Abstract:
A portable spa enclosure provides an aesthetically pleasing cover for pre-manufactured spas. Additionally, spa hardware is concealed by the spa enclosure, while lighting is recessed to provide a “soft” light solution.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to enclosures for spas. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hot tubs are pools designed to hold heated water and are used for soaking, relaxation, massage, or hydrotherapy. Many users of hot tubs have their hot tubs installed at their homes. Naturally, these users seek to have tubs that enhance the aesthetics of the location in which the hot tub is installed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable spa enclosure according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable spa enclosure according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of an embodiment of a corner piece of a portable spa enclosure according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of an embodiment of a corner piece of a portable spa enclosure according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of an embodiment of a corner piece of a portable spa enclosure according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a corner piece of a portable spa enclosure according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable spa enclosure according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a buckle that is used in conjunction with a corner piece of a portable spa enclosure according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An illustrative embodiment of a decorative spa enclosure is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The enclosure  11  includes four side panels  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  19 . Three of the side panels  15 ,  17 ,  19  may be identically constructed while side panel  13  is provided with an opening  29  for purposes of installing a spa equipment control panel. 
     At each of the four corners of the enclosure  11 , respective side panels interface with corner pieces  21 ,  23 ,  25 ,  27 . Each of the corner pieces  21 ,  23 ,  25 ,  27  is preferably a molded plastic part, each having an elongated scallop or depression  31 ,  34 ,  33 ,  32  formed therein. A downlight  36  is located above each scallop or depression  31 ,  34 ,  33 ,  32  so as to illuminate it to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance at night. 
     Each of the side panels  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  19  are preferably formed from a thin, e.g., 0.350 inches thick, plastic sheet, and are supported by respective backing frame structures  57 . The frame structures  57  are shown as comprising a rectangular lattice work in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, they could be variously configured, as those skilled in the art will appreciate. 
     The panels  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  19  and corner pieces  21 ,  23 ,  25 ,  27  are attached to and supported by an internal cabinet structure. The cabinet structure includes lower horizontal frame members  43 ,  44  and vertical support members  41 , as well as upper horizontal frame members  45 . The lower horizontal frame support member  44  is fixedly attached to the adjacent horizontal frame member  43 ′ The vertical frame members  41  are fixedly attached to the lower horizontal frame member  44  and to the upper horizontal frame member  45 . Base frame members  56 ,  58  are further provided to enhance the rigidity of the structure. The frame and cabinet structures shown may be fabricated from wood, composite, or other suitable materials. 
     Additionally, bullnoses e.g.,  47 ,  49  are disposed around the upper periphery of the frame structure. These bullnoses  47 ,  49  are provided to support an outer lip of a cooperating spa shell, which preferably conceals them to form a complete spa unit, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     The construction of one of the corner pieces  25  is illustrated in further detail in  FIGS. 3 to 6 . The corner piece  25  is preferably thermo formed from a single ABS plastic sheet using an appropriate mold. The corner piece  25  includes a curved, contoured body portion  75  and a scallop or depression  33 , which includes a smaller depression  73  that provides for installation of a cover buckle  37  provided to facilitate tie-down of a spa cover. The scallop or depression  33  has a generally linear upper edge  78  with respective sides  91 ,  93  curving symmetrically toward an end point  95  to create a shield-like shape. In  FIG. 6 , numeral “ 74 ” indicates the arcuate cross-section of the depression  33 . 
     At the lower end of the corner piece  25  is formed a horizontally extending bottom web  79 . The horizontally extending bottom web  79  may include screw recesses  81 ,  83  for facilitating attachment to the cabinet structure. In  FIGS. 3-6 , dimension W 1  may be, for example, 19.377 inches, while dimension W 2  may be 17.738 inches according to one illustrative embodiment. 
     Each of the respective side panels  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  19  includes first and second horizontal grooves  61 , with use of a single groove as illustrated in  FIG. 7  being an optional alternative. The side panels are preferably formed of ABS plastic with an acrylic film applied to the front surface thereof. Preferably the plastic and film are extruded together at the same time (“co-extruded”). This process may enable, for example, a decorative wood-grain effect to be obtained. With such a wood grain appearance, the flat plastic panel gives the appearance of wood siding, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a buckle  37  used for connection of a spa cover, according to embodiments. The buckle may be equipped with a locking mechanism as a safety feature to prevent the spa cover from being removed without the use of a key or combination. 
     While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.