U.S. patent application number 12/589005 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for protective spa cover.
Invention is credited to Richard E. Young.
Application Number | 20110088157 12/589005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43878158 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110088157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Richard E. |
April 21, 2011 |
Protective spa cover
Abstract
A spa/hot tub protective cover prevents the adverse effects of
the sun and; weather from causing damage to a spa or hot tub. It
also prevents damage or soiling by tree sap, insects, bird
droppings, etc. The protective cover is constructed from a
synthetic canvas-type of material which is well suited to protect
the underlying spa. The protective spa cover is designed to cover
the entire spa, with the exception of the pivot arms which aid in
flipping the lid out of the way during use of the spa and the
optional attached handrail. The spa cover is easily slipped over
the spa, where it can remain for years without having to be
removed.
Inventors: |
Young; Richard E.; (San
Jose, CA) |
Family ID: |
43878158 |
Appl. No.: |
12/589005 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/108 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/498 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/10 20060101
E04H004/10 |
Claims
1. A device for protecting a spa from foreign material which might
otherwise accumulate on the spa lid or siding.
2. A device for protecting a spa from foreign material which might
otherwise accumulate on the spa lid and siding in claim 1, further
comprising a device constructed of a high quality synthetic,
canvas-like material.
3. A device for protecting a spa comprising a high quality
synthetic, canvas-like material, further comprising a material
which is resistant to the harmful rays of the sun, so as to provide
many years of protection.
4. A device for protecting a spa with a material which is resistant
to the harmful rays of the sun for many years, further comprising a
material which is waterproof.
5. A device for protecting a spa with a material which is
waterproof in claim 4, further comprising a material which is a
breathable fabric, which will not trap moisture of cause sweating
under it.
6. A device for protecting a spa which is a breathable fabric which
will not trap moisture or cause sweating under it in claim 5,
further comprising a material which will not mildew.
7. A device for protecting a spa with a fabric which will not
mildew in claim 6, further comprising a cover which is fade
resistant.
8. A device for protecting a spa comprising a material which is
fade resistant in claim 7, further comprising a cover for the lid
of a spa to protect the lid's vinyl cover from drying out or
cracking.
9. A device for protecting a spa lid cover from drying out or
cracking in claim 8, further comprising a cover that will protect
the spa lid's cover from staining from debris dropping on the lid,
such as tree sap, bird droppings, etc.
10. A device that will protect the spa lid's vinyl cover from
staining caused by debris dropping on the lid in claim 9, further
comprising a spa cover which can protect the spa lid's vinyl cover
from fading.
11. A device which can protect the spa lid's vinyl cover from
fading in claim 10, further comprising a cover which will protect
the sides of the spa from fading.
12. A device which will protect the sides of the spa from fading in
claim 11, further comprising a cover that will protect the spa
siding from dirt and debris.
13. A device that will protect the spa siding from dirt and debris
in claim 12, further comprising a cover that will eliminate the
need to clean or otherwise service the siding.
14. A device that will eliminate the need to clean or otherwise
service the siding of the spa in claim 13, further comprising a
cover that will protect the spa lid and siding from water damage
such as rain, snow, fog, etc.
15. A device that will protect the spa lid and siding from water
damage due to rain, snow, fog, etc. in claim 14, further comprising
a cover that will improve the overall heating efficiency of the spa
heater, by providing additional insulation.
16. A device that will improve the heating efficiency of the spa
heater by providing additional insulation in claim 15, further
comprising a cover that can help maintain the value of the spa, by
protecting the exterior surfaces from the effects of wear and tear,
and maintaining the new like appearance of the spa.
17. A device that can help maintain the value of a spa by
protecting it's exterior surfaces from ware and tare and
maintaining the new like appearance of the spa in claim 16, further
comprising a cover which will protect against expenses for repairs
and/or maintenance.
18. A device which will protect against expensive repairs and/or
maintenance in claim 17, further comprising a cover which has slits
on the sides to accommodate installation and to allow the cover to
fit around the spa lid pivot arms.
19. A device which has slits on the sides to accommodate
installation and allow the cover to fit around the pivot arms in
claim 18, further comprising a cover that can have and optional
slit in the front to accommodate a hand rail.
20. A device to protect a spa that can have a optional slit to
accommodate a hand rail in claim 19, further comprising a cover
that has optional latches that can be applied to prevent the wind
from raising the cover over the top of the lid, or otherwise flap
in the wind.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is a device which provides a
protective cover over a spa or hot tub. The manufacturers of
spas/hot tubs, herein after referred to simply as spas, make spas
in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, they do not provide or
offer a protective cover to prevent damage due to the sun's rays,
or the harshness of weather. Spas are manufactured in a variety of
beautiful colors and include a lid which is generally a reinforced
two piece styrofoam type material which is covered in a colored
vinyl. The vinyl cover connects the two halves of the lid so that
the lid can be folded in half before it is tilted back behind the
spa.
[0002] The spa protective cover is made from a high quality
synthetic canvas like material and is designed to fit free standing
spas. The material is breathable, waterproof, fade resistant, and
can withstand many years of sun and weather without serious
deterioration. The protective spa cover is designed to protect the
spa lid and the spa's siding from the harmful effects of the sun'
rays and inclement weather throughout the entire year. It does not
need to be removed from the spa at any time, as it is designed to
flip back over the spa with the spa lid.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are millions of spas in homes and businesses
throughout this county and thousands of new ones for sale through a
variety of manufacturers. While spas may vary considerably in style
and size, they generally have similar attractive sidings and lids.
The lids also serve to conserve the heat in the spa when it is not
in use.
[0004] While spas are designed to be used for many years, the sun
and weather can cause serious damage to the lid and siding. The
lids or covers as they are commonly referred to, are covered in a
vinyl material and are designed to help trap the heat in the spa
when it is not in use. Without constant care with chemicals to
preserve the vinyl cover, the vinyl will begin to deteriorate
within a couple of years. The sun's harmful rays will cause it to
dry out, crack, stain, and rip in the wind. Likewise, the siding
which is generally either wood, plastic or fiber glass will also be
subject to fading, staining, water damage or even chemical and
structural breakdown.
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a pictorial view of the spa protective cover 1
as it would appear when installed over a typical spa. This view
shows the cover 1, which consists of three pieces of material sewn
together to make the cover. The spa cover 1 protects all of the spa
2's exterior except for the pivot arms 4 and optional handrail
6.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a pictorial view of a typical spa 2 with lid 3
and the pivot arms 4. The pivot arms 4 are designed to aid in
flipping lid 3 out of the way so the spa 2 can be used. This view
shows the siding 5 which is used to attractively cover the inner
structure of the spa 2. The view also shows a optional hand rail 6,
which is very helpful in getting into or out of the spa 2. FIG. 2
is based on my own spa and represents the dimensions used to create
a prototype cover 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a pictorial view of cover 1 covering spa 2. The
view shows the slits 7 designed at the hinged pivot arms 4, that
are necessary for installation and use. Some options would include
latches 8 to secure the bottom ends of the material at the slits 7,
to keep the material from flapping in the wind. Another option
would include latches 8 at the bottom of the four corners of cover
1, to secure the cover in place so the wind could not blow the
sides of cover 1 up on lid 3.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows a pictorial view of cover 1 while lid 3 is
folded back on itself, in preparation for folding the lid 3 out of
the way so the spa 2 can be occupied. From this position, both lid
3 and cover 1 can be flipped backed over the back of the spa 2
using the hinged pivot arms 4. To get lid 3 to this position, you
would first have to raise one front corner of cover 1 over the top
of lid 3 to eliminate the suction which would otherwise be created.
Additionally, if latches 8 were installed at the bottom corners of
cover 1, the front two latches 8 would have to be disconnected to
allow the cover 1 to be raised.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows a pictorial view of spa 2 with it's lid 3
completely folded back out of the way on the hinged pivot arms 4.
This view further shows spa cover 1, and how it would remain with
lid 3 in the folded position. Spa cover 1 is designed so that it
never has to be removed from lid 3.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a pictorial view of all of the separate parts
which comprise the spa cover 1. This view shows the top of cover 1
being made from two identical size pieces of material which are
sewn together to complete the top of cover 1. The sides of cover 1
are then sewn to the top and lastly, the side material is sewn
After the three parts of material are sewn together, the slits 7
for fitting around the hinged pivot arms 4 can be created. The
slits 7 are reinforced with a similar material to give the slits 7
additional strength to minimize wear. An optional slit 7 will be
created if the spa involved has an attached hand rail 6.
[0011] Once all of the necessary slits 7 have been created, the
bottom hem of the cover 1 can be completed. The hem is folded over
twice, so that the edge of the material is covered and cannot fray
or unravel at any time.
[0012] The next step in creating spa cover 1, is to attach latches
to the bottom inside edges of the slits 7. The latches will assure
that when latched, the material around the slits 7 will not blow up
in the wind or otherwise flap around. The views in FIG. 6 further
show where the latches 8 for the four bottom corners of cover 1
would attach. These optional latches 8 would be sewn to the inside
bottom corner of the cover 1, and the other end of each corner
latch 8 would be installed in the base of the spa 2 using screw 10.
The ends of the latches 8 would have a strap 9 of synthetic
material looped through them which would be sewn securely to the
cover 1.
[0013] FIG. 7 Shows the latches 8, both the male and female ends
and the synthetic strapping 9 which is used to attach the ends of
the latches 8 to the cover 1.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows screw 10 for attaching latches 8 to the bottom
corners of spa 2.
[0015] FIG. 9 shows the optional slit 7 for a handrail and latches
8 attached to the inside bottom edges of slit 7.
[0016] The embodiments of the present invention comprise a
protective spa cover 1, which is designed to protect spa 2 from the
harmful effects of the sun, wind, rain, snow, and prevent staining
or other types of discoloration.
[0017] Embodiments of this invention include the use of a high
quality synthetic canvas-like material. The material is breathable,
waterproof, fade resistant, mildew resistant and can withstand the
harmful effects of the sun for many years. All of the sewing would
be with a polyester thread, which has all of these. same
qualities.
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention include optional
latches 8 installed on the inside of the bottom edge of the three
slits 7, identified in FIG. 1. The latches 8 would be looped
through synthetic straps 9 and the strap would be sewn to the
inside bottom edge of the slits 7. The latches 8 would be necessary
to keep the material around the slits 7 from flapping in the wind
or otherwise compromising the integrity of the cover 1 and it's
protective purpose.
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention include latches 8 at
the bottom four corners of cover 1. One end of latch 8 would be
sewn to the bottom inside corner of the cover 1, and the other end
of latch 8 would be attached to the corner of the base of the spa 2
using a screw 10. FIG. 8 identifies screw 10 and the area where it
is installed in spa 2.
[0020] This section summarizes some of the features of the present
embodiment. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description and with reference to the drawings
herein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of spa cover 1 showing how it
would appear when installed to protect a spa 2.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a pictorial view of a typical design for spa
2.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a pictorial view of spa cover 1 covering spa 2
in it's fully protective position.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a pictorial view of spa 2 with the spa 2 lid 3
folded back halfway to the open position. At this point, lid 3 is
folded over hinged pivot arms 4.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a pictorial view of spa 2 with lid 3 folded all
the way open, in preparation for use. This view further shows spa
cover 1 and it's position when lid 3 is in the fully open position.
This view also identifies hinged pivot arms 4 and how they support
the lid 3 and cover 1 when the lid 3 is fully open. This view also
shows the optional hand rail 6, when not surrounded by cover 1.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a pictorial view of all of the parts which
comprise the spa cover 1 and how they are sewn together and
reinforced. This view also shows how the individual parts become
part of a single spa cover 1.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a pictorial view of a type of latch 8 which
would be used to connect the edges of the slits 7. This view also
identifies the strapping 9, which is looped through the ends of the
latches 8 and then sewn to the inside bottom edges of slits 7.
These latches 8 are necessary to keep the material around the slits
7 from blowing up in windy or stormy conditions.
[0028] FIG. 8 shows a pictorial view of latch 8 where it attaches
to spa cover 1, at the four bottom corners of spa 2. This view also
shows the type of screw 10 which would be used to secure one end of
the latch 8 to spa 2.
DESCRIPTION
[0029] embodiments of the invention comprise a spa cover 1 which is
specifically designed using specific materials, to cover a spa 2
and protect it from the elements, when it is not in use. The spa
cover 1 is designed to fit snugly over spa 2, so that only the
hinged arm pivots and optional hand rail are exposed to the
elements.
[0030] The protective cover 1 in this invention is well suited for
use in protecting spa 2, because the synthetic materials involved
can withstand the elements much better that the spa 2 and it's lid
3 could do on their own.
[0031] The example of a spa cover 1 in FIG. 1 shows a simple and
effective design which conforms to the shape of the spa 2. The
design of spa cover 1 makes it very simple to install and once
installed, it never need to be removed from lid 3. Cleaning of
cover 1 can be accomplished while the cover 1 is in place and lid 3
is in the fully closed position.
[0032] the embodiments of this invention also include production in
a variety of colors, to match or compliment the color of the spa 2
or the siding.
[0033] The present disclosure is to be taken as illustrative rather
than as limiting the scope, nature or spirit of the subject matter
below. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art after studying the disclosure, including
use of equivalent functional and/or structural substitutes for
elements described herein. Such substantial variations are to be
considered within the scope of what is contemplated here. Moreover,
if plural examples are given for the specific means, or steps, an
extrapolation between or beyond such given examples is obvious in
view of the present disclosure, then the disclosure is to be deemed
as effectively disclosing and thus covering at least such
extrapolations.
[0034] Unless expressly stated otherwise, ordinary terms have their
corresponding ordinary meanings within the respective context of
their presentations, and ordinary terms of art have their
corresponding regular meanings.
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