Support structure module for hot water bathtub

Abstract

The utility model relates to a supporting structure module for a hot water bathtub. The supporting structure module comprises a base frame and a frame piece which is located on the base frame and used for supporting the hot water bathtub. The frame member includes four outer support frames positioned along a periphery of the base frame and attached to the base frame at ends and to each other. Supporting frames are placed between the outer supporting frames, and at least one of the supporting frames is movable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of patio structures, and more particularly to a supporting structure module for a hot tub or a wooden hot tub to be incorporated into a prefabricated patio structure. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, when incorporating a hot tub into a patio, the hot tub is sunken into the patio flooring, i.e., the hot tub is positioned in a recess in the patio flooring. A support structure is constructed for the hot tub in the patio to support the hot tub, the support structure comprising a frame member with an opening for the hot tub formed in a central portion of the frame member.

[0003] The decking slats are supported on the framing members, the deck boards are supported on the slats, and finally, the hot tub is positioned within the opening so that the rim of the hot tub rests on the deck boards surrounding the opening. However, because hot tubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes in terms of length, width, and depth, the frame must be custom-made on-site for each specific hot tub. This means that the frame must be custom-made for each specific hot tub in each specific case, which is time-consuming, requires skilled labor, and is therefore costly.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 6,381,768 discloses a method and system for constructing a partially in-ground hot tub, including digging a pit in the ground, constructing a foundation, installing a support structure on the foundation, placing the hot tub on the support structure, and laying plumbing and electrical wiring within the support structure beneath a cover. However, this solution requires the support structure to be constructed on-site and customized to the shape and depth of the specific hot tub, i.e., the dimensions of the hot tub. This support structure is not specifically designed for integration into a terrace floor. Utility Model Content

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a supporting structure module for a hot tub, the supporting structure module being used as a prefabricated module that can accommodate hot tubs of different sizes, and the supporting structure module being easily incorporated into a terrace structure during terrace construction.

[0006] In other words, the supporting structure modules according to the invention serve as prefabricated products that can be incorporated into the terrace structure as prefabricated components and can be easily adjusted to the dimensions of the hot tub.

[0007] The utility model provides a support structure module for a hot tub, the support structure module comprising a base frame, a bottom plate and a frame member, the bottom plate being used to support the bottom of the hot tub, the frame member being located on the base frame to provide support for the hot tub, and characterized in that:

[0008] The frame members include four rectangular outer support frames positioned along a periphery of the base frame, the outer support frames being attached to the base frame, and adjacent ends of the outer support frames being attached to each other; and

[0009] Two adjacent rectangular fixed support frames and two adjacent rectangular movable support frames are provided between the outer support frames for supporting the hot tub on four sides at the edges of the hot tub, the movable support frames being movable so that a rectangular opening between the two fixed support frames and the two movable support frames is adapted to the dimensions of the hot tub before the two movable support frames are secured in place.

[0010] The utility model provides a support structure module for a hot tub, the support structure comprising a base frame and frame members on the base frame for supporting the hot tub. The frame members include support frames for supporting the hot tub on all four sides at the edge of the hot tub, wherein at least one of the support frames is movable before being fixed in place to allow the support frame to be adapted to the size of the hot tub.

[0011] In a second embodiment of the invention, the frame members comprise support frames for supporting the hot tub on all four sides at its rims, wherein at least two of the support frames are movable before being fixed in place to allow the support frames to be adapted to the dimensions of the hot tub.

[0012] In a third embodiment of the invention, the frame member comprises four outer support frames positioned around the periphery of the base frame, the outer support frames being attached to the base frame and to each other at their respective ends - four support frames being placed between these outer support frames, one of the support frames being movable.

[0013] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the frame member includes four rectangular outer support frames arranged along the periphery of the base frame, the outer support frames are attached to the base frame and the adjacent ends of the outer support frames are attached to each other - two adjacent rectangular fixed support frames and two adjacent rectangular movable support frames are arranged between the outer support frames.

[0014] Adjacent movable support frames are positioned perpendicular to each other.

[0015] The term "movability of the support frame before being securely fixed in place" means that the position of the support frame within the frame member relative to the hot tub to be installed, the hot tub being supported by its rim on said support frame, is adjusted within the frame member to suit the dimensions of the hot tub.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support structure module includes a base plate for supporting the bottom of the hot tub. The base plate is vertically adjustable, i.e., the height of the base plate is adjustable. To facilitate a simple installation process, the base plate can be constructed from multiple parts, such as two parts. The base frame is provided with an opening to accommodate the base plate.

[0017] Here, the base plate is securely fixed within the opening by using clips positioned around the periphery of the opening, strips, support edges, laths or any other suitable attachment means.

[0018] In a second embodiment, the base plate is supported by mounting feet or any other designated supporting elements in an opening located in the base frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a top plan view of the support structure module in a position where the opening for the hot tub is at its maximum size;

[0021] Figure 2 The support structure module is in the opening for the hot tub and has been adjusted to accommodate Figure 1 Compared to the smaller size of the hot tub, the top view plan;

[0022] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 Depicted perspective views of the supporting structure modules, showing different perspectives;

[0023] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Depicts Figure 1 A perspective view of the supporting structure module depicted in FIG, showing different viewing angles;

[0024] Figure 7 Depicts an exploded view of a support structure module according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 depicts a top plan view of a hot tub supported on supporting structure modules covered with decking;

[0026] Figure 9 Depicts the Figure 8The cross-sectional view AA taken at section A of FIG. 1 provides an example of how the support structure module of the present invention may be used within a terrace structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] For the sake of clarity, similar details and elements in different figures have the same reference numerals. In the case of a specific utility model, any components that are not essential for understanding the utility model, such as pipe connections, water pipes, hoses, drain pipes, lighting components, wiring, pumps, water filters, etc., are not shown in the drawings or described in the embodiments.

[0028] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the embodiment, arrows are provided at the movable inner support frames 1 and 2 to indicate the movement of the support frames 1 and 2 from the inner frame member 3 to the outer frame member 3. Figure 1 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The movement to the extreme positions depicted in .

[0029] like Figure 7 As shown, the support structure module for a hot tub comprises a base frame 4 and a frame member 3 mounted on top of the base frame to provide support for the hot tub 5. The base frame 4 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above.

[0030] The frame elements 3 include support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8 designed to provide support for the hot tub 5 along all four sides at its rim 6, wherein the two support frames 1 and 2 are movable before being fixed in place to adapt to the dimensions of the hot tub 5. The module includes a base plate 10 for supporting the bottom 9 of the hot tub 5, wherein the base plate is vertically adjustable.

[0031] The frame member 3 is located on the base frame 4 and includes outer support frames 11, 12, 13, 14 located along the periphery of the base frame 4. The outer support frames are attached to the base frame 4, and the adjacent ends of the outer support frames are attached to each other. Between these outer support frames 11, 12, 13, 14, the fixed support frames 7 and 8 and the movable support frames 1 and 2 are arranged.

[0032] All outer support frames 11, 12, 13, 14, as well as support frames 1, 2, 7, and 8, are rectangular frame structures. All outer support frames 11, 12, 13, 14, as well as support frames 1, 2, 7, and 8, are so-called "ladder-shaped frame members": they have two parallel longitudinal members and two parallel end members perpendicular to the longitudinal members, with at least one support member arranged between the parallel longitudinal members and parallel to the end members.

[0033] The base frame 4 has an opening 15, which is provided when the support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8 are in a position such as Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the extreme position shown in FIG, the opening 15 is located between the supporting frames 1 , 2 , 7 and 8 .

[0034] The bottom plate 10 is securely mounted in the opening 15 of the base frame 4, wherein the bottom plate 10 may comprise two or more parts for ease of installation. The bottom plate 10 is fixed in the opening 15 of the base frame 4 at a height capable of supporting the bottom 9 of the hot tub 5.

[0035] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment depicted, the base plate 10 is supported by bearing edges 16 located along the periphery of the opening 15. To prevent any changes in the position of the base plate 10 relative to the support structure, the base plate 10 is securely fastened to the base frame 4.

[0036] exist Figure 9 In the depicted embodiment, the support structure, and more specifically the base frame 4 of the support structure, is supported by mounting feet 17. This is only one of several possible embodiments—the base frame 4 could also rest on a foundation, a concrete base, adjustable or non-adjustable feet, or any other suitable support structure.

[0037] In effect, the support structure modules for the hot tub are incorporated into the deck structure - the support structure frames comprising support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8 and exterior or outer support frames 11, 12, 13 and 14 provide support for the deck floor slats 18 to which the deck boards 19 are securely attached.

[0038] The hot tub 5 is positioned on the deck 19 with the rim 6 of the hot tub 5 supported on all four sides, as shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As depicted, the bottom of the hot tub 5 is supported by the base plate 10. Positioned within the spaces between the slats 18 is an auxiliary frame 20, which preferably surrounds the opening 15 in which the hot tub 5 is positioned and helps support the rim 6 of the hot tub 5 in the area between the ends of the slats 18.

[0039] The slats 18 , decking slabs 19 and auxiliary frames 20 are not included in the structure of the supporting structure module of the present invention, but are elements of the deck structure.

[0040] Movable support frames 1 and 2 are adjusted in opposite directions, each of which moves toward a corresponding support frame 7 or 8. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, support frame 1 passes through support frame 2, and in order to align the upper surface of support frame 1 with the upper surface of support frame 2, support frame 1 incorporates additional spacers 21, which may be beams or plates of suitable thickness. The second end of movable support frame 1 is located within an opening in fixed support frame 7 and is free to move along it. Movable support frame 2 is positioned to rest on the base frame, wherein, in the embodiment shown in the figures, one end of support frame 2 abuts outer support frame 12, while the other end contacts fixed inner support frame 8.

[0041] The module of the present invention is installed in the terrace structure and the opening of appropriate size is formed by adjusting the position of the support frames 1 and 2 between the support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8, and the support frames 1 and 2 are firmly fixed in place using suitable fixing devices. Subsequently, the slats are added to the terrace structure, thereby extending the module of the present invention - Figure 9 There are shown slats 18 resting on the frame members 3 and auxiliary frames 20 at the ends of the slats. The decking floor is then constructed using deck boards 19 and finally the hot tub 5 is placed in its designated location.

[0042] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is limited only by the appended claims and not by the embodiments shown in the drawings and the above description.

[0043] Reference Signs List

[0044] 1- Removable support frame

[0045] 2- Removable support frame

[0046] 3-Frame parts

[0047] 4-Base frame

[0048] 5-Hot Tub

[0049] 6-The edge of the hot tub

[0050] 7-Fixed support frame

[0051] 8-Fixed support frame

[0052] 9- The bottom of the hot tub

[0053] 10-base plate

[0054] 11-External support frame

[0055] 12-External support frame

[0056] 13-External support frame

[0057] 14-External support frame

[0058] 15-Opening in base frame

[0059] 16- Support edge for base plate

[0060] 17-Install the feet

[0061] 18-Slats

[0062] 19-Deck board

[0063] 20-Auxiliary frame

[0064] 21- Spacer.

Claims

1. A support structure module for a hot tub (5), comprising a base frame (4), a bottom plate (10), and a frame member (3), wherein the bottom plate (10) is used to support the bottom (9) of the hot tub (5), and the frame member (3) is located on the base frame to provide support for the hot tub (5), characterized in that: The frame member (3) comprises four rectangular outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14) positioned along the periphery of the base frame (4), the outer support frames being attached to the base frame (4), and adjacent ends of the outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14) being attached to each other; and Two adjacent rectangular fixed support frames (7, 8) and two adjacent rectangular movable support frames (1, 2) are arranged between the outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14) for supporting the hot tub on four sides at the edge of the hot tub. The movable support frames (1, 2) can be moved so that the rectangular opening between the two fixed support frames (7, 8) and the two movable support frames (1, 2) is adapted to the size of the hot tub before the two movable support frames (1, 2) are fixed in place.

2. The supporting structure module according to claim 1, characterized in that Adjacent movable support frames (1, 2) are positioned perpendicular to each other.

3. The supporting structure module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base plate (10) for supporting the bottom (9) of the hot tub (5) is vertically adjustable.

4. The supporting structure module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base frame (4) comprises an opening (15) for the bottom plate (10).

5. The supporting structure module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base frame (4) comprises an opening (15) for the bottom plate (10).

Images