WO2020084597A1

WO2020084597A1 - A lid for a hot tub

Info

Publication number: WO2020084597A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/059191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Evans
Original assignee: Mark Evans
Priority date: 2018-10-26
Filing date: 2019-10-26
Publication date: 2020-04-30
Also published as: GB2578442A; GB2593089A; GB202106324D0; GB201817456D0

Abstract

Spa apparatus comprising a lid for a hot tub. The lid has a plurality of interlocking elongate sections arranged to be moved between a first position, covering the hot tub, and a second position, in which the hot tub is uncovered. The elongate sections are each connected lengthwise one to another by a hinge defined by at least one protuberance in one elongate section received by a recess in an adjacent elongate section.

Description

A LID FOR A HOT TUB

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lid for a hot tub, in particular a means for deploying and retracting the lid effortlessly to and from a hot tub.

Background

Hot tubs and spa baths are usually covered when not in use to help maintain temperature, to restrict access and to prevent collection of debris.

Typically lids and covers are bulky and heavy making them different to position and remove, particularly for an individual. Also often a cover for a hot tub is flexible and can become dislodged by the wind or may sag due to collection of rain or snow upon the cover.

The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an easy to position and remove lid.

Prior Art

US 2010 0 070 059 (GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP) discloses a bathing unit control system suitable for controlling a set of bathing unit components in a bathing unit system and having multimedia control functionality is provided.

US 7 155 756 (HELDER) discloses a lifting mechanism for removing and storing a hot tub cover, comprising: at least one power pedestal having a rotational actuator, a threaded shaft rotated by the actuator, a carriage bar having a threaded aperture adapted for threadable cooperation with the threaded shaft, and a fixed roller adapted for rotation about a horizontal axis. US 2004 0 255 375 (SCARLATA) discloses a remotely-operated control system for spas or hot tubs having one or more of pumps, blowers and lights, comprising: an integrated audio system comprising an audio controller that drives one or more loudspeakers.

US20130007955 (ELKINGTON) discloses a spa enable to permit a user to connect hands-free mobile phone calls whilst immersed in the spa.

US 6754916 (COX) discloses a housing having a tub for holding water and a retractable entertainment unit having a display.

US 20100321202 (LAFLAMME et al.) discloses a bathing unit control system suitable for controlling a set of bathing unit components.

US 20160123028 (CUNERTY et al.) discloses a lift assembly for a spa cover.

EP 3392432 (CARGILL et al.) discloses a spa cover-lifting apparatus and method.

CA 2537640 (SCHNURR) discloses a hot tub cover transfer device with a carrier to engage the cover and a drive unit to displace the cover.

US 20070209104 (BUZZETTI) discloses an apparatus for lifting a cover from a spa or other housing.

US 5761750 (MAZZOLOA) discloses a hot tub with a bathing enclosure surrounded by a peripheral tub wall, the tub having a covering apparatus.

WO 2010046690 (BROOK et al.) discloses a roller cover and mechanism of operation of a roller cover.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices. Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a lid for a hot tub comprising: a plurality of interlocking elongate sections arranged to be moved between a first position, covering the hot tub, and a second position, in which the hot tub is uncovered; characterised in that the elongate sections are each connected lengthwise one to another by a hinge defined by at least one protuberance in one elongate section received by a recess in an adjacent elongate section, wherein the hinge allows the elongate sections to pivot between a first orientation, in which adjacent elongate sections engage together to form a planar surface to cover the hot tub, and at least a second orientation, in which the adjacent elongate sections are non-planar whilst remaining connected.

In this way a protective lid can be mechanically deployed over, and retracted from, a hot tub without requirement for assistance from multiple people and without it being essential to have guide tracks or a guiding rail.

The lid reduces heat loss, prevents unauthorised access and prevents accumulation of debris when the hot tub is not in use.

Preferably the lid is connected to a spindle or drum so that the lid can be wrapped about the spindle or drum when removed from the hot tub so as to be stored in a compact arrangement adjacent the hot tub. This arrangement also enables the lid to be easily deployed when the spindle or drum is rotated in the opposite direction.

The lid may be moved between the first and second positions by a manual actuator. For example by a crank handle to wind and unwind the lid onto and from the hot tub. Preferably the lid is moved between the first and second positions by a motor. In this way the present invention provides a motor driven hot tub lid that protects the hot tub and the water.

A controller is provided for controlling operation of the lid. The controller is operatively coupled to the motor. Typically the controller may comprise, or may be associated with, a panel that has operational controls, such as switches or dials to deploy and retract the lid.

In some embodiments a remote control means may be provided for controlling the motor and thereby the deployment and retraction of the lid. Preferably the remote control is wirelessly connected to the controller that is operatively connected to the motor.

Ideally the motor is an electrical motor. The electrical motor may be connected to a mains power supply or may have an independent power source such as one or more battery. For example a displaceable, replaceable and/or rechargeable battery may be provided to power the motor.

It is appreciated that the lid may have a manual failsafe mode of operation when the main method of operation is via a motor.

The lid is formed from a plurality of elongate interlocking sections that are arranged in use across the opening of the hot tub. Typically the lid is dimensioned to correspond to the perimeter edge of the hot tub, although it is appreciated that in some embodiments that lid may overhang the edges of the hot tub.

Each elongate section is adapted to connect to an adjacent section by means of the hinge in such a way that the elongate sections can pivot relative to each other so as to enable the sections to be arranged in non-planar orientations, such as when the lid is wrapped about a spindle. The hinge is in the form of a recess and protuberance wherein a recess is provided on a section that receives protuberance from an adjacent section. The hinge joins the sections together so that an array of interconnected sections that will span a hot tub is provided.

In preferred embodiments the hinge is provided at a lower region of the sections so as to allow the sections to pivot to a greater degree than if the hinge was provided more centrally on the section.

Preferably a recess extends lengthwise along an entire elongate section. One or more protuberance(s) is arranged in the recess to connect the sections.

Preferably a single protuberance extends lengthwise along the entire elongate section. In this way escape of heat and evaporated water between the two sections is limited as the sections are connected along their entire length.

In a preferred embodiment the recess is concave and receives a corresponding protuberance so that the protuberance can articulate freely within the recess. An opening to the recess is smaller than the cross-section of the head of the protuberance to prevent removal or dislodgment of the protuberance from the recess through the opening to the recess.

Preferably the protuberance has a head and an arm arranged between the head and the section. The head is sized so as to not be removed through the opening of the recess and the arm is of a smaller dimension so as to allow pivoting within the opening to the recess.

In another embodiment two or more protuberances may be received by one or more recess. For example a recess extending along the length of the section may receive two round headed protuberances, one arranged at each end of the section. The range of movement permitted at each hinge is typically controlled by the opening to the recess. In a preferred embodiment the recess has an angled face at the opening to the recess to increase the range to which protuberance can articulate within the recess. The angled opening allows the protuberance to pivot until the arm is in contact with the angled face of the opening to the recess.

The angled face of the opening to the recess is on the lower portion of the section to maximise articulation.

Preferably the upper surface and a lower surface of each elongate section are substantially parallel when deployed in the first position so as to form a flat, planar layer upon the hot tub.

In preferred embodiments each elongate section has at least one node that is received by a groove on an adjacent elongate section when the elongate sections are deployed in the first position and the sections are fully engaged. The node and grooves provide a second engagement point in addition to the hinge.

The node and groove only engage when the lid is in the first position, whereas the hinge parts are continually engaged.

Preferably the lid is deployed from a spindle wherein part of the elongate section, at a proximal end of the lid, is connected to the spindle about which the lid is rolled as the lid is deployed over, or removed from, the hot tub.

Typically the spindle is arranged within a housing that houses the lid when removed from the hot tub. Preferably the housing is placed alongside the hot tub so that the lid extends from the housing straight onto the hot tub.

An opening is provided on the housing through which the lid passes. Preferably the opening has bristles, brushes or a resiliently deformable layer such as a foam surround arranged around the perimeter of the opening. The bristles, brushes or a resiliently deformable layer provide a barrier to water, such as rain, or to prevent snow or any debris collected upon the lid from entering the housing. The bristles, brushes or a resiliently deformable layer also conceal the internal parts contained within the housing,

In this way the lid and housing may be an aftermarket fitting, wherein the lid and housing are fitted alongside a hot tub thus allowing a lid to be retrofitted. The housing may include storage for items, or parts of or mechanisms associated with the lid.

In some embodiments the lid may be integrated with the hot tub.

In some embodiments the lid may be provided with an adjustable frame that fits around the hot tub. In this way the cover would appear to be integrated with the hot tub and the housing would be disguised. The frame may include steps to aid with access to the hot tub.

In some embodiments for example the frame may be adjustable so as to allow the position of the lid relative to the hot tub to be changed. For example by adjusting height of the frame so that lid is raised or lowered vertically the frame and therefore the lid can be adjusted to fit different sized and shaped hot tubs and may also allow the lid to be adapted to different locations, for example to be adjoined to a building.

Preferably the lid includes an end module that is connected to the most distal section and thereby the distal end of the lid. The end module has a recess for receiving a protuberance, or a protuberance for receiving a recess. The opposed face of the end module (distal face) is preferably closed and defines a flat face. The end module is the leading part of the lid when it is deployed.

Ideally each elongate section is hollow. This reduces the weight of the lid. Each section may be formed from an extruded section of synthetic plastics materials. When the section is hollow an end cap closes each end. The presence of the end cap also helps prevent disengagement of the hinge by preventing lateral movement and also ensures that the lid deploys and retracts is a linear direction.

The hollow region may be filled with an insulating material to enhance the insulating properties of the lid. For example the section may be filled with a cellular material such as a synthetic expanded foam material.

In embodiments with hollow sections there may be one or more internal rib to increase the strength of the elongate section. The rib or ribs may extend across part of, or the entire hollow section.

In preferred embodiments the elongate sections are substantially rectangular or substantially square, in cross section. The sections are arranged lengthways in parallel so as to form a row of elongate sections connected one to another by the hinges. Having square or rectangular cross sections enables the sections to form a continuous planar structure once the sections are arranged side by side over the hot tub in the first position (hot tub covered).

It is appreciated that it is an advantage of the lid that it provides a seal over the hot tub so as to best insulate the hot tub by reducing heat loss and evaporation. In some embodiments the lid may form an airtight seal over the hot tub, but it is appreciated that in such embodiments a vent may be provided to prevent pressure building under the lid due to changes in temperature.

To achieve a seal, in preferred embodiments the lid may include a seal between interlocking elongate sections, and/or may have a sealing layer provided on a lower face of the elongate sections to create a seal between the hot tub and the lid. Ideally any seal is formed from an insulating material. For example the insulating material may be a felt seal layer or a layer of cellular material, or rubber or silicon, located in use between the lid and hot tub and/or between the sections.

It may be envisaged that a sealing layer on the lower face of the sections may be at least the same width as the part of the hot tub edge that engages with the lid, allowing for a smooth movement of the lid and a better seal to stop heat and evaporated moisture leakage.

The sealing layer that contacts the hot tub also helps to reduce friction as the lid moves across the upper surface of the hot tub. For example the material may be a smooth polished surface or be coated with a soft finish material that helps the lid glide easily over the hot tub.

Typically the elongate sections are also formed from an insulating material.

The presence of a sealing layer also has the benefit of protecting the hot tub from being damaged by the lid’s movement over the upper edge.

In some embodiments the lid may include rollers to assist with movement of the lid over the hot tub. The rollers may be arranged on the sections or the end caps.

In some embodiments the lid may be guided in and out by a rail system. The rail system may include a low-friction surface, layer or seal, along which the lid travels. The lid may be adapted to travel along the rail, for example by means of a channel or wheels to aid and guide movement of the lid over the hot tub.

The lid is rigid so as to provide a strong cover over the hot tub. Once the sections are interlocked together, they form a continuous locked, planar layer which helps to ensure the hot tub remains covered until the lid is removed. As the lid is a rigid layer it is typically heavier than traditional fabric covers and thus is less liable to be removed due to the effects of the wind. Also, as the lid is rigid it does not permit pooling of rainwater or snow which a traditional flexible cover may.

In some embodiments the lid may include a means for holding the lid against the hot tub to prevent lifting of the lid. For example the end module provided at a distal end of the lid may have an attachment means for connecting to the hot tub, or the lid may overlap and engage with a side of the hot tub. For example an end cap may have a C-shaped portion that cups a side edge or lip of the hot tub to prevent lifting of the lid from the hot tub. In another embodiment the end module may have a tag or catch which is secured to a base provided on the hot tub, thus anchoring the distal end of the lid to the hot tub.

In yet a further embodiment the end module may include magnetic material and a stopper on the hot tub may be magnetic so that the end module is attracted to and engages with the magnetic stopper. This serves to locate the end module in position and the motor continues to unwind the lid until the sections are fully engaged so the lid seals the entrance to the hot tub.

In another embodiment the end module may include apertures provided on an underside of the end module that receives one or more stud that is arranged on the hot tub. Each stud engages with an aperture to stop further progression of the lid, thereby the stud acts as a stopper.

In some embodiments the motor may be used to power other electrical equipment such as audio-visual equipment, or one or more light sources. Typically such electrical equipment is arranged on the housing.

For example the housing may be provided in use with a light source, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or similar. In this way the motor for the lid may be used to help provide a more welcoming and enjoyable spa experience. In some embodiments the housing may include a screen or a loudspeaker so as to provide audio-visual entertainment. The audio-visual equipment, such as a speaker or a screen, may be available to connect to wirelessly. In this way a user may be able to utilise remotely stored or independently available media, for example by downloading music or video by Bluetooth (RTM).

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment a lid on a hot tub;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 , with the lid retracted;

Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure

1 ;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure

2;

Figures 5A and 5B show isometric views of the embodiment of the lid shown in isolation;

Figures 6 show isometric views from below of the embodiment of the li shown in Figures 5A and 5B;

Figures 7 show isometric exploded views of the embodiment of the lid shown in Figures 5, in the first position; Figures 8 and 9 show exploded isometric views of the embodiment of the lid shown in Figures 5;

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a section as shown in the embodiment of the lid of Figures 5;

Figures 11 A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C shows diagrammatic views of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 ;

Figures 12 show diagrammatic side views of the lid sections;

Figure 13 shows an isometric detail view of the lid;

Figures 14A and 14B show exploded isometric detail views of the lid from the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 13;

Figures 15A, 15B and 15C show the lid and housing;

Figures 16A, 16B, 15C and 16D show a second embodiment of the interlocking sections of the lid;

Figure 17 shows a screenshot of cross section of the sections shown in Figures 16;

Figures 18A and 18B show third embodiment of a lid section and a rear view of an end cap;

Figures 19A, 19B and 19C show a third embodiment of the interlocking sections; and

Figures 20A and 20B show an example of a stopper.

Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown a selection of preferred embodiments of the lid.

Figures 1 to 1 1 show a first embodiment of the invention showing a lid 100 for deploying over a hot tub 200. The lid 100 is stored in, and deployed from, a housing 300.

The lid 100 is movable between a first position covering the hot tub (as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3) to a second position (as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4), where the hot tub 200 is uncovered and therefore accessible.

The lid 100 is formed from a plurality of interlocking sections 10 to provide a planar layer over a hot tub. The sections 10 are joined one to another by one or more hinge 20.

The sections 10 are configured so that they engage with adjacent sections 10 as the lid 100 is deployed, being moved across a top surface of the hot tub 200 so as to form a continuous layer with no gaps or bunching.

At a distal end of the lid 100 is an end module 30. The end module 30 is the leading edge of the lid 100 when it is deployed from the housing 300 through the opening 340 and over the hot tub 200.

The pictured end module 30 is rigid and is provided with apertures 31 for interaction with studs 210 projecting from the upper edge of the hot tub 200 in use. Such studs 210 may be added to a hot tub (retrofitted) or may be fitted at manufacture. In some embodiments the studs may be dials, controls, or caps that are standard parts of the hot tub and the end module may be adapted to fit different types of hot tubs.

The pictured end module 30 has two cup holders 32. The studs 210 projecting from the hot tub surface are received by the apertures 31 in the end module 30 of the lid 100. The engagement between the apertures 31 and studs 210 assists the lid 100 to stay closed when deployed in the first position. In this way the lid 100 is secured in the first position. The engagement between the apertures 31 and studs 210 also serves as stopper so that the motor can continue to turn the spindle until the sections are fully engaged and there are no gaps between any of the sections over the hot tub.

The sections 10 are elongate with a substantially rectangular cross-section, thus having parallel upper and lower surfaces.

The lid 100 deploys from the housing 300 through an opening 340.

The lid 100 is arranged to be electrically driven by a motor 320 that is contained within the housing 300.

The lid 100 is connected to a spindle 310 that is housed within the housing 300, about which the lid 100 is wound so that the lid 100 can be stored about the spindle 310 when removed.

The spindle 310 is driven by a motor 320 that is capable of turning the spindle 310 clockwise and anticlockwise so that the lid 100 can be deployed and retracted by turning the spindle 310.

The housing 300 includes a shield 330 that is arranged about the spindle defining a space between the spindle 310 and the shield 330 into which the lid is received. The shield 330 may help to hold the lid 100 in position in the housing 300 and may collect any gather liquid from the lid and direct it away from the motor. For example the shield 330 may be angle so that any collected water runs in a selected direction.

The housing 300 is a separate unit arranged adjacent to a side of the hot tub 200. The housing 300 has an upper housing 300A and a lower housing 300B. The lower housing 300B serves to elevate the upper housing 300A from the ground. The spindle 310 is arranged in the upper housing 300A and the motor 320 is provided in the lower housing 300B.

The housing 300 is elongate and has a flat panel located parallel to the side of the hot tub 200, and smaller orthogonal side panels, forming a box like structure.

The lower housing 300B may further provide an internal channel for wiring (not shown) or the like and may provide storage space.

The lower housing 300B has bolts 350 which bolt the housing 300 to the ground. In an alternative embodiment the lower housing 300B may have suction ends for attaching the housing 300 to the ground.

The upper housing 300A may comprise suction cup or adhesive or screw thread attachment on an outer face of the flat panel to attach the upper housing 300A to the side of the hot tub.

In Figures 12A and 12B there is shown a cross section view of interlocking sections 10 that include wheels 80 that roll across the upper surface of the hot tub making it easier for the lid to be deployed by reducing friction and avoiding the requirement for a rail.

Figure 12A shows the sections 10 when they are not fully engaged (faces of adjacent sections 10 are not in contact with each other) and Figure 12B shows the sections 10 when they are fully engaged (faces of adjacent sections 10 are in contact) and there is no gap between the sections. To achieve this the wheel(s) 80 is/are on an axle 81 that is in an elongate channel 82 along which the axle travels as the gap between the sections opens or closes. In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 the sections 10 have end caps 40 that are provided at each end of the elongate section 10.

The end caps have two parts 40A, 40B that are arranged either side of the roller 45. The roller 45 rotates about an axle 46.

The end caps 40 have rollers 45 which allow the sections 10 to roll easily along the top of the hot tub 200.

The end caps 40 have tapered proximal ends 41 that allow the end caps to pivot relative to each other. It is appreciated that the sections 10 have the same cross section as the end cap (see Figure 14B), having a tapered proximal end 1 1 that has a recess 21 . The hinge 20 is in the form of a recess 21 and protuberance 22.

A control panel 400 is located on the side of the hot tub 200.

In some embodiments the hot tub may have a holster for housing a remote control. The holster may be attached to the hot tub using adhesive or ferromagnetism in aftermarket embodiments.

The motor 320 is operatively connected to a controller (not shown) that is in communication with the control panel and/or remote control.

For a lid operable by means of a remote control there is provided a receiver for receiving signals from the remote control, or preferably a transceiver (not shown) for receiving and transmitting signals from and to the remote control. In this way the lid can be operated remotely. In some embodiments an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet may serve as the remote control by means of an app. Advantageously by having a remote control this can be mounted away from the hot tub, for example inside a premises and may be fitted at a height that is out of children’s reach.

In some embodiments the lid may include sensors to detect presence of users so that the lid cannot be operated if the hot tub is in use. For example a movement sensor or pressure sensor may be used to detect presence of a user and if detected this may disable the motor and/or lock manual operation of the lid for safety reasons.

Figures 15A and 15B show overviews of the lid 100 and housing 300. With Figures 15B and 15C also showing internal parts of the housing 300.

The housing 300 has two access panels 360 provided in a lower portion 300B of the housing 300. It is envisaged that items may be stored in this space.

The housing 300 contains a spindle 310, to which the lid 100 connects in use.

The spindle 310 is driven by a belt 31 1 which is turned by the motor 320.

Figures 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D show a preferred embodiment of the lid 100. The elongate sections 10 are substantially rectangular and are hollow 25.

Each section 10 has a recess 21 provided on one face and a protuberance 22 provided on an opposed face. The recess 21 and protuberance 22 of adjacent sections engage to form the hinge 20.

The protuberance has a head 23 and an arm 24.

The recess 21 extends along the entire length of the section 10. The protuberance 22 also extends along the entire length of the section 10. The sections 10 therefore engage along their entire length, forming a secure connection. In this configuration the sections may be assembled by threading the protuberance lengthways through the recess. Once the end caps 40 are added the hinges are not able to be disconnected and thus the lid is forced to remain in a linear configuration.

The recess 21 and protuberance 22 are arranged at a lower portion of the sections 10 to enable one section to pivot relative to an adjacent section to a greater degree than if the hinge was provided more centrally.

The opening of the recess 21 is angled 26 so as to allow the protuberance 22 a greater range of movement within the recess 21 .

The recess 21 is concave and the protuberance 22 is arcuate, having in cross- section, the appearance of a ball and socket joint.

Each section 10 has at least one node 12 that is received by a groove 13 on an adjacent section 10. The pictured embodiment has two nodes 12 received into two separate grooves 13 when the sections are fully engaged (see Figure 16B). The sections 10 become fully engaged as they are pushed together from the partially engaged arrangement shown in Figure 16A to the fully engaged arrangement of Figure 16B.

It is appreciated that the end module is stopped once it reaches a desired position and therefore as the lid continues to be deployed from the spindle the sections get pushed together. Typically the end module is stopped by a barrier or obstacle, such as the studs 210.

The pictured end module 30 has a recess 21 for receiving the protuberance 22 of the adjacent section 10. The end of each section 10 is closed by an end cap 40. The end cap is adapted to engage with the hollow region 25 of the section. Each end cap 40 is sized and dimensioned to match the cross-section of the section 10.

Figure 17 shows a screen shot of a cross section of the sections 10 shown in Figures 16.

The node 12 has a curved upper surface that aids with insertion of the node 12 into the groove 13.

Each section 10 has internal ribs 14 that provide additional strength, in particular to prevent the lid from sagging.

Figures 18A and 18B show a third embodiment of a section 10 and a rear view of the corresponding end cap 40 with two projections 41 that are received into the hollows 25 of the section 10.

Two nodes 12 are provided and one groove 13 in which the nodes are located when engaged. Only the upper node 12A is in contact with a wall of the groove. The groove does not correspond to the size of each node but provides a space in which the node can be received.

Figures 19A, 19B and 19C show cross sectional views showing the sections 10 and end caps 40 of Figures 18A and 18B in use. The section ends are closed by the end caps 40.

Figures 20A and 20B show a lid 100 with the end module 30 having an aperture 31 which receives a stud 210. The stud 210 serves to position the lid 100 and also acts a stopper to prevent the lid 100 moving beyond the end of the hot tub 200. Once the end module is in contact with the stud, progression of the lid any further over the end of the hot tub is prevents and the lid can continue to deploy until all the sections a fully engaged so as to be fully in contact with each other. The stud 210 is pin shaped and the aperture 31 corresponds to the shape of the stud 210. Figure 20B shows a cross sectional view of the lid and stud 210 configuration. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A lid for a hot tub comprises: a plurality of interlocking elongate sections arranged to be moved between a first position, covering the hot tub, and a second position, in which the hot tub is uncovered; characterised in that the elongate sections are each connected lengthwise one to another by a hinge defined by at least one protuberance in one elongate section received by a recess in an adjacent elongate section, wherein the hinge allows the elongate sections to pivot between a first orientation, in which adjacent elongate sections engage together to form a planar surface to cover the hot tub, and at least a second orientation, in which the adjacent elongate sections are non-planar whilst remaining connected.

2. A lid for a hot tub according to claim 1 wherein movement of the lid between the first and second positions is achieved by a manual actuator.

3. A lid for a hot tub according to claim 1 wherein movement of the lid between the first and second positions is achieved by a motor.

4. A lid for a hot tub according to claim 3 includes a remote control means for controlling the motor.

5. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein a recess extends lengthwise along an entire elongate section.

6. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein the protuberance extends lengthwise along an entire elongate section.

7. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein the lid has an upper surface and a lower surface which are substantially parallel when deployed in the first position.

8. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein each elongate section has at least one node that is received by a groove on an adjacent elongate section when the elongate sections are deployed in the first position.

9. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein an elongate section at a proximal end of the lid is connected to a drum about which the lid is rolled as the lid is deployed over, or removed from, the hot tub.

10. A lid for a hot tub according to claim 9 wherein the drum is arranged within a housing that includes the lid when removed.

1 1 . A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim includes an end module that is connected to a distal end of the lid has a recess for receiving a protuberance and a flat opposing face.

12. A lid for a hot tub according to any of claims 1 to 10 includes an end module that is connected to a distal end of the lid and has a protuberance to be received in a recess and a flat opposing face.

13. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein each elongate section is hollow.

14. A lid for a hot tub according to claim 12 wherein a cap closes each end of an elongate section.

15. A lid for a hot tub according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein at least one rib is provided in a hollow to increase the strength of the elongate section.

16. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate sections are substantially rectangular or preferably substantially square, in cross section.

17. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein the lid comprises a seal between interlocking elongate sections.

18. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein an edge seal is provided a lower surface of the elongate sections at their ends to create a seal between the hot tub and the lid.

19. A lid for a hot tub according to claim 16 of 17 wherein the seal includes an insulating material.

20. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein each recess has an angled opening to limit the range to which protuberance can articulate within the recess.

21.A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate sections are formed from an insulating material.

22. A lid for a hot tub according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate sections are formed from extruded sections of synthetic plastics materials.

23. A hot tub having a lid according to any of claims 1 to 22.