Support structure module for a spa

Abstract

Support Structure Module for a Spa The invention relates to a support structure module for a spa, wherein the support structure module comprises a base frame (4) and, on said base frame (4), a framework (3) for supporting the spa. The framework (3) comprises four outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14), which are located along the perimeter of the base frame (4) and are fixed to the base frame (4) and to each other at their ends. Between these outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14) are placed support frames (1, 2, 7, 8), where at least one of said support frames (1, 2, 7, 8) is movable. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Support structure module for a spa Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of terrace structures, and more specifically concerns a support structure module for a spa or a wooden spa to be integrated into a prefabricated terrace structure.

[0002] PRIOR ART

[0003] Traditionally, when integrating a spa into a deck, in which the spa is sunk into the deck floor, i.e. the spa is located in a recess in the deck floor, a support structure is constructed in the deck to support the spa, which comprises a frame, in which an opening for the spa is created in the center of the frame.

[0004] Joists of the deck floor are supported by said frame, deck boards are supported by said joists, and finally the spa is positioned in the opening, such that the edges of the spa rest on the deck boards surrounding the opening. However, since spas come in different shapes and sizes in terms of length, width and depth, the frame must be custom-made and manufactured on site for each specific spa. This means that a custom-made frame must be built specifically for the specific spa in each specific case, which is time-consuming, requires skilled labor and is therefore expensive.

[0005] US patent US6381768 discloses a method and system for constructing a spa located partially in the ground, comprising excavating a hole in a ground, constructing a foundation, installing a support structure on the foundation, placing the spa on the support structure, and passing piping and electrical wiring into the support structure under a covering. However, this solution involves the on-site construction of the support structure, adapted to the shape and depth of the spa in question, i.e. to the dimensions of the spa. It is not explicitly designed for integration into the floor of a terrace. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a support structure module for spas, which serves as a prefabricated module adaptable to spas of different dimensions, which can be easily integrated into the structure of a terrace during the construction of the terrace.

[0007] In other words, the support structure module according to the invention serves as a prefabricated product that can be incorporated into the terrace structure as a prefabricated element that can be easily adapted to the dimensions of the spa.

[0008] The present invention relates to a support structure module for a spa, wherein the support structure module comprises a base frame, a bottom plate for supporting a bottom of the spa and, on said base frame, a framework for providing support for the spa. The framework comprises four rectangular outer support frames positioned along a perimeter of the base frame, said outer support frames being fixed to the base frame and adjacent ends of said outer support frames being fixed to each other.Between said outer support frames for supporting the spa on four sides at its edges are two adjacent rectangular fixed support frames and two adjacent rectangular movable support frames which are movable to adapt a rectangular opening between said two fixed support frames and said two movable support frames to the dimensions of the spa before securing said two movable support frames in place.

[0009] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the adjacent movable support frames are positioned perpendicular to each other.

[0010] The expression "support frame movable before it is firmly fixed in place" means that the position of the support frame inside the framework relative to the spa to be installed is adjusted inside the framework to adapt to the dimensions of the spa, supported by its edges on said support frame.

[0011] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the bottom plate for supporting the bottom of the spa is vertically adjustable, i.e. its height can be adjusted. To facilitate a simple installation process, the bottom plate may be composed of multiple parts, for example two parts.

[0012] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the base frame comprises an opening for receiving the bottom plate.

[0013] In this case, the bottom plate is securely fixed in the opening using clamping elements, a support ring placed around the perimeter of the opening, slats or any other suitable fixing means.

[0014] According to a particular feature of the invention, in the opening located in the base frame, the bottom plate is supported by mounting feet or any other designated support element. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] [Fig.l] is a top plan view of the support structure module in a position in which the opening for the spa is of maximum dimensions;

[0017] [Fig.2] is a top plan view of the support structure module in a position in which the opening for the spa has been adapted to receive a spa of smaller dimensions compared to [Fig.l];

[0018] [Fig.3] illustrates a perspective view of the support structure module shown in [Fig.2], with a first viewing angle;

[0019] [Fig.4] illustrates another perspective view of the support structure module shown in [Fig.2], with another viewing angle;

[0020] [Fig.5] illustrates a perspective view of the support structure module shown in [Fig.l], with a first viewing angle;

[0021] [Fig.6] illustrates another perspective view of the support structure module shown in [Fig.l], with another viewing angle;

[0022] [Fig.7] represents an exploded view of the support structure module according to the invention;

[0023] [Fig.8] shows a top plan view of a spa supported on the support structure module covered with deck boards;

[0024] [Fig.9] represents a sectional view AA along section plane A of [Fig.8], illustrating how the support structure module of the invention is used in the terrace structure.

[0025] DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0026] For the sake of clarity, similar details and elements in different figures bear the same reference numerals. In the case of the specific invention, any elements which are not essential to the understanding of the invention, such as pipe fittings, water pipes, hoses, water drainage, lighting elements, wiring, pumps, water filters, etc., are not shown in the figures, nor are they described in the exemplary embodiment.

[0027] In Figures 1 to 7, arrows are placed at movable interior support frames 1 and 2 to indicate the movement of the support frames 1 and 2 within the framework 3 from the extreme position shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6.

[0028] The support structure module for a spa, as illustrated in [Fig.7], comprises a base frame 4 and a framework 3 mounted on top of this base frame to provide support for the spa 5. The base frame 4, seen from above, is rectangular in shape.

[0029] The framework 3 comprises support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8 designed to provide support for the spa 5 along the four sides at its edges 6, two support frames 1 and 2 being movable before being fixed in place to suit the dimensions of the spa 5. The module comprises a bottom plate 10, intended to support the bottom 9 of the spa 5, said bottom plate being adjustable in the vertical direction.

[0030] The frame 3, located on the base frame 4, comprises outer support frames 11, 12, 13 and 14, located along the perimeter of the base frame 4, said outer support frames are fixed to the base frame 4 and the adjacent ends of said outer support frames are fixed to each other. Between these outer support frames 11, 12, 13 and 14, there are fixed support frames 7 and 8, as well as movable support frames 1 and 2.

[0031] All outer support frames 11, 12, 13, 14 and support frames 1, 2, 7, 8 are rectangular frame structures. These are "ladder frames" having two parallel longitudinal members and two parallel end members perpendicular to said longitudinal members, with at least one support member between said parallel longitudinal members which is parallel to said end members.

[0032] The base frame 4 has an opening 15 which, in the case of the extreme position of the support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8, such as those illustrated in Figures 1, 5 and 6, is located between these support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8.

[0033] The bottom plate 10 is firmly installed in the opening 15 located in the base frame 4, the bottom plate 10 being able to consist of at least two elements, which allows for easy installation. The bottom plate 10 is fixed in the opening 15 of the base frame 4 at a height allowing the bottom 9 of the spa 5 to be supported.

[0034] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9], the bottom plate 10 is supported by the support ring 16 positioned along the perimeter of the opening 15. To prevent any change in position of the bottom plate 10 relative to the support structure, the bottom plate 10 is firmly fixed to the base frame 4.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9], the support structure, more precisely its base frame 4, is supported by mounting feet 17. This is only one of many possible embodiments, the base frame 4 can also be placed on a foundation, a concrete base, adjustable or non-adjustable feet or any other suitable support structure.

[0036] In practice, the support structure module for a spa is incorporated into the deck structure, the support structure framework, comprising the support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8 and the external or outer support frames 11, 12, 13 and 14, providing support for the deck floor joists 18 to which the deck boards 19 are securely fixed.

[0037] The spa 5 is positioned on the deck boards 19, with its edges 6 supported on all four sides, as shown in Figures 8 and 9 and, in addition, the bottom of the spa 5 is supported by the bottom plate 10. In the space between the joists 18 is a auxiliary frame 20, said auxiliary frame 20 preferably encircling the opening 15 where the spa 5 is placed and helping to support the edges 6 of the spa 5 in the area between the ends of the joists 18.

[0038] The joists 18, the terrace boards 19 and the auxiliary frame 20 are not part of the structure of the support structure module of the invention, but are elements of the terrace structure.

[0039] The movable support frames 1 and 2 are adjusted in opposite directions, each of them moving towards the respective support frames 7 and 8. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the support frame 1 passes through the support frame 2 and, to align the upper surface of the support frame 1 with that of the support frame 2, an additional spacer 21 is incorporated, said spacer being able to be a beam or board of a suitable thickness. The second end of the movable support frame 1 is located in the opening of the fixed support frame 7 and is free to move along this support frame 7. The movable support frame 2 is positioned resting on the base frame, where in the embodiment shown in the Figures, one end of the support frame 2 is against the outer support frame 12, while the other end is in contact with the fixed inner support frame 8.

[0040] The module of the invention is installed in the terrace structure and, after creating an appropriately sized opening by adjusting the positions of the support frames 1 and 2 between the support frames 1, 2, 7 and 8, the support frames 1 and 2 are firmly fixed in place using suitable fixing means. Next, joists are added to the terrace structure, extending to the module of the invention, [Fig. 9] illustrating the joists 18 resting on the framework 3 with the auxiliary frame 20 at the ends of the joists. Next, the terrace floor is constructed using terrace boards 19, and finally the spa 5 is placed in its designated location.

[0041] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited by the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, nor by the description provided above.

[0042] LIST OF REFERENCE FIGURES

[0043] 1 - movable support frame

[0044] 2 - movable support frame

[0045] 3 - frame

[0046] 4 - basic frame

[0047] 5 - spa

[0048] 6 - spa edge

[0049] 7 - fixed support frame

[0050] 8 - fixed support frame

[0051]

[0052]

[0053]

[0054]

[0055]

[0056]

[0057]

[0058]

[0059]

[0060]

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] 9 - spa bottom 10 - bottom plate 11 - outer support frame 12 - outer support frame 13 - outer support frame 14 - outer support frame 15 - opening in base frame 16 - support crown for bottom plate 17 - mounting foot 18 - joist 19 - deck board 20 - auxiliary frame 21 - spacer

Claims

Claims

1. A support structure module for a spa (5), wherein the support structure module comprises a base frame (4), a bottom plate (10) for supporting a bottom (9) of the spa (5) and, on said base frame (4), a framework (3) for providing support for the spa (5), characterized in that: the framework (3) comprises four rectangular outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14) positioned along a perimeter of the base frame (4), said outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14) being fixed to the base frame (4) and adjacent ends of said outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14) being fixed to each other;and between said outer support frames (11, 12, 13, 14) for supporting the spa (5) on four sides at its edges are two adjacent rectangular fixed support frames (7, 8) and two adjacent rectangular movable support frames (1, 2) which are movable to adapt a rectangular opening between said two fixed support frames (7, 8) and said two movable support frames (1, 2) to the dimensions of the spa (5) before fixing said two movable support frames (1, 2) in place.;

2. Support structure module according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjacent movable support frames (1, 2) are positioned perpendicular to each other.

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

4. Support structure module according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the base frame (4) comprises an opening (15) for the bottom plate (10).

Images