Lifts 14 may be made of a plastic material with appropriate strength which can withstand a wide range of temperature changes suitable to various weather conditions. They may be manufactured of nylon or reinforced nylon. Other materials that may be injection molded may be used. Various polymers and thermoplastics, or other suitable materials may also be used. - Each lift14 (FIGS. 5-12) is housed at least partially in a
sleeve 20 having atop 21 as eachlift 14 moves between the lowered position (FIG. 5) and the raised position (FIG. 10). In the lowered position,lifts 14 are flush with or belowupper surface 18 ofspa 16. - Each lift14 (shown in FIG. 10) includes a plurality of threaded sections each of which threadedly engages one of the other threaded sections. All threads used in
lifts 14 have the same pitch. Ball screws may also be used, wherein there is a ball-bearing-to-thread engagement instead of a thread-to-thread engagement between the various sections of eachlift 14. Specifically, lift 14 includes a lower section which is a threadedrod 22 sitting atopsupport member 23 and having alower end 24 and anupper end 26. Alower stop 28 is connected tolower end 24, anupper stop 30 is connected toupper end 26, and a sprocket 32 (FIG. 3) is connected tolower stop 28. A taperedtip 33 is connected toupper stop 30. Each threadedrod 22 extends upwardly at slightly varying heights, as explained below. - Lift14 also includes a medial section which is a
hollow pipe 34 having alower end 36 and anupper end 38, each end being internally threaded.Lower end 36 threadedly engages threadedrod 22.Lift 14 further includes an upper section which is an externally threadedhollow tube 40 having abottom end 42 and atop end 44. Abottom stop 46 is connected tobottom end 42 and atop stop 48 is connected totop end 44.Hollow tube 40 threadedly engagesupper end 38 ofhollow pipe 34.Cover 12 sits atopstop 48. - In the lowered position (FIG. 5),
rod 22 is situated substantially withinpipe 34, which is in turn situated substantially withintube 40, and all three sections are partially housed withinsleeve 20. In the raised position (FIG. 10),rod 22 is situated as in the lowered position with taperedtip 33, withupper stop pipe 30 and aupper end 26 being withinpipe 34. In the raised position,bottom stop 46 andbottom end 42 oftube 40 are withinpipe 34. - In the first embodiment of the invention, sprockets32 (FIG. 3) engage a
chain 50, which extends around the foursprockets 32 and engages asprocket 52 attached to anelectric motor 54.Chain 50 further engagestensioners 56.Motor 54 is wired to controlbuttons 58, which in turn is wired to attach to a source of electricity (not shown). Instead of achain 50, a cable (not shown) held in tension may be used to engagerods 22 via reinforced channels (not shown) therein or pulleys (not shown) thereabout or the like instead ofsprockets 32. In addition, a plurality of individual motors (not shown) may be used to raise and lower eachrespective lift 14, directly or indirectly, each motor being timed together to work simultaneously. -
Cover assembly 10 is configured to move between a raised position (FIG. 1) and a lowered position (FIG. 2). To raiseassembly 10, a user pushes one of buttons 58 (FIG. 3) to supply electric power to operatemotor 54 to rotatesprocket 52, which engages and driveschain 50, which in turn engages and rotatessprockets 32 and consequently threadedrod 22. Alternately, a cable (not shown) may be used to engage and rotaterod 22 as described above. The rotation ofrod 22 causes it to unthread from threadedlower end 36 ofhollow pipe 34, which causespipe 34 andtube 40 to move vertically upward and begin raising assembly 10 (FIG. 6).Rod 22 unthreads frompipe 34 untilupper stop 30 engageslower end 36 ofpipe 34, thus preventing further unthreading and upward movement of pipe 34 (FIG. 8).Stop 30 also prevents the disengagement ofpipe 34 fromrod 22. Asstop 30 engageslower end 36 ofpipe 34,pipe 34 also begins to rotate along withrod 22. Because eachrod 22 is a slightly different height, the engagement of eachstop 30 with each respectivelower end 36 is staggered a short time apart to ease torque onmotor 54 that would occur if allrods 22 were the same height and all stops 30 thus engaged respective lower ends 36 simultaneously. The rotation of eachpipe 34 along withrod 22 causestube 40 to unthread fromupper end 38 ofpipe 34, which causestube 40 to move vertically upward and continue the raising of assembly 10 (FIG. 9).Tube 40 unthreads frompipe 34 untilbottom stop 46 engagesupper end 38 ofpipe 34, thus preventing further unthreading and upward movement of tube 40 (FIG. 10). Because all threads inlift 14 have the same pitch,assembly 10 is raised at a constant rate throughout the raising process.Lifts 14 may, however, include atube 40 and anupper end 38 each having threads with a different pitch than those ofrod 22 andlower end 36, so that the rate of raising would change whentube 40 began to unthread fromupper end 38. - To
lower cover assembly 10, the user pushes the other ofbuttons 58, which causes the motor to rotate in a direction opposite that for raisingassembly 10. Thus, all moving parts move or rotate in opposite directions and the process is essentially reversed. Asassembly 10 is lowered, taperedtip 33 serves a self-centering function to ensure thatrod 22 will be smoothly inserted intotube 40. In loweringassembly 10,top stop 48 engagesupper end 38 ofpipe 34 to prevent further threading and downward movement oftube 40. Likewise,lower stop 28 ofrod 22 engageslower end 36 ofpipe 34 to prevent further threading and downward movement ofrod 22. - As noted above, lifts14 in the lowered position are flush with or below
upper surface 18 ofspa 16. Thus, cover 12 may be removed and lifts 14 lowered to eliminate unsafe protrusions extending upwardly fromspa 16.Sleeve 16 may be covered or sealed against the entrance of water if desired. - A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 and includes modified
cover assembly 110.Assembly 110 is similar toassembly 10 except thatsprocket 152 engages a hand crank 154 (FIG. 4) as an alternate power source instead ofmotor 54 ofassembly 10. - A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.13-15 and includes modified
cover assembly 210.Assembly 210 is similar toassembly 10 except that lifts 214 are different and that lifts 214 are operated bysystem 216, which is a pneumatic or hydraulic system.System 216 may include a source ofpower 218, avalve 220, adivider 222, and a plurality oflines 224, all respectively connected to one another.Lines 224 are connected to lifts 214. Source ofpower 218 is either pneumatic or hydraulic. Eachlift 214 may include threetelescoping members 226. Eachlift 214 may also include a safety latch (not shown) to prevent assembly from falling incase system 216 fails. The safety latch may be, for example, a ratchet system attached to lift 214 or a solenoid valve located nearlift 214. - Source of
power 218 pressurizes air in the pneumatic system or hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system. The source of power for the pneumatic system may be the compressor that is built in to many spas or a separate source.Valve 220 allows air or hydraulic fluid to flow in alternating directions to respectively raise andlower lifts 214.Divider 222 allows the air or fluid to branch so as to flow throughlines 224 and vice versa.Lines 224 deliver the air or fluid tolifts 214 to raise and lower them. Telescopingmembers 226 are thus raised and lowered by a typical pneumatic or hydraulic system. - A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 16 and includes modified
cover assembly 310.Assembly 310 is similar toassembly 10 except thatassembly 310 includes screen 31 1, which is removably attached to cover 312 by a plurality ofsnaps 320, velcro or other suitable fasteners, and may be attached to itself as well with fasteners.Screen 311 may also be attached to lifts 14 instead ofcover 312, and thus screen 311 may be used withoutcover 12 if desired.Screen 311 includes adoor 322, which may utilize a zipper or other suitable means for opening and closing. Screen 31 1 is a single piece of material surrounding the perimeter defined bylifts 14 in the raised position and surroundsspa 16 in the lowered position.Screen 311 may be provided in sections.Screen 311 may be netting, such as mosquito netting, or may be wind-proof, water-proof, insulated, transparent, translucent, opaque, or any variety of combinations thereof, or any other appropriate material. -
Screen 311 adds the convenience of creating a wide variety of settings, to include netting to keep bugs out, or material to block wind and rain or provide shade in varying degrees. Amongst other things, it may also be used to add thermal insulation, privacy and for decorative purposes. - A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 17 and includes modified
cover assembly 410.Assembly 410 is similar toassembly 10 except thatassembly 410 includes a modifiedcover 412, only onelift 414 and atelescoping guide 416.Guide 416 extends fromcover 412 downward intospa 16 parallel to lift 414.Guide 416 is fixedly attached tospa 16 and is removably attached to cover 412. Cover 412 includes anattachment housing 418 attached to lift 414 and supportarms 420 extending fromhousing 418. The power source (not shown) to rotatelift 414 may be as described above in relation toassemblies single lift 414, or as described below in relation toassembly 510. Cover 412 may also be hingedly attached to lift 414 as a safety precaution to allow the user to liftcover 412 in case of emergency, for example, wherelift 414 became stuck in the lowered position due to loss of power to lift 414. -
Cover assembly 410 is configured to allowcover 412 to rotate aboutlift 414 when in the raised position, allowing the user to alter shading on or adjacent the spa or alter the view from the spa without removing the cover.Guide 416 Telescopes out and in to prevent said rotation whilecover 412 is being raised or lowered, respectively.Guide 416 does not aid in lifting. Whenassembly 410 is in the raised position, guide 416 may detached fromcover 412 to allowcover 412 to rotate as noted above.Housing 418 provides a structure for mountingcover 412 onlift 414, such as with a bracket (not shown).Arms 420 provide support forcover 412 to allowassembly 410 to function with only asingle lift 414. - A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.18-19 and includes modified
cover assembly 510.Assembly 510 is similar to assembly 410 (fifth embodiment) except thatassembly 510 includes a modifiedlift 514, alift housing 516, a modifiedattachment housing 518 connected to abracket 519, a modifiedmotor 520 and ascreen 522, but does not include a guide (416), although a guide could be included.Lift 514 includes threadedrod 524 having alower end 526 and abeveled gear 528 connected torod 524 adjacentlower end 526.Motor 520 is connected tobeveled gear 530 which engagesgear 528.Spa 16 defines ahole 532adjacent motor 520. -
Assembly 510 is configured as a retrofit assembly which can be attached tospa 16.Motor 520 is inserted intohole 532 cut inspa 16 to protectmotor 520 from weather.Lift housing 516 is attached tospa 16 to provide support forlift 514.Housing 516 also functions to guardmotor 520 and lift 514 from weather and shields the user from moving parts.Housing 518 provides a structure for externally mounting cover 512 onlift 514 withbracket 519.Screen 522 surroundsspa 16 in the lowered position and asassembly 510 is being raised, and thus prevents the rotation ofassembly 510 aboutlift 514 untilscreen 522 is abovespa 16. Whilescreen 522 prevents this rotation, a guide such as guide 416 (FIG. 17) may be included for this purpose, especially if the user wishes to useassembly 510 withoutscreen 522.Motor 520 is adapted tobevel gear 530, which engagesgear 528 to rotatelift 514 to raise andlower assembly 510. Other power sources may be used and the means of engaging androtating rod 522 may vary. - In any of the embodiments involving lifts with threaded sections, the means of engaging the lower section of the lift could be a gear, a sprocket, a smooth or textured surface or other suitable configuration. One alternate example is a motor adapted with an elastomeric wheel which could engage and rotate the rod. Further, a variety of other means of lifting
assembly 10 may be used. For example,assembly 10 may be lifted with levers in various arrangements, such as a scissors-type lift or a lift using levers and cables. - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
- Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the vertically adjustable spa cover assembly is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/253,299 US6718566B1 (en) | 2002-09-24 | 2002-09-24 | Vertically adjustable spa cover assembly |
CA002442831A CA2442831A1 (en) | 2002-09-24 | 2003-09-23 | Vertically adjustable spa cover assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/253,299 US6718566B1 (en) | 2002-09-24 | 2002-09-24 | Vertically adjustable spa cover assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20040055081A1 true US20040055081A1 (en) | 2004-03-25 |
US6718566B1 US6718566B1 (en) | 2004-04-13 |
Family
ID=31993146
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/253,299 Expired - Lifetime US6718566B1 (en) | 2002-09-24 | 2002-09-24 | Vertically adjustable spa cover assembly |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US6718566B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2442831A1 (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20060200900A1 (en) * | 2005-03-08 | 2006-09-14 | Chris Dorsch | Retractable cover arrangement for hot tubs and the like |
GB2428701A (en) * | 2005-07-23 | 2007-02-07 | Sterling Holdings Corp | Vertically-moving cover assembly for a structure |
US20070164171A1 (en) * | 2003-06-19 | 2007-07-19 | William Costas | Water supply pass-through apparatus |
US20080282461A1 (en) * | 2007-05-17 | 2008-11-20 | Ryan Sneed | Spa cover |
US20090162593A1 (en) * | 2004-05-11 | 2009-06-25 | Carmen Kotulla | Mosaic |
ES2400270A1 (en) * | 2012-10-29 | 2013-04-08 | Ángel GARCÍA CARPIO | System for lifting and lowering the roof of a kiosk (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US20160123028A1 (en) * | 2014-11-03 | 2016-05-05 | Strong Industries, Inc. | Lift assembly and spa including the same |
US10077572B1 (en) * | 2017-04-19 | 2018-09-18 | Hmt, Llc | Systems and methods for lifting and positioning a roof for installation on a storage tank |
US10273702B1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2019-04-30 | John Joseph Cunerty | Lift assembly for a spa cover |
US20190242145A1 (en) * | 2018-02-06 | 2019-08-08 | Gabriela Arisvette Rojas | Accessories to cover and protect a pool from the outside environment |
CN110529576A (en) * | 2019-10-06 | 2019-12-03 | 长沙燕通生物科技有限公司 | The diving driving-shaft assembly of rigid seal |
US11078679B2 (en) * | 2019-08-02 | 2021-08-03 | Hot Tub Products, Llc | Universal system to mechanize a cover lifter on a spa tub |
US11359396B2 (en) | 2019-01-28 | 2022-06-14 | Strong Industries, Inc. | Lift system for a spa cover |
US11692366B1 (en) * | 2020-09-30 | 2023-07-04 | Steven M. Wood | Modular removable covering and barrier system |
US11795716B1 (en) | 2023-04-26 | 2023-10-24 | 1140398 Ontario Ltd. | Lift assembly for a spa cover |
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US7600272B2 (en) * | 2005-01-21 | 2009-10-13 | Merlin Technologies, Inc. | Spa cover lifter and method |
WO2007012176A1 (en) * | 2005-07-23 | 2007-02-01 | Sterling Holdings Corporation | Vertically actuable roof cover for a spa |
AU2006200251B2 (en) * | 2005-07-23 | 2011-07-21 | Sterling Holdings Corporation | Vertically actuable roof cover for a spa |
US7480946B1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2009-01-27 | Brown David E | Hot tub cover assembly |
US7392816B2 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2008-07-01 | Porter Andrew H | Adjustable shade-providing building structure |
US20080244820A1 (en) * | 2007-04-06 | 2008-10-09 | Scott Moore | Soft bimini style gazebo particularly in use with separate and independently actuating hard top cover flipper |
US8051505B1 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2011-11-08 | Horton Karl G | Spa cover and method |
US9394709B2 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2016-07-19 | Mark Iosim | Swimming pool and spa cover apparatus and method thereof |
US9062472B2 (en) | 2010-05-10 | 2015-06-23 | Sundance Spas, Inc. | Spa rim |
US9181721B2 (en) | 2011-10-31 | 2015-11-10 | Strong Industries, Inc. | Cover assembly for a spa |
US10149574B1 (en) | 2017-09-14 | 2018-12-11 | Lmi Ip, Llc | Spa with integrated folding table |
US20190078345A1 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2019-03-14 | Lmi Ip, Llc | Spa with Integrated Umbrella Receptacle |
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---|---|---|---|---|
US20070164171A1 (en) * | 2003-06-19 | 2007-07-19 | William Costas | Water supply pass-through apparatus |
US7469711B2 (en) * | 2003-06-19 | 2008-12-30 | William Costas | Water supply pass-through apparatus |
US20090162593A1 (en) * | 2004-05-11 | 2009-06-25 | Carmen Kotulla | Mosaic |
US20060200900A1 (en) * | 2005-03-08 | 2006-09-14 | Chris Dorsch | Retractable cover arrangement for hot tubs and the like |
US7412733B2 (en) | 2005-03-08 | 2008-08-19 | Dorsch, Inc. | Retractable cover arrangement for hot tubs and the like |
GB2428701A (en) * | 2005-07-23 | 2007-02-07 | Sterling Holdings Corp | Vertically-moving cover assembly for a structure |
GB2428701B (en) * | 2005-07-23 | 2010-02-17 | Sterling Holdings Corp | Vertically actuatable roof cover for a spa |
US20080282461A1 (en) * | 2007-05-17 | 2008-11-20 | Ryan Sneed | Spa cover |
ES2400270A1 (en) * | 2012-10-29 | 2013-04-08 | Ángel GARCÍA CARPIO | System for lifting and lowering the roof of a kiosk (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US11078680B2 (en) | 2014-11-03 | 2021-08-03 | 1140398 Ontario Ltd. | Lift assembly and spa including the same |
US20160123028A1 (en) * | 2014-11-03 | 2016-05-05 | Strong Industries, Inc. | Lift assembly and spa including the same |
US9708823B2 (en) | 2014-11-03 | 2017-07-18 | Specialty Metal Products Inc. | Lift assembly and spa including the same |
US10487523B2 (en) * | 2014-11-03 | 2019-11-26 | Strong Industries, Inc. | Lift assembly and spa including the same |
US10077572B1 (en) * | 2017-04-19 | 2018-09-18 | Hmt, Llc | Systems and methods for lifting and positioning a roof for installation on a storage tank |
US10669731B2 (en) * | 2018-02-06 | 2020-06-02 | Gabriela Arisvette Rojas | Accessories to cover and protect a pool from the outside environment |
US20190242145A1 (en) * | 2018-02-06 | 2019-08-08 | Gabriela Arisvette Rojas | Accessories to cover and protect a pool from the outside environment |
US10273702B1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2019-04-30 | John Joseph Cunerty | Lift assembly for a spa cover |
US11891836B2 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2024-02-06 | 1140398 Ontario Ltd. | Spa accessory mounting assembly |
US10662665B2 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2020-05-26 | John Joseph Cunerty | Lift assembly for a spa cover |
US11391054B2 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2022-07-19 | John Joseph Cunerty | Spa accessory mounting assembly |
US11808050B2 (en) | 2019-01-28 | 2023-11-07 | Strong Industries, Inc | Lift system for a spa cover |
US11359396B2 (en) | 2019-01-28 | 2022-06-14 | Strong Industries, Inc. | Lift system for a spa cover |
US11078679B2 (en) * | 2019-08-02 | 2021-08-03 | Hot Tub Products, Llc | Universal system to mechanize a cover lifter on a spa tub |
CN110529576A (en) * | 2019-10-06 | 2019-12-03 | 长沙燕通生物科技有限公司 | The diving driving-shaft assembly of rigid seal |
US11692366B1 (en) * | 2020-09-30 | 2023-07-04 | Steven M. Wood | Modular removable covering and barrier system |
US11795716B1 (en) | 2023-04-26 | 2023-10-24 | 1140398 Ontario Ltd. | Lift assembly for a spa cover |
Also Published As
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CA2442831A1 (en) | 2004-03-24 |
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