Automatic lift system for a SPA cover

Abstract

A lift system for a spa cover includes a lever arm having a distal end portion for supporting a spa cover, and a proximal end having a rotation axis, a drive plate coupled to the proximal end of the lever arm, an actuator configured to rotate the drive plate for effecting rotation of the lever arm about the rotation axis, at least one lever linkage pivotally connected to the actuator, and at least one drive linkage having a first end pivotally connected to the at least one lever linkage, and a second end pivotally connected to the drive plate.

Description

AUTOMATIC LIFT SYSTEM FOR A SPA COVERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 754,164, filed on February 5, 2025, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to spas and hot tubs and, more particularly, to an automatic lift system for a spa cover.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Spas, also commonly known as hot tubs, are popular fixtures that are used in many homes. They generally include a deep, vacuum formed tub having a smooth acrylic liner that is filled with heated water and which is used for soaking and relaxation. Spas typically include waterjets for massage purposes.

[0004] Typically, the acrylic liner is formed into shapes that provide a variety of seating arrangements within the tub. Each seat is usually equipped with hydrotherapy jets that allow a pressurized flow of water to be directed at various parts of a user's body. The water flow may be aerated for additional effect, and some or all of the jets may also automatically move or rotate, causing the changing pressure of the water on the body to provide a massage like effect.

[0005] Because many spas / hot tubs are located outdoors, they are often equipped with covers for enclosing the tub when not in use. These covers help prevent dirt, leaves and other debris from entering the water, and provide a safety function by preventing children and animals from falling into the water. Moreover, spa covers are often insulated so as to limit heat loss from the water when the spa is not in use, for purposes of energy efficiency and readiness of use.

[0006] Both soft and hard covers are known in the art. Typical hard covers generally consist of a hollow plastic shell that can be filled with an insulating foam. Typical hard covers may be formed using a variety of molding methods, such as through rotational molding and blow molding, as well as vacuum forming. These hard covers, and even some soft covers, typically require some sort of lift mechanism to remove them from the spa. Many existing lift mechanisms are outfitted to the external cabinet or base of the spa, and can be cumbersome to operate, are unsightly, and contain a number of exposed components that can impede free movement around the spa.

[0007] In view of the above, there remains a need for a cover lifter system for a spa that has improved performance properties, repeatability, structural integrity, and ease of use.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover lift system for a spa.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated cover lift system for spa covers.

[0010] These and other objects are achieved by the present invention.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, a lift system for a spa cover includes a lever arm having a distal end portion for supporting a spa cover, and a proximal end having a rotation axis, a drive plate coupled to the proximal end of the lever arm, an actuator configured to rotate the drive plate for effecting rotation of the lever arm about the rotation axis, at least one lever linkage pivotally connected to the actuator, and at least one drive linkage having a first end pivotally connected to the at least one lever linkage, and a second end pivotally connected to the drive plate.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a spa includes a housing having interior chamber for containing a volume of water, a cover positionable over the housing, and a lift system. The lift system includes a lever arm having a distal end portion for supporting a spa cover, and a proximal end having a rotation axis, a drive plate coupled to the proximal end of the lever arm, an actuator configured to rotate the drive plate for effecting rotation of the lever arm about the rotation axis, at least one lever linkage pivotally connected to the actuator, and at least one drive linkage having a first end pivotally connected to the at least one lever linkage, and a second end pivotally connected to the drive plate.

[0013] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a lift system for a spa cover includes a lever arm having a distal end portion for supporting a spa cover, and a proximal end having a rotation axis, a drive plate coupled to the proximal end of the lever arm and rotatable with the lever arm, an actuator configured to rotate the drive plate for effecting rotation of the lever arm about the rotation axis, a pair of lever linkage pivotally connected to the actuator, and a pair of drive linkages each having a first end pivotally connected to the pair of lever linkages, and a second end pivotally connected to the drive plate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

[0015] FIG. l is a perspective view of a spa having an automated cover lift system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an automated cover lift system shown coupled to the frame of the spa.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the automated cover lift system of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the automated cover lift system of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective, side view of the automated cover lift system of FIG. 2.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the cover lift system of FIG. 2, shown decoupled from the spa.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of an anchor link of the automated cover lift system.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of a lever linkage of the automated cover lift system.

[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view of a drive linkage of the automated cover lift system.

[0024] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, perspective view of a spacer of the automated cover lift system.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the automated cover lift system showing the components in a partially exploded state.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the automated cover lift system showing the components in a partially exploded state.

[0027] FIG. 13 is another side elevational view of the automated cover lift system showing the components in a partially exploded state.

[0028] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, side elevational view of a portion of the automated cover lift system showing the components in a partially exploded state.

[0029] FIG. 15 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the automated cover lift system showing the components in a partially exploded state.

[0030] FIG. 16 is another enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the automated cover lift system showing the components in a partially exploded state.

[0031] FIG. 17 is another enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the automated cover lift system showing the components in a partially exploded state.

[0032] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate additional views of the automated cover lift system coupled to the frame of a spa.

[0033] FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views of the automated cover lift system shown decoupled from a spa.

[0034] FIGS. 24-26 are perspective views of a distal end portion of a handle of the cover lift system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the automated lift system shown coupled to the frame of a spa and having a handle attached to the lift system.

[0036] FIG. 28-35 illustrate synced positions of a spa cover and the lift system moving from a closed position to an open position.

[0037] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the automated lift system and, in particular, an automated lift system intended for use on a right corner of a spa.

[0038] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the automated lift system and, in particular, an automated lift system intended for use on a left corner of a spa.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a spa 10 (also referred to as a hot tub) having a cover lift system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spa 10 includes sidewalls 14 and a bottom 18, together forming a housing, and which collectively define an interior chamber 22 for containing a volume of water for one or more user occupants. The chamber 22 includes an open upper end 26 for user entry and exit.

[0040] Sidewalls 14 and bottom 18 may be configured to provide any suitable interior chamber 22. In the illustrated example, sidewalls 14 and bottom 18 define a rectangular footprint. In other embodiments, sidewalls 14 and bottom 18 may define a circular, triangular or other regular or irregularly-shaped footprint. In the illustrated example, the interior chamber is further defined by an inner tub positioned above bottom 18 between sidewalls 14 and is preferably contoured to provide seating for user occupants of spa 10, as is known in the art. Further, spa 10 may include one or more jets which extend through tub for injecting air and water into chamber below the water level inside the spa 10.

[0041] Spa 10 includes covers 38a and 386, also referred to herein as cover members. Each cover 38a and 386 is positionable over the open upper end 26 of the chamber 22 for covering at least a portion of the open upper end 26. In the illustrated example, each cover 38a and 386 is equally sized and shaped to cover one half of the open upper end 26 of chamber. In alternative embodiments, each cover 38a and 386 may be differently sized and / or shaped to cover differently sized and / or shaped portions of the open upper end 26 of chamber 22. In some embodiments (not shown), spa 10 may include just one cover sized to cover the entire open upper end 26. Each cover 38 may be movable between a closed position (as exemplified by cover 38b in FIG. 1), in which the cover 386 rests on the open upper end 26, and an open position (as exemplified by cover 38a in FIG. 1), in which the cover 38a is displaced from the open upper end 26 and oriented generally vertically adjacent to a sidewall of the spa. For example, covers 38a and 386 may be moved to their respective open positions to provide user access to chamber 22 through upper end 26, and moved to their respective closed positions after all users have exited the chamber 22.

[0042] In the closed position, covers 38a and 386 may substantially seal chamber 22, and the water contained therein, from the external environment to mitigate entry of dirt / debris and loss of heat. Further, the water inside may be heated to temperatures of up to 40°C or higher. The energy consumption required to heat such volumes of water is significant. Therefore, a spa cover may be configured to provide insulation against heat loss, thus accelerating water heating and conserving water temperature for future usage.

[0043] With further reference to FIG. 1, each side of each cover includes a lever arm 104 (also referred to as lifter arm 104) for directing the movement of the connected covers 38a, 38Z> between the open and closed positions. Lever arm 104 is pivotally connected to a sidewall 14 of spa 10 adjacent to a first, proximal end of the lever arm 104, and is pivotally connected to one of the covers 38a, 38b (and supports the one of the covers) adjacent to an opposite, second end of the lever arm 104. In use, the lever arm 104 may be rotated about its pivotal connection with the sidewall of the spa 10 ((i.e., about a rotation axis) for moving the connected cover in an arcuate motion between the open and closed positions.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the lever arm 104 includes a connecting portion or connecting rod 120 that extends through the cover 38a or 38 / >, as the case may be, and connects to a complimentary lever arm on the opposite side of the spa. As shown, connecting rod 120 may penetrate cover 38a, 38b to form a rotatable connection with cover 38a, 38b. The lever arm 104 may also include a handle 122 that a user may grasp while manipulating lever arm 104 between the closed and open positions, in an optional, manual mode of operation. Lever arm 104 is preferably sized and positioned relative to sidewall 14 and cover 38a, 38b to provide clearance for cover to move between the open and closed positions. As shown, cover may be oriented substantially horizontally over chamber 22 in the closed position, and substantially vertically outboard of sidewall 14 in the open position.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, in an embodiment, each cover 38a and 38b, and the lifter arm 104 thereof, is connected to at least one automated lift system / lift assembly 100 which is used to selectively remove and replace covers 38a, 38b over the upper end 26 of chamber 22. In an embodiment, lift system 100 is a motor-driven lift assembly of the type described in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,526,807 and 11,359,396, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, each lift system 100 includes a drive plate 106 that is rigidly coupled to the lifter arm 104 such that rotation of the lifter arm 104 about its pivotal connection of the spa 10 causes a corresponding rotation the drive plate 106. In an embodiment, the drive plate 106 is configured as a circular disc, although other shapes and configurations are also possible without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. The automated lift system 100 further includes a linear actuator 108 having a motor 110 configuredto effect rotation of the drive plate 106 and lever arm 104 through a variety of linkages, as discussed in detail hereinafter.

[0046] These linkages include a first, lower anchor link 112 configured for rigid coupling to the frame 50 of the spa 10 via a plurality of fasteners, such as bolts 114. The lower end of the linear actuator 108 is pivotally connected to the lower anchor link 112 and secured thereto via a clevis pin 118 and cotter pin 124, although other fastening means for the clevis pin 118 such as a C clip may also be utilized. The axis of the clevis pin 118 thus forms the axis of rotation of the linear actuator about the lower anchor link 112.

[0047] As also shown in FIG. 2, the automated lift system 100 also includes a second, upper anchor link 126 configured for rigid coupling to the frame 50 of the spa 10 via a plurality of fasteners, such as bolts 114, and a pair of lever linkages 128, 130 each having first ends pivotally connected to the upper anchor link 126, and second ends pivotally connected to the distal end of the extension rod 109 of the linear actuator 108. In an embodiment, the pivotal connection may be via clevis pins 118 and cotter pins 124 in the manner discussed above, although other means of pivotal connection may be employed without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. In this respect, the lever linkages 128, 130 are able to rotate relative to the upper anchor link 126 and relative to a distal end of the extension rod of the linear actuator 108, respectively.

[0048] Referring still further to FIG. 2, the automated lift system 100 also includes a pair of drive linkages 132, 134 pivotally connected at their respective first ends to the pair of lever linkages 128, 130 at a point intermediate the opposing ends of the lever linkages 128, 130. The drive linkages 132, 134 are also pivotally connected to opposing sides of the drive plate 106 at respective second ends of the drive linkages 132, 134. In an embodiment, the pivotal connection may be via clevis pins 118 and cotter pins 124 in the manner discussed above, although other means of pivotal connection may be employed without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. As best shown in FIG. 2, the drive linkages 132, 134 are connected to the drive plate 106 at a location spaced from the axis of rotation of the drive plate 106. In an embodiment where the drive plate 106 is disc shaped, the drive linkages 132, 134 are connected to the drive plate 106 adjacent to a peripheral edge thereof.

[0049] Referring specifically to FIG. 5, the lateral alignment of components of the automated lift system 100 is best shown. As illustrated therein, the drive linkages 132, 134 are located intermediate the lever linkages 128, 130 and pivotally connected thereto, and the opposing ends of the drive linkages 132 receive therebetween the drive plate 106. As further shown therein, in an embodiment, one or more spacers 136 may be utilized to property space the lever linkages and the drive linkages 132, 134 so as to enable the drive plate 106 to be captured between the distal ends of the drive linkages 132, 134. Additional spacers 136 may also be utilized in other locations to ensure proper alignment and spacing between components. As shown in FIG. 5, in with this configuration, the force vector of defined by the axis of the extension rod of the linear actuator 108 is substantially aligned with the plane defined by the drive plate 106. This ensures that binding of components is minimized and that substantially all of the force created by the linear actuator is transmitted to the drive plate 106 to rotate the drive plate 106 in the manner described below.

[0050] FIG. 6 further illustrates the configuration of the automated lift system 100, shown decoupled from the frame 50 of the spa 10.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 7, an enlarged, detail view of the lower anchor link 112 is illustrated (with upper anchor link being substantially similarly configured). As shown therein, the anchor link 112 is a relatively short, plate shaped member having a plurality of apertures or throughbores 138 (e.g., three throughbores), one for receiving the clevis pin 118 for pivotally connecting the lower end of the linear actuator 108 to the lower anchor link 112, and the others for receiving the bolts 114 for rigidly connecting the lower anchor link 112 to the frame 50 of the spa 12. With respect to the upper anchor link 126, one of the throughbores is for receiving the clevis pin 118 for pivotally connecting the lever linkages 128, 130 to the upper anchor link 126, while the others are for receiving the bolts 114 for rigidly connecting the lower anchor link 112 to the frame 50 of the spa 12, as disclosed above.

[0052] FIG. 8 presents an enlarged, detail view of the lever linkage 128 (with the lever linkage 128 being substantially similarly configured). As shown therein, the lever linkage 128 is a long, plate shaped member having a first throughbore 140 at a distal end thereof configured to receivea clevis pin therethrough for pivotally connecting the lever linkage 128 to the upper anchor link 126, as discussed above. The lever linkage 128 also includes a second throughbore 142 at the proximal end therefor for receiving another clevis pin therethrough for pivotally connecting the lever linkage 128 to the distal end of the extension rod of the linear actuator 108, and a third throughbore 144 adjacent to the second throughbore 142 for receiving another clevis pin therethrough for pivotally connecting the lever linkages 128, 130 to a first end of the drive linkages 132, 134, as discussed above.

[0053] FIG. 9 presents an enlarged, detail view of the drive linkage 132 (with the drive linkage 134 being substantially similarly configured). As shown therein, the drive linkage 132 is generally L-shaped (having an elongated first member 146 and a short, second member 148 extending generally perpendicularly from the first member 146. The first member 146 includes a throughbore 150 at the first end thereof, for receiving a clevis pin therethrough for pivotally connecting the drive linkage 130 to the first and second lever linkages, 128, 130 in the manner hereinbefore described. The second member 148 also includes a throughbore 152 for receiving another clevis pin for pivotally connecting the drive linkages 130, 132 to the drive plate 106, as disclosed above.

[0054] Turning now to FIG. 10, an enlarged, detail view of the spacer 136 is illustrated. The spacer 136 generally takes the form of a washer having a throughbore 154. The throughbore is configured to receive a clevis pin therethrough, as discussed above. In an embodiment, the thickness of the spacers 136 may be chosen to provide a desired degree of spacing / alignment between components. Alternatively, or in addition, multiple spacers 136 may be utilized to provide the desired spacing or alignment between components. While clevis pins and cotter pins have been disclosed as being used to rotatably connect the components to one another, the invention is not intended to be so limited in this regard. In particular, it is contemplated that a variety of hardware or fastening means can be utilized in place of the clevis pin and cotter pin such as, for example, a bolt and a lock nut (NYLOK or equivalent). Moreover, a rubber bushing on the bolt / clevis pin can be utilized to take up space and to provide flexible movement of the actuator to alleviate stress intensities and distribute the actuator loads more evenly.

[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 11-17, additional views of the automated cover lift system 100 are shown (with drive linkages 132, 134 shown decoupled and offset from lever linkages 128, 130 for ease of illustration and for the purposes of illustrating components). As discussed above, however, in actual usage, these components are all generally aligned within the same plane. FIGS. 18-21 illustrate the automated lift system 100 coupled to the frame 50 of the spa 10. FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate the automate lift system 100 decoupled from a spa, prior to installation. FIGS. 22 and 23 also illustrate a bushing 156 and output shaft 158 attached to the drive plate 106, while FIG. 22 additionally shows a distal portion 160 of handle 104 that attaches to the output shaft 158. FIGS. 24-26 more clearly illustrate the distal portion 160 of handle 104, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 27 illustrates the automated lift system attached to the frame 50 with the handle 104 attached thereto.

[0056] Importantly, the automated cover lift system 100 of the present invention is simple, compact, robust, and very powerful. It is configured to be compatible with any frame system including, for example, steel, plastic, wood, or composite. The automated lifter system 100, and the linear actuator 108 thereof, is configured to be connected to a switch or key for activating the linear actuator 108 and motor 110 thereof.

[0057] In operation, when automated lift system 100 is actuated, the linear actuator 108 extends. The lever linkages 128, 130 are driven by extension movement of the linear actuator 108 which, in turn, pushes the drive linkages 132, 134 to rotate the drive plate 106 (which rotates the lever arm 104 due to the rigid connection therewith. This rotational force is transmitted to the spa cover via the cross member 120, which causes the cover to be moved to the open position. In this manner, linear motion of the actuator 108 is translated into precise angular movement to lower the cover to the ground. Covering the spa is effected in the same manner, but in reverse. Importantly, the automated cover lift system 100 can lift the cover from the top of the spa all the way to the ground, or stop anywhere in between, as desired for wind blockage or privacy shielding. The automated cover lift system 100 is designed and fabricated with a minimum number of critical parts to make an easily assembled and affordable lift system.

[0058] Turning to FIGS. 28-35 operation of the automated lift system 100 during an uncovering operation of the spa 10 is shown (with the housing of the spa 10 removed). As shown in FIG.28, the cover member 386 is shown in the closed position atop the spa 10, with the corresponding position of the lift system 100 shown in FIG. 29. As shown therein, in this position, the actuator 108 drive linkages 130, 132 are oriented generally vertically. As shown in FIG. 31, extension of the extension rod 109 of the linear actuator 108 causes the proximal ends of the lever linkages 128, 130 to move upwards, which causes the drive linkages 132, 134 to exert an upwards force on the drive plate 106, causes it to rotate. This rotation of the drive plate 106 causes a corresponding rotation of the distal portion 106 of the handle 104 (and thus handle 104), moving the cover member 386 to the position shown in FIG. 30. As the extension rod 109 of the linear actuator 108 continues to extend and move vertically, the proximal ends of the lever linkages 128, 130 to move further causing the drive linkages 132, 134 to further rotate the drive plate 106, as shown in FIG. 33, effecting a corresponding rotation of the distal portion 106 of the handle 104 (and thus handle 104), moving the cover member 386 to the position shown in FIG.34. Finally, as shown in FIG. 35, when the actuator 108 is fully extended to the position shown in FIG. 35, it causes the drive plate 106 to rotate to its maximum position via the linkages 128, 130 and 132, 134 which, again, causes a corresponding rotation of the lever arm 104. This position of the lift system 100 corresponds to a fully open position of the cover member 386 where the cover member 386 is oriented generally vertically adjacent to a sidewall of the spa 10. As indicated above, closing over the cover member 386 is carried out by retracting the extension rod 109 of the linear actuator 108, which causes the components thereof to move in directions that are reverse of those described above.

[0059] FIGS. 36 and 37 are perspective views of the automated lift system configured for use with the right side / corner of the spa and left side / corner of the spa, respectively. As shown therein, the drive linkages 132, 134 of each lift assembly are located on different sides of the drive plate 106 for rotating the right cover member 386 clockwise (to open such cover member) (FIG. 36), and the left side cover member 38a counterclockwise (to open such cover member) (FIG. 37).

[0060] As disclosed above, the automated lift system 100 can lift the cover from the top of the spa all the way to the ground, or stop anywhere in between, as desired for wind blockage or privacy shielding. The lifter is designed and fabricated with a minimum number of critical partsto make an easily assembled and affordable lift system. The lift system 100 can be utilized with either hard covers or soft covers.

[0061] In an embodiment, current sensing is employed to detect an overload due to too much loading on the cover (e.g., a snow load), or running the cover into an obstruction (e.g., a snow bank), or trying to close it on something that is impairing the movement. The system is configured to run the current up to a level where it will shut it off and stop movement of the linear actuator.

[0062] In an embodiment, each cover member 38a and 38Z> includes a lift system 100 associated therewith. In another embodiment, each cover member 38a and 38 / > may include a pair of lift systems 100 on opposite sides of the spa 10. In yet another embodiment, each cover member 38a and 38 / ? may include an automated lift system 100 on one side of the spa, and a passive lift system of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,526,807 and 11,359,396 on the other side of the spa.

[0063] While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and / or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A lift system for a spa cover, comprising:a lever arm having a distal end portion for supporting a spa cover, and a proximal end having a rotation axis;a drive plate coupled to the proximal end of the lever arm;an actuator configured to rotate the drive plate for effecting rotation of the lever arm about the rotation axis;at least one lever linkage pivotally connected to the actuator; andat least one drive linkage having a first end pivotally connected to the at least one lever linkage, and a second end pivotally connected to the drive plate.

2. The lift system of claim 1, further comprising:an upper anchor link rigidly connected to a frame of the spa;wherein a first end of the at least one lever linkage is pivotally connected to the upper anchor link, and a second end of the at least one lever linkage is pivotally connected to the actuator.

3. The lift system of claim 2, wherein:the at least one drive linkage is pivotally connected to the at least one lever linkage at a point intermediate the first end and the second end of the at least one lever linkage.

4. The lift system of claim 3, further comprising:a lower anchor link rigidly connected to the frame the spa;wherein a first end of the actuator is pivotally connected to the lower anchor link; and wherein a second end of the actuator is pivotally connected to the at least one lever linkage.

5. The lift system of claim 3, wherein:the actuator is a linear actuator.

6. The lift system of claim 1, wherein:the at least one drive linkage is L-shaped.

7. The lift system of claim 1, wherein:the at least one drive linkage is pivotally connected to the drive plate adjacent to a peripheral edge of the drive plate.

8. The lift system of claim 1, wherein:the least one lever linkage is a pair of lever linkages; andat least one drive linkage is a pair of drive linkages.

9. The lift system of claim 8, wherein:the pair of drive linkages are located on opposing sides of the drive plate.

10. The lift system of claim 9, further comprising:a pin extending through the drive plate and respective seconds ends of the pair drive linkages.

11. The lift system of claim 8, wherein:the actuator includes an extension rod;wherein a distal end of the extension rod is located intermediate the pair of drive linkages.

12. The lift system of claim 11, further comprising:a pin extending through distal end of the extension rod and though the respective second ends of the pair of lever linkages.

13. The lift system of claim 1, wherein:the drive plate is disc shaped.

14. A spa, comprising:a housing having interior chamber for containing a volume of water;a cover positionable over the housing; anda lift system including:a lever arm having a distal end portion for supporting a spa cover, and a proximal end having a rotation axis;a drive plate coupled to the proximal end of the lever arm;an actuator configured to rotate the drive plate for effecting rotation of the lever arm about the rotation axis;at least one lever linkage pivotally connected to the actuator; and at least one drive linkage having a first end pivotally connected to the at least one lever linkage, and a second end pivotally connected to the drive plate.

15. The spa of claim 14, wherein the lift system further includes:an upper anchor link rigidly connected to a frame of the spa;a lower anchor link rigidly connected to the frame the spa;wherein a first end of the at least one lever linkage is pivotally connected to the upper anchor link;wherein a first end of the actuator is pivotally connected to the lower anchor link; and wherein a second end of the actuator is pivotally connected to a second end of the at least one lever linkage.

16. The spa of claim 14, wherein:the at least one drive linkage is pivotally connected to the at least one lever linkage at a point intermediate the first end and the second end of the at least one lever linkage.

17. The spa of claim 14, wherein:the least one lever linkage is a pair of lever linkages;wherein at least one drive linkage is a pair of drive linkages; andwherein the pair of drive linkages are located on opposing sides of the drive plate.

18. A lift system for a spa cover, comprising:a lever arm having a distal end portion for supporting a spa cover, and a proximal end having a rotation axis;a drive plate coupled to the proximal end of the lever arm and rotatable with the lever arm;an actuator configured to rotate the drive plate for effecting rotation of the lever arm about the rotation axis;a pair of lever linkage pivotally connected to the actuator; anda pair of drive linkages each having a first end pivotally connected to the pair of lever linkages, and a second end pivotally connected to the drive plate.

19. The lift system of claim 18, further comprising:an upper anchor link rigidly connected to a frame of the spa;a lower anchor link rigidly connected to the frame the spa;wherein respective first ends of the pair of lever linkages are pivotally connected to the upper anchor link;wherein a first end of the actuator is pivotally connected to the lower anchor link; and wherein a second end of the actuator is pivotally connected to respective second ends of the pair of lever linkages.

20. The lift system of claim 18, wherein:the pair of drive linkages are L-shaped.

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