U.S. patent application number 11/982057 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-13 for spa cover lifter.
Invention is credited to George F. Koren.
Application Number | 20080060125 11/982057 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37081714 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080060125 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koren; George F. |
March 13, 2008 |
Spa cover lifter
Abstract
A system for lifting a spa cover lifter. The system includes a
pole and a post. The system also includes a first support member
and a second support member. The first support member is pivotably
connected to the pole. The second support member is pivotably
connected to the pole and pivotably connected to the post. The
system also includes a first cable connected to the spa cover, a
second cable connected to the pole, and a drive mechanism connected
to the first and second cables.
Inventors: |
Koren; George F.;
(Evergreen, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART PRESTON GATES ELLIS LLP
535 SMITHFIELD STREET
PITTSBURGH
PA
15222
US
|
Family ID: |
37081714 |
Appl. No.: |
11/982057 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11101231 |
Apr 7, 2005 |
7308722 |
|
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11982057 |
Nov 1, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/498 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/08 20060101
E04H004/08 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A method for lifting a spa cover from a spa, the spa cover
comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first
section and the second section are joined at a hinge interface, the
method comprising: providing a first lifting force at an edge of
the first section opposite the hinge interface; and providing a
second lifting force at the hinge interface of the spa cover.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the first lifting
force comprises retracting a first cable attached to the first
section of the spa cover at an edge of the first section opposite
the hinge interface.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the second lifting
force comprises retracting a second cable attached to the hinge
interface between the first section and the second section of the
spa cover.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising maintaining the
first lifting force until the first section is substantially folded
upon the second section.
21. The method of claim 17, further comprising maintaining the
second lifting force until the first section and the second section
are in a substantially vertical position.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein the providing of the first
lifting force and the providing of the second lifting force overlap
in time.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein the providing of the first
lifting force and the providing of the second lifting force occur
simultaneously.
24. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the first lifting
force comprises storing a torque about the pole.
25. The method of claim 17, further comprising replacing the spa
cover, wherein replacing the spa cover comprises reducing the
second lifting force.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein reducing the second lifting
force comprises extending a cable.
27. A spa cover lifter for lifting a spa cover, the spa cover
comprising a first section and a second section pivotably coupled
to the first section at a hinge interface, the spa cover lifter
comprising: a drive system, wherein the drive system is coupled to
the spa cover at the first section, and wherein the drive system is
also coupled to the spa cover proximate the hinge interface; and
wherein the drive system is configured to exert a first force on
the first section and a second force proximate the hinge
interface.
28. The spa cover lifter of claim 27, further comprising a frame
structure, wherein at least a portion of the drive system is
coupled to the frame structure.
29. The spa cover lifter of claim 27, wherein the drive system is
coupled to the first section with a first cable, and wherein the
drive system is coupled proximate the hinge interface with a second
cable.
30. The spa cover lifter of claim 29, wherein the second cable is
coupled to a support member, and the support member is coupled to
the spa cover proximate the hinge interface.
31. The spa cover lifter of claim 27, wherein the drive system
comprises a first drive mechanism coupled to the first section; and
a second drive mechanism coupled to the spa cover proximate the
hinge interface.
32. A spa cover lifter for lifting a spa cover, the spa cover
comprising a first section and a second section pivotably coupled
to the first section at a hinge interface, the spa cover lifter
comprising: a frame structure; a drive mechanism coupled to at
least one of the first section and the second section; and wherein
the drive mechanism is coupled to the frame member.
33. The spa cover lifter of claim 32, wherein the drive mechanism
is coupled to the spa cover at the first section, wherein the drive
mechanism is also coupled to the spa cover proximate the hinge
interface, and wherein the drive mechanism is configured to exert a
first force on the first section and a second force proximate the
hinge interface.
34. The spa cover lifter of claim 32, wherein the drive mechanism
is coupled to the at least one of the first section and the second
section by at least one cable.
35. The spa cover lifter of claim 34, wherein the at lease one
cable is coupled to a support member, and the support member is
coupled to the at least one of the first section and the second
section.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The application is related, generally and in various
embodiments, to a spa cover lifter. Many people today enjoy the
recreational benefits of soaking in the hot water of a hot-tub or
spa. Spas are popular at gyms and other recreational facilities,
and many people even maintain spas at their private homes. Most
spas are shielded by bulky covers when not in use. Especially with
outdoor spas, the covers are often necessary to retain heat energy
in the spa. The covers may also prevent debris, such as leaves,
grass clippings, etc., from falling into the spa.
[0002] Due to their insulating properties, spa covers are often
bulky and can sometimes be quite heavy. Removing and replacing a
spa cover can be a nuisance to larger individuals, but may be
extremely difficult for those of slighter builds. Systems exist for
automatically opening and replacing spa covers, however, these
systems are not designed for opening common types of spa
covers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one general respect, the present application discloses a
system for lifting a spa cover. According to various embodiments,
the system comprises a pole and a post. The system also comprises a
first support member and a second support member. The first support
member is pivotably connected to the pole. The second support
member is pivotably connected to the pole and pivotably connected
to the post. In various embodiments, the system also comprises a
first cable connected to the spa cover, a second cable connected to
the pole, and a drive mechanism connected to the first and second
cables.
[0004] In another general aspect, the present application discloses
a method of lifting a spa cover from a spa. The spa cover comprises
a first section and a second section. The first section and the
second section are joined at a hinge interface. The method
comprises the step of providing a first lifting force at an edge of
the first section opposite the hinge interface. The method also
comprises the step of providing a second lifting force at the hinge
interface of the spa cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a spa and spa cover according to various
embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a torsion spring installed on a spa cover
lifter according to various embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a torsion spring installed on a spa cover
lifter according to various embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a driveshaft for inclusion in a spa cover
lifter according to various embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments; and
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates portions of a spa cover lifter installed
on a spa according to various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a spa 100 according to various
embodiments. The spa 100 may include a tub 102 and a cover 104. The
tub 102 may be filled with water and, in various embodiments, may
include filtration and heating equipment (not shown) as is known in
the art. The spa cover 104 may include a core (not shown) made from
a heat insulating material, such as, for example, polystyrene. The
spa cover 104 may be covered in a waterproof lining, for example,
made from vinyl or another suitable material. The cover 104 may
include a first section 106 and a second section 108. The sections
106, 108 of the cover 104 may be pivotably joined at hinge
interface 110. For example, the cover 104 may be folded at the
hinge interface 110 as shown.
[0019] FIGS. 2-8 depict various components of a spa cover lifter
200 installed on a spa 100 according to various embodiments. The
spa cover lifter 200 may generally include a frame structure 300
and a drive system 400. The spa cover lifter 200 may cause the spa
cover 104 to transition between a closed position, for example, as
shown in FIG. 2, and an open position, for example, as shown in
FIG. 3. Referring back to FIG. 2, the frame structure 300 of the
spa cover lifter 200 may include a pair of posts 302, 304 for
example, positioned at adjacent corners of the spa 100. The side of
the spa 100 between the adjacent corners may correspond to section
106 of the spa cover 104. In various embodiments, a drive post 306
may be positioned between the posts 302, 304. The posts 302, 304,
306 may be supported by any suitable support structure. For
example, FIG. 1 shows the posts 302, 304, 306 supported by
cross-members 308, stand 310 and brace 312.
[0020] In various embodiments, the posts 302, 304, 306 and
structure 308, 310, 312 may be secured to the spa 100. For example,
one or more of the structures 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 may be
fastened to the spa tub 102 using any suitable fastener or
fasteners including, for example, one or more screws, nails,
rivets, etc. Also, the above structures may be fastened to the spa
tub 102 using straps (not shown) made of any suitable material.
[0021] The frame structure 300 of the spa cover lifter 200 may
further include support members 320, 322, 324, 326 fastened to the
spa cover 104 and also fastened to, one or more of the posts 302,
304, 306, as described below. The support members 320, 322, 324,
326 may be fastened to the spa cover 104 using straps 328 or any
other suitable fastening method. For example, the support members
320, 322, 324, 326 may be secured to the spa cover 104 using
fasteners, e.g., screws, rivets, etc., however it will be
appreciated that fastening methods that require puncturing the spa
cover 104 may cause damage and premature wear to the cover 104.
[0022] In various embodiments, the support members 320, 322, 324,
326 may be fastened to opposite edges of the spa cover 104. The
opposite edges may be roughly bisected by the hinge interface 110
such that support members 320, 322 may be fastened along opposite
edges of the first section 106 of the spa cover 104 and support
members 324, 326 may be fastened along opposite edges of the second
section 108 of the spa cover 104.
[0023] A pole 330 may be positioned across the spa cover 104 at
roughly the location of the hinge interface 110. The pole 330 may
meet with the pair of support members 320, 324 at interface 332
such that the support members 320, 324 may pivot relative to each
other about the interface 332. The pole 330 may also interface with
the pair of support members 322, 326 at interface 334, similarly
allowing the support members 324, 326 to pivot relative to each
other. Accordingly, as the spa cover 104 is folded about the hinge
interface 110, the support members 320, 322, 324, 326 may be
similarly folded about the pole 330.
[0024] The support members 320, 322, 324, 326 and pole 330 may be
pivotably connected to at least one of the posts 302, 304, 306,
directly or indirectly. For example, support members 320 and 322
may be connected to posts 302, 304 at hinges 340, 342 as shown in
FIG. 2. Accordingly, the support members 320, 322 as well as the
attached spa cover 104 may be pivoted off the spa tub 102 at hinges
340, 342.
[0025] In various embodiments, the frame structure 300 may also
include means for storing and releasing a torque about hinge
interface 110, e.g., also about interfaces 332 and 334. For
example, FIG. 2 shows a lever arm 350 attached to support member
324 and extending towards post 302. A spring 352 may extend from an
end of lever arm 350 to brace 312 or another suitable portion of
the frame structure 300. It will be appreciated that a similar
lever arm and spring (not shown) may, but need not be, mounted on
the opposite side of the spa 100. The lever arm 350 and spring 352
may store a torque by extending the spring 352 as the spa cover
section 108 folds upon the spa cover section 106. The torque may be
released as the spa cover sections 106, 108 unfold relative to each
other and tension in the spring 352 is released.
[0026] In various embodiments, the means for storing and releasing
a torque may include a torsion spring 354 as shown in FIGS. 4 and
5. A similar torsion spring (not shown) may, but need not be,
mounted on the opposite side of the spa 100. As the support members
320 and 324 fold upon one another, the torsion spring 354 may be
compressed. Accordingly, as the sections 106, 108 of the spa cover
104 fold upon one another, a torque is stored in the torsion
spring. The torque may be released as the spa cover 104 unfolds,
and the tension in the torsion spring 354 is released. In certain
embodiments, torsion springs 355, 357 or other means for storing
and releasing a torque, e.g., a lever arm and spring, etc., may be
included about hinges 340 and 342 as well.
[0027] Referring back to FIG. 2, the spa cover lifter 200 may also
include a drive system 400. The drive system 400 may include a
drive mechanism 402 for providing power to the spa lifter 200. The
drive mechanism 402 may be mounted to the drive post 306, and may
provide power to the spa cover lifter 200 by retracting a series of
cables 404, 406, 408 attached directly or indirectly to the spa
cover 104. The drive mechanism 402 may be any kind of drive device
including, for example, an electric motor, an internal combustion
engine, etc. In various embodiments, the drive mechanism 402 may
include an electric motor whose operating voltage is chosen to
match that of the spa 100, e.g., 110 volts or 220 volts. This may
allow the drive mechanism 402 to draw power from the spa 100.
[0028] Cables 404, 406, 408 may extend, directly or indirectly,
from the drive mechanism 402 to various points on the spa cover
104. FIG. 6 shows a driveshaft 420 that may be a part of the drive
mechanism 402 according to various embodiments. The driveshaft 420
may include one or more spools 422, 424, 426. Each spool 422, 424,
426 may be connected to one or more of cables 404, 406, 408. As the
driveshaft 420 rotates, the spools 422, 424, 426 may also rotate,
causing the cables 404, 406, 408 to be retracted. In various
embodiments, as described below, the spool 422 attached to the
cable 404 may have a larger diameter than the spools 424, 426
attached to cables 406 and 408. 100291 The cable 404 may be routed
by one or more pulleys, e.g., pulley assembly 430, from the drive
mechanism 402 to the spa cover 104. The cable 404 may be fastened
to the spa cover 104, for example, through an interface assembly
440. The interface assembly 440 may be mounted to an edge of the
spa cover 104 opposite the drive mechanism 402. For example, if the
drive mechanism 402 is placed adjacent to side 106 of the cover 104
the interface assembly 440 may be placed adjacent to section 108,
as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the interface assembly 440 may be
placed along an edge of section 108 opposite the hinge interface
110.
[0029] FIGS. 7 and 8 show embodiments of the interface assembly
440. The interface assembly 440 may include a bracket 442, an
interface device 444 (including a first section 446, a second
section 448 and a hinge 450), a connector 452, a spring 454, a
chain 456, a cable 458, and a plate 460. The plate 460 may be
placed between section 108 of the spa cover 104 and the various
other components of the interface assembly 440. The hinge 450 of
the interface device 444 may join the first section 446 and the
second section 448, allowing the two sections 446, 448 to pivot
relative to each other. It will be appreciated that the interface
device 444 may be mounted perpendicular to an edge of the section
108 as pictured in FIGS. 7 and 8, or may, in various embodiments,
be mounted parallel to the edge of the section 108.
[0030] The cable 404 may meet the interface assembly 440 at
interface bracket 442. Interface bracket 442 may route the cable
404 around section 108 of the spa cover 104 and through interface
device 444, where it may be attached to connector 452 attached to
the second section 448 of the interface device 444. The spring 454
and chain 456 may also be attached to the connector 452. The ends
of the spring 454 and chain 456 not attached to the connector 452
may be secured to the spa cover 104 and/or frame structure 300, for
example, by cable 458. In various embodiments, the unextended
length of the spring 454 may be shorter than the length of the
chain 456.
[0031] When the spa cover 104 is in a closed position, the
interface device 444 may lie flat between the section 108 of the
spa cover 104 and the spa tub 102. As the cable 404 is retracted,
for example, by the drive mechanism 402, the second section 448 of
the interface device 444 may be drawn towards the first 446,
extending the spring 454 and causing the two sections 446, 448 of
hinge 450 to bend. As a result, a force may be exerted between the
section 108 of the spa cover 104 and the spa tub 102. This may
cause the section 108 to raise and pivot relative the section 106
of the spa cover 104. The motion of the interface device 444 may
continue until chain 334 is engaged, arresting further motion of
the hinge assembly 450.
[0032] Referring back to FIG. 2, in various embodiments, the cable
406 may extend from the drive mechanism 402 to the interface 332
between the pole 330, and the support members 320, 324. After
exiting the drive mechanism 402, the cable 406 may be routed
towards the post 302 by pulley 470. Pulley 472 may route the cable
406 toward the top of the post 302 where post pulley 474 may route
the cable 406 toward interface 332. At interface 332, the cable 406
may be routed back towards post pulley 474. For example, the cable
406 may be wrapped around the pole 330 and/or a pulley (not shown)
generally positioned near interface 332. Back at post pulley 474,
the cable 406 may be routed down the post 302 to pulley 476, which
may route the cable 406 up the post 302 to termination point 478.
In various embodiments, the cable 406 may include an elastic
section 408, for example, extending between the post pulley 474 and
the termination point 478. It will be appreciated that the cable
408 may be routed similarly to the cable 406. For example, the
cable 408 may extend through pulleys 480, 482, 484, to interface
334. From interface 334, the cable 408 may route back to the pulley
484, through pulley 486, and be connected to the frame structure
300 at a termination point (not shown). The cable 408 may also have
an elastic section 412 similar to that of the cable 406.
[0033] FIGS. 9-13 show a sequence for using the spa cover lifter
200 to transition the spa cover 104 between a closed position, for
example, as shown in FIG. 9, and an open position, for example, as
shown in FIG. 13. To begin the transition, the drive mechanism 402
may initially apply a first lifting force to the section 108 of the
spa cover 104 by retracting cable 404. The first lifting force may
cause section 108 of the spa cover 104 to fold towards the section
106 along hinge interface 110. Relative to the section 106, the
section 108 may be pivoted through about 180 degrees. The first
lifting force may be maintained, e.g., the cable 404 may be
continually retracted, until the section 108 of the spa cover 104
is substantially folded against the section 106. It will be
appreciated that folding the spa cover 104 may cause the means for
storing and releasing a torque, for example, lever arm 350 and
spring 352 and/or torsion spring 354, to store a torque resulting
from the folding.
[0034] In various embodiments, the interface assembly 440 may help
guide the first lifting force in a vertical direction and/or break
any seal that may have formed between the spa cover 104 and the spa
100. For example, as the cable 404 is retracted, the interface
device 444 may lift the section 108 of the spa cover 104 from the
spa tub 102. This may break any seal existing between the section
108 and the spa tub 102. Also, the upward motion of the section 108
may change the angle between the section 108 and the cable 404,
causing the direction of the force exerted by the cable 404 to
transition towards a more vertical direction, further lifting the
section 108.
[0035] The drive mechanism 402 may also provide a second lifting
force by retracting one or more of the cables 406, 408. In various
embodiments, the cables 406, 408 may be retracted simultaneously.
The second lifting force may cause the spa cover 104, e.g., through
support members 320, 322, 324, 326, to rotate off of the spa tub
102 at hinges 340, 342. The second lifting force may be maintained
until the spa cover 104 is pivoted off the spa 100 to a position
that generally allows bathing in the spa 100, e.g., about 90
degrees relative to the spa tub 102. It will be appreciated that in
embodiments where one or more torsion springs 355, 357 or other
means for storing and releasing a torque is included at one or both
of hinges 340, 342, rotating the spa cover 104 of the spa tub 102
may store a torque in the torsion springs 355, 357 or other means
for storing and releasing a torque.
[0036] Transitioning the spa cover 104 from a closed position to an
open position may require pivoting the section 108 through a
greater distance and angle than the section 106. Accordingly,
transitioning from a closed position to an open position may
require the drive mechanism 402 to retract a length of the cable
404 that is greater than the retracted length of the cables 406,
408. This differential retraction may be accomplished in any
suitable manner.
[0037] For example, in various embodiments, the cable 404 and the
cables 406, 408 may be retracted simultaneously and at
substantially the same rate, e.g., the spools 422, 424, 426 may be
of substantially the same diameter. The application of tension in
the cables 406, 408, however, and thus the application of the
second lifting force, may be delayed until the section 108 of the
spa cover 104 has pivoted through a predetermined distance and/or
angle. For example, when the cables 406, 408 are initially
retracted, they may expand, eliminating or significantly reducing
any force exerted on the interfaces 332, 334 or the spa cover 104.
The cables 406, 408 may expand, for example, in their respective
elastic sections 410, 412.
[0038] When the section 108 of the spa cover 104 has pivoted
through the predetermined distance and/or angle, the expansion of
the cables 406, 408 may be arrested, causing the second lifting
force to be applied. In various embodiments, stops 414, 416 may be
strategically placed on the cables 406, 408. As the cables 406, 408
expand, the stops 414, 416 may reach the post pulleys 474, 484, for
example, after the spa cover 104 has pivoted through the
predetermined distance and/or angle. Interaction between the stops
414, 416 and the post pulleys 474, 484 may prevent further
expansion of the cables 406, 408, causing the second lifting force
to be applied. It will be appreciated that the stops 414 may be
mounted anywhere on the cables 406, 408 that allows them to contact
post pulleys 414, 416, or any other pulleys or structure, after the
spa cover 104 has pivoted through the predetermined distance or
angle. For example, the stops 414, 416 may be mounted between the
post pulleys 474, 484 and pulleys 476, 486. In other various
embodiments, the stops 414, 416 may be mounted between the post
pulleys 474, 484 and the interfaces 332, 334.
[0039] The expansion of the cables 406, 408 may also be
accomplished by strategically choosing the length and material of
the cables 406, 408. For example, the material and length of the
cables 406, 408 including elastic portions 410, 412, may be chosen
such that the cables 406, 408 reach their maximum length when the
first section 108 has been pivoted through the predetermined
distance and/or angle.
[0040] The differential retraction of the cables 404, 406, 408 may
also be accomplished, for example, by retracting the cable 404 and
the cables 406, 408 for different amounts of time and/or at
different rates. In various embodiments, for example, the cable 404
and the cables 406, 408 may be retracted by separate drive
mechanisms (not shown). This may allow the cable 404 and the cables
406, 408 to be retracted at different times and rates to
accommodate the lifting of the spa cover 104.
[0041] Also, in various embodiments, the cable 404 and the cables
406, 408 may be retracted simultaneously, albeit at different
rates. For example, the spool 422 corresponding to the cable 404
may have a larger diameter than the spools 424, 426 corresponding
to the cables 406, 408. This may cause the cable 404 to be
retracted at a greater rate than the cables 406, 408, even though
the driveshaft 420 may rotate the spools 422, 424, 426 at the same
rate. The difference in diameter between the spool 422 and the
spools 424, 426 may be chosen such that both sections 106, 108 of
the spa cover 104 reach an open position after the same number of
rotations of the driveshaft 420.
[0042] According to various embodiments, the spa cover lifter 200
may also transition the spa cover 104 from an open position to a
closed position. For example, the spa cover lifter 200 may perform
the sequence shown in FIGS. 9-13 in reverse. Instead of retracting
cables 404, 406, 408, the drive mechanism may extend the cables. It
will be appreciated that gravity may cause the spa cover 104 to
rotate toward the spa tub 102 as the cables 404, 406, 408 are
extended. In embodiments where a torsion spring (not shown), or
other means for storing and releasing a torque, are included at
hinge 340 and/or hinge 342, releasing the cables 404, 406, 408 may
cause a torque stored in the torsion spring (not shown) or other
means to be released, further causing the spa cover 104 to rotate
towards the spa tub 102.
[0043] In addition, as the cable 404 is extended the torque stored
by the means for storing and releasing a torque may be released,
causing the section 108 of the spa cover 104 to unfold away from
the section 106. This may initially move the center of mass of the
spa cover 104 toward the center of the spa tub 102, enhancing the
effects of gravity. As the spa cover 104 nears a closed position,
the release of the torque may cause the sections 106, 108 to
completely unfold, thus completing the closing transition.
[0044] The spa cover lifter 200 may include various safety
features. For example, the spa cover lifter 200 may include a
safety sensor 502 for sensing motion in the water of the spa 100 as
shown in FIG. 3. The safety sensor 502 may be wired to the drive
mechanism 402 and may be configured to prevent the drive mechanism
402 from placing the spa cover 104 in a closed position while
motion is detected in the spa tub 102. This may prevent the spa
cover 104 from being closed while a person is still using the spa
100. The safety sensor 502 may be mounted to an interior wall of
the spa tub 100 as shown in FIG. 3, or in various embodiments, may
be a free-floating sensor. The spa cover lifter 200 may also
include a safety activation button (not shown). The safety
activation button may require a user of the spa cover lifter 200 to
hold the activation button down for a given length of time, e.g.,
five seconds, before this spa cover lifter 200 begins to open or
close the spa cover 104. This may prevent an inadvertent activation
of the spa cover lifter 200.
[0045] In various embodiments, the spa lifter 200 may also include
devices for dressing the various cables 404, 406, 408 while the spa
100 and spa lifter 200 are not in use. For example, maintaining the
cables 406, 408 in a substantially straight line between the post
pulleys 474, 484 and the pole 330 may create a hazard, as people
may trip over the cables 406, 408, or become entangled. Therefore,
in various embodiments, an elastic cord 504 may be stretched
between one or more components of the frame structure 300 and
cables 406, for example as shown in FIG. 9.
[0046] The elastic cord 504 may exert a force on the cable 406
tending to pull it towards the frame structure 300. The tension on
the elastic cord 504 may be chosen so that the force exerted on the
cable 406 has a minimal effect on the operation of the spa lifter
200. When the spa cover 104 is in a closed position, the drive
mechanism 402 may be configured to extend the cable 406 slightly,
allowing the tension on the elastic cord 504 to pull the cable 406
toward the frame structure 300. Accordingly, the cable 406 may be
stored against the frame structure 300. It will be appreciated that
a similar elastic cord (not shown) may be installed between the
cable 408 and the frame structure 300.
[0047] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities, dimension, and so forth used in the present
specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in
all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to
the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following
specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending
upon the properties sought to be obtained by the present
invention.
[0048] While several embodiments of the invention have been
described, it should be apparent that various modifications,
alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to
persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of
the advantages of the present invention. For example, the number
and position of the cables, pulleys, posts, etc. may vary. The
instant description is therefore intended to cover all such
modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from
the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the
claims.
* * * * *