U.S. patent application number 14/526825 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for spa cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to LEISURE CONCEPTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Michael C. Genova. Invention is credited to Michael C. Genova.
Application Number | 20160123026 14/526825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55852074 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160123026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Genova; Michael C. |
May 5, 2016 |
Spa Cover
Abstract
A spa cover is described, and which includes first and second
fluid impermeable portions which are individually mounted on a spa,
and are further independently moveable, one relative to the other,
and wherein the respective first and second fluid impermeable
portions each have moveable first and second sections, and wherein
the spa cover is fabricated in the nature of a bi-fold.
Inventors: |
Genova; Michael C.;
(Spokane, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Genova; Michael C. |
Spokane |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LEISURE CONCEPTS, INC.
Spokane
WA
|
Family ID: |
55852074 |
Appl. No.: |
14/526825 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/503 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/08 20060101
E04H004/08 |
Claims
1. A spa cover comprising: a first and second fluid impermeable
portion which are individually mounted on a spa, and which are
further independently moveable, one relative to the other, and
wherein the respective first and second fluid impermeable portions
each have moveable first and second sections, and the spa cover is
arranged in the nature of a bi-fold.
2. A spa cover as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the spa has a
main body which has a circumscribing sidewall having opposite
sides, and wherein the sidewall has an upwardly facing peripheral
edge which defines, at least in part, an opening, and which
communicates with an internal cavity that is defined by the
sidewall, and wherein the respective first and second fluid
impermeable portions when positioned in a coplanar orientation, one
relative to the other occludes the opening defined by the upwardly
facing peripheral edge.
3. A spa cover as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the first and
second fluid impermeable portions are mounted on, and moveable
relative to, the opposite sides of the circumscribing sidewall.
4. A spa cover as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the first and
second sections of each of the fluid impermeable portions are
hingedly mounted together so as to facilitate the movement of the
first section, relative to the second section, along an arcuately
shaped path of travel, and wherein the first section, is moveable
from a first position where the first section is positioned in a
coplanar orientation relative to the second section, to a second
position, and wherein in the second position, the first section is
located in parallel, juxtaposed relation relative to the second
section, and wherein, when the first and second sections are
oriented in juxtaposed, substantially parallel relation, the spa
opening is partially non-occluded, and wherein the first and second
sections are further moveable, in unison, from the second position,
to a third position, and wherein in the third position the first
and second sections are removed from .sub.the peripheral edge, and
the spa opening in completely non-occluded.
5. A spa cover as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the respective
first and second sections of each of the fluid impermeable portions
are fabricated from a plurality of rigid, tongue and groove shaped,
hollow, synthetic and fluid impermeable boards which are affixed
together so as to provide an upwardly facing supporting surface
which can support a weight greater than about 100 pounds per square
foot without permanently deflecting and distorting the first and
second sections.
6. A spa cover as claimed in claim 5, and wherein an insulative
material is inserted within, and completely fills the respective
hollow, fluid impermeable synthetic tongue and groove boards, and
wherein the insulative material resists the absorption of
water.
7. A spa cover as claimed in claim 6, and wherein each of the
plurality of rigid, tongue and groove shaped, hollow, synthetic
boards have opposite ends, and wherein at least one of the ends of
each of the hollow, synthetic boards defines an opening which
permits access to an internal cavity which is defined by the
respective hollow synthetic boards, and wherein a peripheral edge
cover engages at least one of the opposite ends of the respective
hollow synthetic boards, and occludes the opening defined by the
hollow synthetic board, and maintains the insulative material
within the hollow synthetic board.
8. A spa cover as claimed in claim 7, and wherein a continuous
hinge moveably couples the first and second sections of each of the
first and second fluid impermeable portions together, and which
further facilitates the movement of the first section relative to
the second section.
9. A spa cover as claimed in claim 8, and wherein the first and
second sections are moveable from the second position to the third
position by way of a spa lift, and wherein the spa lift includes a
first portion which is received within, and extends through, one of
the internal cavities of one of the hollow synthetic boards, and
which is located adjacent to the continuous hinge which moveably
couples the first and second sections together, and wherein the spa
lift includes a second portion, which includes a pair of elongated
supports, and wherein the respective elongated supports are each
coupled to the first portion, and wherein each of the elongated
supports further has a distal end which is mounted on the sidewall
defining the spa, and wherein the second portion of the spa lift
facilitates the movement of the first and second sections, in
unison, along a path of travel from the second position, and to the
third position, and which exposes the spa for use.
10. A spa cover as claimed in claim 9, and wherein the spa cover
has an insulative spa rating of 8 or greater.
11. A spa cover as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the respective
first and second fluid impermeable portions each have a downwardly
facing spa engaging surface, and wherein a sealing member is
mounted on the downwardly facing spa engaging surface, and which
sealably engages the peripheral edge that is defined by the
sidewall.
12. A spa cover comprising: a first and a second rigid, fluid
impermeable portion, and which are further independently moveably
mounted on a spa, and wherein the spa has opposite sides, and a top
peripheral edge, and wherein the respective fluid impermeable
portions each have a first and second section which are hingedly
mounted together, and are further moveable one relative to the
other, and wherein the respective first and second sections of each
of the fluid impermeable portions, when oriented in a coplanar
orientation, rest on the top peripheral edge of the spa, and are
effective, in combination, to cover the spa, and wherein the
respective first sections of each of the fluid impermeable portions
are operable to move along an arcuately shaped path of travel from
a first, co-planar orientation relative to the adjacent hingedly
attached second section, to a second position, and wherein, in the
second position, the first section is oriented in substantially
parallel relation relative to the second section, and a portion of
the spa is uncovered, and wherein the respective first and second
sections are moveable, in unison, from the second position to a
third position, and wherein in the third position, the respective
first and second fluid impermeable portions are located in an
orientation where the spa is completely uncovered.
13. A spa cover as claimed in claim 12, and wherein the spa is
defined by a circumscribing sidewall which has opposite sides, and
wherein a spa lift is mounted on each of the opposite sides of the
spa, and which moveably engage the respective first and second
fluid impermeable portions so as to facilitate the selective
uncovering of the spa.
14. A spa cover as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the first and
second sections of each of the respective fluid impermeable
portions have a predetermined width dimension, and wherein the
width dimension of the respective first and second sections are
substantially equal
15. A spa cover as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the first and
second sections of each of the respective fluid impermeable
portions have a predetermined width dimension, and wherein the
width dimensions of the respective first and second sections are
unequal.
16. A spa cover as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the first and
second sections of each of the respective fluid impermeable
portions have a similar weight.
17. A spa cover as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the first and
second sections of each of the respective fluid impermeable
portions have a dissimilar weight.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a spa cover, and more
specifically to a fluid impermeable spa cover which avoids many of
the detriments associated with the prior art devices utilized
heretofore.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Covers for spas or so-called "hot tubs" have been utilized
for decades. These covers are often employed in cooler climates to
minimize the escape of heat energy from the spa. Further, they are
often employed to cover the spa to prevent unauthorized access to
the spa, or to prevent debris such as dust, leaves, insects and the
like from being deposited within the hot tub. Heretofore, spa
covers have had two portions which have usually been fabricated
from lightweight, insulative sheets which have been typically
enclosed in a flexible synthetic sheet or envelope. The two
portions are typically joined together by a hinge. In most prior
art covers the hinge is formed by a seam of flexible material which
bridges between the two halves or portions. It has been common
practice to remove such prior art spa covers by swinging or moving
one-half of the cover onto the remaining other half, and then
lifting both of the halves off of the top of the spa. As is
described in various detail in many prior art references, this task
of removing a spa cover has sometimes been difficult because of the
awkwardness, of the spa cover construction, and further due to the
weight of the spa covers as these same spa covers have become
heavier, over time, due to the absorption of water which is
occasioned by their proximity to the underlying heated spa, or
because water is absorbed from the ambient environment.
[0003] Many references have noted that spa owners have long
understood that spa covers having the prior art construction must
be periodically replaced because such spa covers, over time, become
water logged, and thereafter become too difficult and heavy to
handle and further lose some of their insulative characteristics.
Further these waterlogged spa covers encourage the growth of mold,
mildew and other undesirable organisms. As is reported in many
prior art references, these previous prior art spa covers often
deteriorate over time because they often are directly exposed to
the ambient environment. Therefore sunlight and other environmental
conditions such as high and low temperatures rapidly deteriorate or
weaken the construction of the spa covers such that they must be
periodically replaced, for example, every three to five years.
Because these prior art spa covers are replaced on a rather
frequent basis, the manufacturers of same have endeavored to keep
the cost of manufacturing such covers to a minimum. However, the
motivation to keep the price point of such products at a level that
encourages the periodic purchase and replacement of a spa cover
does not motivate the manufacturers to use high quality materials,
which will resist the aforementioned environmental degradation or
the absorption of water, which is occasioned by the proximity of
the spa cover to the underlying heated water enclosed within the
spa.
[0004] To address these and other shortcomings, the present
inventor developed and is currently marketing a spa cover similar
to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,813,275, and which issued on Aug.
26, 2014. The aforementioned spa cover, which is described,
includes first and second rigid portions which are joined together
by a continuous hinge. This patent further describes a multiplicity
of spaced uniformly elongated internal channels extending between
the opposite peripheral edges thereof. In this design, individual
lightweight, unitary, insulative inserts are dimensioned for
telescoping receipt within each of the internal channels which are
defined by the respective first and second portions. The first and
second portions are moveable together, along a hinge, so as to be
removable from the spa but further are rigid enough so as to allow
a user to stand on the spa cover to remove snow and the like, and
which further are resistant to the absorption of water. The
aforementioned spa cover has found great success, especially in
geographical areas where large amounts of snow fall is experienced,
or which further might be subject to harsher ambient environmental
conditions.
[0005] While the foregoing spa cover, seen in U.S. Pat. No.
8,813,275, has worked with a great deal of success, and has
experienced widespread market acceptance, the utilization of such
spa covers on relatively large spas has presented some difficulties
inasmuch as the construction employed in such spa covers tends to
make the two portions of the spa cover, as disclosed, somewhat
heavier and difficult to move by individuals having reduced
strength or under certain environmental conditions, such as in
windy conditions, or when the spa cover might be partially covered
with snow, ice, or the like.
[0006] A spa cover which avoids the detriments associated with the
prior art devices and practices utilized heretofore is the subject
matter of the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a spa
cover, which includes a first and second fluid impermeable portion
which are individually mounted on a spa, and which are further
independently moveable, one relative to the other, and wherein the
respective first and second fluid impermeable portions each have
moveable first and second sections, and wherein the spa cover is
arranged in the nature of a bi-fold.
[0008] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a spa
cover which includes a first and a second rigid, fluid impermeable
portion, and which are independently moveably mounted on a spa, and
wherein the spa has opposite sides, and a top peripheral edge, and
wherein the respective fluid impermeable portions each have a first
and second section which are hingedly mounted together, and are
further moveable one relative to the other, and wherein the
respective first and second sections of each of the fluid
impermeable portions, when oriented in a coplanar orientation, rest
on the top peripheral edge of the spa, and are effective, in
combination, to cover the spa, and wherein the respective first
sections of each of the fluid impermeable portions are operable to
move along an arcuately shaped path of travel from a first,
coplanar orientation relative to the adjacent hingedly attached
second section, to a second position, and wherein, in the second
position, the first section is oriented in substantially parallel
relation relative to the second section, and a portion of the spa
is uncovered, and wherein the respective first and second sections
are moveable, in unison, from the second position to a third
position, and wherein in the third position, the respective first
and second fluid impermeable portions are located in an orientation
where the spa is completely uncovered.
[0009] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
described in greater detail hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective, side elevation view showing the new
spa cover positioned in covering relation relative to a spa of
traditional design.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective, side elevation view of the spa
cover of the present invention and which is shown while being moved
to an open position.
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts the spa cover of the prevent invention shown
in an orientation where the spa cover partially covers the
underlying spa.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective, side elevation view which shows the
spa cover of the present invention when it is located in an
orientation where it does not cover the underlying spa.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, partial, side elevation view of a
hinge which forms a feature of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a greatly simplified, transverse, vertical
sectional view taken through a portion of the spa cover of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a greatly simplified, exploded, fragmentary side
elevation view of a hollow synthetic board which forms a feature of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance
of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent laws to promote
the progress of science in useful arts. [Article I, Section 8]
[0019] An example of a spa cover incorporating the features of the
present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIG.
1, and following. As seen in FIG. 1, the spa cover 10 is operable
to cooperate with a spa 11 of traditional design. The spa is
defined, in part, by a circumscribing sidewall, which is generally
indicated by the numeral 12. The sidewall 12 has an outside facing
surface 13, and an opposite, inside facing surface 14. Still
further, the circumscribing sidewall 12 has a top peripheral edge
15, which defines an opening 16, and which further allows access to
the internal cavity of the spa 20. The internal cavity, of course,
encloses a body of heated water for the enjoyment of the spa owner.
The circumscribing sidewall 12 has a first side or end 21, and an
opposite side or end which is generally indicated by the numeral
22.
[0020] The spa cover 10 of the present invention includes a pair of
substantially fluid impermeable portions which are generally
indicated by the numeral 30. The pair of fluid impermeable portions
includes a first fluid impermeable portion 31, and a second fluid
impermeable portion 32. The first and second fluid impermeable
portions are individually mounted on the spa 11, and are further
independently moveable, one relative to the other. As seen in the
drawings, the respective first and second fluid impermeable
portions each have moveable first and second sections, as will be
described below, and wherein the spa cover 10 operates in the
manner of a bi-fold. In this regard, the first fluid impermeable
portion 31 has a first and second section 33 and 34, respectively,
and which are hingedly mounted together so as to facilitate the
movement of the first section 33 relative to the second section 34,
as will be described hereinafter. Similarly, the second fluid
impermeable portion 32 has a first and second section, 35 and 36
respectively, and which are, again, hingedly mounted together so as
to facilitate the movement of the first section 35 relative to the
second section 36.
[0021] The respective first and second sections 33 through 36,
which form the first and second fluid impermeable portions 31 and
32, are each formed from a plurality of rigid tongue and groove
shaped synthetic boards 40, which are affixed together so as to
provide an upwardly facing supporting surface 41, and which further
can support a weight of greater than 100 pounds per square foot
without permanently deflecting and/or distorting the first and
second section 33 through 36, respectively, during use. The
plurality of rigid synthetic boards 40, when formed into the
individual first and second sections 33 through 36, respectively,
also define a downwardly facing surface 42, which is operable to
engage and otherwise rest in supported relation on the top
peripheral edge 15 of the spa 11. The respective hollow, tongue and
groove synthetic boards have opposite ends 43, and which allow
access to an internal cavity 44. Additionally, and as will be seen
in the drawings, a sealing member 45 is affixed to the downwardly
facing surface 42, and is operable to sealingly engage the top
peripheral edge 15, of the spa 11, when the respective first and
second sections 33-36, respectively, are disposed in a
substantially co-planar orientation, one relative to the others,
and in a covering or occluding relation relative to the opening 16,
which is defined by the circumscribing sidewall 12 of the spa
11.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 7, it will be understood that the
present invention includes an insulative material which is
generally indicated by the numeral 50, and which is further
inserted or deposited within the internal cavity 44, as defined by
the respective plurality of rigid tongue and groove shaped,
synthetic boards 40. As seen in the drawings, the insulative
material 50 is shown as a pre-formed insert. This insert could be
fabricated, for example, from a closed pore insulation, which is
resistant to the absorption of water, or further could be
fabricated from other insulative material, which might first be
injected, and then later solidify within the internal cavity 44.
The insulative material 50 is designed to substantially fill all
the space within the internal cavity 44, so as to prevent the
accumulation of moisture, and to further impede the loss of heat
energy from the underlying spa 11 which is in operation. As seen in
the drawings, the insulative material 50 is received through one of
the open ends 43 of the respective rigid tongue and groove
synthetic boards 40. Further, and as seen in the drawings, a
peripheral edge cover 51 is provided, and which engages the end 43
of the respective synthetic boards, thereby sealing the insulative
material 50 within each of the internal cavities 44. The peripheral
edge covers further provide an additional advantage inasmuch as the
edge covers may be periodically removed so as to allow a spa owner
to remove the insulative material 50 in the event that the
insulative material becomes partially or wholly ineffective by
becoming water-logged, or some other failure of the insulated
material becomes evident. As seen in FIG. 5, the first and second
sections 33 and 34 of the first fluid impermeable portion 31 are
shown in a partial, vertical sectional view. In this view it will
be seen that the first and second sections 33 and 34; and the first
and second sections 35 and 36, are each hingedly mounted together
by a continuous hinge, which is generally indicated by the numeral
60. The hinge 60, and its operation, will be discussed in the
paragraphs that follow.
[0023] The first and second sections 33-36, respectively, of the
first and second fluid impermeable portions 31 and 32, as noted
above, are hingedly mounted together so as to facilitate the
movement of the first section 33 or 35, relative to the second
sections 32 and 36, respectively, along a pair of arcuately shaped
paths of travel (only one of which is shown) and which is indicated
by the numeral 70 in FIG. 2. As seen by a comparison of FIGS. 2 and
3, and with regard to the first fluid impermeable portion 31, the
first section 33 is moveable from a first position 71, and where
the first section 33 is positioned in a co-planar orientation
relative to the second section 34; to a second position which is
generally indicated by the numeral 72. In the second position 72,
the first section 33 is located in a parallel, juxtaposed
relationship relative to the second section 34. This is seen most
clearly by reference to FIG. 3. In the second position 72, the spa
opening 16 is partially non-occluded. Further, the first and second
sections 33 and 34 are moveable, in unison, from the second
position 72, to a third position 83, and along a second path of
travel which is generally indicated by the numeral 80. When located
in the third position 83 [FIG. 4], the first and second sections
33-36 are removed from the peripheral edge 15, and the spa opening
16 is completely non-occluded. With regard to the movement of the
first and second sections 33-36 relative to each other, it should
be understood that the sizes and weights of the first sections 33
and 35 are selected so that the amount of force required by a spa
owner to move the first section 33 and 35 into a parallel
relationship relative to the second section 34 and 36 is equal to
or less than the amount of force required for the two sections 33
and 34 and 35 and 36 to be moved in unison from the second position
72, to the third position 83. This is accomplished by means of the
mechanical advantage provided by the spa lift 90, which will be
discussed, below.
[0024] The first and second sections, for example, 33 and 34, of
the first fluid impermeable portion 31, are moveable from the
second position 72, to the third position 83, by way of a spa lift,
and which is generally indicated by the numeral 90. The spa lift 90
includes a first portion 91, which is received within, and extends
through, one of the internal cavities 44, as defined by one of the
hollow, synthetic boards, and which is located adjacent to the
hinge 60, and which further moveably couples the first and second
sections 33 and 34, for example, together. The spa lift 90 includes
a second portion 92, which includes a pair of elongated supports
93, and which are individually positioned in an exterior
relationship relative to the plurality of synthetic boards 40 and
which form the respective fluid impermeable portion 31 and 32,
respectively. The respective elongated supports 93 are each coupled
to the first portion of the spa lift 91. Further, each of the
elongated supports 93 has a distal end 94, and which is mounted on
the side wall 12, defining the spa 11. The second portion 92 of the
spa lift facilitates the movement of the first and second sections
33 and 34 (for example) of the spa cover 10 in unison, and along
the path of travel 80 from the second position 72, to the third
position 83, and which results in an exposure of the spa 11. In the
arrangement as seen in the drawings, the spa cover 10 has an
insulative spa rating of 8 or greater.
Operation
[0025] The operation of the described embodiment of the present
invention is believed to be readily apparent, and is briefly
summarized at this point. In its broadest aspect, the present
invention relates to a spa cover 10, which includes a first and
second fluid impermeable portion 31 and 32, respectively, and which
are individually mounted on a spa 11. The first and second fluid
impermeable portions 31 and 32 are independently moveable, one
relative to the other. Further, the respective first and second
fluid impermeable portions 31 and 32, respectively, each have a
moveable first and second section 33 through 36, and wherein the
spa cover 10 is fabricated and operates in the nature of a
bi-fold.
[0026] In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the first and
second fluid impermeable portions 31 and 32, respectively, are
mounted on, and are independently moveable relative to the opposite
sides 21 and 22 of the circumscribing sidewall 12, and which
defines the spa 11. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the
first and second sections 33 through 36 of each of the fluid
impermeable portions 31 and 32, respectively, are hingedly mounted
together. The spa cover 10 operates in the nature of a bi-fold, and
further facilitates the movement of the first sections 33 and 35,
relative to the second sections 34 and 36, along a pair of
arcuately shaped paths of travel 70. In this arrangement, the first
sections 33 and 35 are moveable from a first position 71, and where
the first sections 33 and 35, respectively, are positioned in a
co-planar orientation relative to the associated second sections 34
and 36, respectively; and to a second position 72. In the second
position 72, the first sections 33 and 35 are located in parallel,
juxtaposed relation relative to the second sections 34 and 36. in
its arrangement and when the first and second sections 33 through
36 are juxtaposed or oriented in substantially parallel relation,
one relative to the other, the spa opening 16 is partially
non-occluded (FIG. 3). Still further, the first and second sections
33 to 36 are moveable, in unison, from the second position 72, to a
third position 83. In the third position 83, the first and second
sections 33 to 36 are removed from the peripheral edge 15, and the
spa opening 16 is completely non-occluded (FIG. 4).
[0027] In the present invention, the respective first and second
sections 33 to 36 of each of the fluid impermeable portions 31 and
32 are fabricated from a plurality of rigid tongue and groove
shaped, hollow synthetic and fluid impermeable boards 40, which are
affixed together so as to provide an upwardly facing supporting
surface 41, and which further can support a weight of greater than
about 100 pounds per square foot without permanently deflecting and
distorting the first and second sections 33 to 36, respectively. As
seen in the drawings, an insulative material 50 is inserted within,
and completely fills, the respective hollow fluid impermeable
synthetic tongue and groove shaped boards 40. The insulative
material which is selected resists the absorption of water. In the
arrangement as seen in the drawings, the first and second fluid
impermeable portions 31 and 32, each have a downwardly facing spa
engaging surface 42, and wherein a sealing member 45 is provided,
and is further mounted on the downwardly facing spa engaging
surface. The sealing members 45 sealably engages the peripheral
edge 15, which is defined by the sidewall 12 of the spa 11.
[0028] More specifically, the present invention relates to a spa
cover 10 which includes a first and second rigid fluid impermeable
portions 31 and 32, respectively, and which are independently
moveably mounted on a spa 11. The spa 11 with which the spa cover
10 cooperates, has opposite sides 21 and 22, and a top peripheral
edge 15. The respective fluid impermeable portions 31 and 32 each
have a first and second section 33 to 36, which are hingedly
mounted together, and which are further moveable, one relative to
the other. The respective first and second sections 33 to 36 of
each of the fluid impermeable portions 31 and 32, respectively,
when oriented in a co-planar orientation, rest on the top
peripheral edge 15 of the spa 11, and are effective, in
combination, to cover or occlude the spa 11. The respective first
sections 33 and 35 of each of the fluid impermeable portions 31 and
32, respectively, are operable to move along an arcuately shaped
path of travel 70, from a first co-planar orientation 71, relative
to the adjacent, hingedly attached second portion 34 and 36,
respectively; to a second position 72. In the second position 72,
the first sections 33 and 35, respectively, are oriented in
substantially parallel relation relative to the respective second
sections 34 and 36, respectively, and a portion of the spa 11 is
uncovered (FIG. 3). The respective first and second sections 33 and
36, for example, are moveable in unison from the second position 72
to a third position 83. In the third position 83, the respective
first and second fluid impermeable portions 32 to 36 are located in
an orientation where the spa 11 is completely uncovered.
[0029] In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the first and
second sections 33 to 36, and which form the fluid impermeable
portions 31 and 32, have a predetermined width dimension, and
wherein the width dimension of the respective first and second
sections 33 through 36 are substantially equal. Still further, in
another alternative form of the invention, each of the respective
first and second sections 33 to 36 have an unequal width dimension.
Further, in one possible form of the invention, the first and
second sections 33 to 36, of each of the respective fluid
impermeable portions 31 and 32, have a similar weight. However, in
another alternative form of the invention, the first and second
sections of each of the respective fluid impermeable portions 31
and 32 have a dissimilar weight. Again, as earlier discussed, the
amount of force a user must apply to move the first sections 33 and
35 relative to the associated second sections 34 and 36,
respectively, is equal to or less than the amount of force required
to move the first and second sections 33 to 36, when located in the
second position 72, to the third position 83. This is due to the
mechanical advantage as provided by the spa lift 90, and which
facilitates the movement of the spa cover 70 from the second
position 72 to the third position 83, and wherein the spa 11 is
completely uncovered.
[0030] Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention
provides a convenient means for a spa owner to conveniently cover a
spa with a spa cover, and which further provides many advantages
over the prior art products which have been fabricated and utilized
heretofore, The present spa cover provides a rigid supporting
surface, which can support snow loads, and further can support the
weight of a user, should a user need to stand on the spa cover for
purposes of removing snow and the like. The present spa cover
further provides other advantages inasmuch as it is fluid
impermeable and provides a desirable insulative effect which
reduces the cost of maintaining a spa at an operable temperature in
various climates.
[0031] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific as to structural and
methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the specific features shown and
described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms
of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore,
claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper
scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in
accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalence.
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