Spa cover

Abstract

A cover for a spa is disclosed which is made of a foam core with a geotextile layer and a polyurea layer. The cover is sufficiently strong to prevent individuals or animals from falling into the spa yet light enough to allow for easy removal. The cover also provides a great amount of insulation for the water in the spa order to maximize the efficiency of the spa's heating system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 783,926 filed Mar. 20, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Outdoor hot tubs, also commonly referred to as spas, have become increasingly popular with homeowners and vacationers in recent years. The term “spa” typically refers to large tubs or small pools that are filled with water and heated. Spas typically include a heating element which maintains the water in the spa at a user-desired temperature. They may be located outdoors and include forceful jets of water. Spas are typically made of acrylic or acrylic-reinforced plastics in shapes that allow a plurality of individuals to be seated within the spa. The heated water of the spa and the jets that propel and circulate the water within the spa have been touted as useful for relaxation, hydro therapy, and meditation. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention addresses these needs by providing a spa cover with a foam core and a superior coating which is durable and light in weight. The coating prevents the foam from taking and retaining any additional moisture from the environment. This characteristic allows the spa cover to maintain substantially its original weight throughout the cover's lifetime.

[0010] The present invention is directed to a spa cover that has a foam core which provides insulation for the heated water contained in the spa. The spa cover preferably has a polymer, e.g., neoprene layer to protect the foam core and add extra insulation. The neoprene layer preferably extends over the entire top surface of the spa cover and extends over the sides of the spa cover as well. A protective polymer coating is then sprayed over the entire surface of the spa cover, including the neoprene layer and the foam core. The protective coating creates a weatherproof and lasting maintainable surface.

Problems solved by technology

A typical problem with covers of this type is the amount of effort required to remove the cover from the spa.

Another significant problem with foam covers is that the vinyl wrap is easily torn.

This often leads to water seeping into the cover and occasionally even soaking into the foam, rendering the cover extremely heavy and difficult to handle.

Further, the interior of the covers often collect moisture or water resulting from steam which rises from the surface of the spa water.

Thus, in many instances the cover becomes sufficiently heavy that the user needs to employ a mechanical device, such as a lift, to remove the cover from the spa.

This cumbersome process inhibits the ability of the user to easily remove the cover of the spa and conveniently enjoy the spa.

Although these covers are easily removable, they do not provide enough insulation to the spa and thus they require the spa to use excess energy to maintain the temperature of the water.

In addition to the drawbacks described above, many of the existing spa covers have serious safety concerns.

For example, if a child is walking along a deck and steps on a covered spa the spa cover may not be rigid enough to support the child and the child may fall into the spa, and in some cases, become entrapped with the spa cover.

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