US20070256229A1 - Upright hinge for spa cover - Google Patents
Upright hinge for spa cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070256229A1 US20070256229A1 US11/761,334 US76133407A US2007256229A1 US 20070256229 A1 US20070256229 A1 US 20070256229A1 US 76133407 A US76133407 A US 76133407A US 2007256229 A1 US2007256229 A1 US 2007256229A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- spa
- cover
- mounting bracket
- hinge assembly
- spa cover
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- This application is related to a hinge between a spa and a spa cover, and more particularly, to a hinge that allows a spa cover to be stowed in an upright position when the spa is open.
- spas typically have a spa cover to prevent dirt or dust from entering therein.
- a spa cover is typically folded in half, hingedly lifted off the top of the spa, and lowered vertically behind the spa so as to reduce its obstruction of view to a person using the spa.
- lowering and stowage of the spa cover typically requires an area behind the spa that may be larger than available in a small backyard.
- spa covers are kept in an upright position when the spa is fully open. This way, less room is typically required behind the spa. However, spa covers in an upright position are more susceptible to a gust of wind that blows against it from the rear or other forces that tend to close the spa cover when an occupant is in the spa.
- Fettes I discloses an apparatus for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover.
- Fettes I discloses a lifting system for exerting a lifting force on an arm attached to the spa cover, tending to lift the arm as the arm moves from the covering position toward the uncovering position, and for exerting a resistance force on the arm tending to resist movement of the arm from the uncovering position toward the covering position.
- FIGS. 11-13 disclose a spa cover that is stowed at an upright position.
- Black et al. discloses a spa cover lifting apparatus which can be adjusted to accommodate spa covers of different sizes. The lifting action of the apparatus is assisted by a telescoping gas strut.
- a gas spring forms an angle that is more than 45 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in a fully open position.
- Dragovic discloses a spa cover mounting method and apparatus. Dragovic discloses that a foam spa cover member is attached to a cover lifter apparatus using a plurality of brackets.
- a hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover to a spa.
- the spa cover is movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position.
- the hinge assembly includes a mounting bracket adapted to be installed near a top of the spa, and adapted to be coupled to a first end of a spring member; and a support arm pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation, adapted to be attached on an outside surface of the spa cover, and adapted to be coupled to a second end of the spring member.
- At least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm has a plurality of openings for selectively coupling the first end or the second end of the spring member, so as to adjust a coupling location between the spring member and the at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm.
- a spa system including a spa and a foldable spa cover having at least two sections.
- the spa cover is movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position.
- a hinge assembly couples the spa cover to the spa, and includes: a mounting bracket installed near a top of the spa; a support arm pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation, and attached on an outside surface of the spa cover; and a gas spring having a first end coupled to the mounting bracket and a second end coupled to the support arm.
- At least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm has a plurality of openings for selectively coupling the first end or the second end of the gas spring, so as to adjust a coupling location between the spring member and the at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a hinge assembly (in a closed position) that couples a spa cover to a spa in an exemplary embodiment according to aspects of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly coupled to a side mount support bracket and a brace of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support arm in an alternate embodiment
- FIG. 4A is a view of the side mount support bracket and the mounting bracket as seen from behind the spa;
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 1 mounted on top of the side mount support bracket;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view that illustrates a locking mechanism between a support arm and a mounting bracket in an alternate embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a side view of a metal plate assembly in an exemplary embodiment in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the metal plate assembly of FIG. 6 being mounted on a spa cover
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the hinge assembly (in an open position), spa cover and spa of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is a side view of the hinge assembly, spa cover and spa of FIG. 1 , in which the spa is enclosed in a deck;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the hinge assembly (in an open position), spa cover, spa and deck of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a hinge assembly in another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, attached to a mount support bracket (or side mount support bracket);
- FIG. 11B is a perspective (upside down) view of a mounting bracket of the hinge assembly of FIG. 11A , attached to a mount support bracket;
- FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 11A coupled to a gas spring;
- FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 11B , attached to the mount support bracket and coupled to a gas spring;
- FIG. 12 illustrates views of a mount support bracket in the hinge assembly of FIGS. 11A and 11C ;
- FIG. 13 illustrates views of a mounting bracket in the hinge assembly of FIGS. 11A and 11C ;
- FIG. 14A is a side view of the hinge assembly of FIGS. 11A and 11C ;
- FIG. 14B is a side view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 14A coupled to a gas spring;
- FIG. 15 illustrates views of a support arm in the hinge assembly of FIGS. 11A, 11B , 14 A and 14 B;
- FIG. 16 is a side view of a spa, in which the hinge assembly of FIGS. 11A and 11C is used to couple a spa cover to the spa, and the spa cover is in a fully closed position;
- FIG. 17 is the spa of FIG. 16 , wherein the spa cover is in a fully open position.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a hinge assembly 106 that couples a spa cover 102 to a spa 100 in an exemplary embodiment according to aspects of the present invention.
- the spa 100 includes an outer wood frame 101 surrounding an inner spa 103 .
- the inner spa 103 may be fabricated using fiberglass.
- FIG. 1 the spa is in a closed position, where the spa cover 102 completely covers the opening of the spa.
- the spa cover is foldable at a fold line A-A into two substantially rectangular sections that are approximately equal in size.
- the spa cover is first folded into two sections, one on top of the other, and then the folded spa cover is rotated about the rear edge at the top of the spa to completely open the spa.
- FIG. 1 illustrates only one embodiment of the hinge assembly, namely, the hinge assembly 106 , mounted on the spa, however, the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the hinge assembly 300 and the mount support bracket 306 of FIGS. 11 A-D through 15 can be used instead of the hinge assembly 106 , the mount support bracket 114 and the brace 116 .
- the hinge assembly 106 is mounted near the rear edge and on the outer wooden frame 101 of the spa when viewed from the left side of the spa. There is provided another hinge assembly on the right side of the spa 100 , which is hidden from view in FIG. 1 .
- the right side hinge assembly has substantially the same configuration as the hinge assembly 106 , except that the right side hinge assembly when viewed from the right side is a mirror image of the hinge assembly 106 . Therefore, the hinge assembly will be described in reference to the left side hinge assembly 106 with an understanding that the right and left side hinge assemblies have substantially the same configuration (but with a mirror image) as each other.
- the hinge assembly 106 includes a support arm 108 , a mounting bracket 112 and a spring member 110 .
- the spring member may help with the lifting of the spa cover 102 . Further, the spring member may provide resistance against closing of the spa cover 102 .
- the spring member 110 may be a gas spring. It should be noted that the spring member 110 is mounted outside the spa, and not inside.
- the hinge assembly is mounted on the spa using a side mount support bracket 114 and a brace 116 that are fixedly mounted on the left side of the spa (i.e., outer wooden frame 101 ).
- the spring member 110 is pivotably coupled to a pivot 118 on an end (i.e., the end away from the rear edge of the spa) of the mounting bracket 112 and a pivot 120 on the support arm 108 .
- the location of the pivot 120 on the support arm 108 is fixed.
- the resistance provided by the spring member 110 can be adjusted, for example, by replacing it with stronger or weaker spring members (e.g., gas springs).
- the angle the spring member 110 forms with respect to the top of the spa when the spa is fully open is fixed at approximately 15 degrees in the described exemplary embodiment. In other exemplary embodiments, however, the angle between the spring member 110 and the top of the spa may be different. For example, the angle the spring member 110 forms with respect to the top of the spa when the spa is fully open may be approximately 45 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees or less than 15 degrees in various different embodiments. In alternate embodiments, the location of the pivot 120 may be adjusted on the support arm 108 so as to change the resistance provided by the spring member.
- the support arm 108 has an elongated arm section 130 , a short arm section 134 and a connecting member 132 disposed between the elongated arm section 130 and the short arm section 134 .
- the connecting member 132 forms an angle with respect to the elongated arm section and also with respect to the short arm section. This way, the spa cover 102 attached to the elongated arm section 130 can be lifted up slightly and away from the spa as the support arm 108 is rotated with respect to the mounting bracket 112 about the pivot 122 to place the spa cover in a fully open position.
- the support arm 108 is shaped to enable the spa cover to be lifted up from the top of the spa and not aligned with an axis of rotation as the support arm is pivotably rotated with respect to the mounting bracket 112 to place the spa cover in a fully open position. Otherwise, the spa cover 102 may jamb against the top of the spa during the opening process.
- the elongated arm section 130 has two holes formed thereon at the end away from the connecting member 132 . These holes may be used to attach the elongated arm section 130 to the spa cover as will be described later.
- the elongated arm section 130 also has two holes formed thereon about two-thirds of the way between the end having two holes and the connecting member 132 . These holes may also be used to attach the elongated arm section 130 to the spa cover as will be described later.
- the short arm section 134 has formed thereon a hole for coupling the spring member thereto to form the pivot 120 .
- the location of the pivot 120 and therefore the hole for the same may be moved to adjust the resistance provided by the spring member against closing of the spa cover as described above.
- Each of the arm sections and the connecting member has a substantially rectangular cross-section in the exemplary embodiment.
- the support arm 108 may have other configurations in other embodiments.
- the arm sections and the connecting member may have cross-sections that are different from a rectangular cross-section.
- a support arm 109 may include an elongated arm section 131 connected to a short arm section 135 through a connecting member 133 that has a curvature.
- the short arm section 135 may be pivotably connected to a mounting bracket to form a pivot while the elongated arm section 131 is attached along the side of one of the two foldable spa cover sections.
- a spa cover attached to the elongated arm section 131 can be lifted up slightly and away from the spa as the support arm 109 is rotated with respect to a mounting bracket about a pivot to place the spa cover in a fully open position. Otherwise, the spa cover may jamb against the top of the spa during the opening process.
- the mounting bracket 112 includes a web 136 that has a shape of an elongated rectangle.
- the web 136 has attached thereon substantially vertical lips 138 and 140 that run substantially in parallel along the side of the web 136 through substantially the whole length of the web 136 .
- the lips 138 and 140 also have a substantially elongated rectangular shape.
- the lip 138 has formed thereon semi-elliptical protrusions 142 and 144 , respectively, on its ends.
- the semi-elliptical protrusion 142 has formed thereon a hole for forming the pivot 118 between the spring member 110 and the mounting bracket 112 .
- the other lip 140 has formed thereon only one semi-elliptical protrusion 146 that faces the semi-elliptical protrusion 144 on the lip 138 .
- the protrusion 146 has formed thereon a hole for forming the pivot 122 between the mounting bracket 112 and the support arm 108
- the protrusion 144 also has formed thereon a hole (not shown) for forming the pivot 122 together with the hole on the protrusion 146 .
- the web 136 of the mounting bracket 112 is mounted on top of and attached to the side mount support bracket 114 .
- the side mount support bracket 114 is L-shaped having a substantially rectangular horizontal member 148 and a substantially rectangular vertical member 150 .
- the horizontal member 148 may have formed thereon one or more holes for mounting the mounting bracket 112 on the horizontal member 148 .
- the mounting bracket 112 may also have holes that match the holes on the horizontal member 148 .
- the vertical member 150 may have formed thereon one or more holes for fastening the side mount support bracket on the side of the outer wooden frame 101 near the rear edge and close to the top of the spa.
- the installation of the side mount support bracket 114 and the mounting bracket 112 on the outer wooden frame 101 may best be described in reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B .
- the inner spa 103 has a lip portion 113 at the top that protrudes over and out of the outer wooden frame 101 .
- the vertical member 150 is installed on the outer wooden frame right below the lip portion 113 , where the top surface of a portion of the horizontal member 148 abuts the underside of the lip portion 113 .
- a major portion of the horizontal member 148 is not under the lip portion 113 , and the mounting bracket 112 is mounted on this major portion of the horizontal member 148 .
- the mounting bracket 112 is not mounted through its entire length on the horizontal member 148 of the side mount support bracket 114 . Instead, an end portion where the pivot 122 is located protrudes over and out of the edge of the horizontal member 148 . Further, the edge of the mounting bracket 112 on the side where the pivot 118 is located does not extend all the way to the edge of the horizontal member 148 .
- the brace 116 has a substantially elongated rectangular shape.
- the ends may be rectangular.
- one or both ends may taper so as to form a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape at one or both ends.
- the brace 116 is attached on the vertical member 150 at one end thereof at an angle such that the end of the brace 116 away from the attachment location with the vertical member 150 points downward and toward the front of the spa.
- the downward pointing end of the brace 116 is attached to the outer wooden frame 101 so as to provide a structural support to the side mount support bracket 114 .
- a hinge assembly may include a locking mechanism to hold the spa cover 102 in an upright position.
- a support arm 111 is hingedly coupled to a mounting bracket 115 about a pivot 123 .
- the mounting bracket has lips 139 and 141 coupled through the whole length of a web 137 , and formed thereon protrusions 145 and 147 that face each other, and on which respective holes for forming the pivot 123 have been formed.
- the protrusions 145 and 147 also have formed thereon, respectively, two holes 125 and 127 for installing a safety lock pin 155 .
- the safety lock pin 155 has formed thereon a locking ball for holding the pin 155 in place once it is installed through the holes 125 , 127 , and a chain 159 for attaching it to a stationary object so that the safety lock pin does not get lost.
- the support arm 108 is fixedly attached to the spa cover 102 at two locations along the length of the spa cover. Both the attachment locations are on only one of the two spa cover sections (e.g., on the spa cover section that is under the other spa cover section when the spa cover is folded) so that the support arm need not be folded in a similar manner when folding the spa cover in two.
- two parallel bolts or screws are used to fasten the support arm to the spa cover.
- the support arm may be attached at more than two attachment locations on the spa cover section. Further, more or less than two bolts or screws may be used at each attachment location in other embodiments.
- two metal plates 104 and 105 are first mounted on the spa cover 102 .
- the metal plates 104 and 105 are shown as rectangles having dotted lines along the left side edge of one of the spa cover sections. They are shown in dotted lines because they are at least partly hidden from view behind the support arm 108 .
- the metal plates 104 and 105 have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the support arm 108 . In other embodiments, the width of the metal plates may be more or less than the width of the support arm 108 . Further, a different size and/or number of metal plates (e.g., one long metal plate that runs along the length of one of the sections of the spa cover 102 ) may be used. A detailed description of installation and operation of the metal plates 104 and 105 is provided below in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a metal plate assembly in an exemplary embodiment in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- the metal plate assembly includes the metal plate 104 , a double sided tape 172 , a screw 170 and an anchor 174 .
- the metal plate assembly is described in reference to metal plate 104 of FIG. 1
- the metal plate 105 (and any other metal plates used) may have substantially the same configuration. For example, when an angle formed of two adjoining plates is used, one of the plates may be inserted into the spa cover and/or its core. A slit may be preformed on the spa cover and/or the core to accommodate the insertion of that plate of the angle.
- the metal plate 104 may be formed from aluminum and may have a rectangular shape and size varying, for example, between approximately 1′′ ⁇ 41′′ (2.54 cm ⁇ 10.16 cm) and approximately 1.75′′ ⁇ 2′′ (4.445 cm ⁇ 5.08 cm).
- the metal plate may have other dimensions in other embodiments. Further, the metal plate may have any other suitable shape such as angle, channel and the like.
- the double sided tape 172 may cover one side of the metal plate 104 completely, and is affixed to the metal plate. The adhesive on the side away from the metal plate should remain covered until the metal plate (and the double sided tape) is ready to be affixed to a spa cover.
- the double sided tape 172 may, for example, be a 0.030 heavy duty doubled sided tape.
- the screw 170 may be a flat head Phillips drive drywall screw or any other suitable screw.
- the screw 170 may, for example, have a length of approximately 6′′ (15.24 cm), and may be coarsely threaded.
- the anchor 174 is formed from an elongated metal strip that is approximately 2.5′′ (6.35 cm) in length.
- the anchor 174 is bent about its middle to form an elongated “U” shape.
- the anchor 174 has a hole about its middle that can be used to engage the thread on the screw 170 .
- the anchor 174 may be described as an U-shaped member having a base with hole and two elongated wings.
- the anchor 174 has a pointed tip at both ends 176 and 178 (e.g., of the two wings), so that the wings can penetrate the material into which the anchor is embedded.
- the anchor may have other suitable shapes in other embodiments.
- the anchor 174 is deformable so that it can at least partly be unbent during the installation process.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the metal plate assembly of FIG. 6 being mounted on a spa cover 102 .
- the spa cover 102 has a core 162 (which may be formed from a solid block of foam) covered by a cover 160 (which may be formed from vinyl). In other embodiments, other suitable materials other than foam and/or vinyl may be used to fabricate the core and/or the cover, respectively. It should be noted that while the installation of the metal plate assembly is described in reference to metal plate 104 of FIG. 1 , the metal plate 105 (and any other metal plates used) may be installed in substantially the same manner.
- the sticky portion not affixed to the metal plate of the double sided tape 172 should first be exposed so that the double sided tape 172 , and therefore the metal plate 104 , can be affixed on the cover 160 . Then, the screw 170 is nailed (i.e., pounded in and not screwed) through a hole on the metal plate 104 and the cover 160 into the core 162 without removing the cover 160 . This way, the steps of removing the cover and then reinserting the core into the cover may be avoided. In other embodiments, however, the cover may be removed to install the metal plates directly on the core. Since the anchor 174 engages the thread of the screw 170 , the anchor is inserted into the core 162 together with the screw 170 .
- the metal plate may be affixed to the cover 160 via the double sided tape 172 at any time before, during or after nailing the screw 170 into the core 162 .
- the adhesive on the double sided tape 172 may form a seal around the opening on the cover 160 formed by driving in the screw 170 so as to prevent moisture from entering inside the cover 160 .
- the screw With the metal plate and the screw (and the anchor) in place, the screw is rotated to attach it firmly to the core 162 . That is, at the time of inserting the screw into the core 162 , the anchor 174 has an outline and relative location similar to that of a dotted outline 174 a . As the screw is rotated, the anchor 174 travels towards the head of the screw 170 since the hole at the center of the anchor is engaging the thread of the screw 170 . Moving towards the screw head, the anchor 174 is deformed since its movement is resisted by the core 162 , which may be a solid block of foam material.
- the anchor has an outline and relative position 174 b , for example, where the anchor has partially unbent wings due to the resistance provided by the core 162 .
- the anchor may have an outline and relative position 174 c when the screw is finally firmly anchored within the core 162 , and the wings of the anchor 174 are further spread out.
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the hinge assembly 106 , spa cover 102 and spa 100 of FIG. 1 , where the spa is in an open position. It can be seen that the spa cover 102 forms an approximately 90 degree angle with respect to the top of the spa. Further, the spa cover 102 is in an upright position, where it is not vertically moved downward (e.g., behind the spa) to reach a fully open position. The short arm section 134 of the support arm also forms an approximately 90 degree angle with respect to the top of the spa 100 . This way, the requirement for room or space behind the spa 100 may be reduced, as compared to a spa whose cover is stowed behind the spa.
- the spring member 110 (e.g., a gas spring) is in a fully extended position when the spa is fully open. It can be seen that the spring member forms an angle of approximately 15 degrees with respect to the top of the spa so that the spring member 110 provides a resistance against the gust of wind blowing from behind the spa cover or other forces that tend to close the spa cover in the upright position. In alternate embodiments, by adjusting the location of the pivot 120 on the short arm section 134 , the resistance in the horizontal direction provided by the spring member 110 may be adjusted.
- the support arm 108 is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 112 at a pivot 122 .
- the pivot 122 is not aligned with the rear edge of the spa 100 nor is the pivot attached to the spa cover 102 .
- the spa cover 102 is not placed over the axis of rotation about the pivot 122 between the support arm 108 and the mounting bracket 112 when the spa cover is in a fully open position.
- This is also made possible by the angled connecting member 132 of the support arm 108 that displaces the elongated member 130 (to which the spa cover is attached) from the axis of rotation about the pivot 122 when the spa cover is in the fully open position.
- FIG. 9 is a side view of the hinge assembly 106 , the spa cover 102 and the spa 100 of FIG. 1 , where the spa cover 102 is in a closed position.
- the spa 100 is enclosed in a deck 200 except for a small portion at the top (e.g., top of the inner spa 103 ).
- the deck 200 may be made of wood or any other suitable material. In other embodiments, the deck may only partially enclose the spa.
- the operation of the hinge assembly 106 is substantially the same as that of the hinge assembly of FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 .
- One difference is that the hinge assembly 106 is not mounted on the side mount support bracket 114 or the brace 116 . Instead, the mounting bracket 112 is mounted directly on the deck 200 , which provides support to the hinge assembly 106 .
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the hinge assembly 106 , the spa cover 102 and the deck 200 of FIG. 9 , where the spa cover 102 is in an open position.
- the operation of the hinge assembly 106 is substantially the same as that of the hinge assembly 106 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 .
- the spring member 110 when the spa is fully open, forms an angle with respect to the top of the spa that is approximately 15 degrees.
- Such small angle between the spring member 110 and the top of the spa provides additional resistance against force, e.g., gust of wind, that tend to close the spa cover 102 , as compared to the spring members that form an angle greater than approximately 45 degrees.
- the spa cover 102 rests at the top of the deck 200 .
- the support arm 108 is shaped to enable the spa cover 102 to be lifted up from the top of the spa and not aligned with an axis of rotation as the support arm is pivotably rotated with respect to the mounting bracket 112 to place the spa cover in a fully open position, and to enable the spa cover 102 to rest directly on the deck 200 .
- FIGS. 11 A-D, 12 , 13 , 14 A-B and 15 illustrate a hinge assembly 300 in another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 12-15 provide dimensions (in inches) for various different components of the hinge assembly 300
- the present invention is not limited to having any particular dimension or dimensions.
- the support arm 302 , the mounting bracket 304 and the mount support bracket 306 can have any suitable dimensions depending on the dimensions and/or requirements of the particular spa system on which the hinge assembly 300 is installed, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
- the hinge assembly 300 includes a mounting bracket 304 , which is coupled or attached to a mount support bracket 306 .
- the mount support bracket 306 is adapted to be installed on a spa.
- the hinge assembly 300 can be attached to a side of a spa (e.g., outer wooden frame) using suitable fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) that are known to those skilled in the art, in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 A.
- the hinge assembly 300 and the mount support bracket 306 can be used instead of the hinge assembly 106 , the side mount support bracket 114 and the brace 116 to couple the spa cover 102 to the spa 100 , such that the spa cover 102 can be moved between open and closed positions.
- two hinge assemblies that are mirror images of each other are mounted on two sides of the spa (e.g., the outer wooden frame) for such moveable coupling of the spa cover to the spa.
- the hinge assembly also includes a support arm 302 hingedly (or pivotally) coupled to a pivot point 305 at one end (e.g., rear end) of the mounting bracket 304 .
- the mounting bracket 304 at the rear end includes a protruding or raised portion 307 on which the pivot point 305 is located.
- the support arm 302 has a plurality of holes or openings 303 formed thereon for attaching the support arm 302 to a side surface of a spa cover (e.g., the spa cover 102 of FIG. 1 ) such that the spa cover can be removed from the top of the spa by rotating the support arm 302 about the pivot point 305 on the mounting bracket 304 .
- the support arm can be fixedly attached to the spa cover, for example, using bolts or screws installed through the holes 303 on the support arm 302 or using any other suitable fasteners.
- a gas spring 318 (shown in FIG. 11C -D, for example) is coupled between the support arm 302 and the mounting bracket 304 .
- the support arm 302 includes an elongated portion used to attach the support arm 302 to the spa cover and a short portion that is used to pivotally couple the support arm 302 to mounting bracket 304 at the pivot point 305 .
- the elongated portion and the short portion are integral to one another at an angle (or curvature) with respect to one other.
- the support arm 302 can be viewed as a generally rectangular bar that has been bent near one end to form an angle (or curvature) such that an elongated portion is integrally attached to a short portion via a bent (curved or angled) portion.
- a plate 310 is attached to the side of the support arm 302 about the bent portion thereof.
- the plate 310 may be formed of material that is identical to the material used for the support arm.
- the material used may be stainless steel, aluminum, any other suitable metal or any other material suitable for a spa hinge assembly.
- the material used is Galvannealed A60/A653, which has pre-finish that offers protection against rust and provides an excellent base for painting.
- Such material may be zinc-plated cold rolled steel (CRS) or CRS having a zinc-based protective coating, and may be referred to as pre-plated CRS.
- the plate is attached to the support arm 302 via any suitable method (e.g., welding or spot welding) known to those skilled in the art.
- the plate 310 may be formed as an integrated whole with the support arm 302 , thereby not necessitating any welding or any other attachment step between the two during manufacturing.
- the hinge assembly 300 and the hinge assembly in other embodiments are provided as an upright hinge because there is little or no space behind the spa, for example, when the spa is in a gazebo or when the back of the spa is against the wall, to stow away the spa cover.
- one function of the gas spring 318 e.g., see FIGS. 16 and 17 ) is to prevent the spa cover 102 from closing (i.e., moving to the closed position) unintendedly.
- the plate 310 has a plurality of openings (or holes) 312 formed (or defined) thereon. These holes are used to adjust the attachment location of the gas spring 318 with respect to the support arm 302 .
- openings or holes
- These holes are used to adjust the attachment location of the gas spring 318 with respect to the support arm 302 .
- the attachment location is toward the rear of the spa, easier it is to close the spa cover because less force (or torque) would be needed to compress the gas spring 318 . It would also be easier to remove the spa cover from the top of the spa.
- the spa cover would tend to close easier in response to an applied force.
- the spa cover has a tendency of becoming heavier as moisture accumulated therein. Therefore, as the time elapses, it may be desirable to change the attachment location so as to make it easier to open the spa cover.
- the protruding or raised portion 307 also includes an opening (or hole) 323 formed thereon.
- the opening 323 can be used to insert a lock pin, such as the lock pin 155 of FIG. 5 , so as to prevent the spa cover from unintendedly closing while in use due to an applied force.
- the mounting bracket 304 also includes a protrusion or raised portion 315 toward the front of the spa.
- the raised portion 315 also includes a plurality of openings or holes 316 formed thereon. These holes are used to adjust the attachment location of the other end (e.g., a second end) of the gas spring 318 for the reason that is substantially the same as the reason for adjusting the attachment location of one end (e.g., a first end) of the gas spring 318 on the openings 312 .
- the mount support bracket (or the side mount support bracket) 306 includes a bracket attachment portion 319 and a spa attachment part 320 .
- the bracket attachment part 319 and the spa attachment part 320 are formed as two separate parts and are attached to each other using a suitable method.
- the parts are attached to each other using one or more bolts.
- other methods such as spot welding may be used.
- the bracket attachment part 319 and the spa attachment part 320 may be formed as a single integrated piece.
- the bracket attachment part 319 has formed on its surface a plurality of openings 321 for attaching the mounting bracket 304 thereto.
- the mounting bracket 304 as shown in FIG. 13 , has a flat portion 317 for attaching the hinge assembly 300 to the mount support bracket 306 .
- the spa attachment part 320 has a plurality of openings 314 formed thereon for attaching the mount support bracket 306 to a spa (e.g., on the wooden frame of the spa), using any suitable method (e.g., using bolts and/or screws) known to those skilled in the art.
- the sides of the spa attachment part 320 have a shape of a right triangle.
- the triangle-shaped side parts 320 are used to provide further support to the top flat surface portion of the spa attachment part 320 .
- Between the side parts 320 is a plate or web 313 that is used to mount the mount support bracket 306 and therefore the hinge assembly 300 to the spa.
- the plate 313 has the openings 314 formed thereon.
- the hinge assembly 300 (including the mounting bracket 304 ) and the mount support bracket 306 may be made of any suitable material for supporting the spa cover as well as supporting opening and closing of the spa cover. In one embodiment, stainless steel may be used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B The attachment of the gas spring 318 to the hinge assembly 300 is also illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B .
- the support arm 302 has attached thereto near its bent portion the plate 310 .
- a plurality of openings (i.e., 3 openings) 312 are formed or defined on the plate 310 .
- the mounting bracket 304 has a protrusion or raised portion 315 , which also has formed thereon a plurality of openings (i.e., 3 openings) 316 .
- the resistance of the gas spring against opening or closing of the spa cover can be adjusted or controlled.
- the first end of the gas spring 318 can be attached to any of the openings 312 and the second end of the gas spring 318 can be attached to any of the openings 316 .
- FIG. 16 is a side view of a spa 100 having an outer wooden frame 101 , to which the hinge assembly 300 is attached via the mount support bracket 306 .
- the spa cover 102 is fixedly coupled to the support arm 302 via the openings 303 .
- the spa cover 102 is in a fully closed position.
- the spa cover is movable between the fully closed position and a fully open position shown in FIG. 17 .
- the mounting bracket 304 is installed on the mount support bracket 306 near the top of the spa, and is coupled to a first end of the gas spring 318 .
- the mount support bracket 306 is fixed to the outer wooden frame 101 of the spa using openings 314 . Any suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) known to those skilled in the art can be used to fasten the mount support bracket 306 to the outer wooden frame 101 .
- a second end of the gas spring 318 is coupled to the support arm 302 , which is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 304 about an axis of rotation.
- the support arm 302 is attached to the outside surface of the lower portion of the spa cover 102 using openings 303 and any suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.).
- the support arm 302 includes an elongated portion attached to the spa cover 102 , a short portion coupled to the mounting bracket 304 at the pivot point (i.e., axis of rotation) 305 on the protruding portion 307 of the mounting bracket 304 , and a curved portion connecting the elongated portion to the short portion.
- the support arm 302 has a plate 310 attached to its curved portion. In other exemplary embodiments, the portions of the support arm 302 and/or the plate 310 may be formed as a single integrated piece.
- the mounting bracket has the raised portion 315 , on which a plurality of openings are formed.
- the first end of the gas spring 318 can be selectively coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to one of these openings so that the angle that the gas spring 318 forms with the mounting bracket 304 can be adjusted. While only 3 openings or holes are shown in FIG. 16 , the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the plate 310 also includes openings 312 that can be used to selectively couple to the second end of the gas spring 318 .
- the angle of the gas spring 318 can also be changed by adjusting the coupling location between the second end of the gas spring 318 and the plate 310 .
- the gas spring 318 is extended and inclined upward in a direction toward a rear end of the spa 100 from the first end coupled to the mounting bracket 304 to the second end coupled to the support arm 302 , as the spa cover is moved toward the fully open position.
- the gas spring is compressed as the spa cover is moved toward the fully closed position.
- the gas spring resists movement of the spa cover from the fully open position toward the fully closed position.
- FIG. 17 is a side view of the spa coupled to the hinge assembly 300 , in which the spa cover 102 is in the fully open position. It can be seen in FIG. 17 that the gas spring forms an angle of less than approximately 45 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in the fully open position. In one embodiment, the gas spring forms an angle of between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 20 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in the fully open position.
Abstract
A hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover to a spa, said spa cover being movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The hinge assembly includes a mounting bracket adapted to be installed near a top of the spa, and adapted to be coupled to a first end of a spring member; and a support arm pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation, adapted to be attached on an outside surface of the spa cover, and adapted to be coupled to a second end of the spring member. At least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm has a plurality of openings for selectively coupling the first end or the second end of the spring member, so as to adjust a coupling location between the spring member and the at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/436,410, filed May 17, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/622,213, filed Jul. 18, 2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,213 on Jul. 11, 2006. This application also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/812,295 filed on Jun. 9, 2006. The entire content of each of the above-referenced U.S. application Ser. Nos. 11/436,410, 10/622,213 and 60/812,295 is incorporated by reference herein.
- This application is related to a hinge between a spa and a spa cover, and more particularly, to a hinge that allows a spa cover to be stowed in an upright position when the spa is open.
- Commercially available spas typically have a spa cover to prevent dirt or dust from entering therein. To open the spa, a spa cover is typically folded in half, hingedly lifted off the top of the spa, and lowered vertically behind the spa so as to reduce its obstruction of view to a person using the spa. However, such lowering and stowage of the spa cover typically requires an area behind the spa that may be larger than available in a small backyard.
- To accommodate those without sufficient room to stow the spa cover behind the spa, some spa covers are kept in an upright position when the spa is fully open. This way, less room is typically required behind the spa. However, spa covers in an upright position are more susceptible to a gust of wind that blows against it from the rear or other forces that tend to close the spa cover when an occupant is in the spa.
- U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0050003 filed by Perry (“Perry I”) discloses a gas spring lock for engaging and locking a gas spring in the extended position so that covers of spas, hot tubs and other similar apparatus that employ gas springs can be safely locked into an open position.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,071 issued to Fettes (“Fettes I”) discloses an apparatus for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover. Fettes I discloses a lifting system for exerting a lifting force on an arm attached to the spa cover, tending to lift the arm as the arm moves from the covering position toward the uncovering position, and for exerting a resistance force on the arm tending to resist movement of the arm from the uncovering position toward the covering position.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,252 issued to Fettes (“Fettes II”) discloses a device for aiding in the removal and replacement of a spa cover atop a spa tub.
FIGS. 11-13 disclose a spa cover that is stowed at an upright position. - U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,841 issued to Black et al. (“Black et al.”) discloses a spa cover lifting apparatus which can be adjusted to accommodate spa covers of different sizes. The lifting action of the apparatus is assisted by a telescoping gas strut.
- In each of the above publication and patents, a gas spring forms an angle that is more than 45 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in a fully open position.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,332 issued to Perry (“Perry II”) discloses a spa cover removal apparatus. As seen in
FIG. 8 , the gas spring 63 can assume an infinite number of positions thereby providing a wide range of adjustment for the amount of load it assumes to resist. - U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,420 issued to Bye et al. (“Bye et al.”) discloses a hinge system for a large or heavy cover member hinged to a container member. A container hinge plate is secured to a side wall of the container member. A cover hinge plate is secured to a side wall of the cover member and rotatably connected to the first hinge means at a hinge pivot means. Bye et al. also discloses a gas strut that appears to form an angle that is less than 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. The cover member pivots with respect to the container member about the same axis as the axis of rotation between the container hinge plate and the cover hinge plate.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,811 issued to Dragovic (“Dragovic”) discloses a spa cover mounting method and apparatus. Dragovic discloses that a foam spa cover member is attached to a cover lifter apparatus using a plurality of brackets.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,833 entitled “Slide Hinge for Spa Cover” issued on Mar. 14, 2006 to Duarte et al. (“Duarte”), the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a slide type hinge for a spa cover.
- In an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, a hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover to a spa, is provided. The spa cover is movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The hinge assembly includes a mounting bracket adapted to be installed near a top of the spa, and adapted to be coupled to a first end of a spring member; and a support arm pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation, adapted to be attached on an outside surface of the spa cover, and adapted to be coupled to a second end of the spring member. At least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm has a plurality of openings for selectively coupling the first end or the second end of the spring member, so as to adjust a coupling location between the spring member and the at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm.
- In another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, a spa system including a spa and a foldable spa cover having at least two sections, is provided. The spa cover is movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position. A hinge assembly couples the spa cover to the spa, and includes: a mounting bracket installed near a top of the spa; a support arm pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation, and attached on an outside surface of the spa cover; and a gas spring having a first end coupled to the mounting bracket and a second end coupled to the support arm. At least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm has a plurality of openings for selectively coupling the first end or the second end of the gas spring, so as to adjust a coupling location between the spring member and the at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm.
- These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily comprehended in view of the discussion herein and accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like elements.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a hinge assembly (in a closed position) that couples a spa cover to a spa in an exemplary embodiment according to aspects of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly coupled to a side mount support bracket and a brace ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support arm in an alternate embodiment; -
FIG. 4A is a view of the side mount support bracket and the mounting bracket as seen from behind the spa; -
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the mounting bracket ofFIG. 1 mounted on top of the side mount support bracket; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view that illustrates a locking mechanism between a support arm and a mounting bracket in an alternate embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of a metal plate assembly in an exemplary embodiment in accordance with aspects of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates the metal plate assembly ofFIG. 6 being mounted on a spa cover; -
FIG. 8 is a side view of the hinge assembly (in an open position), spa cover and spa ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of the hinge assembly, spa cover and spa ofFIG. 1 , in which the spa is enclosed in a deck; -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the hinge assembly (in an open position), spa cover, spa and deck ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a hinge assembly in another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, attached to a mount support bracket (or side mount support bracket); -
FIG. 11B is a perspective (upside down) view of a mounting bracket of the hinge assembly ofFIG. 11A , attached to a mount support bracket; -
FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the hinge assembly ofFIG. 11A coupled to a gas spring; -
FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the mounting bracket ofFIG. 11B , attached to the mount support bracket and coupled to a gas spring; -
FIG. 12 illustrates views of a mount support bracket in the hinge assembly ofFIGS. 11A and 11C ; -
FIG. 13 illustrates views of a mounting bracket in the hinge assembly ofFIGS. 11A and 11C ; -
FIG. 14A is a side view of the hinge assembly ofFIGS. 11A and 11C ; -
FIG. 14B is a side view of the hinge assembly ofFIG. 14A coupled to a gas spring; -
FIG. 15 illustrates views of a support arm in the hinge assembly ofFIGS. 11A, 11B , 14A and 14B; -
FIG. 16 is a side view of a spa, in which the hinge assembly ofFIGS. 11A and 11C is used to couple a spa cover to the spa, and the spa cover is in a fully closed position; and -
FIG. 17 is the spa ofFIG. 16 , wherein the spa cover is in a fully open position. -
FIG. 1 is a side view of ahinge assembly 106 that couples aspa cover 102 to aspa 100 in an exemplary embodiment according to aspects of the present invention. Thespa 100 includes anouter wood frame 101 surrounding aninner spa 103. Theinner spa 103, for example, may be fabricated using fiberglass. - In
FIG. 1 , the spa is in a closed position, where thespa cover 102 completely covers the opening of the spa. The spa cover is foldable at a fold line A-A into two substantially rectangular sections that are approximately equal in size. When opening the spa, the spa cover is first folded into two sections, one on top of the other, and then the folded spa cover is rotated about the rear edge at the top of the spa to completely open the spa. WhileFIG. 1 illustrates only one embodiment of the hinge assembly, namely, thehinge assembly 106, mounted on the spa, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, for example, thehinge assembly 300 and themount support bracket 306 of FIGS. 11A-D through 15 can be used instead of thehinge assembly 106, themount support bracket 114 and thebrace 116. - The
hinge assembly 106 is mounted near the rear edge and on the outerwooden frame 101 of the spa when viewed from the left side of the spa. There is provided another hinge assembly on the right side of thespa 100, which is hidden from view inFIG. 1 . The right side hinge assembly has substantially the same configuration as thehinge assembly 106, except that the right side hinge assembly when viewed from the right side is a mirror image of thehinge assembly 106. Therefore, the hinge assembly will be described in reference to the leftside hinge assembly 106 with an understanding that the right and left side hinge assemblies have substantially the same configuration (but with a mirror image) as each other. - With reference also to
FIG. 2 , thehinge assembly 106 includes asupport arm 108, a mountingbracket 112 and aspring member 110. The spring member may help with the lifting of thespa cover 102. Further, the spring member may provide resistance against closing of thespa cover 102. Thespring member 110, for example, may be a gas spring. It should be noted that thespring member 110 is mounted outside the spa, and not inside. The hinge assembly is mounted on the spa using a sidemount support bracket 114 and abrace 116 that are fixedly mounted on the left side of the spa (i.e., outer wooden frame 101). - The
spring member 110 is pivotably coupled to apivot 118 on an end (i.e., the end away from the rear edge of the spa) of the mountingbracket 112 and apivot 120 on thesupport arm 108. In the exemplary embodiment, the location of thepivot 120 on thesupport arm 108 is fixed. The resistance provided by thespring member 110 can be adjusted, for example, by replacing it with stronger or weaker spring members (e.g., gas springs). - The angle the
spring member 110 forms with respect to the top of the spa when the spa is fully open is fixed at approximately 15 degrees in the described exemplary embodiment. In other exemplary embodiments, however, the angle between thespring member 110 and the top of the spa may be different. For example, the angle thespring member 110 forms with respect to the top of the spa when the spa is fully open may be approximately 45 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees or less than 15 degrees in various different embodiments. In alternate embodiments, the location of thepivot 120 may be adjusted on thesupport arm 108 so as to change the resistance provided by the spring member. - The
support arm 108 has anelongated arm section 130, ashort arm section 134 and a connectingmember 132 disposed between theelongated arm section 130 and theshort arm section 134. The connectingmember 132 forms an angle with respect to the elongated arm section and also with respect to the short arm section. This way, thespa cover 102 attached to theelongated arm section 130 can be lifted up slightly and away from the spa as thesupport arm 108 is rotated with respect to the mountingbracket 112 about thepivot 122 to place the spa cover in a fully open position. In other words, thesupport arm 108 is shaped to enable the spa cover to be lifted up from the top of the spa and not aligned with an axis of rotation as the support arm is pivotably rotated with respect to the mountingbracket 112 to place the spa cover in a fully open position. Otherwise, thespa cover 102 may jamb against the top of the spa during the opening process. - The
elongated arm section 130 has two holes formed thereon at the end away from the connectingmember 132. These holes may be used to attach theelongated arm section 130 to the spa cover as will be described later. Theelongated arm section 130 also has two holes formed thereon about two-thirds of the way between the end having two holes and the connectingmember 132. These holes may also be used to attach theelongated arm section 130 to the spa cover as will be described later. - The
short arm section 134 has formed thereon a hole for coupling the spring member thereto to form thepivot 120. In alternate embodiments, the location of thepivot 120 and therefore the hole for the same may be moved to adjust the resistance provided by the spring member against closing of the spa cover as described above. Each of the arm sections and the connecting member has a substantially rectangular cross-section in the exemplary embodiment. - The
support arm 108 may have other configurations in other embodiments. For example, the arm sections and the connecting member may have cross-sections that are different from a rectangular cross-section. Further, in an alternate embodiment as depicted inFIG. 3 , asupport arm 109 may include anelongated arm section 131 connected to ashort arm section 135 through a connectingmember 133 that has a curvature. In the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 3 , theshort arm section 135 may be pivotably connected to a mounting bracket to form a pivot while theelongated arm section 131 is attached along the side of one of the two foldable spa cover sections. Due to the curvature of the connectingmember 133, a spa cover attached to theelongated arm section 131 can be lifted up slightly and away from the spa as thesupport arm 109 is rotated with respect to a mounting bracket about a pivot to place the spa cover in a fully open position. Otherwise, the spa cover may jamb against the top of the spa during the opening process. - Returning now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mountingbracket 112 includes aweb 136 that has a shape of an elongated rectangle. Theweb 136 has attached thereon substantiallyvertical lips web 136 through substantially the whole length of theweb 136. Thelips - The
lip 138 has formed thereonsemi-elliptical protrusions semi-elliptical protrusion 142 has formed thereon a hole for forming thepivot 118 between thespring member 110 and the mountingbracket 112. Theother lip 140 has formed thereon only onesemi-elliptical protrusion 146 that faces thesemi-elliptical protrusion 144 on thelip 138. Theprotrusion 146 has formed thereon a hole for forming thepivot 122 between the mountingbracket 112 and thesupport arm 108, and theprotrusion 144 also has formed thereon a hole (not shown) for forming thepivot 122 together with the hole on theprotrusion 146. - The
web 136 of the mountingbracket 112 is mounted on top of and attached to the sidemount support bracket 114. The sidemount support bracket 114 is L-shaped having a substantially rectangularhorizontal member 148 and a substantially rectangularvertical member 150. Thehorizontal member 148 may have formed thereon one or more holes for mounting the mountingbracket 112 on thehorizontal member 148. The mountingbracket 112 may also have holes that match the holes on thehorizontal member 148. Thevertical member 150 may have formed thereon one or more holes for fastening the side mount support bracket on the side of the outerwooden frame 101 near the rear edge and close to the top of the spa. - The installation of the side
mount support bracket 114 and the mountingbracket 112 on the outerwooden frame 101 may best be described in reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B . It can be seen that theinner spa 103 has alip portion 113 at the top that protrudes over and out of the outerwooden frame 101. Thevertical member 150 is installed on the outer wooden frame right below thelip portion 113, where the top surface of a portion of thehorizontal member 148 abuts the underside of thelip portion 113. A major portion of thehorizontal member 148 is not under thelip portion 113, and the mountingbracket 112 is mounted on this major portion of thehorizontal member 148. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 2 and 4 B, the mountingbracket 112 is not mounted through its entire length on thehorizontal member 148 of the sidemount support bracket 114. Instead, an end portion where thepivot 122 is located protrudes over and out of the edge of thehorizontal member 148. Further, the edge of the mountingbracket 112 on the side where thepivot 118 is located does not extend all the way to the edge of thehorizontal member 148. - Returning now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thebrace 116 has a substantially elongated rectangular shape. In one embodiment, the ends may be rectangular. In other embodiments, one or both ends may taper so as to form a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape at one or both ends. Thebrace 116 is attached on thevertical member 150 at one end thereof at an angle such that the end of thebrace 116 away from the attachment location with thevertical member 150 points downward and toward the front of the spa. The downward pointing end of thebrace 116 is attached to the outerwooden frame 101 so as to provide a structural support to the sidemount support bracket 114. - In other embodiments as illustrated, for example, in
FIG. 5 , a hinge assembly may include a locking mechanism to hold thespa cover 102 in an upright position. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5 , asupport arm 111 is hingedly coupled to a mountingbracket 115 about apivot 123. The mounting bracket haslips web 137, and formed thereonprotrusions pivot 123 have been formed. - The
protrusions holes safety lock pin 155. Thesafety lock pin 155 has formed thereon a locking ball for holding thepin 155 in place once it is installed through theholes chain 159 for attaching it to a stationary object so that the safety lock pin does not get lost. When thesupport arm 111 is in an open position and thesafety lock pin 155 is installed (i.e., the locking mechanism has been engaged), thesupport arm 111 does not rotate with respect to the mountingbracket 112 because thesafety lock pin 155 engages an end of the support arm, and physically prevents it from rotating towards a closed position. - Returning now to
FIG. 1 , thesupport arm 108 is fixedly attached to thespa cover 102 at two locations along the length of the spa cover. Both the attachment locations are on only one of the two spa cover sections (e.g., on the spa cover section that is under the other spa cover section when the spa cover is folded) so that the support arm need not be folded in a similar manner when folding the spa cover in two. At each attachment location, two parallel bolts or screws are used to fasten the support arm to the spa cover. In other embodiments, the support arm may be attached at more than two attachment locations on the spa cover section. Further, more or less than two bolts or screws may be used at each attachment location in other embodiments. - To support the attachment of the
support arm 108 to thespa cover 102 at two attachment locations, twometal plates spa cover 102. InFIG. 1 , themetal plates support arm 108. - The
metal plates support arm 108. In other embodiments, the width of the metal plates may be more or less than the width of thesupport arm 108. Further, a different size and/or number of metal plates (e.g., one long metal plate that runs along the length of one of the sections of the spa cover 102) may be used. A detailed description of installation and operation of themetal plates FIGS. 6 and 7 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a metal plate assembly in an exemplary embodiment in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The metal plate assembly includes themetal plate 104, a doublesided tape 172, a screw 170 and ananchor 174. It should be noted that while the metal plate assembly is described in reference tometal plate 104 ofFIG. 1 , the metal plate 105 (and any other metal plates used) may have substantially the same configuration. For example, when an angle formed of two adjoining plates is used, one of the plates may be inserted into the spa cover and/or its core. A slit may be preformed on the spa cover and/or the core to accommodate the insertion of that plate of the angle. - The
metal plate 104 may be formed from aluminum and may have a rectangular shape and size varying, for example, between approximately 1″×41″ (2.54 cm×10.16 cm) and approximately 1.75″×2″ (4.445 cm×5.08 cm). The metal plate may have other dimensions in other embodiments. Further, the metal plate may have any other suitable shape such as angle, channel and the like. - The double
sided tape 172 may cover one side of themetal plate 104 completely, and is affixed to the metal plate. The adhesive on the side away from the metal plate should remain covered until the metal plate (and the double sided tape) is ready to be affixed to a spa cover. The doublesided tape 172 may, for example, be a 0.030 heavy duty doubled sided tape. - The screw 170, for example, may be a flat head Phillips drive drywall screw or any other suitable screw. The screw 170 may, for example, have a length of approximately 6″ (15.24 cm), and may be coarsely threaded.
- The
anchor 174 is formed from an elongated metal strip that is approximately 2.5″ (6.35 cm) in length. Theanchor 174 is bent about its middle to form an elongated “U” shape. Theanchor 174 has a hole about its middle that can be used to engage the thread on the screw 170. Hence, theanchor 174 may be described as an U-shaped member having a base with hole and two elongated wings. Theanchor 174 has a pointed tip at both ends 176 and 178 (e.g., of the two wings), so that the wings can penetrate the material into which the anchor is embedded. The anchor may have other suitable shapes in other embodiments. Theanchor 174 is deformable so that it can at least partly be unbent during the installation process. -
FIG. 7 illustrates the metal plate assembly ofFIG. 6 being mounted on aspa cover 102. Thespa cover 102 has a core 162 (which may be formed from a solid block of foam) covered by a cover 160 (which may be formed from vinyl). In other embodiments, other suitable materials other than foam and/or vinyl may be used to fabricate the core and/or the cover, respectively. It should be noted that while the installation of the metal plate assembly is described in reference tometal plate 104 ofFIG. 1 , the metal plate 105 (and any other metal plates used) may be installed in substantially the same manner. - During installation, the sticky portion not affixed to the metal plate of the double
sided tape 172 should first be exposed so that the doublesided tape 172, and therefore themetal plate 104, can be affixed on thecover 160. Then, the screw 170 is nailed (i.e., pounded in and not screwed) through a hole on themetal plate 104 and thecover 160 into thecore 162 without removing thecover 160. This way, the steps of removing the cover and then reinserting the core into the cover may be avoided. In other embodiments, however, the cover may be removed to install the metal plates directly on the core. Since theanchor 174 engages the thread of the screw 170, the anchor is inserted into thecore 162 together with the screw 170. - The metal plate may be affixed to the
cover 160 via the doublesided tape 172 at any time before, during or after nailing the screw 170 into thecore 162. The adhesive on the doublesided tape 172 may form a seal around the opening on thecover 160 formed by driving in the screw 170 so as to prevent moisture from entering inside thecover 160. - With the metal plate and the screw (and the anchor) in place, the screw is rotated to attach it firmly to the
core 162. That is, at the time of inserting the screw into thecore 162, theanchor 174 has an outline and relative location similar to that of a dotted outline 174 a. As the screw is rotated, theanchor 174 travels towards the head of the screw 170 since the hole at the center of the anchor is engaging the thread of the screw 170. Moving towards the screw head, theanchor 174 is deformed since its movement is resisted by thecore 162, which may be a solid block of foam material. Hence, during the process, the anchor has an outline andrelative position 174 b, for example, where the anchor has partially unbent wings due to the resistance provided by thecore 162. As can be imagined, it would be harder and harder to turn the screw 170 since the resistance provided by thecore 162 increases. Finally, the anchor may have an outline andrelative position 174 c when the screw is finally firmly anchored within thecore 162, and the wings of theanchor 174 are further spread out. -
FIG. 8 is a side view of thehinge assembly 106,spa cover 102 andspa 100 ofFIG. 1 , where the spa is in an open position. It can be seen that thespa cover 102 forms an approximately 90 degree angle with respect to the top of the spa. Further, thespa cover 102 is in an upright position, where it is not vertically moved downward (e.g., behind the spa) to reach a fully open position. Theshort arm section 134 of the support arm also forms an approximately 90 degree angle with respect to the top of thespa 100. This way, the requirement for room or space behind thespa 100 may be reduced, as compared to a spa whose cover is stowed behind the spa. - The spring member 110 (e.g., a gas spring) is in a fully extended position when the spa is fully open. It can be seen that the spring member forms an angle of approximately 15 degrees with respect to the top of the spa so that the
spring member 110 provides a resistance against the gust of wind blowing from behind the spa cover or other forces that tend to close the spa cover in the upright position. In alternate embodiments, by adjusting the location of thepivot 120 on theshort arm section 134, the resistance in the horizontal direction provided by thespring member 110 may be adjusted. - The
support arm 108 is pivotably coupled to the mountingbracket 112 at apivot 122. As can be seen fromFIGS. 1 and 8 , thepivot 122 is not aligned with the rear edge of thespa 100 nor is the pivot attached to thespa cover 102. This way, thespa cover 102 is not placed over the axis of rotation about thepivot 122 between thesupport arm 108 and the mountingbracket 112 when the spa cover is in a fully open position. This is also made possible by the angled connectingmember 132 of thesupport arm 108 that displaces the elongated member 130 (to which the spa cover is attached) from the axis of rotation about thepivot 122 when the spa cover is in the fully open position. -
FIG. 9 is a side view of thehinge assembly 106, thespa cover 102 and thespa 100 ofFIG. 1 , where thespa cover 102 is in a closed position. Thespa 100 is enclosed in adeck 200 except for a small portion at the top (e.g., top of the inner spa 103). Thedeck 200 may be made of wood or any other suitable material. In other embodiments, the deck may only partially enclose the spa. - The operation of the
hinge assembly 106 is substantially the same as that of the hinge assembly ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 8. One difference is that thehinge assembly 106 is not mounted on the sidemount support bracket 114 or thebrace 116. Instead, the mountingbracket 112 is mounted directly on thedeck 200, which provides support to thehinge assembly 106. -
FIG. 10 is a side view of thehinge assembly 106, thespa cover 102 and thedeck 200 ofFIG. 9 , where thespa cover 102 is in an open position. The operation of thehinge assembly 106 is substantially the same as that of thehinge assembly 106 ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 8. It can be seen inFIG. 10 that thespring member 110, when the spa is fully open, forms an angle with respect to the top of the spa that is approximately 15 degrees. Such small angle between thespring member 110 and the top of the spa provides additional resistance against force, e.g., gust of wind, that tend to close thespa cover 102, as compared to the spring members that form an angle greater than approximately 45 degrees. - It can also be seen in
FIG. 10 that thespa cover 102 rests at the top of thedeck 200. This is possible at least partly due to the fact that thespa cover 102 is not connected directly to thepivot 122 and that the angled connectingmember 132 allows thespa cover 102 to be slightly lifted up off the top of thespa 100 as thesupport arm 108 rotates about thepivot 122. In other words, thesupport arm 108 is shaped to enable thespa cover 102 to be lifted up from the top of the spa and not aligned with an axis of rotation as the support arm is pivotably rotated with respect to the mountingbracket 112 to place the spa cover in a fully open position, and to enable thespa cover 102 to rest directly on thedeck 200. - FIGS. 11A-D, 12, 13, 14A-B and 15 illustrate a
hinge assembly 300 in another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. - While
FIGS. 12-15 provide dimensions (in inches) for various different components of thehinge assembly 300, the present invention is not limited to having any particular dimension or dimensions. Thesupport arm 302, the mountingbracket 304 and themount support bracket 306 can have any suitable dimensions depending on the dimensions and/or requirements of the particular spa system on which thehinge assembly 300 is installed, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. - As can be seen in
FIG. 11A , thehinge assembly 300 includes a mountingbracket 304, which is coupled or attached to amount support bracket 306. Themount support bracket 306 is adapted to be installed on a spa. By way of example, thehinge assembly 300 can be attached to a side of a spa (e.g., outer wooden frame) using suitable fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) that are known to those skilled in the art, in a manner similar to that illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 4 A. By way of example, thehinge assembly 300 and themount support bracket 306 can be used instead of thehinge assembly 106, the sidemount support bracket 114 and thebrace 116 to couple thespa cover 102 to thespa 100, such that thespa cover 102 can be moved between open and closed positions. In practice, two hinge assemblies that are mirror images of each other are mounted on two sides of the spa (e.g., the outer wooden frame) for such moveable coupling of the spa cover to the spa. - The hinge assembly also includes a
support arm 302 hingedly (or pivotally) coupled to apivot point 305 at one end (e.g., rear end) of the mountingbracket 304. The mountingbracket 304 at the rear end includes a protruding or raisedportion 307 on which thepivot point 305 is located. Thesupport arm 302 has a plurality of holes oropenings 303 formed thereon for attaching thesupport arm 302 to a side surface of a spa cover (e.g., thespa cover 102 ofFIG. 1 ) such that the spa cover can be removed from the top of the spa by rotating thesupport arm 302 about thepivot point 305 on the mountingbracket 304. - The support arm can be fixedly attached to the spa cover, for example, using bolts or screws installed through the
holes 303 on thesupport arm 302 or using any other suitable fasteners. To aid with opening of the spa (i.e., removing of the spa cover from the spa) and/or to help maintain the spa cover in an upright position, a gas spring 318 (shown inFIG. 11C -D, for example) is coupled between thesupport arm 302 and the mountingbracket 304. - As can be seen in
FIG. 15 , thesupport arm 302 includes an elongated portion used to attach thesupport arm 302 to the spa cover and a short portion that is used to pivotally couple thesupport arm 302 to mountingbracket 304 at thepivot point 305. The elongated portion and the short portion are integral to one another at an angle (or curvature) with respect to one other. In other words, thesupport arm 302 can be viewed as a generally rectangular bar that has been bent near one end to form an angle (or curvature) such that an elongated portion is integrally attached to a short portion via a bent (curved or angled) portion. - A
plate 310 is attached to the side of thesupport arm 302 about the bent portion thereof. Theplate 310 may be formed of material that is identical to the material used for the support arm. The material used may be stainless steel, aluminum, any other suitable metal or any other material suitable for a spa hinge assembly. In one embodiment, the material used is Galvannealed A60/A653, which has pre-finish that offers protection against rust and provides an excellent base for painting. Such material may be zinc-plated cold rolled steel (CRS) or CRS having a zinc-based protective coating, and may be referred to as pre-plated CRS. - The plate is attached to the
support arm 302 via any suitable method (e.g., welding or spot welding) known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, theplate 310 may be formed as an integrated whole with thesupport arm 302, thereby not necessitating any welding or any other attachment step between the two during manufacturing. - The
hinge assembly 300 and the hinge assembly in other embodiments are provided as an upright hinge because there is little or no space behind the spa, for example, when the spa is in a gazebo or when the back of the spa is against the wall, to stow away the spa cover. Hence, one function of the gas spring 318 (e.g., seeFIGS. 16 and 17 ) is to prevent thespa cover 102 from closing (i.e., moving to the closed position) unintendedly. - The
plate 310 has a plurality of openings (or holes) 312 formed (or defined) thereon. These holes are used to adjust the attachment location of thegas spring 318 with respect to thesupport arm 302. By way of example, further the attachment location is toward the rear of the spa, easier it is to close the spa cover because less force (or torque) would be needed to compress thegas spring 318. It would also be easier to remove the spa cover from the top of the spa. A drawback of this, however, the spa cover would tend to close easier in response to an applied force. Further, the spa cover has a tendency of becoming heavier as moisture accumulated therein. Therefore, as the time elapses, it may be desirable to change the attachment location so as to make it easier to open the spa cover. - The protruding or raised
portion 307 also includes an opening (or hole) 323 formed thereon. Theopening 323 can be used to insert a lock pin, such as thelock pin 155 ofFIG. 5 , so as to prevent the spa cover from unintendedly closing while in use due to an applied force. - The mounting
bracket 304 also includes a protrusion or raisedportion 315 toward the front of the spa. The raisedportion 315 also includes a plurality of openings orholes 316 formed thereon. These holes are used to adjust the attachment location of the other end (e.g., a second end) of thegas spring 318 for the reason that is substantially the same as the reason for adjusting the attachment location of one end (e.g., a first end) of thegas spring 318 on theopenings 312. - Referring now to
FIGS. 12 and 13 also, as can be seen inFIG. 12 , the mount support bracket (or the side mount support bracket) 306 includes a bracket attachment portion 319 and aspa attachment part 320. In one embodiment, the bracket attachment part 319 and thespa attachment part 320 are formed as two separate parts and are attached to each other using a suitable method. In one embodiment, the parts are attached to each other using one or more bolts. In other embodiments, other methods such as spot welding may be used. In still other embodiments, the bracket attachment part 319 and thespa attachment part 320 may be formed as a single integrated piece. - The bracket attachment part 319 has formed on its surface a plurality of openings 321 for attaching the mounting
bracket 304 thereto. The mountingbracket 304, as shown inFIG. 13 , has aflat portion 317 for attaching thehinge assembly 300 to themount support bracket 306. Thespa attachment part 320 has a plurality ofopenings 314 formed thereon for attaching themount support bracket 306 to a spa (e.g., on the wooden frame of the spa), using any suitable method (e.g., using bolts and/or screws) known to those skilled in the art. - It can be seen in
FIG. 12 that the sides of thespa attachment part 320 have a shape of a right triangle. The triangle-shapedside parts 320 are used to provide further support to the top flat surface portion of thespa attachment part 320. Between theside parts 320 is a plate orweb 313 that is used to mount themount support bracket 306 and therefore thehinge assembly 300 to the spa. Theplate 313 has theopenings 314 formed thereon. The hinge assembly 300 (including the mounting bracket 304) and themount support bracket 306 may be made of any suitable material for supporting the spa cover as well as supporting opening and closing of the spa cover. In one embodiment, stainless steel may be used, but the present invention is not limited thereto. - The attachment of the
gas spring 318 to thehinge assembly 300 is also illustrated inFIGS. 14A and 14B . As can be seen inFIG. 14A , thesupport arm 302 has attached thereto near its bent portion theplate 310. A plurality of openings (i.e., 3 openings) 312 are formed or defined on theplate 310. The mountingbracket 304 has a protrusion or raisedportion 315, which also has formed thereon a plurality of openings (i.e., 3 openings) 316. In the described embodiment, by adjusting the attachment locations of the first and second ends of thegas spring 318 on theplate 310 and theprotrusion portion 315, respectively, the resistance of the gas spring against opening or closing of the spa cover can be adjusted or controlled. By way of example, the first end of thegas spring 318 can be attached to any of theopenings 312 and the second end of thegas spring 318 can be attached to any of theopenings 316. -
FIG. 16 is a side view of aspa 100 having an outerwooden frame 101, to which thehinge assembly 300 is attached via themount support bracket 306. Thespa cover 102 is fixedly coupled to thesupport arm 302 via theopenings 303. Thespa cover 102 is in a fully closed position. The spa cover is movable between the fully closed position and a fully open position shown inFIG. 17 . - The mounting
bracket 304 is installed on themount support bracket 306 near the top of the spa, and is coupled to a first end of thegas spring 318. Themount support bracket 306 is fixed to the outerwooden frame 101 of thespa using openings 314. Any suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) known to those skilled in the art can be used to fasten themount support bracket 306 to the outerwooden frame 101. - A second end of the
gas spring 318 is coupled to thesupport arm 302, which is pivotably coupled to the mountingbracket 304 about an axis of rotation. Thesupport arm 302 is attached to the outside surface of the lower portion of thespa cover 102 usingopenings 303 and any suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.). Thesupport arm 302 includes an elongated portion attached to thespa cover 102, a short portion coupled to the mountingbracket 304 at the pivot point (i.e., axis of rotation) 305 on the protrudingportion 307 of the mountingbracket 304, and a curved portion connecting the elongated portion to the short portion. Thesupport arm 302 has aplate 310 attached to its curved portion. In other exemplary embodiments, the portions of thesupport arm 302 and/or theplate 310 may be formed as a single integrated piece. - The mounting bracket has the raised
portion 315, on which a plurality of openings are formed. The first end of thegas spring 318 can be selectively coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to one of these openings so that the angle that thegas spring 318 forms with the mountingbracket 304 can be adjusted. While only 3 openings or holes are shown inFIG. 16 , the present invention is not limited thereto. Similarly, theplate 310 also includesopenings 312 that can be used to selectively couple to the second end of thegas spring 318. The angle of thegas spring 318 can also be changed by adjusting the coupling location between the second end of thegas spring 318 and theplate 310. - The
gas spring 318 is extended and inclined upward in a direction toward a rear end of thespa 100 from the first end coupled to the mountingbracket 304 to the second end coupled to thesupport arm 302, as the spa cover is moved toward the fully open position. On the other hand, the gas spring is compressed as the spa cover is moved toward the fully closed position. Here, the gas spring resists movement of the spa cover from the fully open position toward the fully closed position. -
FIG. 17 is a side view of the spa coupled to thehinge assembly 300, in which thespa cover 102 is in the fully open position. It can be seen inFIG. 17 that the gas spring forms an angle of less than approximately 45 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in the fully open position. In one embodiment, the gas spring forms an angle of between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 20 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in the fully open position. - It can be seen in
FIG. 17 that when thespa cover 102 is in the fully open position, which is an upright position, the spa cover is not moved downward behind the spa. Further, thespa cover 102 in the fully open position is completely behind thespa 100. - It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The present invention is therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (15)
1. A hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover to a spa, said spa cover being movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, said hinge assembly comprising:
a mounting bracket adapted to be installed near a top of the spa, and adapted to be coupled to a first end of a spring member; and
a support arm pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation, adapted to be attached on an outside surface of the spa cover, and adapted to be coupled to a second end of the spring member,
wherein at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm has a plurality of openings for selectively coupling the first end or the second end of the spring member, so as to adjust a coupling location between the spring member and the at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm.
2. The hinge assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a gas spring coupled between the mounting bracket and the support arm as the spring member, wherein the gas spring is adapted to form an angle of less than approximately 45 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in the fully open position.
3. The hinge assembly of claim 2 , wherein the gas spring is adapted to form an angle of between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 20 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in the fully open position.
4. The hinge assembly of claim 2 , wherein the gas spring is adapted to be extended and inclined upward in a direction toward a rear end of the spa from the first end to the second end as the spa cover is moved toward the fully open position.
5. The hinge assembly of claim 4 , wherein the gas spring is adapted to be compressed as the spa cover is moved toward the fully closed position such that the gas spring is adapted to resist movement of the spa cover from the fully open position toward the fully closed position.
6. The hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the support arm comprises:
an elongated member adapted to be attached along a side of the spa cover;
a short member pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket; and
a connecting member between the elongated member and the short member,
wherein the elongated member, the short member and the connecting member are formed as a single integrated piece.
7. The hinge assembly of claim 6 , wherein the support arm further comprises a plate coupled to the connecting member, wherein the plate has the plurality of openings.
8. The hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mounting bracket is mounted on a support bracket adapted to be attached to a side of the spa.
9. The hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mounting bracket is mounted on a deck adjacent to the spa.
10. A spa system comprising:
a spa;
a foldable spa cover having at least two sections, said spa cover being movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position;
a hinge assembly for coupling the spa cover to the spa, said hinge assembly comprising:
a mounting bracket installed near a top of the spa;
a support arm pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation, and attached on an outside surface of the spa cover; and
a gas spring having a first end coupled to the mounting bracket and a second end coupled to the support arm,
wherein at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm has a plurality of openings for selectively coupling the first end or the second end of the gas spring, so as to adjust a coupling location between the spring member and the at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm.
11. The spa system of claim 10 , wherein the gas spring is adapted to form an angle of less than approximately 45 degrees with respect to the top of the spa when the spa cover is in the fully open position.
12. The spa system of claim 10 , wherein the spa cover in the fully open position is in an upright position, in which the spa cover has not been moved downward behind the spa.
13. The spa system of claim 10 , wherein the spa cover in the fully open position is completely behind the spa.
14. The spa system of claim 10 , wherein the gas spring is extended and inclined upward in a direction toward a rear end of the spa from the first end to the second end as the spa cover is moved toward the fully open position.
15. The spa system of claim 14 , wherein the gas spring is compressed as the spa cover is moved toward the fully closed position such that the gas spring resists movement of the spa cover from the fully open position toward the fully closed position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/761,334 US20070256229A1 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2007-06-11 | Upright hinge for spa cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/622,213 US7073213B2 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2003-07-18 | Upright hinge for spa cover |
US11/436,410 US20070022524A1 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2006-05-17 | Upright hinge for spa cover |
US81229506P | 2006-06-09 | 2006-06-09 | |
US11/761,334 US20070256229A1 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2007-06-11 | Upright hinge for spa cover |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/436,410 Continuation-In-Part US20070022524A1 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2006-05-17 | Upright hinge for spa cover |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070256229A1 true US20070256229A1 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
Family
ID=38659854
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/761,334 Abandoned US20070256229A1 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2007-06-11 | Upright hinge for spa cover |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070256229A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070079434A1 (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2007-04-12 | Sp International Inc. | Device for lifting a spa cover |
US20140201898A1 (en) * | 2013-01-22 | 2014-07-24 | Strong Industries | Cover assembly for a spa |
US20150184410A1 (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-02 | Sundance Spas, Inc. | "Integrated Spa Cover Lifter System" |
EP3183999A1 (en) * | 2015-12-23 | 2017-06-28 | Grass GmbH & Co. KG | Functional strip for a piece of furniture and piece of furniture with a functional strip |
US20170284114A1 (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2017-10-05 | Carl Gavin | Spa cover lifter system and method |
US11078679B2 (en) * | 2019-08-02 | 2021-08-03 | Hot Tub Products, Llc | Universal system to mechanize a cover lifter on a spa tub |
US20220120105A1 (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2022-04-21 | Leisure Concepts, Inc. | Movement Assistance Device for a Spa Cover |
Citations (65)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US586476A (en) * | 1897-07-13 | Box-couch | ||
US1068391A (en) * | 1912-07-03 | 1913-07-22 | Hugo Jensen | Bracket. |
US1115465A (en) * | 1912-03-11 | 1914-10-27 | Edgar Alfred Goddin | Shelf-support. |
US1115345A (en) * | 1914-03-09 | 1914-10-27 | Hugo V Steuernagel | Swinging-structure mount. |
US2376966A (en) * | 1944-02-22 | 1945-05-29 | Fred O Ingerman | Scaffold ledger bracket |
US2516196A (en) * | 1949-11-14 | 1950-07-25 | Fowler Roscoe | Adjustable overhead door hinge |
US2551305A (en) * | 1946-08-24 | 1951-05-01 | Gen Electric | Kitchen cabinet |
US2590028A (en) * | 1946-08-08 | 1952-03-18 | Miller John Vance | Gravity actuated door mounting |
US2648516A (en) * | 1950-02-24 | 1953-08-11 | Edward G Gantner | Dispenser bracket |
US2689101A (en) * | 1951-08-17 | 1954-09-14 | Donald A Dygert | Waler bracket |
US2793387A (en) * | 1955-08-22 | 1957-05-28 | Albert W Odell | Pivotal connection |
US2840847A (en) * | 1953-09-18 | 1958-07-01 | Gen Motors Corp | Hinging arrangement |
US2853352A (en) * | 1955-08-11 | 1958-09-23 | Tipdex Holdings Ltd | Cabinet |
US3001225A (en) * | 1958-01-10 | 1961-09-26 | Admiral Corp | Dual pivot freezer hinge |
US3038196A (en) * | 1959-10-26 | 1962-06-12 | Nyquist Nels Herbert | Door hinge |
US3261051A (en) * | 1964-04-27 | 1966-07-19 | Priest Harry Dale | Door hardware |
US3351975A (en) * | 1964-08-23 | 1967-11-14 | Toyota Motor Co Ltd | Hinge mechanism |
US3539239A (en) * | 1968-10-23 | 1970-11-10 | Rubbermaid Inc | Cabinet with retractable door |
US4076203A (en) * | 1977-06-15 | 1978-02-28 | Mcdonnell Thomas M | Wall shelf arrangement |
US4167298A (en) * | 1978-01-18 | 1979-09-11 | Bastian Blessing Company, Inc. | Balanced cabinet door lift |
US4215885A (en) * | 1978-07-14 | 1980-08-05 | Mccray Robert J | Pivotable hatch adjuster |
US4223420A (en) * | 1977-10-05 | 1980-09-23 | Aisin Seiki Company, Limited | Hinge structure for automobile hoods |
US4383721A (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1983-05-17 | Knaack Manufacturing Company | Storage box closure control |
USD278010S (en) * | 1982-06-25 | 1985-03-19 | Ostrander Stephen F | Acoustical enclosure |
US4853985A (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1989-08-08 | Perry Cliff R | Cover for a hot tub or the like |
US4857374A (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1989-08-15 | Perry Gary L | Structurally strong, non vapor, non moisture absorbing, spa/hot tub cover |
US4893863A (en) * | 1989-02-06 | 1990-01-16 | General Motors Corporation | Adjustable deck lid hinge pivot |
US4899420A (en) * | 1988-09-09 | 1990-02-13 | Laurie Stanley Hardie | Hinge system |
US4953985A (en) * | 1989-07-17 | 1990-09-04 | Fluid Management Limited Partnership | Mixing structure for paint colorant in a dispensing apparatus |
US4953259A (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1990-09-04 | Prince Corporation | Armrest torque control |
US4966403A (en) * | 1988-04-11 | 1990-10-30 | Saab-Scania Aktiebolag | Arrangement for suspension of a door on a vehicle body |
US4991238A (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1991-02-12 | Stephen Forrest | Spa cover lift |
US5027473A (en) * | 1989-07-20 | 1991-07-02 | Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc. | Refrigerator door closer |
US5048153A (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1991-09-17 | Starlite Leisure Products, Inc. | Spa cover lift mechanism |
US5050943A (en) * | 1990-04-24 | 1991-09-24 | Forma Scientific, Inc. | Biological safety cabinet with window counterbalance |
US5131102A (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1992-07-21 | Spa Centers, Inc | Spa cover lift assembly |
US5172969A (en) * | 1991-09-09 | 1992-12-22 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Overhead cabinet with rotating door |
US5409308A (en) * | 1992-08-28 | 1995-04-25 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Overhead cabinet with rotating door |
US5471685A (en) * | 1994-12-07 | 1995-12-05 | Innovative Inventions Inc. | Supports for hot tub spa covers |
US5517703A (en) * | 1994-12-14 | 1996-05-21 | Ouelette; Roger J. | Spa cover lift |
US5566403A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1996-10-22 | Black; Marc S. | Spa cover lift apparatus |
US5584081A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1996-12-17 | Ouelette; Roger J. | Adjustable lifting apparatus for a spa |
US5634218A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1997-06-03 | Ouelette; Roger J. | Adjustable lifting apparatus for a spa |
US5644803A (en) * | 1996-02-26 | 1997-07-08 | Wilson; Richard M. | Spa cover support assembly |
US5692864A (en) * | 1995-12-21 | 1997-12-02 | K & R Industries, Inc. | Self-threading anchor with spreadable leg portions joined by a frangible drill end portion |
US5819332A (en) * | 1996-10-17 | 1998-10-13 | Perry; Gary L. | Spa/hot tub cover removal apparatus and method |
US5847374A (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 1998-12-08 | France Telecom | Smart card having a plurality of data fields with reference zones and validation bits |
US5896619A (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-04-27 | General Electric Company | Refrigerator door hinge and closure mechanism |
US5904411A (en) * | 1996-05-14 | 1999-05-18 | Sugatsune Industrial Co., Ltd. | Cabinet door prop unit |
US5950252A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1999-09-14 | Fettes; Ian | Device for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover |
US5974599A (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 1999-11-02 | Tudor; E. Jess | Spa cover lifting device |
US5974600A (en) * | 1998-10-15 | 1999-11-02 | Hercules Products, Inc. | Spa cover |
US5996137A (en) * | 1998-10-15 | 1999-12-07 | Leisure Concepts, Inc. | Spa cover lift frame |
US6000072A (en) * | 1998-09-09 | 1999-12-14 | Lahay; Leon | Spa cover remover |
US6000071A (en) * | 1997-12-04 | 1999-12-14 | Fettes; Ian J. | Spa cover lift system |
US6032305A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2000-03-07 | Tedrick; John | Spa cover lifter |
US6105529A (en) * | 1997-11-17 | 2000-08-22 | Pompanette, Inc. | Hatch adjuster |
US6158063A (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2000-12-12 | Tudor; E. Jess | Spa cover lifting device |
US6195811B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2001-03-06 | Watkins Manufacturing Corporation | Spa cover mounting method and apparatus |
US20020050003A1 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2002-05-02 | Perry Gary L. | Gas spring lock apparatus and method |
US6381766B1 (en) * | 1999-10-27 | 2002-05-07 | Gary L. Perry | Spa cover removal apparatus and method |
US6393630B1 (en) * | 2001-05-17 | 2002-05-28 | John Tedrick | Spa cover lifter |
US6442799B1 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2002-09-03 | Carlos Duarte | Hinge |
US6795984B1 (en) * | 2003-01-08 | 2004-09-28 | James P. Brady | Spa cover lifting device |
US6842917B1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-01-18 | Leisure Concepts, Inc. | Spa cover lift |
-
2007
- 2007-06-11 US US11/761,334 patent/US20070256229A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (66)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US586476A (en) * | 1897-07-13 | Box-couch | ||
US1115465A (en) * | 1912-03-11 | 1914-10-27 | Edgar Alfred Goddin | Shelf-support. |
US1068391A (en) * | 1912-07-03 | 1913-07-22 | Hugo Jensen | Bracket. |
US1115345A (en) * | 1914-03-09 | 1914-10-27 | Hugo V Steuernagel | Swinging-structure mount. |
US2376966A (en) * | 1944-02-22 | 1945-05-29 | Fred O Ingerman | Scaffold ledger bracket |
US2590028A (en) * | 1946-08-08 | 1952-03-18 | Miller John Vance | Gravity actuated door mounting |
US2551305A (en) * | 1946-08-24 | 1951-05-01 | Gen Electric | Kitchen cabinet |
US2516196A (en) * | 1949-11-14 | 1950-07-25 | Fowler Roscoe | Adjustable overhead door hinge |
US2648516A (en) * | 1950-02-24 | 1953-08-11 | Edward G Gantner | Dispenser bracket |
US2689101A (en) * | 1951-08-17 | 1954-09-14 | Donald A Dygert | Waler bracket |
US2840847A (en) * | 1953-09-18 | 1958-07-01 | Gen Motors Corp | Hinging arrangement |
US2853352A (en) * | 1955-08-11 | 1958-09-23 | Tipdex Holdings Ltd | Cabinet |
US2793387A (en) * | 1955-08-22 | 1957-05-28 | Albert W Odell | Pivotal connection |
US3001225A (en) * | 1958-01-10 | 1961-09-26 | Admiral Corp | Dual pivot freezer hinge |
US3038196A (en) * | 1959-10-26 | 1962-06-12 | Nyquist Nels Herbert | Door hinge |
US3261051A (en) * | 1964-04-27 | 1966-07-19 | Priest Harry Dale | Door hardware |
US3351975A (en) * | 1964-08-23 | 1967-11-14 | Toyota Motor Co Ltd | Hinge mechanism |
US3539239A (en) * | 1968-10-23 | 1970-11-10 | Rubbermaid Inc | Cabinet with retractable door |
US4076203A (en) * | 1977-06-15 | 1978-02-28 | Mcdonnell Thomas M | Wall shelf arrangement |
US4223420A (en) * | 1977-10-05 | 1980-09-23 | Aisin Seiki Company, Limited | Hinge structure for automobile hoods |
US4167298A (en) * | 1978-01-18 | 1979-09-11 | Bastian Blessing Company, Inc. | Balanced cabinet door lift |
US4215885A (en) * | 1978-07-14 | 1980-08-05 | Mccray Robert J | Pivotable hatch adjuster |
US4383721A (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1983-05-17 | Knaack Manufacturing Company | Storage box closure control |
USD278010S (en) * | 1982-06-25 | 1985-03-19 | Ostrander Stephen F | Acoustical enclosure |
US4853985A (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1989-08-08 | Perry Cliff R | Cover for a hot tub or the like |
US4966403A (en) * | 1988-04-11 | 1990-10-30 | Saab-Scania Aktiebolag | Arrangement for suspension of a door on a vehicle body |
US4953259A (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1990-09-04 | Prince Corporation | Armrest torque control |
US4899420A (en) * | 1988-09-09 | 1990-02-13 | Laurie Stanley Hardie | Hinge system |
US4857374A (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1989-08-15 | Perry Gary L | Structurally strong, non vapor, non moisture absorbing, spa/hot tub cover |
US4893863A (en) * | 1989-02-06 | 1990-01-16 | General Motors Corporation | Adjustable deck lid hinge pivot |
US4953985A (en) * | 1989-07-17 | 1990-09-04 | Fluid Management Limited Partnership | Mixing structure for paint colorant in a dispensing apparatus |
US5027473A (en) * | 1989-07-20 | 1991-07-02 | Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc. | Refrigerator door closer |
US5048153A (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1991-09-17 | Starlite Leisure Products, Inc. | Spa cover lift mechanism |
US4991238A (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1991-02-12 | Stephen Forrest | Spa cover lift |
US5050943A (en) * | 1990-04-24 | 1991-09-24 | Forma Scientific, Inc. | Biological safety cabinet with window counterbalance |
US5131102A (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1992-07-21 | Spa Centers, Inc | Spa cover lift assembly |
US5172969A (en) * | 1991-09-09 | 1992-12-22 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Overhead cabinet with rotating door |
US5409308A (en) * | 1992-08-28 | 1995-04-25 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Overhead cabinet with rotating door |
US5689841A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1997-11-25 | Black; Marc S. | Spa cover lift apparatus |
US5566403A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1996-10-22 | Black; Marc S. | Spa cover lift apparatus |
US5471685A (en) * | 1994-12-07 | 1995-12-05 | Innovative Inventions Inc. | Supports for hot tub spa covers |
US5517703A (en) * | 1994-12-14 | 1996-05-21 | Ouelette; Roger J. | Spa cover lift |
US5634218A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1997-06-03 | Ouelette; Roger J. | Adjustable lifting apparatus for a spa |
US5584081A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1996-12-17 | Ouelette; Roger J. | Adjustable lifting apparatus for a spa |
US5847374A (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 1998-12-08 | France Telecom | Smart card having a plurality of data fields with reference zones and validation bits |
US5692864A (en) * | 1995-12-21 | 1997-12-02 | K & R Industries, Inc. | Self-threading anchor with spreadable leg portions joined by a frangible drill end portion |
US5950252A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1999-09-14 | Fettes; Ian | Device for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover |
US5644803A (en) * | 1996-02-26 | 1997-07-08 | Wilson; Richard M. | Spa cover support assembly |
US5904411A (en) * | 1996-05-14 | 1999-05-18 | Sugatsune Industrial Co., Ltd. | Cabinet door prop unit |
US5819332A (en) * | 1996-10-17 | 1998-10-13 | Perry; Gary L. | Spa/hot tub cover removal apparatus and method |
US5896619A (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-04-27 | General Electric Company | Refrigerator door hinge and closure mechanism |
US6032305A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2000-03-07 | Tedrick; John | Spa cover lifter |
US6105529A (en) * | 1997-11-17 | 2000-08-22 | Pompanette, Inc. | Hatch adjuster |
US6000071A (en) * | 1997-12-04 | 1999-12-14 | Fettes; Ian J. | Spa cover lift system |
US5974599A (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 1999-11-02 | Tudor; E. Jess | Spa cover lifting device |
US6158063A (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2000-12-12 | Tudor; E. Jess | Spa cover lifting device |
US6000072A (en) * | 1998-09-09 | 1999-12-14 | Lahay; Leon | Spa cover remover |
US5996137A (en) * | 1998-10-15 | 1999-12-07 | Leisure Concepts, Inc. | Spa cover lift frame |
US5974600A (en) * | 1998-10-15 | 1999-11-02 | Hercules Products, Inc. | Spa cover |
US6195811B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2001-03-06 | Watkins Manufacturing Corporation | Spa cover mounting method and apparatus |
US6381766B1 (en) * | 1999-10-27 | 2002-05-07 | Gary L. Perry | Spa cover removal apparatus and method |
US6442799B1 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2002-09-03 | Carlos Duarte | Hinge |
US20020050003A1 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2002-05-02 | Perry Gary L. | Gas spring lock apparatus and method |
US6393630B1 (en) * | 2001-05-17 | 2002-05-28 | John Tedrick | Spa cover lifter |
US6795984B1 (en) * | 2003-01-08 | 2004-09-28 | James P. Brady | Spa cover lifting device |
US6842917B1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-01-18 | Leisure Concepts, Inc. | Spa cover lift |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070079434A1 (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2007-04-12 | Sp International Inc. | Device for lifting a spa cover |
US20140201898A1 (en) * | 2013-01-22 | 2014-07-24 | Strong Industries | Cover assembly for a spa |
US9493960B2 (en) * | 2013-01-22 | 2016-11-15 | Strong Industries, Inc. | Cover assembly for a spa |
US20150184410A1 (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-02 | Sundance Spas, Inc. | "Integrated Spa Cover Lifter System" |
EP3183999A1 (en) * | 2015-12-23 | 2017-06-28 | Grass GmbH & Co. KG | Functional strip for a piece of furniture and piece of furniture with a functional strip |
US20170284114A1 (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2017-10-05 | Carl Gavin | Spa cover lifter system and method |
US10370864B2 (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2019-08-06 | Carl Gavin | Spa cover lifter system and method |
US20220120105A1 (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2022-04-21 | Leisure Concepts, Inc. | Movement Assistance Device for a Spa Cover |
US11603676B2 (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2023-03-14 | Leisure Concepts, Inc. | Movement assistance device 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 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20070022524A1 (en) | Upright hinge for spa cover | |
US20070256229A1 (en) | Upright hinge for spa cover | |
US10730372B2 (en) | Ramp door with self-deploying rail | |
US6112799A (en) | Wind-resistant sectional overhead door | |
US6481784B2 (en) | Pickup truck tent camping system | |
US6463988B1 (en) | Wind-resistant sectional overhead door | |
EP0980787B1 (en) | Awning extension and retraction mechanism | |
US6931793B2 (en) | Roof scuttle safety railing system | |
US7108005B1 (en) | Vehicle canopy | |
AU2010201467B2 (en) | Improvements Relating to Multi-fold Panel Assemblies | |
US5601131A (en) | Canopy-forming door | |
USRE34053E (en) | Mine door system | |
US4911577A (en) | Mine door system | |
US7010833B2 (en) | Slide hinge for spa cover | |
US6006814A (en) | Method and structure for installing an overhead and hinge door combination | |
EP1528202A2 (en) | Mechanism for hanging a gate at an adjustable height on a support | |
US5560411A (en) | Header rail for awning | |
US5553352A (en) | Bifold door repair apparatus | |
CA1225218A (en) | Patio enclosure | |
US5428925A (en) | Fiberglass bulkhead door assembly | |
CA2120398C (en) | Portable two-way aluminum awning for recreational vehicles | |
CA1324560C (en) | Openable enclosures and structures incorporating such enclosures | |
US6796361B1 (en) | Hurricane I-post | |
CA1266822A (en) | Support mechanism for bifold door | |
WO2004099528A1 (en) | An awning |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |