Speaker system for spas

Abstract

A speaker system for a spa can include a pillow comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a cavity along the rear portion. The pillow can be configured to be secured to a spa shell. The speaker system includes a speaker plate comprising a front face, a rear face, and a projection extending away from the rear face. The speaker plate can be configured to be secured to the spa shell. The speaker system includes a speaker positioned on the rear face of the speaker plate and configured to be positioned within an interior portion of the spa. The speaker plate can be positioned behind the pillow when the pillow and the speaker plate are secured to the spa shell. The front face of the speaker plate and the rear portion of the pillow can be separated by a gap defined by the cavity.

Description

SPEAKER SYSTEM FOR SPASCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 606257, entitled “SPEAKER SYSTEM FOR SPAS” and filed on December 5, 2023, and 63 / 631866, entitled “SPEAKER SYSTEM FOR SPAS” and filed on April 9, 2024, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to speaker systems for spa units, hot tubs, swim spas, bath tubs, etc.BACKGROUND

[0003] Speaker systems can provide an enhanced user experience for spa units, hot tubs, swim spas, bath tubs, or in any other water environment. The use of a speaker with a spa unit can create the desired atmosphere which in turn can reduce stress and / or promote wellbeing. Conventional speaker systems, however, may be difficult to incorporate into spa units and / or may not be suitable for use near water. Thus, there is a need for improved speaker systems for use with spa units, hot tubs, swim spas, bath tubs, etc.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a speaker system for spa units, hot tubs, swim spas, bath tubs, or in any other water environment. The speaker systems can be positioned on a spa unit and / or secured to a spa cover lifter system thereof. In some cases, the spa unit can include a base and / or a hole which can receive and secure the speaker system. The speaker system can include a pillow, a speaker plate, a grommet, and / or a speaker. The pillow can be positioned on the base of the spa unit. In some cases, the speaker plate can be positioned at least partially within a cavity of the pillow. The grommet can facilitate attachment of the speaker plate to the spa unit. The speaker can be removably attached to a rear face of the speaker plate. When active, the vibrations generated by the speaker can be transmitted (e.g, propagated) to the speaker plate, and / or to the pillow via the speaker plate. When secured to a spa unit, at least some of the electronic components of the speaker system can be positionedwithin an interior portion of the spa unit, such as inside a spa shell, and / or non-electronic components of the speaker system can be positioned on an exterior portion of the speaker systems, such as outside the spa shell. The speaker systems described herein can beneficially allow for sound propagation even when the speaker system and / or its components are submerged or partially submerged. The speaker systems described herein can also provide better sound quality when the speaker system and / or its components are submerged or partially submerged.

[0005] There is provided in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure a speaker system for a spa. The speaker system can include a pillow including a front portion, a rear portion, and / or a cavity along the rear portion. The pillow can be configured to be secured to a spa shell. The speaker system can include a speaker plate including a front face, a rear face, and / or a projection extending away from the rear face. The speaker plate can be configured to be secured to the spa shell. The speaker system can include a speaker positioned on the rear face of the speaker plate. The speaker can be configured to be positioned within an interior portion of the spa. The speaker plate can be positioned behind the pillow when the pillow and the speaker plate are secured to the spa shell. The front face of the speaker plate and the rear portion of the pillow can be separated by a gap defined by the cavity.

[0006] In some aspects, the front portion of the pillow includes an aperture in fluid communication with the cavity of the pillow. The front portion of the pillow can include a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the cavity of the pillow. In some cases, a center point of the speaker plate and a center point of the projection are not concentric. In some the speaker can be bounded by the projection. The speaker can include an exciter speaker. In some cases, the speaker plate can create a seal between the speaker plate and the spa shell when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

[0007] In some aspects, the speaker system can include a grommet configured to extend through a hole of the spa shell. The grommet can include an opening extending an entire length of the grommet. The projection of the speaker plate can be configured to extend through the opening of the grommet when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell. In some cases, the grommet can create a seal between the grommet and the projection when the projection extends through the opening of the grommet. In some aspects, the grommet can create a seal between the grommet and the spa shell when the grommet is secured to the spa shell. Theprojection of the speaker plate can be configured to extend through a hole of the spa shell when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

[0008] In some cases, the speaker system can include the spa shell. The spa shell can include an exterior portion and a base along the exterior portion. In some aspects, the base can be configured to receive the speaker plate. A shape of the base and a shape of the front face of the speaker plate can be the same. In some cases, an entirety of the front face of the speaker plate can be positioned within the base when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

[0009] There is also provided in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a speaker system for a spa. The speaker system can include a pillow; a speaker plate configured to be positioned behind the pillow; and / or a speaker configured to be positioned behind the speaker plate and within an interior portion of a spa shell. Vibrations generated by the speaker can be configured to be transmitted to the pillow via the speaker plate.

[0010] In some aspects, the pillow includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a cavity along the rear portion. The front portion of the pillow can include an aperture in fluid communication with the cavity. The front portion of the pillow can include a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the cavity of the pillow. In some cases, the speaker plate includes a front face, a rear face, and a projection extending away from the rear face. In some aspects, a center point of the speaker plate and a center point of the projection are not concentric. The speaker can be bounded by the projection. In some cases, the speaker can include an exciter speaker. In some aspects, the speaker plate can be configured to create a seal between the speaker plate and the spa shell when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

[0011] The speaker system can include a grommet configured to extend through a hole of the spa shell. In some cases, the grommet can include an opening extending an entire length of the grommet. A projection of the speaker plate can be configured to extend through the opening of the grommet when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell. In some aspects, the grommet can be configured to create a seal between the grommet and an exterior surface of the projection. The grommet can be configured to create a seal between the grommet and the spa shell when the grommet is secured to the spa shell. In some cases, a projection of the speaker plate can be configured to extend through a hole of the spa shell when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

[0012] In some aspects, the speaker system can include the spa shell. The spa shell can include an exterior portion and a base along the exterior portion, the base configured to receive the speaker plate. A shape of the base and a shape of the front face of the speaker plate can be the same. In some cases, at least a portion of the speaker plate can be positioned within the base when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell. In some aspects, the speaker plate can include an injection-molded structural foam material. A front face of the speaker plate and a rear portion of the pillow can be separated by a gap.

[0013] There is also provided in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a speaker system for a spa. The speaker system can include at least one speaker including a first end, and / or a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end includes an open end configured to allow sound generated by the at least one speaker to exit the at least one speaker. The at least one speaker can be configured to be mounted to a spa cover lifter. In some cases, the at least one speaker can be configured to transition between a first position and a second position when the spa cover lifter transitions from an open position to a closed position or vice versa.

[0014] In some aspects, the first end of the at least one speaker can face the ground and can be positioned lower relative to the second end of the at least one speaker when the at least one speaker is in the first position. A longitudinal axis of the at least one speaker and a top surface of the spa can be substantially parallel when the at least one speaker is in the second position. In some cases, the at least one speaker can be positioned above a top surface of the spa when the at least one speaker is in the second position. In some aspects, the at least one speaker can be positioned below a top surface of the spa when the at least one speaker is in the first position. The open end of the at least one speaker can face the spa when the at least one speaker is in the second position. In some aspects, the open end of the at least one speaker can face downward when the at least one speaker is in the first position. The at least one speaker can be mounted to an arm of the spa cover lifter.

[0015] In some cases, the speaker system can include one or more solar panels mounted to an exterior surface of the at least one speaker and a battery, the one or more solar panels configured to charge the battery. In some aspects, the speaker system can include a wireless controller configured to communicate with a controller of the spa and a remote device. The wireless controller can communicate with the controller of the spa and the remote devicevia Bluetooth. In some cases, the wireless controller can communicate with the controller of the spa and the remote device via a cellular connection. In some aspects, the wireless controller can communicate with the controller of the spa and the remote device via Wi-Fi. The at least one speaker can include a conical shape with the second end defining an apex.

[0016] There is also provided in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a spa unit. The spa unit can include a spa shell including a top surface and a skirt; a spa cover lifter including a first arm, a second arm, and / or a plurality of panels. A first end of the first arm and a first end of the second arm can be secured to the skirt. In some cases, a second end of the first arm and a second end of the second arm can be secured to at least one of the plurality of panels. The spa unit can include a speaker system including a first speaker and / or a second speaker. The first and second speakers each can include a first end, and / or a second end opposite the first end. Each of the first ends of the first and second speakers can include an open end configured to allow sound generated by the first and second speakers to exit the first and second speakers. The first speaker can be mounted to the first arm of the spa cover lifter. The second speaker can be mounted to the second arm of the spa cover lifter. The first and second speakers can be configured to transition between a first position and a second position when the spa cover lifter transitions from an open position to a closed position or vice versa.

[0017] In some aspects, the closed position of the spa cover lifter includes a position in which the plurality of panels cover the top surface of the spa shell, and the open position includes a position in which the plurality of panels are positioned away from the top surface of the spa shell. The first end of the first and second speakers can face the ground and can be positioned lower relative to the second end of the first and second speakers when the first and second speakers are in the first position. In some cases, a longitudinal axis of the first and second speakers and the top surface of the spa shell can be substantially parallel to each other when the first and second speakers are in the second position. In some aspects, the at least one of the first and second speakers can include a conical shape with the second end defining an apex. The open ends of the first and second speakers can face the spa when the first and second speakers are in the second position. In some cases, the open ends of the first and second speakers can face downward when the first and second speakers are in the first position.

[0018] There is also provided in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a spa unit including. The spa unit can include a spa shell including a top surface and a skirt; and / or a spa cover lifter including a first arm, a second arm, and a plurality of panels. A first end of the first arm and a first end of the second arm can be secured to the skirt. A second end of the first arm and a second end of the second arm can be secured to at least one of the plurality of panels. The spa unit can include a speaker system including a first speaker and / or a second speaker. The first and second speakers each can include a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. Each of the first ends of the first and second speakers include an open end configured to allow sound generated by the first and second speakers to exit the first and second speakers. The first speaker can be mounted to the first arm of the spa cover lifter. The second speaker can be mounted to the second arm of the spa cover lifter. In some cases, the first and second speakers are configured to maintain a default position when the spa cover lifter transitions between an open position and a closed position or vice versa.

[0019] In some aspects, the closed position of the spa cover lifter can include a position in which the plurality of panels cover the top surface of the spa shell, and the open position includes a position in which the plurality of panels are positioned away from the top surface of the spa shell. The first and second speakers can rotate relative to the first and second arms of the spa cover lifter respectively. In some cases, the at least one of the first and second speakers can include a conical shape with the second end defining an apex. In some aspects, the open ends of the first and second speakers can face downward when the first and second speakers are in the default position. The open ends of the first and second speakers can face upward when the first and second speakers are in the default position.

[0020] There is also provided in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a mount for a spa component. The mount can include a first portion configured to be secured to a spa cover lifter; and / or a second portion including a first end a second end. The first end of the second portion can be configured to be secured to the first portion. The second end of the second portion can be configured to be secured to the spa component. The first portion and the second portion can be configured to rotate independent of each other.

[0021] In some aspects, the first portion includes a stopper. The stopper of the first portion can be configured to prevent rotational movement of the second portion along a first rotational direction by preventing the second portion from rotating in the first rotationaldirection beyond a position of the stopper when the spa cover lifter is an open position. Transition of the spa cover lifter from the open position to a closed position can cause the spa component to automatically transition from a first position to a second position. In some cases, the spa component can include a speaker having an open end. The second position can include a position where the open end of the speaker faces down. In some aspects, the first portion includes a first component, and a second component configured to be secured to each other and around the spa cover lifter. The second portion can include a third component configured to interface with the second component and a fourth component configured to interface with the spa component. In some cases, the third component can include a first plurality of teeth. The fourth component can include a second plurality of teeth. In some cases, the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth can be configured to index rotation between the third component to the fourth component.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of a speaker system.

[0023] FIG. IB shows a schematic representation of a speaker system in communication with a spa unit.

[0024] FIG. 2A shows a spa unit with a spa cover in a closed position with an example of a speaker system in a first position.

[0025] FIG. 2B shows the spa unit of FIG. 2A with the spa cover in an open position and the speaker system in a second position.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an example of a clamp for securing a speaker to a spa cover system.

[0027] FIGS. 4A-4E show the transition of a spa cover lifter from an open position to a closed position and the rotation of the speaker.

[0028] FIGS. 5A-5C show an example of a speaker mount.

[0029] FIG. 6A shows an example of a speaker system mounted to a spa shell.

[0030] FIG. 6B shows the speaker system of FIG. 6A from a rear portion of the spa shell.

[0031] FIG. 6C shows the speaker system of FIG. 6A with the pillow removed.

[0032] FIG. 7A shows an example of a front portion of a spa shell with a base and a hole for receiving and securing a speaker system.

[0033] FIG. 7B shows a rear portion of the spa shell shown in FIG. 7A.

[0034] FIG. 8A shows an example of a speaker system for a spa unit.

[0035] FIG. 8B shows a cross section view of the speaker system shown in FIG.8 A mounted to a spa shell.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows an example of a pillow for a speaker system.

[0037] FIGS. 10A and 10B show another example of a pillow for a speaker system.

[0038] FIGS. 11A and 11B show an example of a speaker plate for a speaker system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Speaker systems are described herein. The speaker systems can be used with spa units, hot tubs, swim spas, bath tubs, or in any other water environment. The speaker systems can be positioned on a shell of a spa units, hot tubs, swim spas, bath tubs, or in any other water environment, and / or can be mounted to a spa cover system thereof. In some cases, the speaker system can include a pillow, a speaker plate, a grommet, and / or a speaker. When secured to a spa unit, some components of the speaker system can be positioned within an interior portion of the spa unit and some components of the speaker system can be positioned on an exterior portion of the speaker system. For example, the electronic components of the speaker system, such as the speaker, can be positioned inside a spa shell of the spa unit, while non-electronic components of the speaker system, such as the pillow, can be positioned outside the shell. This can beneficially protect the electronic components of the speaker system from the elements and / or from being damaged by water. When active, the vibrations generated by the speaker can be transmitted to the speaker plate, which in turn can transmit the vibrations to the pillow. The vibrations, as received by the pillow, can result in sound being generated and / or sensed closer to the position of the user’s head (e.g, at the pillow).

[0040] A modular speaker system for spas may be desirable to allow users to customize their speaker set up and use the speaker system with different spa models and / or spa cover lifters. The position of the speaker system relative to a spa unit and / or a spa cover can change allowing the speaker system to transition between at least two positions and / or orientations. This can beneficially protect the speaker system from the elements when the speaker system is not in use thus extending the life of the speaker system and its components and provide a better sound experience when the speaker system is in use.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 A, the speaker system 110 can include one or more speakers 111, one or more batteries 113, and a wireless controller 115. The batteries 113 can include rechargeable batteries and can be used to power the speaker system 110. The speaker system 110 can include one or more solar panels 117 which can beneficially recharge the one or more batteries 113. The wireless controller 115 can allow the speaker system 110 to communicate with, for example, a wireless controller 105 of a spa unit 100 and / or a remote device 150 (e.g., a cellphone, tablet, smart watch), as represented in FIG. IB. The wireless controller 115 of the speaker system 110 can communicate with the wireless controller 105 of the spa unit 100 and / or the remote device 150 via cellular, Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication. For example, the wireless controller 115 of the speaker system 110 can include a Bluetooth transceiver for communicating with the wireless controller 105 of the spa unit 100 and / or the remote device 150. In some embodiments, the wireless controller 115 of the speaker system 110 may include a cellular transceiver for communicating with the remote device 150 and the cellular transceiver may have Bluetooth capabilities.

[0042] The wireless controller 115 of the speaker system 110 can be connected to the remote device 150 via Bluetooth pairing. For example, the user can pair the remote device 150 to the wireless controller 115 by accessing the remote device’s settings menu, activating the Bluetooth connection, and selecting the device corresponding to the speaker system 110. In some embodiments, the remote device 150 can receive information from the wireless controller 115 regarding the status of the speaker system 110. For example, the wireless controller 115 can send information to the remote device 150 and / or the wireless controller 105 of the spa unit 100 pertaining to the status of the one or more batteries 113 of the speaker system 110. For example, the wireless controller 115 can send information to the remote device 150 indicative of the battery level. Beneficially, this can allow a user to replace the one or more batteries 113 before the batteries 113 run out of charge.

[0043] Communication between the wireless controller 115 and the remote device 150 can allow users to play and control sound media (e.g., music) on the one or more speakers 111 of the speaker system 110. Two or more speakers 111 can be paired to create a mono, stereo, quadrophonic, etc., sound experience. In some cases, the one or more speakers can be connected directly to a device (e.g., a phone, tablet, computer, etc.) via a cable (e.g., audio jack) to play and control media stored in and / or streamed by the device.

[0044] FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of a speaker system secured to a spa unit. The speaker system can include one or more speakers. For example, the speaker system can include a first speaker 212 and a second speaker 214. Although reference is made to the speaker system including two speakers, the speaker system can include a single speaker or more than two speakers. Beneficially, the first speaker 212 and the second speaker 214 can be easily removed or attached to a new or existing spa unit 200. In some cases, the first speaker 212 and the second speaker 214 can be mounted to a spa cover lifter 220. For example, the first speaker 212 can be mounted to a first arm 222, also referred herein as a first bar, of the spa cover lifter 220, and the second speaker 214 can be mounted to a second arm 224, also referred herein as a second bar, of the spa cover lifter 220, as shown in FIG. 2A. The first and second arms 222, 224 can be attached to a skirt 204 of the spa unit 200 on one end and to at least one panel 226 on the other end.

[0045] In some cases, the first and second speakers 212, 214 of the speaker system can include a conical shape. For example, the first speaker 212 can include a first end 212a and a second end 212b opposite the first end. The first end 212a of the speaker 212 can include an open end 212a’, such as an aperture. Sound generated by the speaker 212 can exit via the open end 212a’ of the speaker 212. The first speaker 212 can taper from the first end 212a to the second end 212b. The first end 212a can include a substantially flat end. In some cases, the flat end of the first end 212a can include a circular and / or oval shape. The second end 212b of the first speaker 212 can form an apex. The second speaker 214 can be similar or identical to the first speaker 212 and include a first end 214a and a second end 214b. For instance, the second end 214a of the speaker 214 can include an open end 214a’, such as an aperture. Sound generated by the speaker 214 can exit via the open end 214a’ of the speaker 214.

[0046] When attached to the spa cover lifter 220, each of the first and second speakers 212, 214 can transition between a first position and a second position. For example, the speakers 212, 214 can transition between the first and second positions when the spa cover lifter 220 transitions from a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2A, to a second position, as shown in FIG. 2B, or vice versa. In the closed position, one or more panels 226 can cover a top surface 202 of spa shell 201. In the open position, the one or more panels 226 can be positioned away from the top surface 202. In some cases, the one or more panels 226 can be stacked next to each other in an area adjacent the skirt 204 of the spa unit.

[0047] The spa cover lifter 220 can be transitioned from the open position to the closed position, or vice versa, by manually rotating at least one of the first and second arms 222, 224 along a rotation point 225. The rotation point 225 can be the point where the first and / or second arms 222, 224 are attached to the skirt 204. In some cases, however, the spa cover lifter 220 can be transitioned from the open position to the closed position, or vice versa, by using a linear actuator (not shown) or any other actuator for rotating the first and second arms 222, 224 along the rotation point 225.

[0048] In some cases, the first and second speakers 212, 214 can be in the first position when the spa cover lifter 220 is in the closed position. In the first position, each of the first and second speakers 212, 214 can be at a position lower than a top surface 202 of the spa unit 200, as shown in FIG. 2A. In some cases, the first and second speakers 212, 214 can be in the second position when the spa cover lifter 220 is in the open position. In the second position, the first and second speakers 212, 214 can be at a position higher than a top surface 202 of the spa unit 200.

[0049] In the first position, the open ends 212a’, 214a’ of the first and second speakers 212, 214 can face downwards, which, as further explained below, can beneficially protect the speakers 212, 214 from the elements when not in use. In some cases, however, the open ends 212a’, 214a’ of the first and second speakers 212, 214 can face upward when the speakers 212, 214 are in the first position. In the second position, the open ends 212a’ ,214a’ of the first and second speakers 212, 214 can face users inside the spa unit 200. The orientation of the first and second speakers 212, 214 relative to the spa unit 200 and any users therein can allow the sound exiting the speakers 212, 214 via the open ends 212a’, 214a’ to point towards the users which can beneficially create a better sound experience for users.

[0050] The conical shape of the first and second speakers 212, 214 can protect the speakers 212, 214 from the elements when the speakers 212, 214 are in the first position. For example, the apex formed by the second ends 212b, 214b, of the first and speakers 212, 214 can allow water to drain away from the open ends 212a’, 214a’ of the first and second speakers 212, 214. This can beneficially prevent water from accumulating inside the speakers 212, 214 which can cause the speakers 212, 214 to malfunction and / or decrease the life of the speakers 212, 214.

[0051] When the first and second speakers 212, 214 are in the second position, a longitudinal axis of the first and second speakers 212, 214 can be parallel with the top surface 202 of the spa unit 200. This can allow the first ends 212a, 214a of the speakers 212, 214 to face the spa unit 200 which can beneficially allow for the speakers 212,214 to face any users in the spa unit 200 directly.

[0052] The first and second speakers 212, 214 can include a speaker mount for securing the first and / or second speakers 212, 214 to different spa unit models and / or spa cover lifters. This can beneficially allow the speaker system to be retrofitted into existing spa units and / or spa cover lifters. The speaker mount can allow the first and / or second speakers 212, 214 to be attached to and / or detached from the spa cover lifter 220. In some cases, the speaker mount can include a clamp. Each of the first and second speakers 212, 214 can include a clamp. At least a portion of the clamp can be secured to the first and / or second speakers 212, 214. When secured to a spa unit and / or a spa cover lifter via the speaker mount, the first and / or second speakers 212, 214 can pivot relative to the speaker mount. The clamp can beneficially facilitate mounting of the first and / or second speakers 212, 214 to the first and / or second arms 222, 224 of the spa cover lifter 220. Although reference is made to the first and second speakers 212, 214 including a clamp, the first and second speakers 212, 214 can include any speaker mount for attaching or detaching the speakers 212, 214 to the spa cover lifter 220. For example, and without limitation, the speaker mount can include screws, Velcro, adhesive, etc.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows an example of a clamp for attaching a speaker, such as the first and second speakers 212, 214, to the spa cover lifter 220. In some cases, the clamp 250 can be secured to the speaker 212 via a first member 252. The speaker 212 can be rotated relative to the first member 252 to modify the position of the speaker 212 relative to the spa unit 200 and / or the spa cover lifter 220. The clamp 250 can include a first locking portion 254a and second locking portion 254b. The first and second locking portions 254a, 254b can be secured to each other using one or more screws 255. When secured to each other, the first and second locking portions 254a, 254b can form an aperture 256. The clamp 250, and thus the speaker 212, can be secured to one of the first and second arms 222, 224 of the spa cover system by placing one of the first and second arms 222, 224 of the spa cover system within the aperture 256 and securing the first and second locking portions 254a, 254b to each other. Although the clamp 250 includes two locking portions 254a, 254b, other types of clampsand / or mounts can be used to secure the clamp 250 and / or the speakers 212, 214 to the spa cover lifter 220.

[0054] Although reference is made to the first and second speakers 212, 214 transitioning between at least a first position and a second position, in some cases the orientation of the first and second speakers 212, 214 relative to the spa unit 200 and / or the spa cover lifter 220 can stay unchanged regardless of the position of the spa cover lifter 220. For example, the first end 212a of the first speaker 212 can face downward when the spa cover lifter 220 is in the open position, the closed position, or when transitioning from one position to the other. In some cases, the first and / or second speakers 212, 214 can include a weighted pivot to maintain the position of the speakers 212, 214 in a default position. The position and / or orientation of the first and / or second speakers 212, 214 can be adjusted from the default position to a position different than the default position. In some cases, the default position can include a position where the open ends of the first and second speakers 212, 214 face downward, and / or a position where the open ends of the first and second speakers 212, 214 face upward.

[0055] The first and second speakers 212, 214 of the speaker system can be powered by one or more batteries. In some cases, the one or more batteries can include a rechargeable battery. The ability to attach or detach the first and second speakers to or from the spa cover lifter 220 can beneficially allow for easy and convenient battery replacement and / or charging at a location remote from the spa unit 200. The first and second speakers 212, 214 can include a power cord to connect the speakers 212, 214 directly to a power outlet. In some cases, the first and second speakers 212, 214 can be connected to a power supply board of the spa.

[0056] The speaker system can include one or more solar panels. The solar panels can be connected to the one or more batteries of the speakers 212, 214 and be secured to an exterior surface of the speakers 212, 214. For example, the first and second speakers 212, 214 can include one or more solar panels secured to an exterior surface 212c, 214c of the first speaker 212 and the second speaker 214. The one or more solar panels can recharge the one or more batteries powering the first and second speakers 212, 214 thus reducing the frequency and / or eliminating the need for battery replacement.

[0057] FIGS. 4A-4E show the transition of a spa cover lifter from an open position to a closed position. As the spa cover lifter 220 is closed, the position of the speaker 212 relative to the arm 222 can change automatically. When the spa cover lifter 220 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 4A, the speaker 212 can include a first position. The first position can include a position where a first end 212a of the speaker 212 does not face down. In some cases, the position of the speaker 212 when the spa cover lifter 220 is in the open position can be adjusted. As the spa cover lifter 220 is closed, as shown in FIGS. 4B-4D, the position of the speaker 212 relative to the arm 222 of the spa cover lifter 220 can change. That is, as the spa cover lifter 220 is closed, the speaker 212 may automatically rotate relative to the arm 222 so that the first end 212a faces down when the spa cover lifter is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 4E. As described below, a mount can facilitate mounting of a speaker to the spa cover lifter 220. The mount can also allow automatic rotation of a speaker relative to the spa cover lifter as described herein. If the first end 212a of the speaker 212 already faces down when the spa cover lifter is in the open position, a rotational position of the speaker 212 can remain unchanged as the spa cover lifter 220 transitions from the open position to the closed position. As the cover lifter transitions from the closed position to the open position, a rotational position of the speaker 212 can remain unchanged. In any of the positions shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, the orientation of the speaker 212 may be manually rotated as described in further detail below.

[0058] The orientation of the speaker may be automatically and / or manually rotated relative to the spa cover or spa unit. For example, one may desire to change orientation of the music toward or away from users sitting within the spa unit. In some cases, the position of the speakers relative to the spa cover system and / or a spa unit can be adjusted when the spa cover is open (e.g., not covering the spa unit). A speaker 400, which can include any of the features of the speaker 212, may include one or more magnets positioned closer to the first end 212a. The weight of magnet can result in a first end 400a being heavier than a second end 400b of the speaker 400. The heavy side of the speaker (e.g. , the first end 400a) can cause the speaker 400 to automatically rotate relative to the spa cover lifter 220 when the spa cover lifter 220 is being closed, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4E. As the spa cover lifter 220 is being closed, the center of gravity of the speaker 400 may cause the first end 400a the speaker 400 to automatically rotate towards the ground. Thus, when the spa cover lifter 220 is fully closed, as shown in FIG.4E, the first end 400a of the speaker can face down, thus protecting internal components of the speaker from weather conditions like rain.

[0059] FIGS. 5A-5C show a speaker mount 300 for mounting a speaker to a spa cover lifter. The speaker mount 300 can include any of the features described above. The speaker mount 300 can include one or more engagement components. The speaker mount 300 can include a first portion configured to interface with a spa cover lifter and a second portion configured to interface with the speaker 400. The first portion can be removably or integrally formed with the second portion. The first portion can include a first component 310 and / or a second component 320 configured to mount the speaker 400 to the spa cover lifter. The second portion can include a third component 330 and / or fourth component 340 to interface with the speaker 400. Although reference is made to the speaker mount300 securing or mounting a speaker 400 to a spa cover lifter, the mount 300 can be used to mount other components to a spa unit and / or spa cover lifter.

[0060] In some cases, the first engagement component 310 and the second engagement component 320 can interface with each other. That is, the first and second engagement components 310, 320 can move as a single component. In some cases, the first and second engagement components 310, 320 can be secured to one of the arms 222, 224 of the spa cover lifter 220. The third and fourth engagement components 330, 340 can interface with each other. In some cases, the third engagement component 330 can be secured to the second engagement component 320, and the fourth engagement component 340 can be integrally formed with or directly secured to the speaker 400.

[0061] The mount 300 can be attached to a spa cover lifter 220 by positioning one of the arms of the spa cover lifter 220 (e.g., arms 222, 224) between the first and second engagement components 310, 320 and securing the engagement components 310, 310 to each other. The first and second engagement components 310, 320 can be secured to each other using one or more screws. For instance, the first and second engagement components 310, 320 can include complimentary holes with a threaded surface for receiving a screw. In some cases, one or more spacers can be positioned between at least one of the engagement components 310, 320 and the spa cover lifter arms. The spacers can beneficially allow the speaker mount 300 to accommodate different sizes of spa cover lifter arms. The spacers can include rubber spacers.

[0062] Each of the first portion and the second portion can include one or more user interfacing features or projections like tabs or knobs. For instance, the second and third engagement components 320, 330 can each include a tab 322, 332 extending away from an exterior surface of the second and third engagement components 320, 330, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B. At least one of the tabs 322, 332 can act as a stopper when the spa cover lifter 220 is open. For example, the tab 322 of the second engagement component 320 can act as the stopper. The tab 322 can beneficially prevent rotation of the tab 332 of the third engagement component 330 beyond the position of the tab 322, thereby maintaining the speaker 400 in a fixed position relative to the spa cover lifter 220 and / or the spa unit 200.

[0063] As the spa cover lifter 220 transitions from an open position to a closed position (see, e.g., FIGS.4A-4E), the position of the first portion of the mount 300relative to the second portion may change. This can cause the tab 332 of the third engagement component 330 to rotate away from the tab 322 of the second engagement component 320. Since the tabs 322 and 332 are moving away from each other, the tab 322 may be prevented from limiting rotational movement of the second portion of the mount 300and thus the speaker 400. Thus, the speaker mount 300 can maintain the speaker 400 in a fixed position when the spa cover lifter 220 is open, as shown in FIG. 4A, and also allow the position of speaker 400 to automatically change as the spa cover lifter 220 is closed. When the spa cover lifter 220 is being closed, the speaker 400 will pivot relative to the first arm 222 of the spa cover lifter 220, so the first end 400a of the speaker 400 faces down when the spa cover lifter 220 is fully closed, as shown in FIG. 4E. In some cases, the speaker mount 300 can include a damper (not shown) to slow down rotation of the first and second portions of the mount 300 relative to each other when the spa cover lifter 220 is being opened or closed.

[0064] The speaker mount 300 can include a shaft 350, as shown in FIG. 5C. In some cases, the shaft 350 can be positioned inside the speaker mount 300 and engage at least some of the engagement components 310-340. For example, the shaft 350 can extend through and / or engage the second, third, and fourth engagement components 320, 330, 340. The shaft 350 can include a shaft head 352, and a spring 354 positioned around the shaft 350. In some cases, the shaft head 352 can extend away from the shaft 350 so the shaft 350 and the shaft head 352 form a right angle, but the shaft head 352 can extend away from the shaft 350 at other angles. The spring 354 along the shaft 350 can beneficially allow the fourth engagementcomponent 340 and / or speaker 400 to be pulled away from the third engagement component 330. The spring 354 may stretch and be subject to tension when the fourth engagement component 340 and / or speaker 400 is pulled from the third engagement component 330. When the speaker 400 is released, the spring 354 may contract thereby pulling the fourth engagement component 340 towards the third engagement component 330 therapy reengaging the third and fourth engagement components 330, 340 to each other.

[0065] To adjust the position of the speaker 400 when the spa cover lifter 220 is open, the speaker 400 can be pulled away from the speaker mount 300 to partially disengage the fourth engagement component 340 from the third engagement component 330. Disengaging the third and fourth engagement components 330, 340 can create a gap between the third and fourth engagement components 330, 340. The gap between the third and fourth engagement components 330, 340 can beneficially allow rotation of the fourth engagement component 340 and the speaker 400, relative to the third engagement component 330. When the third engagement component and the fourth engagement components 330, 340 are disengaged, the speaker 400 can be rotated to adjust its position relative to the arms of the spa cover lifter 220. Once the speaker 400 is in the desired position, the speaker 400 can be released thereby reengaging the third and fourth engagement components 330, 340.

[0066] Each of the third and fourth engagement components 330, 340 can include a plurality of engagement teeth 334, 344. The engagement teeth 334, 344 can beneficially index the third and fourth engagement components 330, 340 to each other. This can prevent independent rotation of the third and fourth engagement components 330, 340 when the engagement teeth 334, 344 are engaged to each other.

[0067] The speaker mount 300 can beneficially be used in existing spa units and / or spa cover lifters. This can beneficially allow users to easily add speakers to an existing spa unit and / or modify an existing speaker set up. For example, 1, 2 , 3, 4, or more speakers can be installed to an existing spa unit and / or spa cover lifter using the mounts described herein. The use of one or more speakers can beneficially allow for mono, stereo, and / or quadrophonic audio. Adjustment of the speakers’ position relative to the spa unit and / or spa cover lifter can allow the speakers to point in any direction when the spa cover is open. For instance, the speakers can be adjusted so they point toward the users in the spa unit. The speakers can also be adjusted so they point away from the spa unit.

[0068] In some cases, a speaker system can be mounted to a spa shell. Although reference is made herein to a spa shell, the speaker system can be used on a spa unit, hot tub, swim spa, bath tub, or in any other water environment. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, a speaker system 520 can be secured to a spa shell 500. The speaker system 520 can be positioned along the spa shell so that the speaker system 520 is at least partially above a water line of the spa shell. In some cases, the electronic components of the speaker system 520 can be positioned within an interior portion of the spa shell 500 and non-electronic components of the speaker system 520 can be positioned on an exterior portion of the spa shell 500. For instance, a pillow 510 (also referred herein to as a headrest) of the speaker system 520 can be positioned on an exterior portion of the spa shell 500, as shown in FIG. 6A, while electronic components of the speaker system 520, such as a speaker, can be positioned on an interior portion of the spa shell 500, as shown in FIG. 6B. This can beneficially protect the electronic components of the speaker system 520 from the elements and / or chemicals in the spa water which may damage the electronic components.

[0069] Although reference is made to the speaker system 520 being positioned on a portion of the spa shell 500 where users can rest their heads, the speaker system 520 can be positioned on other portions of the spa shell 500. For example, the speaker system 520 can be positioned along a rim of the spa shell 500, between any of the seats and the rim of the spa shell 500, and / or between the floor of the spa shell 500 and any of the seats. In some cases, the speaker system 520 can be positioned along a portion of the spa shell 500 where users can rest their backs. In cases where the speaker system 520 is not on a portion of the spa shell 500 where users rest their heads, the speaker system 520 may not include a pillow 510.

[0070] The pillow 510 can be removed from the spa shell 500. This can permit access to other components of the speaker system 520 from a front portion of the spa shell 500, as shown in FIG. 6C. This can beneficially allow for maintenance and / or replacement of the speaker system 520 or its components without the need to remove panels from the spa unit to get access to a rear portion of the spa shell 500.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the spa shell 500 can include a hole 502 and define a base 504. As described in further detail below, the hole 502 and / or the base 504 can receive and secure components of the speaker system 520. For example, the hole 502 canreceive a grommet and the base 504 can receive a speaker plate. In some cases, the base 504 defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of a speaker plate.

[0072] The speaker system 520 can include the pillow 510, a speaker plate 530, a grommet 540, and a speaker 550, as shown in FIG. 8A. The pillow 510 can include a plurality of perforations 512 on a front portion 510a of the pillow 510, as shown in FIG. 9. In some cases, the speaker plate 530 can include a front face 530a, a rear face 530b, and a projection 532 extending away from the rear face 530b, as shown in FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB. The grommet 540 can include an opening 540a extending an entire length of the grommet 540. The grommet 540 can also include a rim 540b. In some cases, the speaker 550 can include a speaker of the exciter type (e.g., not having a cone). Exciter speakers are beneficially lighter than conventional cone speakers, thus reducing the load on the spa shell 500.

[0073] In some cases, the speaker system 520 can include a wireless controller and / or transceiver. The wireless controller can allow the speaker system 520 to communicate with, for example, a wireless controller of a spa unit and / or a remote device (e.g., a cellphone, tablet, smart watch). The wireless controller of the speaker system 520 can communicate with the wireless controller of the spa unit and / or the remote device via cellular, Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication. For example, the wireless controller of the speaker system 520 can include a Bluetooth transceiver for communicating with the wireless controller of the spa unit and / or the remote device. In some cases, the wireless controller of the speaker system 520 may include a cellular transceiver for communicating with the remote device and the cellular transceiver may have Bluetooth capabilities.

[0074] The wireless controller of the speaker system 520 can be connected to the remote device via Bluetooth pairing. For example, the user can pair the remote device to the wireless controller by accessing the remote device’s settings menu, activating the Bluetooth connection, and selecting the device corresponding to the speaker system 520. In some cases, the remote device can receive information from the wireless controller regarding the status of the speaker system 520.

[0075] Communication between the speaker system 520 and the remote device can allow users to play and control sound media (e.g., music) on the speaker system 520. In some cases, the speaker system 520 can be connected directly to a device (e.g., a phone, tablet,computer, etc.) via a cable (e.g. , audio jack) to play and control media stored in and / or streamed by the device.

[0076] To secure the speaker system 520 to the spa shell 500, the grommet 540 can be positioned within the hole 502 of the spa shell 500. The grommet 540 can be secured to the spa shell by pushing the grommet 540 into the hole 502. In some cases, however, the grommet 540 can include a thread (not shown) to secure the grommet 540 to a corresponding thread (not shown) along the hole 502. When the grommet 540 is secured to the spa shell 500, the rim 540b can create a seal around the hole 502. In some cases, glue and / or adhesive can be added between the rim 540b and the spa shell 500 to secure the grommet 540 to the spa shell 500. As shown in FIG. 8B, the grommet 540 can extend through the hole 502 of the spa shell 500. The grommet 540 can receive and secure the speaker plate 530. For example, the projection 532 of the speaker plate 530 can extend through the opening 540a of the grommet 540. When the speaker plate 530 is secured to the grommet 540, the speaker plate 530 and the grommet 540 can create a seal between them. This can beneficially prevent water from accessing an interior and / or rear portion of the spa shell 500. A friction fit between the grommet 540 and the speaker plate 530 can secure the speaker plate 530 to the grommet 540 and create the seal between the two. In some cases, glue and / or adhesive can be added between the projection 532 of the speaker plate 530 and the grommet 540 to secure the speaker plate 530 to grommet 540. A shape of the speaker plate 530 can be identical and / or similar to a shape of the base 504 to allow the base 504 to receive and secure the speaker plate 530. When the speaker plate 530 is secured to the spa shell 500, an entirety of the front face of the speaker plate 530 can be positioned within the base 504. In some cases, the size and / or shape of the base 504 can be different that a shape and / or shape of the speaker plate 530.

[0077] The speaker 550 can be secured to the rear face 530b of the speaker plate 530. For example, the speaker 550 can be adhered to the rear face 530b of the speaker plate 530 within an area bounded by the projection 532. The speaker 550 can be secured to the speaker plate 530 any adhesive, glue, and / or tape, etc. In some cases, the speaker 550 can contact the rear face 530b of the speaker plate 530. In use, vibrations generated by the speaker 550 can be transmitted to the speaker plate 530, and / or to the pillow 510 via the speaker plate 530. The speaker 550 can include a power cord 552 to connect the speaker 550 to a source of power. For example, the speaker 550 can be connected to a rechargeable battery, a poweroutlet, etc. In some cases, the power cord can be connected to a main board of the spa unit. In some cases, the speaker 550 can be charged and / or powered by inductive charging.

[0078] When the speaker system 520 is mounted to the spa shell 500, a rear portion 510b of the pillow 510 and a front face 530a of the speaker plate 530 can be in contact with each other. In some cases, the rear portion 510b of the pillow 510 and a front face 530a of the speaker plate 530 can be spaced apart from each other. Positioning the pillow 510 in front of the speaker plate 530 can beneficially conceal the speaker plate 530 and place the pillow 510 in direct contact with the speaker plate 530. In cases where the pillow 510 includes a plurality of perforations 512 and one or more apertures 513. The plurality of perforations 512 and the apertures 513 can be positioned on, for example opposite sides of the pillow 510. The perforations 512 and / or the apertures 513 can be in fluid communication with the rear portion 510b of the pillow 510. The plurality of perforations 512 and / or the apertures 513 can allow the sound generated by the speaker plate 530 and the speaker 550 to travel through the pillow 510. This can beneficially provide a surround sound experience.

[0079] In some cases, the pillow can include only one of perforations and / or apertures. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the pillow 510’ can include one or more apertures 513’. The apertures 513’ can be positioned on opposite sides of the pillow 510’. In some cases, however, the apertures 513’ can be positioned anywhere along the pillow 510’. In some cases, the pillow can include a cavity on a back portion of the pillow. As shown in FIG. 10B, the pillow 510’ can include a cavity 514’ on a back portion 510b’ of the pillow 510’. When the pillow 510’ is secured to a spa shell 500, at least a portion of the front face 530a of the speaker plate 530 and the rear portion 510b’ of the pillow 510’ can be separated by a gap defined by the cavity 514’. The separation between the speaker plate 530 and the rear portion 510b’ of the pillow 510’ can beneficially allow for better sound quality as the resonance generated by the speaker plate 530 will not be disturbed by the pillow 510’.

[0080] The pillow can also include one more connections to secure the pillow to a spa unit. As shown in FIG. 10B, the pillow 510’ can include one or more connections 515’. The connections 515’ can receive one or more components from the spa shell 500 to secure the pillow 510’ to the spa shell 500. For example, the connections 515’ can receive one or more pins and / or attachments (not shown) of the spa shell 500.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 1 A and 1 IB, a center point CP of the projection 532 and / or the speaker 550 along the rear face 530b can be non-concentric. For instance, the center point CP of the projection 532 and the center of the speaker plate 530 can be on different locations along the speaker plate 530. This can beneficially reduce resonance and improve sound quality when the speaker vibrates. The speaker plate can include a length LI and a width Wl. In some cases, the center point CP can be located on coordinate along the speaker plate positioned a first distance DI away from a first edge 534a of the speaker plate 530 and a second distance D2 away from a second edge 534b of the speaker plate 530. In some cases, DI can be about 40% of the length L 1 , and D2 can be about 40% of the width W 1. D 1 can be from about 5% to about 95%, from about 10% to about 90%, from about 20% to about 80%, from about 30% to about 70%, from about 35% to about 65%, and / or from about 45% to about 55%, of the of the length LI. D2 can be from about 5% to about 95%, from about 10% to about 90%, from about 20% to about 80%, from about 30% to about 70%, from about 35% to about 65%, and / or from about 45% to about 55%, of the of the width Wl.

[0082] In some cases, the speaker plate 530 can be made of a plastic material. For example, the speaker plate can comprise an injection-molded structural foam. The injection- molded structural foam can reduce the weight of the speaker plate thus improving sound output, and / or increase strength of the speaker plate 530 thus producing more consistent sound across all sound frequencies. The material of the speaker plate 530 can also allow for sound transmission and / or provide better sound quality even when the speaker plate 530 is submerged or partially submerged. This can beneficially allow the speaker plate 530 to be implemented in systems where a user is typically submerged (e.g., spa units, hot tubs, swim spas, bath tubs, or in any other water environment).

[0083] Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, inventive subject matter extends beyond the examples in the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. While we have described and illustrated in detail embodiments of a speaker system for a spa unit, it should be understood that our inventions can be modified in both arrangement and detail. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described above. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in anysuitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and / or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components. For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

[0084] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0085] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0086] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0087] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0088] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the likeare synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0089] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0090] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

[0091] Although the speaker system disclosed has been disclosed in the context of a spa unit, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the speaker system and subassemblies extend beyond the spa environment to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the speaker system herein-disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A speaker system for a spa, the speaker system comprising: a pillow comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a cavity along the rear portion, wherein the pillow is configured to be secured to a spa shell; a speaker plate comprising a front face, a rear face, and a projection extending away from the rear face, wherein the speaker plate is configured to be secured to the spa shell; and a speaker positioned on the rear face of the speaker plate and configured to be positioned within an interior portion of the spa; wherein the speaker plate is positioned behind the pillow when the pillow and the speaker plate are secured to the spa shell; wherein the front face of the speaker plate and the rear portion of the pillow are separated by a gap defined by the cavity.

2. The speaker system of Claim 1, wherein the front portion of the pillow comprises an aperture in fluid communication with the cavity of the pillow.

3. The speaker system of Claim 1, wherein the front portion of the pillow comprises a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the cavity of the pillow.

4. The speaker system of Claim 1, wherein a center point of the speaker plate and a center point of the projection are not concentric.

5. The speaker system of Claim 1, wherein the speaker is bounded by the projection.

6. The speaker system of Claim 1, wherein the speaker comprises an exciter speaker.

7. The speaker system of Claim 1 , wherein the speaker plate creates a seal between the speaker plate and the spa shell when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

8. The speaker system of Claim 1, further comprising a grommet configured to extend through a hole of the spa shell.

9. The speaker system of Claim 8, wherein the grommet comprises an opening extending an entire length of the grommet, and wherein the projection of the speaker plate is configured to extend through the opening of the grommet when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

10. The speaker system of Claim 9, wherein the grommet creates a seal between the grommet and the projection when the projection extends through the opening of the grommet.

11. The speaker system of Claim 8, wherein the grommet creates a seal between the grommet and the spa shell when the grommet is secured to the spa shell.

12. The speaker system of Claim 8, wherein the projection of the speaker plate is configured to extend through a hole of the spa shell when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

13. The speaker system of Claim 8, further comprising the spa shell, wherein the spa shell comprises an exterior portion and a base along the exterior portion, the base configured to receive the speaker plate.

14. The speaker system of Claim 13, wherein a shape of the base and a shape of the front face of the speaker plate are the same.

15. The speaker system of Claim 13, wherein an entirety of the front face of the speaker plate is positioned within the base when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

16. A speaker system for a spa, the speaker system comprising: a pillow; a speaker plate configured to be positioned behind the pillow; and a speaker configured to be positioned behind the speaker plate and within an interior portion of a spa shell; wherein vibrations generated by the speaker are configured to be transmitted to the pillow via the speaker plate.

17. The speaker system of Claim 16, wherein the pillow comprises a front portion, a rear portion, and a cavity along the rear portion.

18. The speaker system of Claim 17, wherein the front portion of the pillow comprises an aperture in fluid communication with the cavity.

19. The speaker system of Claim 17, wherein the front portion of the pillow comprises a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the cavity of the pillow.

20. The speaker system of Claim 16, wherein the speaker plate comprises a front face, a rear face, and a projection extending away from the rear face.21 . The speaker system of Claim 20, wherein a center point of the speaker plate and a center point of the projection are not concentric.

22. The speaker system of Claim 20, wherein the speaker is bounded by the projection.

23. The speaker system of Claim 20, wherein the speaker comprises an exciter speaker.

24. The speaker system of Claim 20, wherein the speaker plate is configured to create a seal between the speaker plate and the spa shell when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

25. The speaker system of Claim 20, further comprising a grommet configured to extend through a hole of the spa shell.

26. The speaker system of Claim 25, wherein the grommet comprises an opening extending an entire length of the grommet, and wherein a projection of the speaker plate is configured to extend through the opening of the grommet when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

27. The speaker system of Claim 26, wherein the grommet is configured to create a seal between the grommet and an exterior surface of the projection.

28. The speaker system of Claim 25, wherein the grommet is configured to create a seal between the grommet and the spa shell when the grommet is secured to the spa shell.

29. The speaker system of Claim 20, wherein a projection of the speaker plate is configured to extend through a hole of the spa shell when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

30. The speaker system of Claim 20, further comprising the spa shell, wherein the spa shell comprises an exterior portion and a base along the exterior portion, the base configured to receive the speaker plate.

31. The speaker system of Claim 30, wherein a shape of the base and a shape of the front face of the speaker plate are the same.

32. The speaker system of Claim 30, wherein at least a portion of the speaker plate is positioned within the base when the speaker plate is secured to the spa shell.

33. The speaker system of Claim 16, wherein the speaker plate comprises an injection-molded structural foam material.

34. The speaker system of Claim 16, wherein a front face of the speaker plate and a rear portion of the pillow are separated by a gap.

35. A speaker system for a spa, the speaker system comprising: at least one speaker comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end comprises an open end configured to allow sound generated by the at least one speaker to exit the at least one speaker; wherein the at least one speaker is configured to be mounted to a spa cover lifter; wherein the at least one speaker is configured to transition between a first position and a second position when the spa cover lifter transitions from an open position to a closed position or vice versa.

36. The speaker system of Claim 35, wherein the first end of the at least one speaker faces the ground and is positioned lower relative to the second end of the at least one speaker when the at least one speaker is in the first position.

37. The speaker system of Claim 35, wherein a longitudinal axis of the at least one speaker and a top surface of the spa are substantially parallel when the at least one speaker is in the second position.

38. The speaker system of Claim 35, wherein the at least one speaker is positioned above a top surface of the spa when the at least one speaker is in the second position.

39. The speaker system of Claim 35, wherein the at least one speaker is positioned below a top surface of the spa when the at least one speaker is in the first position.

40. The speaker system of Claim 35, wherein the open end of the at least one speaker faces the spa when the at least one speaker is in the second position.

41. The speaker system of Claim 35, wherein the open end of the at least one speaker faces downward when the at least one speaker is in the first position.

42. The speaker system of Claim 35, wherein the at least one speaker is mounted to an arm of the spa cover lifter.

43. The speaker system of Claim 35, further comprising one or more solar panels mounted to an exterior surface of the at least one speaker and a battery, the one or more solar panels configured to charge the battery.

44. The speaker system of Claim 35, further comprising a wireless controller configured to communicate with a controller of the spa and a remote device.

45. The speaker system of Claim 44, wherein the wireless controller communicates with the controller of the spa and the remote device via Bluetooth.

46. The speaker system of Claim 44, wherein the wireless controller communicates with the controller of the spa and the remote device via a cellular connection.

47. The speaker system of Claim 44, wherein the wireless controller communicates with the controller of the spa and the remote device via Wi-Fi.

48. The speaker system of Claim 35, wherein the at least one speaker comprises a conical shape with the second end defining an apex.

49. A spa unit comprising: a spa shell comprising a top surface and a skirt; a spa cover lifter comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a plurality of panels, wherein a first end of the first arm and a first end of the second arm are secured to the skirt and a second end of the first arm and a second end of the second arm are secured to at least one of the plurality of panels; and a speaker system comprising a first speaker and a second speaker, the first and second speakers each comprising a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; wherein each of the first ends of the first and second speakers comprise an open end configured to allow sound generated by the first and second speakers to exit the first and second speakers; wherein the first speaker is mounted to the first arm of the spa cover lifter; wherein the second speaker is mounted to the second arm of the spa cover lifter; and wherein the first and second speakers are configured to transition between a first position and a second position when the spa cover lifter transitions from an open position to a closed position or vice versa.

50. The spa unit of Claim 49, wherein the closed position of the spa cover lifter comprises a position in which the plurality of panels cover the top surface of the spa shell, and the open position comprises a position in which the plurality of panels are positioned away from the top surface of the spa shell.51 . The spa unit of Claim 49, wherein the first end of the first and second speakers faces the ground and is positioned lower relative to the second end of the first and second speakers when the first and second speakers are in the first position.

52. The spa unit of Claim 49, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first and second speakers and the top surface of the spa shell are substantially parallel to each other when the first and second speakers are in the second position.

53. The spa unit of Claim 49, wherein the at least one of the first and second speakers comprises a conical shape with the second end defining an apex.

54. The spa unit of Claim 49, wherein the open ends of the first and second speakers face the spa when the first and second speakers are in the second position.

55. The spa unit of Claim 49, wherein the open ends of the first and second speakers face downward when the first and second speakers are in the first position.

56. A spa unit comprising: a spa shell comprising a top surface and a skirt; a spa cover lifter comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a plurality of panels, wherein a first end of the first arm and a first end of the second arm are secured to the skirt and a second end of the first arm and a second end of the second arm are secured to at least one of the plurality of panels; and a speaker system comprising a first speaker and a second speaker, the first and second speakers each comprising a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; wherein each of the first ends of the first and second speakers comprise an open end configured to allow sound generated by the first and second speakers to exit the first and second speakers; wherein the first speaker is mounted to the first arm of the spa cover lifter; wherein the second speaker is mounted to the second arm of the spa cover lifter; and wherein the first and second speakers are configured to maintain a default position when the spa cover lifter transitions between an open position and a closed position or vice versa.

57. The spa unit of Claim 56, wherein the closed position of the spa cover lifter comprises a position in which the plurality of panels cover the top surface of the spa shell, andthe open position comprises a position in which the plurality of panels are positioned away from the top surface of the spa shell.

58. The spa unit of Claim 56, wherein the first and second speakers can rotate relative to the first and second arms of the spa cover lifter respectively.

59. The spa unit of Claim 56, wherein the at least one of the first and second speakers comprises a conical shape with the second end defining an apex.

60. The spa unit of Claim 56, wherein the open ends of the first and second speakers face downward when the first and second speakers are in the default position.

61. The spa unit of Claim 56, wherein the open ends of the first and second speakers face upward when the first and second speakers are in the default position.

62. A mount for a spa component, the mount comprising: a first portion configured to be secured to a spa cover lifter; and a second portion comprising a first end a second end, wherein the first end of the second portion is configured to be secured to the first portion and the second end of the second portion is configured to be secured to the spa component; wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to rotate independent of each other.

63. The mount of Claim 62, wherein the first portion comprises a stopper, wherein the stopper of the first portion is configured to prevent rotational movement of the second portion along a first rotational direction by preventing the second portion from rotating in the first rotational direction beyond a position of the stopper when the spa cover lifter is an open position.

64. The mount of Claim 63, wherein transition of the spa cover lifter from the open position to a closed position causes the spa component to automatically transition from a first position to a second position.

65. The mount of Claim 64, wherein the spa component comprises a speaker having an open end, and wherein the second position comprises a position where the open end of the speaker faces down.

66. The mount of Claim 62, wherein the first portion comprises a first component and a second component configured to be secured to each other and around the spa cover lifter.

67. The mount of Claim 66, wherein the second portion comprises a third component configured to interface with the second component and a fourth component configured to interface with the spa component.

68. The mount of Claim 67, wherein the third component comprises a first plurality of teeth, wherein the fourth component comprises a second plurality of teeth, and wherein the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth are configured to index rotation between the third component to the fourth component.

Images