Water recreational apparatus with powered cover

Abstract

A water recreational apparatus has a water basin combination, a cover for covering the water basin combination and a cover removal combination. The cover removal combination includes a cover attachment arm which is rotatably attached to the exterior of the water basin combination. The cover attachment arm is adapted so that the rotation of the cover attachment arm about its attachment axes to the water basin combination alternatively moves the cover between a closed position and an open position. Drive means, such as electric motors, are provided for powering the cover attachment arm about its attachment axes so as to open and close the cover.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 353,134, filed Jan. 27, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated in this disclosure by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to water recreational apparatuses, such as portable spas and hot tubs and, more specifically, to such water recreational apparatuses having removable covers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Water recreational apparatuses, such as portable spas and hot tubs, have become very popular. One problem with the use of such water recreational apparatuses is that they tend to accumulate dust, fallen leaves and other debris when not in use. Another problem with such water recreational apparatuses is that young children can climb into such apparatuses when they are not in use and either be injured or drowned. [0004] In an attempt to solve these problems, some spas are sold with a removable cover. Unfortuna...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

One problem with the use of such water recreational apparatuses is that they tend to accumulate dust, fallen leaves and other debris when not in use.

Another problem with such water recreational apparatuses is that young children can climb into such apparatuses when they are not in use and either be injured or drowned.

Unfortunately, the use of such removable covers is not wholly satisfactory.

One problem with the use of portable covers is that they are heavy and awkward to install and remove.

Another problem with removable covers is that, once removed, they are difficult to store.

If stored flat, they take up a great deal of area and are difficult and awkward to lift up again.

If stored on end, they are easily blown over by gusts of wind.

A third problem with such portable covers is that young children can sometimes manage to push the cover away from a water recreational apparatus when it is not in use and become injured or drowned within the water recreational apparatus.

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