U.S. patent application number 15/704916 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-14 for spa with integrated umbrella receptacle.
This patent application is currently assigned to LMI IP, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is LMI IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Gary Harder, David A. Wright.
Application Number | 20190078345 15/704916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65630814 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190078345 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harder; Gary ; et
al. |
March 14, 2019 |
Spa with Integrated Umbrella Receptacle
Abstract
A spa shell with integrated umbrella system includes a spa shell
portion for containing a liquid and having a receptacle formed in a
wall of the spa shell. An umbrella system is removably interfaced
into the receptacle. The umbrella system includes a mast that is
removably interfaced to the receptacle and an umbrella portion that
is interfaced to the mast. The spa shell provides ballast to the
mast and to the umbrella portion of the umbrella system.
Inventors: |
Harder; Gary; (Lake Mary,
FL) ; Wright; David A.; (Lakeland, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LMI IP, LLC |
WINTER PARK |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LMI IP, LLC
WINTER PARK
FL
|
Family ID: |
65630814 |
Appl. No.: |
15/704916 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 11/00 20130101;
A45B 2200/1009 20130101; E04H 4/144 20130101; A45B 23/00 20130101;
E04H 4/084 20130101; E04H 4/108 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/10 20060101
E04H004/10; E04H 4/14 20060101 E04H004/14 |
Claims
1. A spa with integrated umbrella holder, the spa comprising: a spa
shell portion for containing a liquid; and a receptacle for
accepting a mast of an umbrella system, the receptacle formed in a
wall of the spa shell, thereby providing support and ballast to the
mast of the umbrella system; whereas the mast of the umbrella
system comprises triangular linkages that provide structure and
adjustability in both height of the umbrella system and/or tilt of
the umbrella system.
2. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 1, wherein the
mast of the umbrella system is removably inserted into the
receptacle.
3. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 1, wherein the
mast of the umbrella system supports an umbrella portion.
4. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 3, wherein the
umbrella portion is sized and shaped to mate with an upper edge of
the spa shell portion.
5. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 4, wherein the
mast includes a mechanism for lowering and raising the umbrella
portion and, when the umbrella portion is lowered, the umbrella
portion serves as a cover for the spa.
6. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 1, further
comprising an integrated stair system for entering and exiting the
spa, the integrated stair system molded with the spa shell portion
and the integrated stair system juts away from an outside wall of
the spa shell portion.
7. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 6, further
comprising a railing interfaced to the integrated stair system.
8. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 1, further
comprising an integrated folding table directly connected to a
hinge, the hinge directly connected to an upper surface of an
inside wall of the spa shell portion such that the table hinges
downwardly.
9. A method of shading and covering a spa, the method comprising:
providing a receptacle formed in a spa shell, the spa shell
including an integrated stair system molded with the spa shell, the
integrated stair system juts away from an outside wall of the spa
shell; inserting a mast of an umbrella system into the receptacle,
the mast coupled to an umbrella portion of the umbrella system;
raising the umbrella portion, thereby allowing entry into water
within the spa shell; and deploying the umbrella portion, thereby
shading at least a portion of the spa.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the receptacle is formed as part
of the spa shell and, therefore, the spa shell provides ballast for
the mast and umbrella portion.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of: lowering
the umbrella portion until the umbrella portion rests upon an upper
edge of the spa shell, thereby covering the spa to reduce and
reduce contamination of the water within the spa shell.
12. A spa with integrated umbrella system, the spa comprising: a
spa shell portion for containing a liquid; a receptacle formed in a
wall of the spa shell portion; an umbrella system removably
interfaced into the receptacle, the umbrella system comprising a
mast that is removably interfaced to the receptacle and an umbrella
portion that is interfaced to the mast, the spa shell portion
provides ballast to the mast and the umbrella portion of the
umbrella system; and an integrated stair system for entering and
exiting the spa, the integrated stair system molded with the spa
shell portion and the integrated stair system juts away from an
outside wall of the spa shell portion.
13. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 12, wherein
the umbrella portion is sized and shaped to mate with an upper edge
of the spa shell portion.
14. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 13, wherein
the mast includes a mechanism for lowering and raising the umbrella
portion and, when the umbrella portion is lowered, the umbrella
portion serves as a cover for the spa.
15. (canceled)
16. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 12, further
comprising a railing interfaced to the integrated stair system.
17. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 12, further
comprising an integrated folding table directly connected to a
hinge, the hinge directly connected to an upper surface of an
inside wall of the spa shell portion such that the table hinges
downwardly.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to the field of pools, spas, and hot
tubs and more particularly to a spa with an integrated umbrella
receptacle for holding and supporting an umbrella system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many people enjoy hot tubs or spas for relaxation, and
possibly for rehabilitation. A spa or hot tub is generally a small
swimming pool that contains water into which a person(s) submerges
part or all of their body. There are many shapes and sizes of such
spas and many features such as controls, jets for emitting water
towards those who are within the water within the spa, waterfalls,
etc.
[0003] Indifferent to the size, shape, and features of such
existing spas, when a spa is located in a location that is exposed
to the sun during daylight hours, the users of such spas are
exposed to sunlight. As users often stay in the spa for hours, this
exposure to sunlight for such long periods of time create a risk of
sunburn, as it is not desirable to wear sunscreen in the water as
it will contaminate and discolor the water and possibly cause
filter and/or plumbing issues within the spa. Further, limiting
exposure to the sun is recommended, especially for those with fair
skin. Existing spas do not provide a way to block any amount of
sunlight during daylight hours.
[0004] Further, those spas that are exposed to sunlight during the
daytime are also exposed to the elements at any time, for example
when it rains, hails, sleets, snows, etc. Although the occupants of
the spa are wet from the water within the spa, it is often
uncomfortable to have precipitation fall onto the head of the
occupants.
[0005] Another issue with existing spas relates to entry and
exiting to/from the spa. Often, the molded interior shape of the
spa shell includes a step-like feature that is used to exit from
the water within the spa. Being that the wall height of a typical
spa is often two to three feet high, once a user of the spa climbs
up this step within the spa shell, they must extend a leg over the
spa shell wall and onto the ground surface that is maybe two to
three feet below where the user is standing. This creates a high
level of imbalance, leaning the user away from the spa. Such
imbalance is especially dangerous as the ground surface onto which
the user steps is typically painted wood or tile that gets slippery
when it is wet.
[0006] Still yet another issue with existing spas relates to the
enjoyment of food and beverage while one is within the water within
the spa. Many people enjoy a beverage such as beer, wine, water,
coffee, etc., while sitting in the water within the spa. Many
existing spas provide one or more cup holders on upper edge of the
spa shell and often offer no place to rest a bag of chips, a bowl
of fruit, a plate of cheese, etc. Being that the cup holders are on
the upper edge of such spa shells and the users typically sit with
their backs toward the upper edge of the spa shells, the cup
holders are located substantially behind the users. It is often
difficult to twist around and retrieve a drink that is located
behind the user, adding to the danger of slipping and hitting one's
head in the spa. Further, locating the drink near and behind the
user increases the risk of the drink getting knocked out of the cup
holders.
[0007] If the spa is not heavily occupied by many users, one often
makes use of a distant cup holder, perhaps on the opposite side of
the spa shell. This reduces the risk of knocking over the
drink/cup, but requires that the user maneuver across the spa to
retrieve the drink, adding to the danger of slipping and hitting
one's head . . . .
[0008] What is needed is a spa design that includes an umbrella
holder to reduce exposure of spa occupants to sunlight during
daylight hours.
SUMMARY
[0009] In one embodiment, spa shell with integrated umbrella holder
is disclosed including a spa shell portion for containing a liquid
and a receptacle for accepting a mast of an umbrella system. The
receptacle is formed in a wall of the spa shell, thereby providing
support and ballast to the mast of the umbrella system.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method of shading and covering a
spa is disclosed including providing a receptacle formed in a spa
shell and inserting a mast of an umbrella system into the
receptacle. The mast is coupled to an umbrella portion of the
umbrella system. Raising the umbrella portion, thereby allowing
entry into water within the spa shell and deploying the umbrella
portion, thereby shading at least a portion of the spa.
[0011] In another embodiment, a spa shell with integrated umbrella
system is disclosed including a spa shell portion for containing a
liquid and having a receptacle formed in a wall of the spa shell.
An umbrella system is removably interfaced into the receptacle. The
umbrella system includes a mast that is removably interfaced to the
receptacle and an umbrella portion that is interfaced to the mast.
The spa shell provides ballast to the mast and to the umbrella
portion of the umbrella system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention can be best understood by those having
ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a new spa with an
integrated umbrella.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the new spa with
the integrated umbrella showing the umbrella used as the spa
cover.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the new spa with
the integrated umbrella showing the umbrella mounting.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a new spa with an
integrated folding table in a retracted position.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the new spa with
the integrated folding table in an extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following
detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same
elements in all figures.
[0019] Throughout this description, the term spa is used as a
convenient name for a water-holding vessel into which one or more
users place their bodies for rest, relaxation, enjoyment,
rehabilitation, etc. Therefore, a term spa represents any such
vessel, including those that are referred to as hot tubs, swim
spas, etc.
[0020] Further, the liquid that is contained within the spa is
often referred to as water, though it is well known that this
liquid often includes more materials other than water (H2O) such as
salt, clarifiers, sanitizers, etc.
[0021] Many spas are located in areas that are unprotected from the
elements and, therefore, are exposed to weather and sunlight. It is
well known that exposure to sunlight for long periods of time
presents risks of sunburn and, in some cases, skin cancer. Although
using sunscreen is often advised when one is exposed to the rays of
the sun for lengths of time, sunscreen is often not desired when in
a spa, as the sunscreen exits the user's body and enters the water,
leading to water clarity issues, filter clogs, loss of protection
from the sun, etc. Further, when such spas are exposed (in the
open), it becomes less desirable to use the spa during
precipitation (e.g. rain, snow, hail, sleet, etc.).
[0022] One solution to this issue is to place an umbrella stand
next to the spa to provide shade and protection from precipitation.
This is effective for a portion of the spa, especially the corner
over which the umbrella covers, but typically will not cover the
entire spa. Further, it is difficult to place such an umbrella
close to the spa, as such umbrellas require a large base that
serves as a weighted ballast to keep the umbrella upright.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, perspective views of a new
spa 10 with an umbrella system 50 integrated into a spa shell 12 of
the new spa 10 are shown. Although many sizes, shapes, and styles
of umbrella systems 50 are anticipated, the umbrella system 50 used
as an example has an umbrella portion 52 that is shaped similar to
an outline of the new spa 10 (e.g. if the new spa 10 has a
substantially square rim, the umbrella portion 52 also has a
substantially square outline as shown). This is desirable to
equally shade the entire new spa 10, though not required as an
umbrella portion 52 that is round will also provide shade to many
areas of the new spa 10.
[0024] The umbrella portion 52 of the umbrella system 50 is
supported by a boom arm 54 that, in this example, is interfaced to
the spa shell 12 by a mast 58 and linkages 55/56/57/59 that provide
structure and adjustability in both height of the umbrella portion
52 and/or tilt of the umbrella portion 52, as it is often desired
to tilt the umbrella portion when the sun is not directly above or
precipitation is directed at an angle instead of straight down.
[0025] The spa shell 12 of the new spa 10 includes an integrated
umbrella holder that includes a receptacle 14 into which a mast 58
is inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the mast 58 is removable
from the receptacle as it is often desired to store the umbrella
portion 52 during bad weather or to exchange the umbrella portions
52 as the umbrella portion 52 ages or for decorative reasons. As
the new spa 10 often contains substantial amounts of water (e.g.
typically one hundred to five hundred gallons) having considerable
weight (e.g. 800 pounds to 4000 pounds), the spa provides
sufficient ballast so as to not allow the umbrella system 50 to tip
over. In such, the receptacle 14 relays the ballast from the water
to the umbrella system 50, maintaining the mast 58 in an upright,
preferably vertical position, though there is no requirement that
the mast 58 be vertical.
[0026] The receptacle 14 is shown in an upper edge 13 of the spa
shell 12, though there is no limitation as to the location of the
receptacle 14 as it is fully anticipated that the receptacle 14 be
located on an outer side of the spa shell, at any location along
the upper edge 13 of the spa shell 12, or, even within the
containment area of the spa shell 12. In the later, it is
anticipated that the water containment area of the spa shell 12
include the receptacle 14 at a location beneath where water is
filled into the new spa 10 and, therefore, the mast 58 will extend
upwards out of the water when the new spa 10 is filled with water.
In this embodiment, it is anticipated that the umbrella system 50
be of a central-mast type (e.g. for example those that are used as
beach umbrellas) and the mast 58 be made of a material that is
compatible with the water within the new spa 10, including
sanitizing chemicals, etc.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, when the umbrella
portion 52 is of a shape and size that is similar or slightly
larger than the outer rim of the spa shell 12, the umbrella portion
52 doubles as a spa cover when the umbrella portion 52 is lowered
to rest upon and interface with the upper edge 13 of the spa shell
12. Many spas have a separate cover that is taken off and stored
while using the spa and returned to cover the spa when not in use
to prevent thermal loss and to maintain water quality/cleanliness.
Such covers are typically large and difficult to maneuver and stow,
making the spa experience less enjoyable and difficult for those
with mobility issues.
[0028] When the umbrella portion 52 rests on the upper edge 13 of
the spa shell 12, the umbrella portion 52 provides a cover for the
new spa 10 that maintains water temperature, reduces evaporation,
and reduces introduction of foreign objects into the new spa 10
(e.g. leaves, insects, airborne sand/dirt, etc.). The umbrella
portion 52 is lowered/raised in any way known in the art of
umbrellas, hence it is anticipated that in some embodiments, a
mechanism that includes a crank system is included to lower/raise
the umbrella portion 52 with minimal effort and such provides
access to some users who would have had difficulty
removing/replacing prior spa covers due to various mobility
issues.
[0029] Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are the optional stair system 30
with steps 32/34 and railing 40. Although optional, the stair
system 30 is described in more detail along with FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0030] Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is the optional folding table 48
with the further optional integrated cooler that is located beneath
the cooler cover 60. Although optional, the folding table 48 and
integrated cooler located beneath the cooler cover 60 are described
in more detail along with FIGS. 4 and 5 described in more detail
along with FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 perspective view of a new spa 10
with a folding table 48 that is integrated into the spa shell 12
are shown in a retracted position in FIG. 3 and in an extended
position in FIG. 4.
[0032] As discussed, an issue with existing spas relates to the
enjoyment of food and beverage while one is within the water within
the prior art spa. Many people enjoy a beverage such as beer, wine,
water, coffee, etc., while sitting in the water within the spa.
Many existing spas provide one or more cup holders on an upper edge
of the spa shell and often offer no place to rest a bag of chips, a
bowl of fruit, a plate of cheese, etc. Being that the cup holders
are on the upper edge of such prior art spa shells and the users
typically sit with their backs toward the upper edge of those cup
holders, the cup holders are located substantially behind the
users. It is often difficult to twist around and retrieve a drink
that is located behind the user, adding to the danger of slipping
and hitting one's head in the prior art spa. Further, locating the
drink near and behind the user increases the risk of the drink
getting knocked out of the cup holders.
[0033] The new spa 10 provides a folding table 48 that is shown in
a retracted position in FIG. 4 and in an extended position in FIG.
5. The folding table 48 is hingedly connected to the spa shell at
an upper inside location so that when the folding table 48 is
extended, the folding table is substantially horizontal and
positioned above the surface of the water in the new spa 10. In the
retracted position as shown in FIG. 4, the folding table 48 is
rotated downward so as to not be in the way of users of the new spa
10, allowing for improved access. In the extended position as shown
in FIG. 5, various objects are anticipated to be placed on the
surface of the table 48 (e.g. drinks, bowls, plates, communication
devices, music players, etc.). Although there are many ways to
maintain the extended position of the table 48, in some
embodiments, one or more supports 51 provide an angled support to
provide stability to the table 48, though other locking mechanisms
are equally anticipated such as detents or locking hinge
assemblies.
[0034] To further improve the dining and/or beverage experience of
the new spa 10, in some embodiments, an insulated compartment or
cooler is provided beneath the cooler cover 60 that hingedly opens
as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. This compartment is thermally insulated
from water within the new spa 10, being that the insulated
compartment is typically provisioned with a cooling substance such
as ice, dry ice, icepacks, etc.
[0035] As previously discussed, entry and exiting to/from the
prior-art spa is often difficult due to the height of the prior-art
spa shell. Often, the molded interior shape of the spa shell
includes a step-like feature that is used to exit from the water
within the prior art spa. The wall height of a typical prior-art
spa is often two to three feet high, once a user of the spa climbs
up this step within the spa shell, they must extend a leg over the
spa shell wall and onto the ground surface that is maybe two to
three feet below where the user is standing. This creates a high
level of imbalance, leaning the user away from the prior art spa.
Such imbalance is especially dangerous as the ground surface onto
which the user steps is typically painted wood or tile that gets
slippery when it is wet.
[0036] In some embodiments, the new spa 10 includes a stair system
30 that is integrated into or connected to the new spa 10 for use
when entering and exiting the new spa 10. The stair system 30 is
formed as part of or attached to the spa shell 12 and, therefore,
does not separate from the spa shell 12 as a user is utilizing the
stair system 30. Although shown with a lower step 32 and an upper
step 34, any number of steps is anticipated. In some embodiments, a
railing 40 is included for safety reasons. Although the optional
railing 40 is shown of a particular size and shape, there is no
limitation as to the location, size, shape, contour, etc., of the
optional railing 40.
[0037] Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set
forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner
in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same
result.
[0038] It is believed that the system and method as described and
many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the
foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent
that various changes may be made in the form, construction and
arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its
material advantages. The form herein before described being merely
exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention
of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
* * * * *