U.S. patent application number 11/697405 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for soft bimini style gazebo particularly in use with separate and independently actuating hard top cover flipper.
Invention is credited to Scott Moore.
Application Number | 20080244820 11/697405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39825631 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080244820 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore; Scott |
October 9, 2008 |
SOFT BIMINI STYLE GAZEBO PARTICULARLY IN USE WITH SEPARATE AND
INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATING HARD TOP COVER FLIPPER
Abstract
A convertible spa top having pairs of brackets mounted at
locations along sides of the spa. A bimini frame incorporates a
plurality of interconnected tubular members to which is secured a
fabric covering, the frame hingedly engaging the brackets and
including at least a main tubular member engaging, at remote ends,
an intermediate-most located pair of brackets, a pair of tubular
supports extending from the other of the pair of brackets and each
engaging an intermediate outer leg location of the main tubular
member, and at least one secondary tubular member extending in a
hinged and reverse angled fashion from additional locations
associated with the main tubular member. The frame is convertible
from a first configuration in which the fabric covering is
substantially stretched over and above the spa, to a second
configuration in which the tubular members and fabric are collapsed
to one end of the spa.
Inventors: |
Moore; Scott; (Waterford,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
39825631 |
Appl. No.: |
11/697405 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/108 20130101;
B63B 17/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/498 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00 |
Claims
1. A convertible soft top for use with a spa, comprising: first and
second pairs of brackets mounted at aligning locations defined
along parallel extending sides associated with the spa; a bimini
frame incorporating a plurality of interconnected tubular members
to which is secured a fabric covering, said frame hingedly engaging
said brackets and further comprising: a main tubular member
exhibiting a substantially "U" shape including a pair of outer legs
engaging, at remote ends, an intermediate-most located pair of
brackets; a pair of tubular supports extending from the other of
said pair of brackets, each engaging an intermediate outer leg
location of said main tubular member; and at least one secondary
"U" shaped tubular member extending in a hinged and reverse angled
fashion from additional locations associated with said outer legs
associated with said main tubular member; said frame being
convertible from a first configuration in which said fabric
covering is substantially stretched over and above the spa, to a
second configuration in which said tubular members and associated
fabric covering are collapsed along one end of the spa.
2. The convertible spa top as described in claim 1, said at least
one secondary tubular member further comprising a first secondary
tubular member mounting at opposite ends to locations along said
main member outer legs proximate to said intermediate hinged
brackets, a second secondary tubular member mounting at opposite
ends to extended locations along said main member outer legs
proximate said engaging locations of said tubular supports.
3. The convertible spa top as described in claim 2, further
comprising a third secondary tubular member mounted in reverse
angled fashion relative to intermediate locations associated with
said first secondary tubular member.
4. The convertible spa top as described in claim 4, said fabric
covering exhibiting a specified shape and size releasably securing
to crosswise extending portions of each of said main and secondary
tubular members.
5. The convertible spa top as described in claim 1, further
comprising at least one tie down strap extending from an end of the
spa opposite said collapsing end, said strap engaging a crosswise
extending location of said secondary tubular member for maintaining
said frame in said first configuration.
6. The convertible spa top as described in claim 1, each of said
pairs of brackets further comprising a substantially "U" shaped
body, from associated ends of which extend first and second angled
end flanges mounted to the spa sides, a hinged support mounting to
an outermost projecting face associated with each of said brackets
and for receiving a selected main tubular frame or tubular support
end.
7. The convertible spa top as described in claim 6, further
comprising a substantially "U" shaped cover flipper engaging a pair
of secondary and inwardly spaced hinged supports associated with
said tubular support brackets, said flipper converting between an
extending position in which a crosswise extending portion thereof
overlays and extends across a midpoint of the spa, and a retracted
position in which said cover flipper retracts a hinged spa cover
off to a side of the spa without interference with said bimini
frame.
8. The convertible spa top as described in claim 7, further
comprising at least one of said main tubular member, said secondary
tubular member and said cover flipper exhibiting telescopically
extendable sides or ends.
9. The convertible spa top as described in claim 8, each of said
"U" shaped members further comprising a pair of angled outer
tubular portions, within open ends of which are telescopically and
adjustably received inner tubular portions defining both cross wise
extending and end extending portions.
10. The convertible spa top as described in claim 7, further
comprising a length chain mounted at a first end to a side location
of the spa, a second end mounting to a selected leg of said cover
flipper and, upon retracting said cover flipper, extending to a
maximum permissible length at which said cover flipper and cover
are maintained in suspended fashion to the side of the spa.
11. A combination convertible soft top and cover flipper for use
with a spa, comprising: first and second pairs of brackets mounted
at aligning locations defined along parallel extending sides
associated with the spa; a bimini frame incorporating a plurality
of interconnected tubular members to which is secured a fabric
covering, said frame hingedly engaging said brackets and further
comprising at least: a main "U" shaped tubular member engaging an
intermediate-most located pair of brackets; a pair of lengthwise
extending tubular supports extending from the other of said pair of
brackets, each engaging an intermediate outer leg location of said
main tubular member; and at least one secondary "U" shaped tubular
member extending in a hinged and reverse angled fashion from
additional locations associated with said outer legs associated
with said main tubular member; each of said pairs of brackets
further comprising a substantially "U" shaped body, from associated
ends of which extend first and second angled end flanges mounted to
the spa sides, a hinged support mounting to an outermost projecting
face associated with each of said brackets and for receiving a
selected main tubular frame or tubular support end; and said cover
flipper engaging a pair of secondary and inwardly spaced hinged
supports associated with said tubular support brackets, said
flipper converting between an extending position in which a
crosswise extending portion thereof overlays and extends across a
midpoint of said spa, and a retracted position in which said cover
flipper retracts a hinged spa cover off to a side of the spa
without interference with said bimini frame; said frame being
convertible from a first configuration in which said fabric
covering is substantially stretched over and above the spa, to a
second configuration in which said tubular members and associated
fabric covering are collapsed along one end of the spa.
12. The combination convertible soft top and cover flipper as
described in claim 11, said at least one secondary tubular member
further comprising a first secondary tubular member mounting at
opposite ends to locations along said main member outer legs
proximate to said intermediate hinged brackets, a second secondary
tubular member mounting at opposite ends to extended locations
along said main member outer legs proximate said engaging locations
of said tubular supports.
13. The combination soft top and cover flipper as described in
claim 12, further comprising a third secondary tubular member
mounted in reverse angled fashion relative to intermediate
locations associated with said first secondary tubular member.
14. The combination soft top and cover flipper as described in
claim 14, said fabric covering exhibiting a specified shape and
size releasably securing to crosswise extending portions of each of
said main and secondary tubular members.
15. The combination soft top and cover flipper as described in
claim 11, further comprising a pair of tie down straps extending
from an end of the spa opposite said collapsing end, said straps
engaging crosswise extending locations associated with said
secondary tubular member for maintaining said frame in said first
configuration.
16. The combination soft top and cover flipper as described in
claim 11, further comprising at least one of said main tubular
member, said secondary tubular member and said cover flipper
exhibiting telescopically extendable sides or ends.
17. The combination soft top and cover flipper as described in
claim 16, each of said "U" shaped members further comprising a pair
of angled outer tubular portions, within open ends of which are
telescopically and adjustably received inner tubular portions
defining both cross wise extending and end extending portions.
18. The combination soft top and cover flipper as described in
claim 17, further comprising a length chain mounted at a first end
to a side location of said spa, a second end mounting to a selected
leg of said cover flipper and, upon retracting said cover flipper,
extending to a maximum permissible length at which said cover
flipper and cover are maintained in suspended fashion to the side
of the spa.
19. A convertible soft top assembly and combined cover flipper for
use with a spa, comprising: at least one pair of brackets mounted
at locations along opposite extending sides of the spa; a bimini
frame incorporating a plurality of interconnected tubular members
hingedly mounted to said brackets and to which is secured a fabric
covering; said cover flipper hingedly mounted to said brackets at
inwardly spaced locations relative to said bimini frame, said
flipper converting between an extending position in which a
crosswise extending portion thereof overlays and extends across a
midpoint of said spa, and a retracted position in which said cover
flipper is upwardly pivoted and retracts a hinged spa cover off to
a side of the spa, and without interference with said bimini frame;
said frame being convertible from a first configuration in which
said fabric covering is substantially stretched over and above the
spa, to a second configuration in which said tubular members and
associated fabric covering are collapsed along one end of the
spa.
20. The convertible soft top assembly and combined cover flipper as
described in claim 19, said at least one pair of brackets further
comprising a first pair of end located brackets and second pair of
intermediate located brackets, said bimini frame further
comprising: a main "U" shaped tubular member engaging said
intermediate-most located pair of brackets; a pair of lengthwise
extending tubular supports extending from said end located
brackets, each engaging an intermediate outer leg location of said
main tubular member; and at least one secondary "U" shaped tubular
member extending in a hinged and reverse angled fashion from
additional locations associated with said outer legs associated
with said main tubular member;
Description
FIELD OF TIE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention discloses a soft bimini style gazebo
including collapsible frame which is capable of being mounted in
overhead extending fashion to associated side walls of a spa. The
mounting brackets associated with the bimini and frame also provide
for securing, in likewise pivotal fashion, a "U" shaped cover
flipper, the same supporting such as a hard top in both an extended
fashion over the spa as well as a side retracted and suspended
position and which is capable of actuating both independently and
in a non-interfering fashion relative to the bimini frame
support.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Examples of overhead enclosures such as associated with a
pool, spa or other outdoor located convenience are known in the
art. Such articles are intended to provide a degree of shading or
shelter to users of the pool or spa.
[0003] One example of an article selected from the prior art is set
forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,702, issued Apr. 10, 2001, discloses a
spa cover kit exhibiting a square or rectangular shaped overhead
cap pivotally attached at two corners along one end of two dual
hinged support posts. The cap is constructed of a lightweight and
weather-proof material, such as a molded fiberglass and is also
disclosed to include skylights for permitting natural light to pass
through during use. The lower end of each dual hinged support post
is pivotally attached to the deck surface on which the spa
sits.
[0004] Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,566, teaches a vertically
adjustable spa cover assembly including a cover movable above a spa
between a raised position and a lowered position. Lifts are used to
raise and lower the cover and the cover assembly may also include a
screen that surrounds the area between the cover and the spa. The
lifts further include threaded or telescoping sections with rods
and pipes which engage one another and move up and down as one or
more of the sections are rotated by a power source (via such as
gears or sprockets) including such as a motor or hand crank.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,695, issued to Brandner, teaches a
collapsible dome for pools including a support guide bar mounted
along an edge of the pool. A first support base is mounted on the
edge of the pool opposite the support guide bar on the opposite
side of the pool. A second support base is slidably hung upon the
support guide bar, allowing movement of the second support base
along the guide bar and in order to decrease or increase the
distance measured around the pool edge between the first and second
support bases. Two or more arches are pivotally attached at
associated ends to the support bases, each being movable between
collapsed and inclined positions. A flexible membrane is attached
to each of the arches and spans the area between the arches and
pool edge and to thereby form a collapsible dome.
[0006] Additional examples of removable or retractable hot tub
covers are also shown in Aragona et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,663,
and Dahlbeck et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,408.
[0007] The prior art is also well documented with examples of lift
frames in use with spa covers, these covers typically employing a
pair of rigid three dimensional and planar portions which are
hingedly secured together along one edge and which seat over the
spa when not in use. The lift frame, as conventionally known,
includes a generally U shaped component which hingedly attaches to
either brackets defined along the sides or rear of the spa (see
Genova U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,137, Durarte, U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,213,
or Outlette, U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,703) or to some other type of
ground support frame positioned in proximity to the spa (see also
Genova U.S. Pat. No. 6,842,917, Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,766,
Koren, U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0225198, or Hagan, U.S. Pat. No.
7,146,656). As is also known, such "cover flippers" are intended to
provide for convenient pivoting of the two piece rigid cover, and
by virtue of engaging the hinged location of the cover in order to
pivot and concurrently fold the same from its use position to a
side disposed and suspended non-use position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention discloses a combined soft bimini style
gazebo and cover flipper for use with an outdoor spa or the like
and which includes collapsible frame which is capable of being
mounted in overhead extending fashion to associated side walls of a
spa. The mounting brackets associated with the bimini and frame
also provide for securing, in likewise pivotal fashion, the "U"
shaped cover flipper, the same supporting such as a hard top in
both an extended fashion over the spa as well as a side retracted
and suspended position and which is capable of actuating both
independently and in a non-interfering fashion relative to the
bimini frame support.
[0009] The convertible top includes first and second pairs of
brackets mounted at aligning locations defined along parallel
extending sides associated with the spa. The bimini frame
incorporates a plurality of interconnected tubular members, and to
which is secured a fabric covering.
[0010] The frame hingedly engages the brackets and further includes
a main tubular member exhibiting a substantially "U" shape
including a pair of outer legs engaging, at remote ends, an
intermediate-most located pair of brackets. A pair of lengthwise
extending tubular supports extend from the other and proximate end
located pair of brackets, each engaging an intermediate outer leg
location of the main tubular member. A first secondary tubular
member mounts at opposite ends to locations along the main member
outer legs, proximate to the intermediate hinged brackets, and
extends in a reverse angled fashion. A second secondary tubular
member likewise mounts at opposite ends to extended locations along
the main member outer legs proximate the engaging locations of the
tubular supports. Additionally, a third secondary tubular member
mounts in reverse angled fashion relative to intermediate locations
associated with the first secondary tubular member and,
collectively along with the main tubular member, define a
supporting structure for retaining the bimini fabric.
[0011] The frame is convertible from a first configuration in which
the fabric covering is substantially stretched over and above the
spa, to a second configuration in which the tubular members and
associated fabric covering are collapsed along one end of the spa.
A pair of tie-down straps are provided and extend from an end of
the spa opposite the collapsing end, the straps engaging crosswise
extending locations of the secondary tubular member, and for
maintaining the frame in the first use configuration.
[0012] Each of the pairs of brackets further exhibit a
substantially "U" shaped body, from associated ends of which extend
first and second angled end flanges mounted to the spa sides. A
hinged support mounts to an outermost projecting face associated
with each of the brackets and to which is engaged a selected main
tubular frame or other tubular support end.
[0013] A substantially "U" shaped cover flipper engages a pair of
secondary and inwardly spaced hinged supports associated with the
tubular support brackets. The flipper converts between an extending
position, in which a crosswise extending portion thereof overlays
and extends across a midpoint of the spa, and a retracted position
in which the cover flipper retracts a hinged spa cover off to a
side of the spa without interference with the bimini frame.
[0014] Yet additional features include at least one of the main
tubular member, secondary tubular member and cover flipper
exhibiting telescopically extendable sides or ends. More
particularly, each of these "U" shaped members may further exhibit
a pair of angled outer tubular portions, within open ends of which
are telescopically and adjustably received inner tubular portions
defining both cross wise extending and end extending portions. A
length chain can be mounted at a first end to a side location of
the spa, a second end mounting to a selected leg of the cover
flipper. Upon retracting (i.e. upwardly pivoting) the cover
flipper, the chain is extended to a maximum permissible length, at
which the cover flipper and foldably supported cover are maintained
in suspended fashion to the side of the spa.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when
read in combination with the following detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the soft bimini structure in
extended configuration mounted atop a spa according to the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a selected mounting
bracket in use with the bimini structure illustrated in FIG. 1, and
illustrating an outer hinged support associated with a mounting
location of the bimini supporting frame, as well as an inner hinged
support associated with a mounting location of the "U" shaped cover
flipper support bar;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a succeeding view to that shown in FIG. 2 and
illustrating the range of pivotal motion associated with both of
the inner and outer hinged supports;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an example of a selected "U" shaped support bar,
drawing from either or both of the bimini frame supports and cover
flipper, and which is intended to further illustrate the
telescopically adjustable nature of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to that shown in FIG. 1
and illustrating the ability to retract both the bimini frame and
cover flipper to non-use positions in independent and
non-interfering fashion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, a convertible soft top bimini and
cover flipper assembly are illustrated collectively at 10 in use
with a standard spa according to the present invention. As will be
described, the present invention discloses a soft top bimini and
cover flipper assembly, in which the bimini and cover flipper are
capable of being independently actuated between extended use and
retracted non-use positions without interfering with one another
and/or without requiring removal of either.
[0022] Also, and while a spa is illustrated in use with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, it is also envisioned and
understood that other outdoor conveniences, such as above ground
pools or the like, could be substituted. As shown in FIG. 1, the
spa illustrated is of a generally known conventional design and
typically includes a four sided article including in particular
side walls 12 & 14 and interconnecting end walls 16 & 18,
and between which is defined an open and recessed top 20.
[0023] Referring again to FIG. 1, the convertible top includes
first 22 and second 24 pairs of brackets, typically constructed of
a grade steel or like material, are mounted at aligning locations
defined along parallel extending sides (again 12 and 14) associated
with the spa. While the perspective view of FIG. 1 only illustrates
selected brackets 22 and 24, it is understood that opposite and
aligning brackets are also configured along hidden and parallel
extending side 14 of the spa.
[0024] Additionally, and consistent with the following terminology
applied, the first pair of pair of brackets 22 correspond with
end-proximate situated brackets close to the collapsing end 18 of
the bimini structure (as will be subsequently described in detail).
The second pair of brackets 24 correspond with intermediate
mounting locations along the sides 14 and 16 of the spa. As is
further shown, the brackets 22 and 24 are preferably mounted in
both crosswise and height-wise aligning fashion, although it is
contemplated and understood that the location of the brackets can
be modified according to the abilities of one of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0025] The bimini frame incorporates a plurality of interconnected
tubular members, to which is secured a fabric covering as shown at
26 as represented in FIG. 1. As best shown in FIG. 1, the tubular
components of the frame hingedly engage the pairs of brackets 22
and 24 in the manner illustrated and include a main tubular member
exhibiting a substantially "U" shape and including a pair of outer
legs 28 and 30 extending, respectively from a crosswise center
portion (hidden from view by the fabric cover 26) and engaging, at
remote ends, the intermediate-most located pair of brackets 24.
[0026] As will be further discussed in reference to the enlarged
sectional perspectives of the end positioned brackets 22 in FIGS. 2
and 3, each of the brackets themselves exhibit a substantially "U"
shaped body, from associated ends of which extend first and second
angled flanges and which facilitate mounting to the sides of the
spa (see as shown by mounting fasteners in the embodiment
illustrated). As further best shown in the example of the end
position bracket 22 in FIG. 2, an outermost articulating mounting
support, see at 32, secures to a vertical surface of each bracket
22 and 24, such as again through the use of fasteners, and for
receiving a selected main tubular frame or tubular support end,
such as further in the fashion further illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0027] A pair of lengthwise extending tubular supports, see at 34
and 36, secure to and extend from the other and proximate end
located pair of brackets 22 (see again FIG. 3), each of the tubular
supports 34 and 36 engaging an intermediate outer leg location, at
38 and 40 as best shown in FIG. 1, of the main tubular leg members
28 and 30, respectively. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the
interconnections established between the main, secondary and
support members include an annular collar attachment hingedly
connected to an extending end of a selected tubular member, and in
order to pivotally interconnect two members together.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, a first secondary tubular member,
this exhibiting a substantially "U" shape with a crosswise center
extending portion from which extend end legs 42 and 44 mounts at
opposite ends to locations, as shown only at 46 for spa side 12,
along each of the main member outer legs 28 and 30. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 4, the point of hinged connection 46 is proximate to
the intermediate hinged brackets 24, and such that the secondary
tubular member (legs 42 and 44) is permitted to extend in a reverse
angled fashion relative to the main tubular member (legs 28 and
30).
[0029] A second secondary tubular member (legs 48 and 50) likewise
mounts at opposite ends to extended locations 52 and 54 along the
main member outer legs 28 and 30 proximate the engaging locations
38 and 40 of the tubular supports 34 and 36. Additionally, a third
secondary tubular member (legs 56 and 58) mounts in reverse angled
fashion relative to intermediate locations (60 and 62) associated
with the first secondary tubular member (again legs 42 and 44) and,
collectively along with the main tubular member (legs 28 and 30),
define a supporting structure for retaining the bimini fabric 26 in
its substantially tautened condition as shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] In this fashion, the frame is convertible from a first
configuration in which the fabric covering 26 is substantially
stretched over and above the spa (again FIG. 1), to a second
configuration in which the tubular members and associated fabric
covering are collapsed along one end of the spa (see FIG. 4 and
which further illustrates a cover 64 (such as attached by a zipper
or Velcro portions) secured over the bunched fabric 26. As is
further conventionally known, the fabric covering 26 can likewise
be secured to each of the crosswise extending portions associated
with the main and secondary hinged tubular supports and by zippered
or other releasably engageable underside portions (e.g. Velcro.RTM.
portions) defined along underside flaps.
[0031] A pair of tie-down straps, see at 66 and 68, are provided
and extend from an end 16 of the spa opposite the collapsing end
18. The straps 66 and 68 engage crosswise extending locations, see
further at 70 and 72 respectively, of the secondary tubular member
(again legs 42 and 44), for maintaining the frame in the first use
configuration shown in FIG. 1. This can be further accomplished by
defining hooks or other easily engaged/disengaged mechanical
components to the ends of the straps 66 and 68 (the straps further
being either flexible, e.g. rubberized like tie down straps, or
also including a fabric construction with a belt or other strap
adjustment to redefine its overall length and to therefore provide
a desired degree of tensioning to the extended end of the bimini
frame.
[0032] A substantially "U" shaped cover flipper (see legs 70 and 72
and interconnecting central portion 74) engages a pair of secondary
and inwardly spaced hinged supports, see at 76 in FIGS. 2 and 3,
which are associated with the end located tubular support brackets
22. As shown in FIG. 2, the hinged supports (see at 32 for outer
bimini support and at 76 for inwardly spaced inner cover flipper
support) may include a collar portion (for example at 78 for hinged
support 76) which is pivotally secured to the hinged support (or
mount) 76. The inner end of the tubular leg portion (see further as
illustrated by cover flipper leg 70 in FIG. 3) is typically
hollowed and engages over the collar 78 in a fixed manner.
Additionally, and although not shown, it is also contemplated that
a mechanical fastener or other permanent securing device can be
employed for fastening a selected frame or cover flipper portion to
an associated hinged support.
[0033] The cover flipper (legs 70 and 72 and crosswise
interconnecting portion 74) converts between an extending position
(FIG. 1), in which the crosswise extending portion 74 overlays and
extends across a general midpoint of the spa, and a retracted
position (FIG. 4) in which the cover flipper retracts to a position
(see as shown in phantom at 70' and 72' for retracted cover flipper
legs) a hinged spa cover. The conventional rigid cover is also
illustrated in phantom, by rigidly foldable halves 80 and 82 in
FIG. 5 which are suspended from the retracted central leg of the
cover flipper (at 74' in FIG. 5) and such that the cover is
repositioned off to a side of the spa, and without interference
with the components of the bimini frame previously described.
[0034] A length chain 84 can be mounted at a first end 86 to a side
location of the spa, a second end 88 mounting to a selected leg
(70) of the cover flipper. Upon retracting (i.e. upwardly pivoting)
the cover flipper, the chain is extended to a maximum permissible
length (see at 84' and 88' in phantom in FIG. 5), at which the
cover flipper and foldably supported cover are maintained in
suspended fashion to the side of the spa.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, yet additional features include at
least one (or all) of the main tubular member, secondary tubular
member and cover flipper exhibiting telescopically extendable sides
or ends. More particularly, each of these "U" shaped members may
further exhibit a pair of angled outer tubular portions, see
substantially 90.degree. angled and hollowed interior portions 90
and 92, and within open ends (at 94 & 96 and 98 & 100,
respectively for tubular portions 90 and 92) of which are
telescopically and adjustably received inner tubular portions.
These are further shown at 102 & 104 associated with open ends
94 & 96 of angled tubular portion 84, and further at 106 &
108 for angled tubular portion 86, and thus defining both cross
wise extending and end extending portions.
[0036] The illustration of FIG. 4 further shows fasteners 108 in
one example, these inserting through threaded locations associated
with the ends of the angled tubular members 90 and 92 (see at 110)
and, in this fashion, facilitate the telescopic extension or
retraction of the selected "U" shaped member in either of
lengthwise 112 or widthwise 114 directions and in order to adapt
the selected frame member or cover flipper to various spa
dimensions.
[0037] Accordingly, the present invention discloses a novel and
collapsible bimini for use with a spa and which is further capable
of operating collectively and independently of a uniquely modified
cover flipper (through the provision of the unique mounting bracket
structure associated with the invention). Having described my
invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become
apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and
without deviating from the scope of the appended claims:
* * * * *