US20110088157A1

US20110088157A1 - Protective spa cover

Info

Publication number: US20110088157A1
Application number: US12/589,005
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard E. Young
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-15
Filing date: 2009-10-15
Publication date: 2011-04-21

Abstract

A spa/hot tub protective cover prevents the adverse effects of the sun and; weather from causing damage to a spa or hot tub. It also prevents damage or soiling by tree sap, insects, bird droppings, etc. The protective cover is constructed from a synthetic canvas-type of material which is well suited to protect the underlying spa. The protective spa cover is designed to cover the entire spa, with the exception of the pivot arms which aid in flipping the lid out of the way during use of the spa and the optional attached handrail. The spa cover is easily slipped over the spa, where it can remain for years without having to be removed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device which provides a protective cover over a spa or hot tub. The manufacturers of spas/hot tubs, herein after referred to simply as spas, make spas in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, they do not provide or offer a protective cover to prevent damage due to the sun's rays, or the harshness of weather. Spas are manufactured in a variety of beautiful colors and include a lid which is generally a reinforced two piece styrofoam type material which is covered in a colored vinyl. The vinyl cover connects the two halves of the lid so that the lid can be folded in half before it is tilted back behind the spa.
The spa protective cover is made from a high quality synthetic canvas like material and is designed to fit free standing spas. The material is breathable, waterproof, fade resistant, and can withstand many years of sun and weather without serious deterioration. The protective spa cover is designed to protect the spa lid and the spa's siding from the harmful effects of the sun' rays and inclement weather throughout the entire year. It does not need to be removed from the spa at any time, as it is designed to flip back over the spa with the spa lid.

BACKGROUND

There are millions of spas in homes and businesses throughout this county and thousands of new ones for sale through a variety of manufacturers. While spas may vary considerably in style and size, they generally have similar attractive sidings and lids. The lids also serve to conserve the heat in the spa when it is not in use.
While spas are designed to be used for many years, the sun and weather can cause serious damage to the lid and siding. The lids or covers as they are commonly referred to, are covered in a vinyl material and are designed to help trap the heat in the spa when it is not in use. Without constant care with chemicals to preserve the vinyl cover, the vinyl will begin to deteriorate within a couple of years. The sun's harmful rays will cause it to dry out, crack, stain, and rip in the wind. Likewise, the siding which is generally either wood, plastic or fiber glass will also be subject to fading, staining, water damage or even chemical and structural breakdown.
FIG. 1 shows a pictorial view of the spa protective cover 1 as it would appear when installed over a typical spa. This view shows the cover 1, which consists of three pieces of material sewn together to make the cover. The spa cover 1 protects all of the spa 2's exterior except for the pivot arms 4 and optional handrail 6.
FIG. 2 shows a pictorial view of a typical spa 2 with lid 3 and the pivot arms 4. The pivot arms 4 are designed to aid in flipping lid 3 out of the way so the spa 2 can be used. This view shows the siding 5 which is used to attractively cover the inner structure of the spa 2. The view also shows a optional hand rail 6, which is very helpful in getting into or out of the spa 2. FIG. 2 is based on my own spa and represents the dimensions used to create a prototype cover 1.
FIG. 3 shows a pictorial view of cover 1 covering spa 2. The view shows the slits 7 designed at the hinged pivot arms 4, that are necessary for installation and use. Some options would include latches 8 to secure the bottom ends of the material at the slits 7, to keep the material from flapping in the wind. Another option would include latches 8 at the bottom of the four corners of cover 1, to secure the cover in place so the wind could not blow the sides of cover 1 up on lid 3.
FIG. 4 shows a pictorial view of cover 1 while lid 3 is folded back on itself, in preparation for folding the lid 3 out of the way so the spa 2 can be occupied. From this position, both lid 3 and cover 1 can be flipped backed over the back of the spa 2 using the hinged pivot arms 4. To get lid 3 to this position, you would first have to raise one front corner of cover 1 over the top of lid 3 to eliminate the suction which would otherwise be created. Additionally, if latches 8 were installed at the bottom corners of cover 1, the front two latches 8 would have to be disconnected to allow the cover 1 to be raised.
FIG. 5 shows a pictorial view of spa 2 with it's lid 3 completely folded back out of the way on the hinged pivot arms 4. This view further shows spa cover 1, and how it would remain with lid 3 in the folded position. Spa cover 1 is designed so that it never has to be removed from lid 3.
FIG. 6 shows a pictorial view of all of the separate parts which comprise the spa cover 1. This view shows the top of cover 1 being made from two identical size pieces of material which are sewn together to complete the top of cover 1. The sides of cover 1 are then sewn to the top and lastly, the side material is sewn After the three parts of material are sewn together, the slits 7 for fitting around the hinged pivot arms 4 can be created. The slits 7 are reinforced with a similar material to give the slits 7 additional strength to minimize wear. An optional slit 7 will be created if the spa involved has an attached hand rail 6.
Once all of the necessary slits 7 have been created, the bottom hem of the cover 1 can be completed. The hem is folded over twice, so that the edge of the material is covered and cannot fray or unravel at any time.
The next step in creating spa cover 1, is to attach latches to the bottom inside edges of the slits 7. The latches will assure that when latched, the material around the slits 7 will not blow up in the wind or otherwise flap around. The views in FIG. 6 further show where the latches 8 for the four bottom corners of cover 1 would attach. These optional latches 8 would be sewn to the inside bottom corner of the cover 1, and the other end of each corner latch 8 would be installed in the base of the spa 2 using screw 10. The ends of the latches 8 would have a strap 9 of synthetic material looped through them which would be sewn securely to the cover 1.
FIG. 7 Shows the latches 8, both the male and female ends and the synthetic strapping 9 which is used to attach the ends of the latches 8 to the cover 1.
FIG. 8 shows screw 10 for attaching latches 8 to the bottom corners of spa 2.
FIG. 9 shows the optional slit 7 for a handrail and latches 8 attached to the inside bottom edges of slit 7.
The embodiments of the present invention comprise a protective spa cover 1, which is designed to protect spa 2 from the harmful effects of the sun, wind, rain, snow, and prevent staining or other types of discoloration.
Embodiments of this invention include the use of a high quality synthetic canvas-like material. The material is breathable, waterproof, fade resistant, mildew resistant and can withstand the harmful effects of the sun for many years. All of the sewing would be with a polyester thread, which has all of these. same qualities.
Embodiments of the present invention include optional latches 8 installed on the inside of the bottom edge of the three slits 7, identified in FIG. 1. The latches 8 would be looped through synthetic straps 9 and the strap would be sewn to the inside bottom edge of the slits 7. The latches 8 would be necessary to keep the material around the slits 7 from flapping in the wind or otherwise compromising the integrity of the cover 1 and it's protective purpose.
Embodiments of the present invention include latches 8 at the bottom four corners of cover 1. One end of latch 8 would be sewn to the bottom inside corner of the cover 1, and the other end of latch 8 would be attached to the corner of the base of the spa 2 using a screw 10. FIG. 8 identifies screw 10 and the area where it is installed in spa 2.
This section summarizes some of the features of the present embodiment. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and with reference to the drawings herein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of spa cover 1 showing how it would appear when installed to protect a spa 2.

FIG. 2 shows a pictorial view of a typical design for spa 2.

FIG. 3 shows a pictorial view of spa cover 1

covering spa

2 in it's fully protective position.

FIG. 4 shows a pictorial view of spa 2 with the spa 2

lid

3 folded back halfway to the open position. At this point, lid 3 is folded over hinged pivot arms 4.

FIG. 5 shows a pictorial view of spa 2 with lid 3 folded all the way open, in preparation for use. This view further shows spa cover 1 and it's position when lid 3 is in the fully open position. This view also identifies hinged pivot arms 4 and how they support the lid 3 and cover 1 when the lid 3 is fully open. This view also shows the optional hand rail 6, when not surrounded by cover 1.

FIG. 6 shows a pictorial view of all of the parts which comprise the spa cover 1 and how they are sewn together and reinforced. This view also shows how the individual parts become part of a single spa cover 1.

FIG. 7 shows a pictorial view of a type of latch 8 which would be used to connect the edges of the slits 7. This view also identifies the strapping 9, which is looped through the ends of the latches 8 and then sewn to the inside bottom edges of slits 7. These latches 8 are necessary to keep the material around the slits 7 from blowing up in windy or stormy conditions.

FIG. 8 shows a pictorial view of latch 8 where it attaches to spa cover 1, at the four bottom corners of spa 2. This view also shows the type of screw 10 which would be used to secure one end of the latch 8 to spa 2.

DESCRIPTION

embodiments of the invention comprise a spa cover 1 which is specifically designed using specific materials, to cover a spa 2 and protect it from the elements, when it is not in use. The spa cover 1 is designed to fit snugly over spa 2, so that only the hinged arm pivots and optional hand rail are exposed to the elements.
The protective cover 1 in this invention is well suited for use in protecting spa 2, because the synthetic materials involved can withstand the elements much better that the spa 2 and it's lid 3 could do on their own.
The example of a spa cover 1 in FIG. 1 shows a simple and effective design which conforms to the shape of the spa 2. The design of spa cover 1 makes it very simple to install and once installed, it never need to be removed from lid 3. Cleaning of cover 1 can be accomplished while the cover 1 is in place and lid 3 is in the fully closed position.
the embodiments of this invention also include production in a variety of colors, to match or compliment the color of the spa 2 or the siding.
The present disclosure is to be taken as illustrative rather than as limiting the scope, nature or spirit of the subject matter below. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art after studying the disclosure, including use of equivalent functional and/or structural substitutes for elements described herein. Such substantial variations are to be considered within the scope of what is contemplated here. Moreover, if plural examples are given for the specific means, or steps, an extrapolation between or beyond such given examples is obvious in view of the present disclosure, then the disclosure is to be deemed as effectively disclosing and thus covering at least such extrapolations.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, ordinary terms have their corresponding ordinary meanings within the respective context of their presentations, and ordinary terms of art have their corresponding regular meanings.

Claims

1. A device for protecting a spa from foreign material which might otherwise accumulate on the spa lid or siding.

2. A device for protecting a spa from foreign material which might otherwise accumulate on the spa lid and siding in claim 1, further comprising a device constructed of a high quality synthetic, canvas-like material.

3. A device for protecting a spa comprising a high quality synthetic, canvas-like material, further comprising a material which is resistant to the harmful rays of the sun, so as to provide many years of protection.

4. A device for protecting a spa with a material which is resistant to the harmful rays of the sun for many years, further comprising a material which is waterproof.

5. A device for protecting a spa with a material which is waterproof in claim 4, further comprising a material which is a breathable fabric, which will not trap moisture of cause sweating under it.

6. A device for protecting a spa which is a breathable fabric which will not trap moisture or cause sweating under it in claim 5, further comprising a material which will not mildew.

7. A device for protecting a spa with a fabric which will not mildew in claim 6, further comprising a cover which is fade resistant.

8. A device for protecting a spa comprising a material which is fade resistant in claim 7, further comprising a cover for the lid of a spa to protect the lid's vinyl cover from drying out or cracking.

9. A device for protecting a spa lid cover from drying out or cracking in claim 8, further comprising a cover that will protect the spa lid's cover from staining from debris dropping on the lid, such as tree sap, bird droppings, etc.

10. A device that will protect the spa lid's vinyl cover from staining caused by debris dropping on the lid in claim 9, further comprising a spa cover which can protect the spa lid's vinyl cover from fading.

11. A device which can protect the spa lid's vinyl cover from fading in claim 10, further comprising a cover which will protect the sides of the spa from fading.

12. A device which will protect the sides of the spa from fading in claim 11, further comprising a cover that will protect the spa siding from dirt and debris.

13. A device that will protect the spa siding from dirt and debris in claim 12, further comprising a cover that will eliminate the need to clean or otherwise service the siding.

14. A device that will eliminate the need to clean or otherwise service the siding of the spa in claim 13, further comprising a cover that will protect the spa lid and siding from water damage such as rain, snow, fog, etc.

15. A device that will protect the spa lid and siding from water damage due to rain, snow, fog, etc. in claim 14, further comprising a cover that will improve the overall heating efficiency of the spa heater, by providing additional insulation.

16. A device that will improve the heating efficiency of the spa heater by providing additional insulation in claim 15, further comprising a cover that can help maintain the value of the spa, by protecting the exterior surfaces from the effects of wear and tear, and maintaining the new like appearance of the spa.

17. A device that can help maintain the value of a spa by protecting it's exterior surfaces from ware and tare and maintaining the new like appearance of the spa in claim 16, further comprising a cover which will protect against expenses for repairs and/or maintenance.

18. A device which will protect against expensive repairs and/or maintenance in claim 17, further comprising a cover which has slits on the sides to accommodate installation and to allow the cover to fit around the spa lid pivot arms.

19. A device which has slits on the sides to accommodate installation and allow the cover to fit around the pivot arms in claim 18, further comprising a cover that can have and optional slit in the front to accommodate a hand rail.

20. A device to protect a spa that can have a optional slit to accommodate a hand rail in claim 19, further comprising a cover that has optional latches that can be applied to prevent the wind from raising the cover over the top of the lid, or otherwise flap in the wind.