Folding spa cover

Abstract

A retractable, folding, insulating spa cover assembly with interconnected, plural, elongated, generally rectangular, panel members, the panel members being connected to each other along their longitudinal edges or sides by hinge members that act as gaskets to close the entire gap between adjoining panel members, wherein the hinge members alternate between the upper and lower surface of the panel members, such that the panel members are foldable into a vertical stack. Track members may be provided on opposing upper walls of the spa, with pins or roller members disposed on each end of the panel members such that the panel members slide laterally within the track members. The track members may each have a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, such the panel members remain in the track members when vertically stacked as well. In an alternative embodiment, vertically oriented roller conveyor members may be positioned beside the spa.

Description

[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 962,324, filed Jul. 27, 2007, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to the field of removable covers that prevent water and debris from entering spa tubs, hot tubs or the like, and which insulate to prevent heat loss when the tubs are not in use, and more particularly relate to such covers that are provided in multiple parts.[0003]Spa tubs, hot tubs or the like, to be referred to herein collectively as spas, are popular in home, hotel and rehabilitation settings and are used for recreation, relaxation and therapy. The spas typically contain a quantity of heated water that is recycled through water jets, and may vary in shape from generally rectangular to generally round. The spas are usually sized to accommodate four to six people at one time, although smaller and larger spas are also available. Of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The invention is a removable or retractable, folding, insulating spa cover or spa cover assembly comprising a spa cover of plural, elongated, generally rectangular, slat-like, insulated, panel members, the panel members being connected to each other along their longitudinal edges by hinge means for hingedly joining adjacent panel members. The hinge means preferably act as seals to cover the entire gap between adjoining panel members, such that water and debris cannot pass between the panel members and into the spa, and such that the thermal insulating properties of the cover are maximized. The hinging means may comprise hinge members affixed in accordion-style alternating manner along the upper and lower surfaces of the panel members, such that for a given panel member one hinge means will be at the upper surface and the other hinge means will be at the lower surface. In this manner the panel members are foldable into a vertical stack one atop the other when removed from the spa. Track or guide members may be provided on opposing upper walls of the spa, with pins or roller members disposed on each end of the panel members such that the panel members are received by the track members in a manner that allows them to slide laterally along the track members. The track members may each also comprise both a horizontal leg extending along the top of the spa and a vertical leg extending down the side of the spa, such that the panel members are retained by the vertical leg when displaced into the vertical stack during use of the spa. In an alternative embodiment, manual or powered drive members for translating the panel members may be provided to move the panel members along the track members in order to cover and uncover the spa. In an alternative embodiment, two or more generally vertically oriented roller conveyor members may be positioned adjacent a side of the spa, the roller conveyor members each having roller members on the side and top so as to reduce friction and drag when the panel members are removed from the spa or placed onto the spa.

[0014]whereby said roller members reduce friction and drag when the panel members are pulled from the vertical stack back onto the upper surface of said spa.

Problems solved by technology

Though not excessively heavy, they are of significant weight, and the large size of the cover panels makes them unwieldy in handling, such that removal and replacement by children or older adults may be difficult.

In addition, the large size of the panel members makes it difficult to store them unobtrusively when the spa is in use.

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