U.S. patent application number 11/545151 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for hot tub cover protector and method of using the same.
Invention is credited to Kevin Chase, Cheryl L. Yarian Chase.
Application Number | 20080083062 11/545151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39273892 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chase; Kevin ; et
al. |
April 10, 2008 |
Hot tub cover protector and method of using the same
Abstract
A hot tub cover protector that includes a polymer sheet having a
first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The
first surface optionally has a first image disposed thereon and the
second surface optionally includes at least one fastener that is
available for coupling to the surface of a hot tub cover.
Inventors: |
Chase; Kevin; (White Bear
Lake, MN) ; Yarian Chase; Cheryl L.; (White Bear
Lake, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALLISON JOHNSON, P.A.
LAKE CALHOUN EXECUTIVE CENTER, 3033 EXCELSIOR BLVD., SUITE 467
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55416
US
|
Family ID: |
39273892 |
Appl. No.: |
11/545151 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/498 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00 |
Claims
1. A method of modifying a hot tub construction comprising a tub
for accommodating a human being, the tub comprising side walls that
define an opening, and a cover for substantially occluding the
opening, the cover comprising a first major interior surface the
method comprising: coupling a first fastener to the first major
interior surface of the cover; and coupling a first polymer sheet
to the cover through the first fastener, the first polymer sheet
comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, a first
image disposed on the first major surface of the polymer sheet and
a second fastener coupled to the second major surface of the
polymer sheet, the second fastener being removably engageable with
the first fastener of the cover.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first polymer sheet comprises
a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride,
polyolefins, spun-bonded polyolefins, polyurethanes, styrene,
polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl ethers, copolyesters, polyester ether
block copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate, interpolymers and
copolymers of ethylene, polyamides, and copolymers and blends
thereof.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first polymer sheet comprises
a vinyl fabric and a polyester scrim.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first polymer sheet has an
area weight of from about 100 g/m.sup.2 to about 1000
g/m.sup.2.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the first image is selected from
the group consisting of graphics, text, numbers, printed pictures,
trademarks, logos, fraternity letters, sorority letters, nature
scenes, and combinations thereof.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first fastener is selected
from the group consisting of a male connector, female connector,
snap, screw, hook, pin, peg, hook-and-loop structure, adhesive
composition and combinations thereof.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the second fastener is selected
from the group consisting of a male connector, female connector,
snap, screw, hook, pin, peg, hook-and-loop structure, adhesive
composition and combinations thereof.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the first fastener comprises a
mechanical portion having an adhesive composition disposed on a
surface of the mechanical portion.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising cutting the first
polymer sheet.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the first polymer sheet further
comprises a transparent protective coating on the first major
surface of the first polymer sheet.
11. The method of claim 1 further comprising a second image
disposed on the second major surface of the first polymer sheet,
the second image being different than the first image.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the first polymer sheet has an
average thickness from about 1.0 mil to about 400 mil.
13. A hot tub cover comprising: an interior core comprising an
insulating material; a cover enclosing the interior core, the cover
comprising polymer; a first fastener coupled to the cover; a first
interior sheet comprising polymer; and a second fastener coupled to
the first interior sheet, the first interior sheet being removably
coupled to the cover through the first fastener and the second
fastener.
14. The hot tub cover of claim 13 wherein the cover comprises an
interior surface, the first interior sheet being coupled to the
interior surface of the cover.
15. The hot tub cover of claim 13 wherein the first interior sheet
comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly
vinyl chloride, polyolefins, spun-bonded polyolefins,
polyurethanes, styrene, poly vinyl alcohols, poly vinyl ethers,
copolyesters, polyester ether block copolymers, ethylene vinyl
acetate, interpolymers and copolymers of ethylene, polyamides, and
blends and copolymers thereof.
16. The hot tub cover of claim 13 wherein the first interior sheet
comprises a first image disposed on a first major surface of the
first interior sheet.
17. The hot tub cover of claim 13 wherein the interior core has a
center and an outer edge, the interior core tapering from the
center to the outer edge.
18. The hot tub cover of claim 13 wherein the first interior sheet
comprises a vinyl fabric and a polyester scrim.
19. A hot tub cover kit comprising: a sheet comprising polymer, a
first major surface, a second major surface, a first image disposed
on the first major surface, and a first fastener coupled to the
second major surface; and a second fastener comprising a first
component for coupling the second fastener to a surface of a hot
tub cover and a second component for removably engaging the first
fastener.
20. The kit of claim 19 wherein the sheet comprises a polymer
selected from the group consisting of poly vinyl chloride,
polyolefins, spun-bonded polyolefins, polyurethanes, styrene, poly
vinyl alcohols, poly vinyl ethers, copolyesters, polyester ether
block copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate, interpolymers and
copolymers of ethylene, polyamides, copolymers and blends
thereof.
21. The kit of claim 19 wherein the sheet comprises a vinyl fabric
and a polyester scrim.
22. The kit of claim 19 wherein the first fastener is coupled to
the second major surface of the polymeric substrate through an
adhesive composition.
23. The kit of claim 19 wherein the first image is selected from
the group consisting of graphics, text, numbers, printed pictures,
trademarks, logos, fraternity letters, sorority letters, nature
scenes, and combinations thereof.
24. The kit of claim 19 wherein the sheet has an average thickness
from about 1.0 mil to about 400 mil.
25. The kit of claim 19 wherein the sheet has an area weight of
from about 100 g/m.sup.2 to about 1000 g/m.sup.2.
26. The kit of claim 19 wherein the sheet further comprises a
second image disposed on the second major surface of the sheet, the
second image being different than the first image.
27. The kit of claim 19 wherein the first fastener is selected from
the group consisting of a male connector, a female connector, snap,
screw, hook, pin, peg, hook-and-loop structure, adhesive
composition and combinations thereof.
28. The kit of claim 19 wherein the second fastener is selected
from the group consisting of a male connector, a female connector,
snap, screw, hook, pin, peg, hook-and-loop structure, adhesive
composition and combinations thereof.
29. The kit of claim 19 wherein the polymeric substrate further
comprises cutting guides disposed on at least one of the first
major surface and the second major surface.
30. The kit of claim 29 wherein the cutting guides are selected
from the group consisting of a perforation, pattern and
combinations thereof.
31. A method of using a hot tub comprising the method comprising
operably coupling a protector to a first major interior surface of
a hot tub cover comprising an insulating form core and a exterior
cover that surrounds and encloses the interior core, the protector
comprising a flexible polymer sheet, a first image disposed on a
first surface of the flexible polymer sheet and at least one
fastener disposed on a second surface of the flexible polymer
sheet.
32. A hot tub cover kit comprising: a sheet comprising a polymeric
substrate, a first major surface, a second major surface, and a
first image disposed on the first major surface; and means for
coupling the sheet to an interior surface of a hot tub cover.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The invention relates to altering a hot tub cover and
protecting a hot tub cover.
[0002] Hot tubs have become an increasingly popular source of
relaxation. Hot tubs generally include a number of side walls that
define an interior space having an opening and a support structure.
Insulating covers are often used on hot tubs to retain heat and
reduce evaporation of water located in the tub. These covers
typically include an insulating, e.g. foam, core and an exterior
cover that surrounds and encloses the core. Hot tub covers are
typically designed to sit on a top surface of the hot tub and
occlude the opening when the hot tub is not in use. When the hot
tub is to be used, the cover is generally folded over or slid onto
a portion of an adjacent support structure, which allows access to
the interior of the hot tub. As the cover is folded over or slid
off the top of the hot tub, frictional contact can occur between an
interior surface of the cover and a top surface of the hot tub,
which can result in wear to the hot tub cover and transfer of oils
and dirt to the interior surface of the hot tub cover. Depending on
how the cover is positioned, the interior of the cover including
the wear on the cover can be visible to a person sitting in the
tub.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, the invention features a method of modifying
a hot tub construction that includes a tub for accommodating a
human being, the tub including side walls that define an opening
and a cover for substantially occluding the opening, the cover
including a first major interior surface, where the method includes
coupling a first fastener to the first major interior surface of
the cover, and coupling a first polymer sheet to the cover through
the first fastener. The first polymer sheet includes a first major
surface, a second major surface, a first image disposed on the
first major surface of the polymer sheet and a second fastener
coupled to the second major surface of the polymer sheet, the
second fastener being removeably engageable with the first fastener
of the cover.
[0004] In a second aspect, the invention features a hot tub cover
that includes an interior core that includes an insulating
material, a cover enclosing the interior core, the cover comprising
polymer, a first fastener coupled to the cover, a first interior
sheet that includes polymer, and a second fastener coupled to the
first interior sheet, the first interior sheet being removeably
engageable with the cover through the first fastener and the second
fastener. In some embodiments, an image is disposed on a first
surface of the first interior sheet.
[0005] In some embodiments, the first interior sheet is formed from
a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly vinyl
chloride, polyolefins, spun-bonded polyolefins, polyurethanes,
styrene, poly vinyl alcohols, poly vinyl ethers, copolyesters,
polyester ether block copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate, and
copolymers and blends thereof. In one embodiment, the first
interior sheet includes a vinyl fabric and a polyester scrim.
[0006] In another aspect, the invention features a hot tub cover
kit including a sheet that includes polymer, a first major surface
and a second major surface, a first image disposed on the first
major surface and a first fastener coupled to the second major
surface, and a second fastener that includes a first component for
coupling the second fastener to a surface of a hot tub cover and a
second component for removeably engaging the first fastener.
[0007] In an additional aspect, the invention features a hot tub
cover kit including a sheet that includes a polymeric substrate
having a first major surface, a second major surface and a first
image disposed on the first major surface, and a means for
reversibly coupling the polymeric substrate to a hot tub cover.
[0008] In some embodiments, the polymeric substrate includes a
vinyl fabric and a polyester scrim.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first image is selected from the
group consisting of graphics, text, numbers, printed pictures,
trademarks, logos, fraternity letters, sorority letters, nature
scenes and combinations thereof.
[0010] In a further aspect, the invention pertains to a method of
using a hot tub, the method including operably coupling a protector
to an interior surface of a hot tub cover comprising an interior
core and an exterior cover that surrounds and encloses the interior
core, the protector including a polymeric substrate having a first
surface and a second surface, an image disposed on the first
surface, and at least one fastener disposed on the second
surface.
[0011] The invention features a polymer sheet that is designed to
be coupled to an interior surface of a hot tub cover. The polymer
sheet can function as a cover protector by reducing the frictional
contact between cover and a surface of the hot tub. Additionally,
the covers can enhance the enjoyment of a hot tub by providing
images that are visible when the cover is folded over to permit
access to the interior of the hot tub.
[0012] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the
following description of the preferred embodiments and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top view of a cover protector according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cover protector of FIG. 1
FIG. 3 is a top view of another embodiment of a cover
protector.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cover protector of FIG.
3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is top view of another embodiment of a cover
protector.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the cover protector of FIG. 5
depicting cutting guides disposed on a surface of the
protector.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a cover
protector.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the cover protector of FIG. 7
depicting cutting guides disposed on a surface of the
protector.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of a cover
protector.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the cover protector of FIG. 9
depicting cutting guides disposed on a surface of the
protector.
[0022] FIG. 11 is bottom view of a hot tub cover having a protector
operably coupled to an interior surface of the hot tub cover.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a hot tub with a protector
operably coupled to an interior surface of a hot tub cover.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hot
tub cover construction having a cover protector operably coupled to
the cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The hot tub cover protector includes a polymer sheet having
a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface.
The first surface optionally includes a first image disposed
thereon and the second surface optionally includes at least one
fastener that is available for contact with a corresponding
fastener on a hot tub cover. In some embodiments, a second image is
disposed on the second surface, the second image being different
than the first image. The hot tub cover protector can be operably
coupled (e.g., permanently or removeably) to a desired surface of a
hot tub cover through a coupling device, e.g., a fastener. In one
embodiment, the cover protector is operably coupled to an interior
surface of the hot tub cover such that the image on the first
surface of the polymer sheet is visible when the cover is folded
over to permit access to the interior of the hot tub. In some
embodiments, the polymer sheet is removeably coupled to the hot tub
cover such that it can be repeatedly removed from and attached to
the hot tub cover. In other embodiments, the polymer sheet is
permanently coupled to the hot tub cover. In further embodiments,
the polymer sheet is draped over a portion of the hot tub cover
when the cover has been removed to permit access to the interior of
the hot tub. In some embodiments, the polymer sheet is a flexible
polymer sheet, which enables the protector to be rolled up on
itself, which facilitates shipping and storage.
[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a hot tub cover protector 10 that
includes a polymer sheet 12 having a first surface 14 and a second
surface 16 opposite the first surface. A first image 18 is disposed
on the first surface 14 and fasteners 20 are located on the second
surface and are available for contact with corresponding fasteners
disposed on a surface of a hot tub cover (not shown).
[0027] In some embodiments, the cover protector is designed so that
a user can easily adjust a dimension, the peripheral shape, or
combinations thereof, of the protector. This feature allows a user
to adjust the size or periphery shape of the protector to fit a
particular hot tub cover. One mechanism that facilitates such
adjustment is the presence of at least one set of cutting guides
(e.g., perforations, patterns (e.g., printed, embossed or relief
patterns) and combinations thereof) on a surface of the polymer
sheet. A cutting guide provides a pattern that a user can follow
using a cutter (e.g., scissors) to trim or cut the polymer sheet.
The cutting guides can be disposed on a first major surface of the
polymer sheet, a second major surface of the polymer sheet, or both
the first major surface and the second major surface. The cutting
guides can have any configuration including, e.g., linear,
circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, curved, and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the cutting guides extend from a
first edge (e.g., a bottom edge) towards a second opposing edge
(e.g., a top edge). In other embodiments, the guides extend from a
first edge (e.g., a bottom edge) towards an adjacent second edge
(e.g., a side edge).
[0028] The protector can optionally include a transparent layer
disposed on a first major surface of the polymer sheet, a second
major surface of the polymer sheet, or both the first major surface
of the sheet and the second major surface of the polymer sheet. The
transparent layer can help protect the image(s) disposed on the
polymer sheet from damage (including, e.g., soiling) from various
sources including, e.g., abrasion, friction, chemicals, dirt, oil
and heat. The transparent layer can be disposed on a portion of a
major surface or all of a major surface of the polymer sheet. The
transparent layer can be provided as a continuous or discontinuous
layer in a variety of forms including, e.g., a coating, a film, and
combinations thereof. Alternatively, the polymer sheet may be
formed from a transparent polymer and an image can be disposed
(e.g., by reverse printing) on the second surface (i.e., the
surface of the polymer sheet proximate the hot tub cover when the
sheet is operably coupled to the hot tub cover), which can protect
the image from damage when the polymer sheet is operably coupled to
a hot tub cover.
[0029] In some embodiments, the fasteners can be designed so that
the fastener can be positioned or repositioned on desired surfaces
of the hot tub cover or polymer sheet without permanently damaging
(e.g., punching holes in) or altering the integrity of the hot tub
cover or polymer sheet. One example of a useful fastener is a
fastener that includes a mechanical portion (e.g., a male
connector, female connector, snap, screw, hook, hook-and-loop
structure and combinations thereof) and an adhesive composition
disposed on a surface of the mechanical portion. In one embodiment,
for example, the mechanical portion is a hook-and-loop structure
(e.g., VELCRO) having an adhesive composition disposed on a surface
of the hook-and-loop structure, which facilitates attaching the
fastener to a surface of the polymer sheet or hot tub cover without
permanently damaging the hot tub cover. A release liner optionally
can be disposed on the adhesive composition.
[0030] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of a hot tub
protector 30 that includes a polymer sheet 32 having a first
surface 34 and a second surface 36 opposite the first surface. A
first image 38 is disposed on the first surface 34 and a second
image 40 is disposed on the second surface 36, the second image 40
being different than the first image 38. First fasteners 42 are
provided on the first surface 34 and the second surface 36 and are
available for contact with corresponding fasteners disposed on a
surface of a hot tub cover.
[0031] FIGS. 5-10 illustrate polymer sheets that include various
configurations of cutting guides. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the
cover protector 50 includes a polymer sheet 52 having a first
surface 54 and a second surface 56 opposite the first surface. A
first image 58 is disposed on the first surface and at least one
fastener (not shown) is provided to the second surface 56 and is
available for contact with a corresponding fastener positioned on a
surface of a hot tub cover. The cover protector 50 also includes
cutting guides 62 disposed on the second surface 56. As depicted in
FIG. 6, cutting guides 62 are formed in a generally linear
configuration and extend from first edge 64 towards opposing second
edge 66.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cover protector 70
includes a polymer sheet 72 having a first surface 74 and a second
surface 76 opposite the first surface. A first image 78 is disposed
on the first surface 74 and at least one fastener (not shown) is
provided to the second surface 76. Cutting guides 80 are disposed
on second surface 76. As depicted in FIG. 8, cutting guides 80 are
formed in a generally linear configuration and extend from a first
edge (82 or 84) toward an adjacent edge (86 or 88).
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, cover protector 90
includes polymer sheet 92 having a first surface 94 and a second
surface 96 opposite the first surface. A first image 98 is disposed
in the first surface 94 and at least one fastener (not shown) is
provided to the second surface 96. Cutting guides 100 are disposed
on second surface 96. As depicted in FIG. 10, cutting guides 100
can have a curved or non-liner configuration and can extend form a
first edge (102, 104) towards an adjacent second edge (106,
108).
[0034] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a hot tub cover 110 having an
interior surface 112 and a cover protector 114 operably coupled to
the interior surface 112 by one or more fasteners (not shown). As
depicted in FIG. 12, image 118 is visible when the cover 110 is
folded over to permit access to the interior portion 120 of hot tub
122. Support structure 121 can support cover 110 when the cover is
folded over. The visibility of the image from the tub can increase
the enjoyment of hot tub 122. Cover protector 114 can also reduce
the frictional contact between the interior surface 112 of cover
110 and a top surface 124 of hot tub 122 during movement of cover
110, which can reduce the amount of wear experienced by cover
110.
[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates hot tub cover construction 128 that
includes an insulating core 130 and an exterior cover 132 that
surrounds and encloses core 130. Exterior cover 130 has side flaps
131, which extend down around outside surface of the hot tub walls.
Exterior cover 130 has a first major exterior surface 136 and a
first major interior surface 138. First fasteners 140 are operably
coupled to the first major interior surface 138 and second
fasteners 142 are operably coupled to a surface of polymer sheet
144. Polymer sheet 144 is operably coupled to the first major
interior surface 138 through the first fasteners 140 and the second
fasteners 142.
Polymer Sheet
[0036] The polymer sheet can be formed from any material suitable
for use in hot tub cover applications including, e.g., poly vinyl
chloride, polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene),
spun-bonded polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene), polyurethanes,
styrene, poly vinyl alcohols, poly vinyl ethers, copolyesters,
polyester ether block copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate,
interpolymers and copolymers of ethylene (e.g., ethylene vinyl
acetate ethylene acrylic acid, ethylene methacrylic acid, ethylene
methyl acrylate, ethylene ethyl acrylate), polyamides, and
copolymers and blends thereof.
[0037] The polymer sheet may include reinforcing fibers, which
provide additional structural strength to the polymer sheet. The
reinforcing fibers can be any suitable fiber including, e.g., woven
fibers, non-woven fibers, carbon fibers including carbon nanotubes,
metal fibers or wires, and combinations thereof. The non-woven
fibers can be made from a variety of fibers including natural
fibers (e.g., cellulose fibers, creped cellulose fibers,
crosslinked cellulose fibers and combinations thereof), synthetic
fibers made from a variety of polymers including polyolefins (e.g.,
polyethylene and polypropylene), styrene, polyester, polyethylene
terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyacrylic acids, polyvinyl
acetates, polyester ether block copolymers, polyamides and
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the polymer sheet includes
a vinyl fabric and a polyester scrim.
[0038] The polymer sheet can also include additives including,
e.g., plasticizers, antioxidants, ultraviolet light (UV) absorbers,
UV stabilizers, antimicrobial agents, pigments and combinations
thereof. The additives can be dissolved or suspended in the polymer
sheet during formation of the polymer sheet. Additionally or
alternatively, the additives can be applied to a surface of the
polymer sheet in a variety of forms including, e.g., a coating or a
film. The additives can be present in an amount from about 0.1% by
weight to about 15% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about
10% by weight, or even from about 1.0% by weight to about 5.0% by
weight based on the weight of the polymer sheet.
[0039] Antioxidants, UV absorbers and UV stabilizers can be added
to the polymer sheet to help reduce photo and thermal degradation
of the polymer sheet. Useful antioxidants include, e.g.,
phosphites, hindered phenols, hindered-amine light stabilizers and
combinations thereof. Useful UV absorbers include, e.g.,
benzophenone-derived compounds, benzoates, benzotriazoles, phenyl
salicylates and combinations thereof. Useful UV stabilizers
include, e.g., hindered-amine light stabilizers,
2-hydroxy-benzophenones, 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazoles and
combinations thereof.
[0040] The polymer sheet can also include one or more antimicrobial
agents to reduce the growth of mold or bacteria on the polymer
sheet. Antimicrobial agents are agents that have antiviral,
antibacterial, antifungal properties or a combination thereof. Any
suitable antimicrobial agent can be used including, e.g., silver
ions, silver sulfadiazine, sulfadiazine, benzalkonium chloride,
cetalkonium chloride, methylbenzethonium, neomycin sulfate, eosin,
and combinations thereof.
[0041] Useful polymer sheets have an area weight from about 100
g/m.sup.2 to about 1000 g/m.sup.2, from about 200 g/m.sup.2 to
about 700 g/m.sup.2, or even from about 240 g/m.sup.2 to about 650
g/m.sup.2. The polymer sheet can have an average thickness from
about 1.0 mil to about 400 mil, from about 1.0 mil to about 200
mil, from about 5 mil to about 100 mil, or even from about 10 mil
to about 30 mil.
[0042] Useful polymer sheet materials are commercially available,
for example, under the Mesh Banner Material 8453, Banner Material
8450 ES, Banner Material 8452, and Banner Material RG 8452 trade
designations from 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.), under the SMART
trade designation from Sihl (Chesapeake, Va.) and under the TYVEK
trade designation from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
(Wilmington, Del.).
Images
[0043] The image disposed on the surface of the polymer sheet can
be any suitable image including, e.g., graphics, text, numbers,
photos, trademarks or logos (e.g., college and university
trademarks, college mascots, professional sports trademarks,
professional sports mascots, corporate trademarks, and combinations
thereof) nature scenes, fraternity letters, sorority letters, and
combinations thereof. The image can be disposed on the surface of
the polymer sheet using any suitable method including, e.g.,
printing (e.g., flexographic printing, ink jet printing such as
thermal and piezo, silk screen printing, screen printing and
combinations thereof), embossing, lamination, thermal transfer,
digital photo imaging techniques, molding and combinations thereof.
Any ink suitable for use in hot tub application can be used
including, e.g., mild solvent inks, solvent based inks, aqueous
dye, aqueous pigments, UV curable inks, oil based inks, sublimation
inks, IR curable inks, and combinations thereof.
Transparent Layer
[0044] The optional transparent layer disposed on a surface of the
polymer sheet can help to protect the image(s) from frictional,
chemical and thermal damage. Useful protective layers can be in the
form of a transparent coating or film. The coatings or film can be
formed from a variety of polymers including, e.g., polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyurethanes, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and
combinations thereof. Useful coatings and films are described in,
for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,783, U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,258 and
U.S. Pat. No. 7,053,149, and incorporated herein.
Fasteners
[0045] The fasteners can be any fastener suitable for operably
coupling a polymer sheet to a surface of a hot tub cover including,
e.g., a male connector, female connector, snap, screw, hook, pin,
peg, hook-and-loop structure (e.g., VELCRO), adhesive composition
and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fasteners can
include a mechanical portion and an adhesive composition disposed
on a surface of the mechanical portion. The adhesive composition
can be any adhesive suitable for adhering a mechanical fastener to
a polymer sheet. Suitable adhesives include, e.g., pressure
sensitive adhesives, hot melt adhesives, radiation curable
adhesives, water resistant adhesives, removable adhesives,
permanent adhesives, chemically resistant adhesives, and
combinations thereof. Useful pressure sensitive adhesives include
pressure sensitive adhesive compositions in which the base polymer
includes, e.g., block copolymer (e.g., styrene-isoprene-styrene,
styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, and
styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene), acrylic acid, acrylate
silicone, polyurethane, polyurethane elastomers, polyester,
polyester elastomers, polylactic acid and combinations thereof.
Useful water resistant adhesive compositions are described in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,525,493 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,933,342, which are
incorporated herein. Useful water-resistant adhesives include,
e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives commercially available under the
SCOTCH-GRIP trade designation from 3M Company (St. Paul,
Minn.).
[0046] The fasteners can optionally include a release liner to
protect the utility of the adhesive composition. When present, the
release liner is removed prior to attaching a fastener to a desired
surface of a polymer sheet or hot tub cover. Any suitable release
liner can be used including, e.g., liners made of or coated with
polyethylene, polypropylene, and fluorocarbons, and silicone coated
release papers. Useful commercially available release liners
include, e.g., silicone coated release papers available under the
POLYSLIK trade designation from H. P. Smith Co. (Chicago,
Ill.).
Hot Tub Cover
[0047] Hot tub covers have a variety of constructions including,
e.g., hot tub covers that include a core including an insulating
material (e.g., foam) enclosed by an exterior polymeric layer. In
some embodiments, the core tapers from the center to the outer edge
to facilitate the run off of water. Additionally, the hot tub
covers can further include a moisture barrier that is wrapped
around the core to prevent the core form absorbing moisture.
Suitable hot tub covers are further described in, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,685,031, U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,083 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,192,
and incorporated herein.
[0048] Other embodiments are within the claims.
[0049] All references disclosed herein are incorporated herein by
reference.
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