US20050132486A1 - Spa cover lifter - Google Patents

Spa cover lifter Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050132486A1
US20050132486A1 US10/741,937 US74193703A US2005132486A1 US 20050132486 A1 US20050132486 A1 US 20050132486A1 US 74193703 A US74193703 A US 74193703A US 2005132486 A1 US2005132486 A1 US 2005132486A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
spa
cover lifter
lifter according
spa cover
mount blocks
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/741,937
Inventor
John Tedrick
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/741,937 priority Critical patent/US20050132486A1/en
Publication of US20050132486A1 publication Critical patent/US20050132486A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
    • E04H4/08—Coverings consisting of rigid elements, e.g. coverings composed of separate or connected elements
    • E04H4/084—Coverings consisting of rigid elements, e.g. coverings composed of separate or connected elements with lifting mechanism

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lifting mechanism for removing and replacing the cover of a spa
  • the use of spas has become widespread, and most spas are equipped with covers which when closed prevents debris, rain and the like from contaminating the tub water.
  • the cover further serves to retain heat within the tub.
  • spa covers tend to be relatively heavy and difficult to remove and replace.
  • Lifting devices have been developed to aid in the removal and replacement of these relatively heavy spa covers which can be operated with varying amounts of difficulty. Some problems exist with past lifting mechanism designs. A unit with one bar can produce excessive wear on the edge of spa and the bottom of the spa cover when the cover is slid and pushed to the “off” position.
  • This invention is designed to lift a spa cover ( 22 - 23 ) and allow the cover to be rotated to clear the spa tub ( 21 ).
  • Method for raising and lowering is accomplished by using one of the several power devices, namely a pivoted lever ( 28 ), an over center linkage ( 35 ), a scissor jack ( 43 ), a screw and nut assembly ( 52 ), a spool and cable ( 59 ).
  • a selected device applies an upward force on push tube ( 26 ).
  • Crane arm ( 27 ) is attached to the push tube ( 26 ).
  • Various attachments may be used to hold the cover to the crane arm.
  • Upper ported mount blocks ( 24 ) and lower ported mount blocks ( 25 ) maintain alignment for push tube ( 26 ) operation.
  • a post ( 50 ) may be installed near the spa ( 21 ) to provide lifting without attachment to the spa ( 21 ). When using the post the mount blocks ( 62 ) and ( 64 ) are attached directly to the post. Emplacement ( 51 ) keeps post ( 50 ) in place.
  • the hand lever ( 28 ) is held in place by the support ( 30 ) which is attached to the lower ported mount block ( 64 ) by bolts ( 31 ). The lever rotates about pin ( 29 ).
  • the over center link ( 40 ) is elbow shaped to fit under push tube ( 26 ) and extend upward to attach to crank ( 35 ) utilizing pivot pin ( 39 ).
  • Crank ( 35 ) is held in place by outer support ( 36 ) and inner support ( 38 ).
  • Inner support ( 38 ) is joined to upper ported mount block ( 24 ) with bolt ( 37 ).
  • the crank ( 35 ) is held in place by inner bearing block ( 44 ) attached to the post.
  • Outer bearing block ( 44 ) sets atop support ( 36 ) which in turn is attached to post ( 50 ).
  • the scissor screw lift ( 43 ) is mounted directly under the push tube ( 26 ).
  • the crank ( 41 ) is attached to the scissor screw ( 43 ).
  • Bearing ( 42 ) holds the crank ( 41 ) in the operating position.
  • the crank ( 41 ) is held in place by bearing ( 42 ).
  • the screw and cable crank ( 52 ) is mounted utilizing bearing block ( 53 ).
  • Nut ( 54 ) travels along the threaded crank ( 52 ), pulling cable ( 56 ) over scheve ( 45 ) thus raising or lowering cup ( 55 ) which is meshed with the bottom of push tube ( 26 ).
  • a bearing block ( 57 ) is mounted on the post, another bearing block ( 67 ) is mounted on post ( 50 ) to guide crank ( 52 ).
  • a mount ( 53 ) attached to the post ( 50 ) is provided to mount scheve ( 45 ).
  • FIG. ( 1 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the hand lever provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. ( 2 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the hand lever provides the lifting power.
  • the post is set in its emplacement.
  • FIG. ( 3 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the over center linkage provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. ( 4 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the over center linkage provides the lifting power.
  • the post is set in its emplacement.
  • FIG. ( 5 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the scissor screw provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. ( 6 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the scissor screw provides the lifting power.
  • the post is set in its emplacement.
  • FIG. ( 7 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the screw and cable provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. ( 8 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the screw and cable provides the lifting power.
  • the post is set in its emplacement.
  • FIG. ( 9 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the spool and cable provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. ( 10 ) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the spool and cable provides the lifting power.
  • the post is set in its emplacement.

Abstract

A device for removing spa covers and putting them aside while the spa is in use, and returning them to cover the spa after use. This invention lifts the cover in the flat position, then the cover may be rotated clockwise or counter clockwise to uncover the spa for use.

Description

  • This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/437,968 filed May 15, 2003.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Field of the Invention
  • The invention relates to a lifting mechanism for removing and replacing the cover of a spa The use of spas has become widespread, and most spas are equipped with covers which when closed prevents debris, rain and the like from contaminating the tub water. The cover further serves to retain heat within the tub. As a consequence, spa covers tend to be relatively heavy and difficult to remove and replace.
  • Lifting devices have been developed to aid in the removal and replacement of these relatively heavy spa covers which can be operated with varying amounts of difficulty. Some problems exist with past lifting mechanism designs. A unit with one bar can produce excessive wear on the edge of spa and the bottom of the spa cover when the cover is slid and pushed to the “off” position.
  • With only one lift bar rigidity suffers and spa covers tends to become angularity offset when the operator pulls or pushes on one side only.
  • Many lifters require the user to fold the cover at the half-way seam. If the wind is blowing at a stiff breeze this can be a difficult struggle for a young athletic person, an impossible task for the elderly or disabled person. However, many spa owners do not have adequate space to rotate a large cover. Thus owners could request a folding cover on a rotating lifter, this choice is illustrated in these embodiments.
    • DESCRTIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention is designed to lift a spa cover (22-23) and allow the cover to be rotated to clear the spa tub (21). Method for raising and lowering is accomplished by using one of the several power devices, namely a pivoted lever (28), an over center linkage (35), a scissor jack (43), a screw and nut assembly (52), a spool and cable (59).
  • A selected device applies an upward force on push tube (26). Crane arm (27) is attached to the push tube (26). Various attachments may be used to hold the cover to the crane arm. Upper ported mount blocks (24) and lower ported mount blocks (25) maintain alignment for push tube (26) operation. A post (50) may be installed near the spa (21) to provide lifting without attachment to the spa (21). When using the post the mount blocks (62) and (64) are attached directly to the post. Emplacement (51) keeps post (50) in place.
  • The hand lever (28) is held in place by the support (30) which is attached to the lower ported mount block (64) by bolts (31). The lever rotates about pin (29).
  • The over center link (40) is elbow shaped to fit under push tube (26) and extend upward to attach to crank (35) utilizing pivot pin (39). Crank (35) is held in place by outer support (36) and inner support (38). Inner support (38) is joined to upper ported mount block (24) with bolt (37). When using the separate post (50) the crank (35) is held in place by inner bearing block (44) attached to the post. Outer bearing block (44) sets atop support (36) which in turn is attached to post (50).
  • The scissor screw lift (43) is mounted directly under the push tube (26). The crank (41) is attached to the scissor screw (43). Bearing (42) holds the crank (41) in the operating position. When using the separate post (50) the crank (41) is held in place by bearing (42).
  • The screw and cable crank (52) is mounted utilizing bearing block (53). Nut (54) travels along the threaded crank (52), pulling cable (56) over scheve (45) thus raising or lowering cup (55) which is meshed with the bottom of push tube (26). When using the separate post (50) a bearing block (57) is mounted on the post, another bearing block (67) is mounted on post (50) to guide crank (52). A mount (53) attached to the post (50) is provided to mount scheve (45).
    • DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following drawings. The crane arm with cover attached is common to all drawings.
  • FIG. (1) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the hand lever provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. (2) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the hand lever provides the lifting power. The post is set in its emplacement.
  • FIG. (3) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the over center linkage provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. (4) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the over center linkage provides the lifting power. The post is set in its emplacement.
  • FIG. (5) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the scissor screw provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. (6) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the scissor screw provides the lifting power. The post is set in its emplacement.
  • FIG. (7) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the screw and cable provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. (8) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the screw and cable provides the lifting power. The post is set in its emplacement.
  • FIG. (9) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the spool and cable provides the lifting power.
  • FIG. (10) is a front view of the spa with mount blocks attached to a post near the spa, push tube is aligned through the blocks, and the spool and cable provides the lifting power. The post is set in its emplacement.

Claims (16)

1. A spa cover lifter in combination with a spa and a spa cover, said spa cover lifter comprising upper and lower mount blocks having ports, said mount blocks being mounted relative to the spa with said ports vertically aligned over one another, a vertical push tube aligned through said ports and having vertical and rotational movements, a means for raising and lowering said push tube with crane arm attached to an upper side of said push tube, and attachments connecting the cover to said crane arm.
2. The spa cover lifter according to claim 1, said raising and lowering means comprising a hand lever.
3. The spa cover lifter according to claim 2, said mount blocks being fixed to said spa.
4. The spa cover lifter according to claim 2, said mount blocks being connected proximate said spa.
5. The spa cover lifter according to claim 1, said raising and lowering means comprising a over center linkage.
6. The spa cover lifter according to claim 5, said mount blocks being fixed to said spa.
7. The spa cover lifter according to claim 5, said mount blocks being connected proximate said spa.
8. The spa cover lifter according to claim 1, said raising and lowering means comprising a scissor screw.
9. The spa cover lifter according to claim 8, said mount blocks being fixed to said spa.
10. The spa cover lifter according to claim 8, said mount blocks being connected proximate said spa.
11. The spa cover lifter according to claim 1, said raising and lowering means comprising a screw and cable.
12. The spa cover lifter according to claim 11, said mount blocks being fixed to said spa.
13. The spa cover lifter according to claim 11, said mount blocks being connected proximate said spa.
14. The spa cover lifter according to claim 1, said raising and lowering means comprising a spool and cable.
15. The spa cover lifter according to claim 14, said mount blocks being fixed to said spa.
16. The spa cover lifter according to claim 14, said mount blocks being connected proximate said spa.
US10/741,937 2003-12-22 2003-12-22 Spa cover lifter Abandoned US20050132486A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/741,937 US20050132486A1 (en) 2003-12-22 2003-12-22 Spa cover lifter

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/741,937 US20050132486A1 (en) 2003-12-22 2003-12-22 Spa cover lifter

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US20050132486A1 true US20050132486A1 (en) 2005-06-23

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170284114A1 (en) * 2016-03-31 2017-10-05 Carl Gavin Spa cover lifter system and method
US11078679B2 (en) * 2019-08-02 2021-08-03 Hot Tub Products, Llc Universal system to mechanize a cover lifter on a spa tub

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1028499A (en) * 1911-03-27 1912-06-04 Cincinnati Galvanizing Company Can with self-closing lid.
US1634029A (en) * 1926-06-21 1927-06-28 Korkames Joe Food container
US2955452A (en) * 1957-03-06 1960-10-11 American Laundry Mach Co Extractor
US3021530A (en) * 1960-03-21 1962-02-20 Same E Sears Combination awning and swimming pool cover
US3895400A (en) * 1973-03-19 1975-07-22 Raymond Robinson Kelcey Covering for recreational areas
US4163295A (en) * 1976-07-26 1979-08-07 Johann Schutz Pool cover
US5048153A (en) * 1990-02-14 1991-09-17 Starlite Leisure Products, Inc. Spa cover lift mechanism
US5531541A (en) * 1995-03-22 1996-07-02 Fairfield Industries Manhole cover lifting apparatus
US5819332A (en) * 1996-10-17 1998-10-13 Perry; Gary L. Spa/hot tub cover removal apparatus and method
US5974600A (en) * 1998-10-15 1999-11-02 Hercules Products, Inc. Spa cover
US6032305A (en) * 1997-10-10 2000-03-07 Tedrick; John Spa cover lifter
US6550077B1 (en) * 2002-09-05 2003-04-22 John Tedrick Spa cover lifter

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1028499A (en) * 1911-03-27 1912-06-04 Cincinnati Galvanizing Company Can with self-closing lid.
US1634029A (en) * 1926-06-21 1927-06-28 Korkames Joe Food container
US2955452A (en) * 1957-03-06 1960-10-11 American Laundry Mach Co Extractor
US3021530A (en) * 1960-03-21 1962-02-20 Same E Sears Combination awning and swimming pool cover
US3895400A (en) * 1973-03-19 1975-07-22 Raymond Robinson Kelcey Covering for recreational areas
US4163295A (en) * 1976-07-26 1979-08-07 Johann Schutz Pool cover
US5048153A (en) * 1990-02-14 1991-09-17 Starlite Leisure Products, Inc. Spa cover lift mechanism
US5531541A (en) * 1995-03-22 1996-07-02 Fairfield Industries Manhole cover lifting apparatus
US5819332A (en) * 1996-10-17 1998-10-13 Perry; Gary L. Spa/hot tub cover removal apparatus and method
US6032305A (en) * 1997-10-10 2000-03-07 Tedrick; John Spa cover lifter
US5974600A (en) * 1998-10-15 1999-11-02 Hercules Products, Inc. Spa cover
US6550077B1 (en) * 2002-09-05 2003-04-22 John Tedrick Spa cover lifter

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170284114A1 (en) * 2016-03-31 2017-10-05 Carl Gavin Spa cover lifter system and method
US10370864B2 (en) * 2016-03-31 2019-08-06 Carl Gavin Spa cover lifter system and method
US11078679B2 (en) * 2019-08-02 2021-08-03 Hot Tub Products, Llc Universal system to mechanize a cover lifter on a spa tub

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