SPA COVER-LIFTING APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

 A spa cover-lifting apparatus and method are described. The spa cover-lifting apparatus (20) (i.e., a "coverlifter") facilitates movement of a typical, existing, foldable spa cover (11) by remote control, from a spa-covering position over a spa (10) to a desired out-of-the-way non-covering position alongside the spa exterior. The coverlifter includes a crossbar (21) that is supported on a coverlifter-outfitted spa installation in a position extending over a hinge portion of the spa cover so that the crossbar is captured when the user manually folds a first half of the spa cover over a second half of the spa cover. Crossbar moving subassemblies support and move the captured crossbar by remote control in order to thereby move the spa cover over and then downwardly, from the spa covering position to the desired out of way non covering position.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/486,052 filed April 17, 2017 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/607,000 filed May 26, 2017, both of which are hereby incorporated in its entirety by this reference for all the information it provides.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of spas, hot tubs, swim spas, spa pools, and the like. It relates more particularly to a cover-lifting apparatus for moving a spa cover from a spa-covering position, in which the spa cover is disposed over the spa, to a non-covering position in which it is moved from the spa-covering position in order to enable normal use of the spa, and to a coverlifter-outfitted spa and to a method of moving a spa cover.

[0003] The term "spa" herein includes a large tub structure or small pool (i.e., a water-holding vessel), that a user can fill with water (e.g., heated water) for hydrotherapy, relaxation, or pleasure. Such spas include hot tubs, swim spas, spa pools, and the like. When not in use, the spa is often covered with a known type of spa-covering structure (i.e., a "spa cover" or "hot tub cover"). The spa cover helps maintain spa water temperature and prevent spa water contamination. Due to their relatively large size, weight, and rigid construction, however, typical existing spa covers are often somewhat difficult to maneuver between a spa-covering position (i.e., a position in which the spa cover is disposed atop the spa) and a non-covering position (i.e., a position in which the spa cover has been moved from the spa-covering position in order to enable normal use of the spa).

[0004] Many details of spa cover construction are well known. A typical spa cover, for example, is about eighty-four inches wide by about eighty-four inches long (i.e., about 2.13 meters wide by 2.13 meters long). It has two halves, each of which includes a piece of polystyrene foam covered with vinyl cloth or other such material, and the two halves are joined together at a hinge portion of the spa cover. To move the spa cover from the spa-covering position in order to ready the spa for normal use, a user first folds the spa cover along the transversely extending hinge portion so that one of the two halves rests atop the other half. Then, the user moves the folded spa cover to the non-covering position. Doing so, however, can be somewhat difficult because the folded spa cover presents a relatively large size, weight, and rigid structure.

[0005] To facilitate movement of the spa cover, the spa is often provided with a cover-lifting apparatus. Some existing cover-lifting apparatuses move the hinge portion of the spa cover in order to thereby move the entire spa cover. For that purpose, a typical cover-lifting apparatus may include hinge-moving components connected to a crossbar that extends transversely across the spa cover alongside the hinge portion. A user manually operates the hinge-moving components to move the crossbar, and thereby the hinge portion and the entire spa cover. But, just the right combination of components remains elusive for providing the cover-lifting function effectively without leaving the moved spa cover as an elevated eyesore.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, what is needed is an improved spa cover-lifting apparatus and method that work effectively in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover lifting apparatus for moving a spa cover on a spa from a spa covering position of the spa cover, in which the spa cover is disposed over the spa, to a non covering position, in which it is moved from the spa covering position, in order to enable normal use of the spa, the cover lifting apparatus comprising:

a crossbar for placement over a hinge portion of the spa cover when the spa cover is on the spa in the spa covering position, so that the act of a user folding a first half of the spa cover over a second half of the spa cover results in a captured crossbar disposed in between the first and second halves;

an electrically powered crossbar moving assembly connected to the crossbar for moving the captured crossbar under user control in order to thereby move the spa cover from the spa covering position to the non covering position, said crossbar moving assembly including a first crossbar moving subassembly for attachment to a first side of the spa in a position forward of a back of the spa, and a second crossbar moving assembly for mounting on a second side of the spa in a position forward of the back of the spa, so that the first and second crossbar moving subassemblies do not extend behind the back of the spa in positions to interfere with movement of the spa cover to a position alongside the back of the spa; and

an electronic control module for operating the first and second crossbar moving subassemblies by remote control.

[0008] In an embodiment, the crossbar moving assembly includes at least a first electrically powered linear actuator on the first subassembly and at least a second electrically powered linear actuator on the second subassembly.

[0009] In an embodiment, the crossbar moving assembly includes at least a first pair of electrically powered linear actuators on the first crossbar moving subassembly, and at least a second pair of electrically powered linear actuators on the second crossbar moving subassembly.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first crossbar moving sub assembly includes a first crossbar moving strut and a first strut positioning member; and
the second crossbar moving subassembly includes a second crossbar moving strut and a second strut positioning member;
wherein the electronic control module operates said first and second crossbar moving struts and said first and second strut positioning members under user control in order to thereby move the crossbar for cover moving purposes.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coverlifter outfitted spa, comprising:

a spa;

a spa cover on the spa; and

a cover lifting apparatus on the spa;

wherein the spa cover includes a first half, a second half, and a hinge portion intermediate and attached to the first and second halves;

wherein the cover lifting apparatus includes a crossbar that is not attached to the spa cover, said crossbar having a length sufficient to span the spa cover along the hinge portion of the spa cover, so that when the crossbar is in a position in which the crossbar extends over the hinge portion of the spa cover when the spa cover is in the spa covering position, the act of folding the first half of the spa cover over the second half of the spa cover results in the crossbar being captured between the first and second halves as a captured crossbar; and

wherein the cover lifting apparatus includes an electrically powered crossbar moving assembly for moving the captured crossbar under remote control of a user in order to thereby move the spa cover from the spa covering position to the non covering position.

[0012] In an embodiment, the crossbar moving assembly includes:

a first subassembly on a first side of the spa that is connected to a first end of the crossbar; and

a second subassembly on a second side of the spa that is connected to a second end of the crossbar; and

a combination of components for powering the first and second subassemblies electrically under remote control of the user.

[0013] In an embodiment, the crossbar moving assembly includes at least a first electrically powered linear actuator on the first subassembly and at least a second electrically powered linear actuator on the second subassembly.

[0014] In an embodiment, the crossbar moving assembly includes at least a first pair of electrically powered linear actuators on the first subassembly and at least a second pair of electrically powered linear actuators on the second subassembly.

[0015] In an embodiment, coverlifter outfitted spa further comprising an electronic control module for operating the first and second crossbar moving subassemblies by remote control.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for moving a spa cover on a spa from a spa covering position to a non covering position, said spa having a front and a back, together with a first side and a second side that extend between the front and the back, the method comprising:

providing a cover lifting apparatus that includes a crossbar and a crossbar moving assembly that is electrically powered and remotely controlled, which cover lifting apparatus is mounted on the spa so that the crossbar extends transversely over a hinge portion of the spa cover when the spa cover is in the spa covering position;

folding a first half of the spa cover over a second half of the spa cover in order to thereby capture the crossbar in between the first and second halves of the spa cover as a captured crossbar; and

moving the captured crossbar by remote control operation of the crossbar moving assembly in order to thereby move the spa cover from the spa covering position to the non covering position.

[0017] In an embodiment, the step of providing a cover lifting apparatus includes providing a first crossbar moving subassembly that is mounted on the first side of the spa, and providing a second crossbar moving subassembly that is mounted on the second side of the spa, so that said first and second crossbar moving subassemblies are not mounted on the back of the spa, thereby to avoid interference by the crossbar moving subassemblies with movement of the spa cover downwardly to a lowered non covering position alongside the back of the spa.

[0018] In an embodiment, the step of providing a crossbar moving assembly includes providing an electrically powered crossbar moving assembly having multiple linear actuators.

[0019] In an embodiment, the step of moving the captured crossbar includes lowering the spa cover to an out of the way position along the back of the spa.

[0020] Preferred embodiments provide an electrically powered, readily retrofitted, cover-lifting apparatus (i.e., referred to herein simply as a "coverlifter") that a user operates by remote control. The coverlifter is readily retrofitted to an existing spa in that it includes an unattached crossbar that extends transversely alongside the hinge portion of an existing spa cover on the spa (without being attached to the spa cover) in a position to be captured when the spa cover is folded in preparation for removal. Crossbar-moving assemblies are included that move the crossbar under remote control by the user in order to not only move the spa cover from the spa-covering position, but also to then lower the spa cover to an out-of-the-way non-covering position alongside the spa exterior.

[0021] To paraphrase some of the more precise language appearing in the claims and further introduce the nomenclature used, a coverlifter constructed according to the present invention , in an aspect, includes a crossbar that is supported by first and second crossbar-supporting assemblies, each of which is attached to a respective one of opposite first and second sides of the spa. With the spa cover in place in a spa-covering position on the spa, and the coverlifter installed on the spa in an operative position of the coverlifter (to thereby resulting in a coverlifter-outfitted spa), the crossbar extends transversely across the spa, and horizontally over the hinge portion of the spa cover; it extends that way from the first side of the spa to the opposite second side of the spa, so that manually folding a first half of the spa cover to a position over a second half of the spa cover results in the spa cover capturing the crossbar in the fold thereby produced. With the crossbar so captured, movement of the capture crossbar results in movement of the hinge portion, and thereby movement of the entire spa cover.

[0022] The first and second crossbar-moving assemblies may include crossbar-moving struts for supporting and moving the crossbar; they are extendible, by operation of electrically powered, linear actuators that vary the length of the crossbar-moving struts under remote control of the user. In addition, the first and second crossbar-moving assemblies preferably include strut-positioning members for adjusting the orientation of the crossbar-moving struts; they include additional electrically powered linear actuators that also operate by remote control of the user. The combined action provided by the crossbar-moving struts and the strut-positioning members enables the user to effectively move the crossbar and hinge portion, and thereby the entire spa cover, from the spa-covering position, and to then lower the spa cover to a desired out-of-the-way non-covering position alongside the spa exterior.

[0023] In line with the foregoing, in an aspect, the present invention provides a method for moving a spa cover on a spa, from the spa-covering position to an out-of-the-way non-covering position. The method includes the step of providing a cover-lifting apparatus on the spa as described above. The method proceeds by manually folding the spa cover along the hinge portion in order to thereby capture the crossbar. Then, the user operates the crossbar-moving assemblies by remote control in order to move the spa cover to the desired out-of-the-way, non-covering position of the spa cover alongside the spa exterior. Thus, the present invention provides an improved cover-lifting apparatus and method that work effectively in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The following illustrative drawings and detailed description make the foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention more apparent.

[0024] Thus, preferred embodiments provide an electrically powered, readily retrofitted, spa cover-lifting apparatus (i.e., a "coverlifter") which facilitates movement of a typical, existing, foldable spa cover by remote control, from a spa covering position over a spa to a desired out of the way non covering position alongside the spa exterior. The coverlifter includes a crossbar that is supported on a coverlifter outfitted spa installation in a position extending over a hinge portion of the spa cover so that the crossbar is captured when the user manually folds a first half of the spa cover over a second half of the spa cover. Crossbar moving subassemblies support and move the captured crossbar by remote control in order to thereby move the spa cover over and then downwardly, from the spa covering position to the desired out of way non covering position. Preferably, linear actuators operate extendible crossbar-moving struts and strut positioning members in a synchronized manner via a programmable controller according to user operation of a handheld remote.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a diagrammatic elevation view of a first side of an existing spa constructed according to the prior art, showing an existing spa cover on the spa in a SPA-COVERING POSITION of the spa cover; an X-axis and a Y-axis of an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system are included for convenience in describing various spatial relationships;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a diagrammatic top plan view of the existing spa and existing spa cover with the spa cover in the SPA-COVERING POSITION; an X-axis and a Z-axis of the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system are shown;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a perspective view of a cover-lifting apparatus constructed according to the present invention that is shown by itself, before installation on the existing spa; the control components are illustrated diagrammatically;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of the existing spa and spa cover after the cover-lifting apparatus has been installed on the existing spa to result in a first "coverlifter-outfitted spa" having the crossbar component of the cover-lifting apparatus extending transversely over the hinge portion of the spa cover;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the first coverlifter-outfitted spa, identifying the front, the back, the first side, the second side, and the top of the spa cover;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side elevation view of the first coverlifter-outfitted spa, showing the opposite second side;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic first side elevation view of the first side of the first coverlifter-outfitted spa, showing the spa cover in a SPA-COVERING POSITION of the spa cover;

FIG. 8 is another diagrammatic first side elevation view, showing the spa cover after it has been folded to achieved a FOLDED POSITION of the spa cover, whereby the crossbar component of the cover-lifting apparatus is captured in the fold;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic first side elevation view, showing the spa cover after the hinge portion of the spa cover has been moved, by movement of the crossbar, to achieve a PARTIALLY MOVED POSITION of the spa cover;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic first side elevation view, showing the spa cover after the hinge portion has been moved further, by movement of the crossbar, to achieve a RAISED NON-COVERING POSITION of the spa cover;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic first side elevation view, showing the spa cover after the hinge portion has been moved downwardly from the RAISED NON-COVERING POSITION to achieve a LOWERED NON-COVERING POSITION of the spa cover;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram overview of the electronic control components of a cover-lifting apparatus constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the steps involved in moving the spa cover according to the methodology of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second embodiment of a coverlifter-outfitted spa constructed according to another aspect of the present invention; it is a single-actuator embodiment identified as a second coverlifter-outfitted spa, for which each crossbar-moving subassembly includes just a single linear actuator; and

FIG. 15 is another diagrammatic perspective view of the second coverlifter-outfitted spa, showing the spa cover after it has been moved to a desired non-covering position.

FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings are diagrammatic representations that illustrate various background information about a typical existing spa 10 and spa cover 11 constructed according to the prior art, along with nomenclature to be used herein for describing the present invention. The illustrated existing spa 10 represents any one of various types and kinds of upwardly opening spa tub structures that functions as a rigid vessel for holding spa water, while supporting users in the spa water. It may be composed of any of various suitable materials (e.g., fiberglass on a molded acrylic shell) and include plumbing parts, water jets, control components, mood lighting, and even a spa stereo system and television unit (not illustrated). The existing spa cover 11 represents any one of various types and kinds of spa-covering structures that serves the function of covering the spa 10 during periods of non-use.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation view of a first side 10A of the spa 10, with the spa 10 shown in a typical operative position in which it is supported atop a horizontally extending support surface 12 (e.g., the ground). The first side 10A extends horizontally (i.e., parallel to the X axis of the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system) from a first end of the spa 10 that is referred to herein as a front 10B of the spa 10, and an opposite second end of the spa 10 that is referred to herein as a back 10C of the spa 10. The first side 10A extends vertically (i.e., parallel to the Y axis of the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system) from the support surface 12 to an upper rim 10D of the spa 10 that supports the spa cover 11. FIG. 1 also identifies a first half 11A of the spa cover 11 that is attached to a second half 11B of the spa cover 11 at a hinge portion 11C of the spa cover 11.

[0027] As more fully shown in FIG. 2, the spa cover 11 has a width that extends horizontally, parallel to the XZ plane of the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system, from a first side of the spa cover 11, that is referred to herein as a first spa cover side 11D, to an opposite second side of the spa cover 11 that is referred to herein as a second spa cover side 11E. In addition, the spa cover 11 has a length that extends horizontally from a first end of the spa cover 11 (i.e., a spa cover front 11F) to an opposite second end of the spa cover 11 (i.e., a spa cover back 11E). With the spa cover 11 on the spa 10 as illustrated, the first spa cover side 11D is disposed above the first side 10A of the spa 10, the spa cover front 11F is disposed above the front 10B of the spa 10, and the spa cover back 11E is disposed above the back 10C of the spa 10. In addition, a hinge portion axis of elongation 11G of the hinge portion 11C extends horizontally, transversely over the spa 10.

[0028] As a further idea of size, the illustrated spa 10 is a commercially available, rectangularly shaped, hot tub with dimensions of about 84 inches long (i.e., 2.13 meters long), measured from the front 10B to the back 10C parallel to the X axis, and about 84 inches wide (i.e., 2.13 meters wide) measured perpendicular to the XY plane. The various views presented in the drawings of the spa 10 are drawn to the same drawing scale so that other approximate dimensions of the spa 10, the spa cover 11, and the cover-lifting components subsequently described, can be determined by comparison to the dimensions given for the length and width. Of course, the present invention also applies to other shapes and sizes.

[0029] With the foregoing background information and nomenclature in mind, consider FIG. 3. It shows a cover-lifting apparatus constructed according to the present invention in the form of a coverlifter 20, along with a diagrammatic representation of its power and control components connected electrically to linear actuator components of the coverlifter 20 by cabling depicted in FIG. 3 by phantom lines. The coverlifter 20 includes a crossbar 21, along with an electrically powered crossbar-moving assembly having a first crossbar-moving subassembly for mounting on the first side 10A of the spa 10, and a second crossbar-moving subassembly for mounting on an opposite second side of the spa 10. The crossbar 21 extends between first and second crossbar ends 21A and 21B along a straight line axis of elongation 21C, and an upper portion of each of the first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies is connected to a respective one of the crossbar ends 21A and 21B for purposes of moving the crossbar 21 under user control.

[0030] The crossbar 21 is a rigid component having a length more than the width of the spa 10, taking the form, for example, of a metal tube having an outside diameter of 1.0 inches (2.54 centimeters). Each of the first and second crossbar ends 21A and 21 B is connected to a respective one of first and second telescoping strut sections 22A and 22B (e.g., metal tubes). Each of the strut sections 22A and 22B extends telescopingly into a respective one of larger-diameter, third and fourth telescoping strut sections 22C and 22D (e.g., metal tubes). For the illustrated coverlifter 20, the crossbar 21 and the first and second telescoping strut sections 22A and 22B take the form of a single length of metal tube that has been bent into the illustrated shape; the crossbar 21 and the strut sections 22A and 22B are all a single piece of tubing.

[0031] The combination of the first telescoping strut section 22A and the larger-diameter third telescoping strut section 22C, along with a first linear actuator 23A, form an extendible first crossbar-moving strut. Similarly, the combination of the second telescoping strut section 22B and a larger-diameter fourth telescoping strut section 22D, along with a second linear actuator 23B, form an extendible second crossbar-moving strut. The first and second crossbar-moving struts so formed are extendible under user control by remote operation of the electrically powered first and second linear actuators 23A and 23B.

[0032] A lower end portion of the first crossbar-moving strut (i.e., the strut sections 22A and 22C in combination with the linear actuator 23A) is connected pivotally to a first mounting 25A (e.g., a rigid metal plate), for pivotal movement about a first horizontally extending pivotal axis 26 that is parallel to the axis of elongation 21C of the crossbar 21. Similarly, a lower end portion of the second crossbar-moving strut (i.e., the strut sections 22B and 22D in combination with the linear actuator 23B) is connected pivotally to a second mounting 25B, for pivotal movement about said first horizontally extending pivotal axis 26 (FIG. 3). With the first and second mountings 25A and 25B attached to the spa 10, as illustrated and discussed later on, changing the length of the first and second crossbar-moving struts by remote control operation of the first and second linear actuators 23A and 23B results in remotely controlled movement of the crossbar 21 (and thereby remotely controlled movement of the folded spa cover).

[0033] Preferably, the coverlifter 20 also includes electrically powered, remotely controlled, third and fourth linear actuators 27A and 27B that function under user control as first and second strut-positioning members. A lower end portion of the third linear actuator 27A is connected pivotally to the first mounting 25A for pivotal movement about a second horizontally extending pivotal axis 28 (FIG. 3). Similarly, a lower end portion of the fourth linear actuator 27B is connected pivotally to the second mounting 25B for pivotal movement about said second pivotal axis 28. Operation of the third linear actuator 27A changes the position of the first crossbar-moving strut, while operation of the fourth linear actuator 27B changes the position of the second crossbar-moving strut, all for purposes of moving the spa cover 11 as desired.

[0034] With further regard to nomenclature, the combination of the third linear actuator 27A, the extendible first crossbar-moving strut, the first mounting 25A and the associated electronics is referred to herein as a first crossbar-moving subassembly. The combination of the fourth linear actuator 27A, the second crossbar-moving strut, the second mounting 25B, and the associated electronics is referred to herein as a second crossbar-moving subassembly. The first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies so defined are generally similar, except that the first and second mountings 25A and 25B have mirror-image shapes that adapt each for mounting on a respective one of the first and second sides of the spa 10. With the first and second mountings 25A and 25B attached to the spa 10, remotely controlled operation of the third and fourth linear actuators 27A and 27B enables additional user control of the first and second crossbar-moving struts (and thereby additional remote control of spa cover position).

[0035] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the coverlifter 20 mounted on the existing spa 10. The resulting combination is referred to herein as a first coverlifter-outfitted spa 30. The coverlifter 20 is mounted on the existing spa 10 by attaching the mountings 25A and 25B to sidewalls or other spa structure on the first and second sides 10A and 10E of the spa 10, using screws or other suitable fastener means. The first mounting 25A is attached to the first side 10A of the spa 10, and the second mounting 25B is attached to the opposite second side 10E of the spa 10. The coverlifter 20 is mounted that way so that the crossbar 21 is in a position to be captured by the spa cover 11 when the spa cover 11 is folded along the hinge portion 11C of the spa cover 11. For that purpose, the coverlifter 20 is mounted so that the axis of elongation 21C of the crossbar 21 is parallel to and above the axis of elongation 11G of the hinge portion 11C that was first identified herein with reference to FIG. 2; the axis of elongation 21C is no further than about three inches (7.62 centimeters) above said axis of elongation 11G, so that the act of folding the spa cover 11 readily captures the crossbar 21 in the fold.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the coverlifter 20 is not mounted on the back 10C of the spa 10, nor does it extend transversely behind the back 10C. The coverlifter 20 is, instead, mounted on the first and second sides 10A and 10E in a position such that its structure will not block or otherwise interfere with movement of the spa cover 11 to the LOWERED NON-COVERING POSITION of the spa cover 11. In terms of an imaginary reference plane 30A that is parallel to the YZ plane of the Cartesian coordinate system (such that the imaginary reference plane 30A contains at least a portion of the back 10C), the mountings 25A and 25B of the coverlifter 20 are mounted on the spa 10 ahead of the imaginary reference plane 30A, toward the front 10B of the spa 10. Thus, the first horizontally extending pivotal axis 26 is also ahead of the reference plane 30A. The side elevation view shown in FIG. 6 of the opposite second side 10E of the spa 10 further illustrates that aspect.

[0037] Turning now to FIG. 7 through FIG. 11, they show various positions of the spa cover 11 as a user (not shown) folds it manually and then moves it by remote control of the electrically powered coverlifter 20 (i.e., remote control of the electrically powered crossbar-moving assembly). Remote control operation of the crossbar-moving assembly involves synchronized movement of the first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies mounted on opposite sides of the spa 20. Movement of the first and second cover-moving subassemblies is synchronized so that they maintain the crossbar 21 perpendicular to the XY plane as they move the crossbar 21. Preferably, the electronic control components accomplish the required synchronization of the first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies. In describing movement of the spa cover 11 at this point, however, remote control of just the first crossbar-moving subassembly is described.

[0038] First, consider FIG. 7. It shows the spa cover 11 in the SPA-COVERING POSITION, a position in which the spa cover 11 is disposed over the spa 10. To move the spa cover 11 from that position, the user first folds the spa cover 11 manually to the FOLDED POSITION shown in FIG. 8. That is done in order to capture the crossbar 21 in the resulting fold. The user folds the spa cover 11 manually, by folding the first half 11A of the spa cover 11 over the second half 11 B so that the crossbar 21 is held between the two halves.

[0039] Next, the user remotely controls the third linear actuator 27A (i.e., the first strut-positioning member) in order to extend its length and thereby move the position of the first crossbar-moving strut (i.e., the strut sections 22A and 22C in combination with the first linear actuator 23A). That movement is indicated by the bold arrowheads in FIG. 9. Doing so moves the crossbar 21 and the spa cover 11 to the PARTIALLY MOVED POSITION shown in FIG. 9.

[0040] Then, the user continues to remotely control the third linear actuator 27A in order to further extend the length of the first strut-positioning member, and thereby move the position of the first crossbar-moving strut, as indicated by the bold arrowheads in FIG. 10. The user does so until the crossbar 21 and the spa cover 11 are moved to the RAISED NON-COVERING POSITION shown in FIG. 10.

[0041] After the foregoing steps, the user remotely controls the first linear actuator 23A in order to decrease the length of the first crossbar-moving strut, as indicated by the bold arrowheads in FIG. 11. The user does so until the crossbar 21 and the spa cover 11 are moved downwardly to the LOWERED NON-COVERING POSITION shown in FIG. 11; that is an out-of-the-way position of the spa cover 11 behind the back 10C of the spa 10 in which the spa cover 11 extends higher than the upper rim 10D of the spa 10 by an amount less than one-fourth of the full unfolded length of the spa cover 11. It is an out-of-the-way position in the sense that the spa cover 11 is less noticeable to nearby observers than it is when the spa cover 11 is higher (e.g., when the spa cover 11 is in the RAISED NON-COVERING POSITION). The user reverses the order of the foregoing steps when the user desires to move the spa cover 11 back to the SPA-COVERING POSITION shown in FIG. 7.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the electronic control components of the present invention. An electronic control module 41 functions as a controller that works together with handheld remote 42 over a wireless or other communications link (that is depicted by the communications link symbol 43 in FIG. 12) to enable remote control of the linear actuator components of the crossbar-moving assemblies. The electronic control module 41 (e.g., a 120-volt AC to 12-volt DC electronic component) and the handheld remote 42 (a battery powered remote component) are known types of components such that a user can communicate commands to the control module 41 by operating the handheld remote 42 in a known way (e.g., by pressing buttons on the remote 42).

[0043] The control module 41 is preferably installed on the spa 10 component of the coverlifter-outfitted spa 30 near other spa-controlling components of the spa 10 (not shown). Preferably, the control module 41 is connected to the electrical power supplied to the spa 10 for other spa purposes. Suitable electrical wiring couples electrical power from the control module 41 to the linear actuators 23A, 23B, 27A, 27B; those linear actuators are identified respectively in the block diagram of FIG. 12 as LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. The user operates the handheld remote 42 in order to cause the electronic control module 41 to couple electrical power to the linear actuators 23A, 23B, 27A, 27B in a manner achieving the desired movement of the crossbar 21, and thereby the spa cover 11. Based upon the foregoing description, a person having ordinary skill in the art (i.e., a PHOSITA) can readily implement the present invention using, for example, known remote control components and techniques, including, as an additional example, providing an electronic controller that operates under program control, with positional feedback and actuator synchronization.

[0044] The block diagram flow chart in FIG. 13 summarizes the methodology of the present invention for moving a spa cover on a spa from a spa-covering position to a non-covering position. As indicated by a block 51 in FIG. 3, the method of the present invention includes the step of providing a spa coverlifter that is installed on a spa as described above. The method proceeds, as indicated by a block 52, by folding the spa cover in order to capture the crossbar of the coverlifter. Then, as indicated by a block 53 in FIG. 13, the user moves the captured crossbar by remote control of the crossbar-moving assembly, to thereby move the spa cover to the non-covering position. Preferably, the user continues remote control movement of the spa cover in order to move it downwardly to a less noticeable lowered position next to the spa exterior.

[0045] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a second embodiment of a coverlifter-outfitted spa having a cover-lifting apparatus constructed according to the electrically powered, remote control, single actuator aspect the present invention. The second embodiment is identified as a single-linear-actuator cover-lifting apparatus that is identified as a second coverlifter 120. It includes electronic control components similar to those of the coverlifter 20, but they are not shown for illustrative purposes. The second coverlifter 120 is shown installed on an existing spa 110 (e.g., a hot tub) to result in a second coverlifter-outfitted spa 130; it has been retrofitted by the addition of the second coverlifter 120 for purposes of remote-controlled movement of a spa cover 111. The term "single-linear-actuator" alludes to use of just a single linear actuator on each of two crossbar-moving subassemblies of the second coverlifter 120, as described subsequently.

[0046] The second coverlifter 120 and the resulting second coverlifter-outfitted spa 130 are similar in many respects to corresponding components of the first coverlifter-outfitted spa 30 and so only significant differences are described in further detail. For convenience, reference numerals designating parts of the second coverlifter-outfitted spa 130 are increased by one hundred over reference numerals designation similar, associated, or corresponding parts of the first coverlifter-outfitted spa 30.

[0047] The existing spa 110 includes first and second sides 110A and 110E that extend between a front 110B and a back 110C of the spa 110. The spa cover 111 is used to cover the spa 110. The diagrammatic perspective view of FIG. 14 shows the spa cover 111 in a spa-covering position in which it extends over the spa 110, while FIG. 15 shows it in a non-covering position. The second coverlifter 120 includes a crossbar 121 and a crossbar-moving assembly that moves the crossbar 121 in order to thereby move the spa cover 111 between those positions. The crossbar-moving assembly includes similar first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies, each of which is mounted on a respective one of the first and second sides 110A and 110E of the spa 110. Only the second crossbar-moving subassembly is visible in FIG. 14.

[0048] The second crossbar-moving subassembly includes a crossbar-moving strut 122 that is mounted pivotally on a mounting 125B attached to the second side 110E. It is pivotally mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontally extending pivotal axis 126. The mounting 125B (and thereby the pivotal axis 126) is located ahead of the back 110C of the spa 110 so that it does not block or otherwise interfere with movement of the spa cover 111 to the non-covering position alongside the back 110C, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0049] In line with the single-actuator aspect of the second embodiment, a lower end portion of a linear actuator 127B (a second of two linear actuators) is also mounted pivotally on the mounting 125B, for pivotal movement about a horizontally extending pivotal axis 128, where it functions as a strut-positioning member. A first linear actuator of the two linear actuators (not shown) is mounted in a similar manner on the opposite first side 110A of the spa 110. Remote-controlled operation of the second linear actuator 127B (along with synchronized operation of the first linear actuator) results in movement of the spa cover from the spa-covering position shown in FIG. 14 to the non-covering position shown in FIG. 15.

[0050] Thus, the present invention provides a spa cover-lifting apparatus on a coverlifter-outfitted spa that facilitates movement of a spa cover by a user. Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, a person having ordinary skill in the art may make many changes, modifications, and substitutions without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As for the specific terminology used to describe the exemplary embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention; each specific term is intended to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose or function. For example, the terms "horizontal," "horizontally," "vertical," "vertically," "parallel," "perpendicular," and the like herein state orientations, and those terms herein include approximations of the stated orientations.

[0051] The following list summarizes some of the nomenclature developed in the foregoing description.

[0052] Spa. The term "spa" herein includes a large tub structure or small pool (i.e., a water-holding vessel), that a user can fill with water (e.g., heated water) for hydrotherapy, relaxation, or pleasure; such spas include hot tubs, swim spas, spa pools, and the like.

[0053] Spa Cover. A spa cover is a known type of structure that is used to cover the spa during periods when the spa is not in use; a spa cover can help maintain spa water temperature and prevent spa water contamination.

[0054] Hinge Portion. A hinge portion of the spa cover is a transversely extending portion of the spa cover at which a first half of the spa cover is connected to a second half of the spa cover so that the spa cover can be folded along the hinge portion.

[0055] Cover-Lifting Apparatus. A cover-lifting apparatus herein is an electrically powered apparatus that operates under remote control to facilitate movement of a spa cover from a spa-covering position, in which the spa cover is disposed over the spa, to a non-covering position in which it is moved from the spa-covering position in order to enable normal use of the spa.

[0056] Crossbar. A crossbar is an elongated component of a cover-lifting apparatus; it has a straight-line, horizontally extending axis of elongation; when the cover-lifting apparatus is installed on the spa and the spa cover is on the spa in the spa-covering position, the axis of elongation of the crossbar extends transversely across the spa cover in a position above the hinge portion of the spa cover.

[0057] Captured Crossbar. A captured crossbar is a crossbar that has been trapped between the two halves of the spa cover as a result of the spa cover having been folded to a folded position; movement of the capture crossbar results in movement of the spa cover.

[0058] Crossbar-Moving Assembly. A crossbar-moving assembly is an assembly of components that cooperatively move the crossbar for purposes of moving the spa cover from the non-covering position.

[0059] Crossbar-Moving Subassembly. A crossbar-moving subassembly is one of two subassemblies of the crossbar-moving assembly, such that a first crossbar-moving subassembly of the two subassemblies is attached to the spa on a first side of the spa and a second crossbar-moving subassembly of the two subassemblies is attached to the spa on an opposite second side of the spa.

[0060] Crossbar-Moving Strut. A crossbar-moving strut is an extendible component of the crossbar-moving subassembly that is attached to the crossbar; it is electrically powered with a linear actuator in order to serve the function of moving the crossbar under remote control; the illustrated crossbar-moving strut includes the telescoping combination of two tubes such that one tube slides axially within the other under force applied by a linear actuator.

[0061] Strut-Positioning Member. A strut-positioning member herein is a component of the crossbar-moving subassembly that is attached to the crossbar-moving strut; it serves the function of changing the position of the crossbar-moving strut under force applied by a linear actuator.

[0062] Linear Actuator. A linear actuator is a known type of component that produces motion in a straight line in response to the action of an electrically powered motor that is part of the linear actuator.

[0063] Synchronized Movement. The terms synchronized movement and synchronized operation of the linear actuators, and similar terms, mean that the linear actuators move the crossbar in such a way, for spa cover-repositioning purposes, that the axis of elongation of the crossbar is maintained substantially perpendicular to the XY plane of the reference XYZ Cartesian coordinate system included in the drawings.

[0064] Electronic Control Components. Electronic control components include the components as described above with reference to FIG. 12; preferably, they include a controller that operates under program control.

[0065] Coverlifter-Outfitted Spa. A coverlifter-outfitted spa (i.e., a COS) is a spa on which is mounted an electrically powered, remotely controlled, cover-lifting apparatus constructed according to the present invention.

[0066] Spa-Covering Position. The term SPA-COVERING POSITION means a position of the spa cover in which the spa cover is unfolded and resting atop the spa for purposes of covering the spa, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7).

[0067] Non-Covering Position. The NON-COVERING POSITION of the spa cover is a position in which the spa cover has been folded and moved from the SPA-COVERING POSITION, so that the spa cover is not covering the spa as it does in the SPA-COVERING POSITION.

[0068] Folded Position. The FOLDED POSITION of the spa cover is a position atop the spa in which a first half of the spa cover has been folded over the second half of the spa cover in order to capture the crossbar, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8.

[0069] Partially Moved Position. The PARTIALLY MOVED POSITION of the spa cover is a position in which the spa cover has been moved from the FOLDED POSITION toward the RAISED NON-COVERING POSITION of the spa cover, as shown, for example, in FIG. 9.

[0070] Raised Non-Covering Position. The RAISED NON-COVERING POSITION of the spa cover is a position in which the folded spa cover has been moved from the PARTIALLY MOVED POSITION to a position in which it does not cover the spa, but before it has been lowered to the LOWERED NON-COVERING POSITION, as shown, for example, in FIG. 10.

[0071] Lowered Non-Covering Position. The position of the spa cover referred to as a LOWERED NON-COVERING POSITION is a position in which the folded spa cover has been lowered from the RAISED NON-COVERING POSITION to a position in which it is out-of-the-way behind the back of the spa, as shown, for example, in FIG. 11.

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the example illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present claims.

Claims

1. A cover-lifting apparatus for moving a spa cover on a spa from a spa-covering position of the spa cover, in which the spa cover is disposed over the spa, to a non-covering position, in which it is moved from the spa-covering position, in order to enable normal use of the spa, the cover-lifting apparatus comprising:

a crossbar for placement over a hinge portion of the spa cover when the spa cover is on the spa in the spa-covering position, so that the act of a user folding a first half of the spa cover over a second half of the spa cover results in a captured crossbar disposed in between the first and second halves;

an electrically powered crossbar-moving assembly connected to the crossbar for moving the captured crossbar under user control in order to thereby move the spa cover from the spa-covering position to the non-covering position, said crossbar-moving assembly including a first crossbar-moving subassembly for attachment to a first side of the spa in a position forward of a back of the spa, and a second crossbar-moving assembly for mounting on a second side of the spa in a position forward of the back of the spa, so that the first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies do not extend behind the back of the spa in positions to interfere with movement of the spa cover to a position alongside the back of the spa; and

an electronic control module for operating the first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies by remote control.

2. A cover-lifting apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the crossbar-moving assembly includes at least a first electrically powered linear actuator on the first subassembly and at least a second electrically powered linear actuator on the second subassembly.

3. A cover-lifting apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the crossbar-moving assembly includes at least a first pair of electrically powered linear actuators on the first crossbar-moving subassembly, and at least a second pair of electrically powered linear actuators on the second crossbar-moving subassembly.

4. A cover-lifting apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein:

the first crossbar-moving sub assembly includes a first crossbar-moving strut and a first strut-positioning member; and

the second crossbar-moving subassembly includes a second crossbar-moving strut and a second strut-positioning member;

wherein the electronic control module operates said first and second crossbar-moving struts and said first and second strut-positioning members under user control in order to thereby move the crossbar for cover-moving purposes.

5. A coverlifter-outfitted spa, comprising:

a spa;

a spa cover on the spa; and

a cover-lifting apparatus on the spa;

wherein the spa cover includes a first half, a second half, and a hinge portion intermediate and attached to the first and second halves;

wherein the cover-lifting apparatus includes a crossbar that is not attached to the spa cover, said crossbar having a length sufficient to span the spa cover along the hinge portion of the spa cover, so that when the crossbar is in a position in which the crossbar extends over the hinge portion of the spa cover when the spa cover is in the spa-covering position, the act of folding the first half of the spa cover over the second half of the spa cover results in the crossbar being captured between the first and second halves as a captured crossbar; and

wherein the cover-lifting apparatus includes an electrically powered crossbar-moving assembly for moving the captured crossbar under remote control of a user in order to thereby move the spa cover from the spa-covering position to the non-covering position.

6. A coverlifter-outfitted spa as recited in claim 5, wherein the crossbar-moving assembly includes:

a first subassembly on a first side of the spa that is connected to a first end of the crossbar; and

a second subassembly on a second side of the spa that is connected to a second end of the crossbar; and

a combination of components for powering the first and second subassemblies electrically under remote control of the user.

7. A coverlifter-outfitted spa as recited in claim 6, wherein the crossbar-moving assembly includes at least a first electrically powered linear actuator on the first subassembly and at least a second electrically powered linear actuator on the second subassembly.

8. A coverlifter-outfitted spa as recited in claim 7, wherein the crossbar-moving assembly includes at least a first pair of electrically powered linear actuators on the first subassembly and at least a second pair of electrically powered linear actuators on the second subassembly.

9. A coverlifter-outfitted spa as recited in claim 5, further comprising an electronic control module for operating the first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies by remote control.

10. A method for moving a spa cover on a spa from a spa-covering position to a non-covering position, said spa having a front and a back, together with a first side and a second side that extend between the front and the back, the method comprising:

providing a cover-lifting apparatus that includes a crossbar and a crossbar-moving assembly that is electrically powered and remotely controlled, which cover-lifting apparatus is mounted on the spa so that the crossbar extends transversely over a hinge portion of the spa cover when the spa cover is in the spa-covering position;

folding a first half of the spa cover over a second half of the spa cover in order to thereby capture the crossbar in between the first and second halves of the spa cover as a captured crossbar; and

moving the captured crossbar by remote control operation of the crossbar-moving assembly in order to thereby move the spa cover from the spa-covering position to the non-covering position.

11. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein the step of providing a cover-lifting apparatus includes providing a first crossbar-moving subassembly that is mounted on the first side of the spa, and providing a second crossbar-moving subassembly that is mounted on the second side of the spa, so that said first and second crossbar-moving subassemblies are not mounted on the back of the spa, thereby to avoid interference by the crossbar-moving subassemblies with movement of the spa cover downwardly to a lowered non-covering position alongside the back of the spa.

12. A method as recited in claim 11, wherein the step of providing a crossbar-moving assembly includes providing an electrically powered crossbar-moving assembly having multiple linear actuators.

13. A method as recited in claim 11, wherein the step of moving the captured crossbar includes lowering the spa cover to an out-of-the-way position along the back of the spa.

Drawing