Patent Publication Number: US-7721361-B1

Title: Spa enclosure apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/769,345 filed Jan. 30, 2004 now abandoned, entitled “Convertible Enclosure for Spas.” 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to a hot-tub and more particularly to spa enclosure apparatus for use over the hot-tub. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Hot tubs and/or spas typically utilized in the outside environment of a residential home contain heated water often circulated with numerous jets, and air bubblers that sooth and relax the bather. The inside liner of the tubs and spas typically form seats or lounging areas wherein the jets are strategically placed to massage specific areas of the bather. Because the spa is often located outside, it is exposed to seasonal weather changes that can be considerably colder than the heated temperature of the spa water. Consequently, cumbersome insulated covers are placed directly over the spa to minimize heat loss, preserve energy, and prevent water evaporation. 
   The weight and size of the insulated covers can create cover removal and placement difficulty for the bather. Consequently, cover removal devices are known that minimize the required lifting effort by the bather. One such device is disclosed in Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,985, filed Mar. 31, 1988, and in Tudor, U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,599, filed Jan. 9, 1998, both being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
   Unfortunately, once the cover is removed and the bather(s) are relaxing within the hot tub or spa, the degree of privacy for the outdoor bather(s) is greatly minimized. Moreover, the bather when in the spa may be exposed to the harsh rays of the sun or bothered by surrounding insects and overhead birds. Yet further, falling debris from surrounding trees can clog the spa filter. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A spa enclosure apparatus has a convertible awning spanning over and spaced generally vertically from a hot tub when in use, and preferably an insulated cover assembly for covering the hot tub when not in use. Preferably, the cover assembly is engaged to and operates in conjunction with the convertible awning. The convertible awning has a canopy supported by and extending between two substantially parallel arcuate rods of the convertible awning. Each arcuate rod preferably connects to a substantially vertical shaft preferably of the cover assembly located substantially near respective rear corners of the spa. The arcuate rods extend upward from the vertical shafts, bend, and project over the hot tub to respective forward corners of the hot tub. Preferably, two substantially vertical columns of the convertible awning project upward from the vicinity of the respective forward corners to engage the distal ends of the arcuate rods. 
   The cover assembly has a cover preferably foldable and generally bisected by a joint into inward and outward wings for substantially vertical storage near the rear corners when in the removed position, and a spa removal mechanism preferably engaged to the cover at the joint. In a first embodiment, the shafts act generally as spokes and are part of the cover removal mechanism with hollow tubes engaged to and extending along the spokes for concentric receipt of the rods when the cover is in the removed position. In a second embodiment, the cover has a pocket in one of the wings that opens upward when in the removed position for storage of the convertible awning when the cover assembly is in covered position over the spa. The shafts of the cover assembly are preferably located in the pocket and project outwardly. The rods, which are telescoping and resiliently flexible, concentrically engage the shafts and project upward out of the pocket and resiliently bending over the spa and to the preferable columns. Preferably, both embodiments have a cross member extending substantially horizontally between the distal ends of the arcuate rods to add rigidity to the convertible awning when assembled. 
   Objects, features and advantages of this invention include a relatively inexpensive, robust, light weight and easily assembled convertible awning for a hot tub capable of utilizing pre-existing structure of a cover assembly. Moreover, the convertible awning is resistant to corrosion and moisture, capable of maintaining a taught canopy in changing weather conditions, protects the bather from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, provides bathing privacy, and is easily disassembled. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and best mode, appended claims, and accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a forward perspective view of a spa enclosure apparatus embodying the present invention and utilized generally over a hot tub; 
       FIG. 2  is a rearward perspective view of the spa enclosure apparatus; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the spa enclosure apparatus; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial enlarged view of the spa enclosure apparatus illustrating engagement of a convertible awning to a cover removal mechanism of a cover assembly; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross section of the spa enclosure apparatus illustrating first and second support structures of the convertible awning shown assembled and taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the convertible awning illustrating engagement of fasteners and vertical columns of the support structures; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial front view of the convertible awning detailing engagement of the spacer column to a cross member of the convertible awning; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial cross section of the convertible awning illustrating engagement of the spacer column to the cross member when assembled and taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a partial cross section of the spa enclosure apparatus illustrating a base tube of the support structure engaged to a shaft of the cover removal mechanism with the arcuate rod of the support structure removed to show internal detail, and taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a forward perspective view of a second embodiment of a spa enclosure apparatus utilized generally over a hot tub; 
       FIG. 11  is partial perspective view of the spa enclosure apparatus illustrating a cover of a cover assembly of the second embodiment with a panel of the cover removed to show internal detail further illustrating a convertible awning in a stored state; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross section of the cover taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 ; and 
       FIG. 13  is a cross section of the cover taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 11 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a spa enclosure apparatus  18  embodying the present invention is used generally as an accessory over a spa or hot-tub  42  that preferably stores heated water for recreational use. The spa enclosure apparatus  18  preferably has a cover assembly  31  that maintains water purity and temperature when the spa  42  is not in use and preferably a convertible awning  20  for sheltering occupants of the hot tub when in use. The convertible awning  20  generally moves or cooperates with the spa cover assembly  31  as dictated by a spa cover removal mechanism  22  of the spa cover assembly  31 . One form of the spa cover removal mechanism  22  has a substantially U-shaped frame  24  that pivots about a pivoting axis  56  as it lifts and suspends the weight of a spa cover  34  of the spa cover assembly  31  thereby guiding the cover  34  between covered and removed positions, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,599, filed Jan. 9, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
   For compact storage when in the removed position, the cover  34  has a mid-section or joint  32  that generally bisects the folding spa cover  34  into a forward wing  33  and a rearward wing  35  that are connected to each other along the joint  32 . When the cover  34  is in the covered position, the wings  33 ,  35  are spread and lie within a common, horizontal, imaginary plane and the U-shape of the frame lies near to this plane. When the cover  34  is in the removed position, the U-shape of the frame  24  is generally inverted and the wings  33 ,  35  are aligned or layered bottom-to-bottom, with respect to the covered position, and substantially vertical with the forward wing  33  located between a rear side  50  of the spa  42  and the rearward wing  35 . 
   The U-shaped frame  24  is preferably tubular and unitary having a substantially horizontal upper portion or bar  26  extending between two shafts or spokes  28 ,  30  that project at least partially downward preferably on opposite sides  38 ,  40  of the spa  42  and to the pivoting axis  56 . The substantially horizontal bar  26  connects to and co-extends with the joint  32  across the width of folding spa cover  34 . The spokes  28 ,  30  are preferably L-shaped and lie within imaginary planes disposed substantially parallel to respective sides  38 ,  40  of the spa  42 . Each spoke  28 ,  30  has an upper portion or stanchion  52  extending between the bar  26  and a lower portion or foot  36 . The foot  36  is orientated at an approximate right angle to the stanchion  52  and projects therefrom to the pivoting axis  56  where the feet  36  are pivotally engaged to the respective left and right sides  38 ,  40  of the spa  42 , or substantially near to the spa sides  38 ,  40 , and slightly forward of respective left and right rear corners  44 ,  46  of the spa  42 . 
   When the spa cover  34  is in an installed or closed position (not shown), the open perspective of the pivoting L-shaped spokes  28 ,  30  are opened generally in a forward and downward direction. As the spa cover removal mechanism  22  pivots toward the removed position  48 , the bar  26  lifts the mid-section  32  of the cover  34  upward and rearward causing the cover  34  to fold upon itself, generally dangling the wings  33 ,  35  and then re-positioning into the removed position  48  orientating the wings  33 ,  35  adjacent to the rear side  50  of the spa  42 . With the spa cover  34  in the removed position  48 , the open perspective of the L-shaped spokes  28 ,  30  are directed in a slightly upward and substantially forward direction placing the stanchions  52  in a substantially vertical orientation yet angling slightly rearward as the stanchions project away from the axis  56  and to the bar  26 , and with the respective feet  36  disposed substantially horizontal. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , the convertible awning  20  of the spa enclosure apparatus  18  is integrated with the cover removal mechanism  22  of the cover assembly  31  via a pair of bases or hollow tubes  58 ,  60  engaged to and co-extending with the substantially straight stanchions  52  of the spokes  28 ,  30 . When the cover assembly  31  is in the covered position, only the tubes  58 ,  60  of the convertible awning  20  are assembled to the removal mechanism  22 . However, when the cover assembly  31  is in the removed position  48 , the convertible awning  20  can then be easily and fully assembled. Moreover, by securing the hollow tubes  58 ,  60  directly to the surrounding ground or opposite sides  38 ,  40  of the spa  42 , the convertible awning  20  can be used separate from the cover removal mechanism  22  enabling assembly of the awning regardless of the spa cover assembly  31  position. 
   The left and right base tubes  58 ,  60  are part of respective left and right flexible whip devices or support structure  62 ,  64 , that support an overhead canopy  65  of the convertible awning  20 . Each structure  62 ,  64  has an arcuate rod  66 ,  68  extending between a preferably cylindrical base end  70 , seated axially or longitudinally into the hollow base tubes  58 ,  60 , and a distal end  72  spaced above respective left and right forward corners  74 ,  76  of the spa  42 . Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 9 , the arcuate rods  66 ,  68  are held snugly within the tubes  58 ,  60  by friction inducing sleeves or sheets  106 ,  108  that are preferably made of a flexible plastic having a knurled or dimpled surface and are rolled and placed into the base tubes  58 ,  60 . When the rods  66 ,  68  are seated axially into the tubes  58 ,  60  the rolled sheets  106 ,  108  are disposed radially between the respective rod and the tube. 
   The rods  66 ,  68  can be yieldably flexible, bending resiliently from the base ends  70 , or can be substantially rigid having elbows or fittings as needed to properly orientate the overhead canopy  65 . Regardless, the arcuate rods  66 ,  68  project substantially upward from the tubes  58 ,  60  and bend over the spa  42  toward the forward corners  74 ,  76 . A rigid elongated cross member  78  (as best shown in  FIGS. 6-8 ) preferably extends between and engages to the two distal ends  72  maintaining a predefined space between the rods  66 ,  68 . Preferably, the ends of the rigid cross member  78  engage the respective distal ends  72  of the rods  66 ,  68  via respective plastic ninety degree fittings or elbows  80 . The cloth-like canopy  65  is stretched over the spa  42  and has a sleeve-like periphery  82  that receives the rods  66 ,  68  and cross member  78  or otherwise attaches generally continuously along the rods  66 ,  68 , and the rigid cross member  78 . Although not illustrated, it would now be conceivable to one skilled in the art to use the arcuate rods  66 ,  68  without the cross member  78 , however, lateral strength of the rods  66 ,  68  would be lost thus reducing taughtness of the canopy  65 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , the canopy  65  and arcuate rods  66 ,  68  are further stabilized by substantially vertical and rigid left and right columns  88 ,  90  engaged between respective forward corners  74 ,  76  of the spa  42  and opposite ends  92 ,  94  of the cross member  78  near the distal ends  72  of the left and right arcuate rods  66 ,  68 . Releasable engagement of a bottom end  96  of each spacer column  88 ,  90  to the spa  42  is preferably achieved by suction cups  98  attached permanently to the bottom ends  96 . A concave top end  100  of the column  88 ,  90  preferably connects to the cross member  78  via a fastener or plastic tie wrap  102  routed through a hole  104  communicating laterally through the column  88 ,  90 , and encircling the cross member  78  (as best shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
   If the rods  66 ,  68  are generally rigid and naturally curved, the columns  88 ,  90  are used to vertically space and support the weight of the canopy  65  over the spa  42 . If the rods  66 ,  68  are resiliently flexed, the columns  88 ,  90  function primarily as vertical spacers and are preferably used in conjunction with two respective elongated fasteners or resiliently stretchable cords  84 ,  86  that connect substantially near the forward corners  74 ,  76  of the spa  42  and the distal ends  72  of the flexed rods  66 ,  68 . In this instance, the columns  88 ,  90  do not support the weight of the canopy  65 , and instead the cords  84 ,  86  are used to prevent the resiliently flexed rods  66 ,  68  from whipping up and back to a natural state. Because the resilient force of the flexible rods  66 ,  68  places the cords  84 ,  86  under tension, the cords  84 ,  86  can conceivably replace the rigid columns  88 ,  90  altogether. Although this would reduce the number of parts and the complexity of assembly, some lateral strength of the convertible awning  20  would be lost. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , although more costly to manufacture the convertible awning  20  having rods  66 ,  68  that are resiliently flexible, is that when the rods  66 ,  68  are in the flexed state, the biasing force of the rods  66 ,  68  can be used to further hold the canopy  65  laterally taught between the rods  66 ,  68 . That is, the canopy  65  is pulled taught in a lateral direction with respect to the left and right flex rods  66 ,  68  and as designated by arrows  112 . This lateral pull is created in-part by the tendency of the left tube  58  to slide circumferentially counter-clockwise with respect to the left shaft  28  (as designated by arrow  114 ) and the right tube  60  to slide circumferentially clock-wise with respect to the right shaft  30  (as designated by arrow  116 ). The circumferential slide of the tubes  58 ,  60  is induced by the forward flexing of the rods  66 ,  68  and the forward pull upon the whip devices  62 ,  64  created by the preferably bungee-type cords  84 ,  86 . 
   During assembly of the convertible awning  20  with flexible rods  66 ,  68 , positioning of the left tube  58  in a slightly less than twelve-noon position with respect to the left shaft  28 , and the right tube  60  in a slightly greater than twelve-noon position with respect to the right shaft  30  not only assures the proper directions (arrows  114 ,  116 ) of circumferential slide to pull the canopy  65  taught, but also causes the flex rods  66 ,  68  to clear the U-shaped frame  24  when flexing forward (as best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
   A series of axially spaced fastening bands or plastic tie wraps  118  hold the tubes  58 ,  60  laterally against the stanchions  52  of the left and right spokes  28 ,  30  of the spa cover removal mechanism  22 , thus resisting the tendency of the base ends  70  of the rods  66 ,  68  to move rearward when the rods are flexed forward. Longitudinal skewing of the tubes  58 ,  60  with respect to the spokes  28 ,  30  is prevented by a contoured outer circumferential face  120  of the tubes that defines a longitudinally extending recess  122  having a radius of curvature that substantially conforms to the radius of the stanchions  52 . The face  120  of the tubes  58 ,  60  thus slidably seats to an opposing circular surface  124  of the stanchions  52  at the recesses  122 . 
   Also pulling the canopy  65  taught in a lateral direction with respect to the arcuate rods  66 ,  68  are a series of elongated spacer bows or spreader tubes  126 . Each tube  126  extends laterally between the rods  66 ,  68  and are appropriately spaced apart from one-another to shape or contour the canopy  65  as needed to reflect or drain-off rain water and provide a pleasing wrinkle-free appearance to the canopy. Each spreader tube  126  is slightly longer than the distance between the rods  66 ,  68  thus creating the bow effect and maintaining the canopy  65  under a constant tension. T-shaped end portions of each spreader tube  126  has a C-shaped cross-section, contoured to snugly it and partially wrap about the cylindrical contour of each rod  66 ,  68 . When assembling the convertible awning  20 , the spreader tubes  126  are preferably installed last or after the arcuate rods  66 ,  68  are in position. To install, the user applies a force to resiliently bend the tube  126  generally at the middle to slip the tube  126  between the rods  66 ,  68 . Release of this force causes the tube  126  to partially and resiliently flex back until the T-shaped end portions snugly fit or lock to the rods  66 ,  68 . During disassembly of the convertible awning  20 , re-applying the flexing force to the spreader tubes  126  will release the tubes  126  from the arcuate rods  66 ,  68 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , travel of the U-shaped frame  24  of the cover lilting mechanism  22  is limited by a pair of steel cables or tethers  128  secured between the respective sides  38 ,  40  of the spa  42  and the straight upper portions  52  of the spokes  28 ,  30  (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,063, incorporated herein by reference for further detail). The tethers  128  have a loop  130  which wraps securely about the spokes  28 ,  30 . Preferably, the integrated convertible awning  20  utilizes the loops  130  as a type of circumferential rib to prevent axial movement of the tubes  58 ,  60  of the respective support structures  62 ,  64  with respect to the spokes  28 ,  30 . Each tube  58 ,  60  carries a lateral outward groove  132  which seats the respective loops  130  of the tethers  128 . Axial movement of the rods  66 ,  68  with respect to the tubes  58 ,  60  is prevented once assembled by a plug  134  engaged to the base end  70  of each tube  58 ,  60 . Preferably, the plug  134  is threaded into the end of the tube  58 ,  60 , however, it may also be molded as a unitary piece with the tube  58 ,  60 , or secured in other ways such as adhesive. To prevent water from settling within the tubes  58 ,  60  when the convertible awning  20  is disassembled, each plug  134  preferably carries a hole (not shown) for water drainage. Keeping the tubes  58 ,  60  free of pooled water assures that freezing water will not damage the tubes  58 ,  60  during cold weather. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the forward portion of the convertible awning  20  is preferably further stabilized laterally by two angled flexible braces  140  which extend between and snap fit to the cross member  78  and respective spacer columns  88 ,  90 . Each brace  140  has chamfered end faces  142  which conform to the contour of the cylindrical surface of the columns  88 ,  90  and cross member  78 . Projecting axially outward from each face  142  is a pin  144  that snap fits into a corresponding hole  146  carried by the walls of the cross member  78  and spacer columns  88 ,  90 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the rigidity of the assembled arcuate rods  66 ,  68  (flexible or rigid), cross member  78  and vertical columns  88 ,  90  provide an ideal support structure for a surrounding screen or window-like enclosure  110  having a left panel draped downward from the left rod  66 , a right panel  111  draped downward from the right rod  68  and a forward panel draped downward from the cross member  78 . A rear panel is not required because of the curved orientation of the canopy  65  and rods  66 ,  68  that slope downward toward the spa  42  and folded cover  34 , thus providing a degree of privacy. Preferably, the panels are attached releasably to the canopy  65  by a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro®. 
   Preferably, the tubes  58 ,  60 , cross member  78 , spacer columns  88 ,  90 , rods  66 ,  68  and bows  126  are made of a non-corrosive, water resistant, plastic, such as PVC or CPVC piping. The arcuate rods  66 ,  68  and bows  126  are appropriately sized to possess a substantial degree of flexibility and may also be made of fiberglass or other materials, solid or otherwise. The fasteners  84 ,  86  are preferably elastic bungee cords or straps attached permanently to the distal ends  72  of the rods  66 ,  68 . Each cord  84 ,  86  has an enlarged upper end or knot  139  (as best shown in  FIG. 7 ) preferably disposed concealably inside the distal ends  72  of the hollow rods  66 ,  68 . From the enlarged head, each cord  84 ,  86  generally projects downward and snugly through a hole in the pipe wall of the rods  66 ,  68  to removably engage a peripheral lip  138  of the hot tub  42  via rubber-coated steel hooks  136  connected to the lower cord ends. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10-13 , a second embodiment of a spa enclosure apparatus  18 ′ is illustrated wherein like components to the first embodiment have the same identifying numerals except with a prime symbol added for the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a convertible awning  20 ′ is constructed and arranged to be stored in a pocket  150  of a foldable cover  34 ′ of a cover assembly  31 ′. Two telescoping and resiliently flexible rods  66 ′,  68 ′ of respective whip devices  62 ′,  64 ′ engage rigidly to and project concentrically from respective shafts  28 ′,  30 ′ located in the pocket  150  and engaged to the cover  34 ′. The telescoping rods  66 ′,  68 ′ are preferably made of a composite fiberglass and are similar to telescoping poles used for flag masts. One such pole is known as Wonder Pole®, supplied by American Flag &amp; Banner Company, Salem, Oreg., of the United States. Preferably, each rod  66 ′,  68 ′ has two twistable grips  151  for releasably locking the rods in an extended position. 
   When the cover assembly  31 ′ is in the removed position  48 ′ and supported by a cover removal mechanism  22 ′ of the cover assembly  31 ′ the cover  34 ′ is in a substantially vertical orientation. When vertical, the pocket  150  is generally open upwardly, thus the shafts  28 ′,  30 ′ and telescoping rods  66 ′,  68 ′ project substantially upward. When the cover assembly  31 ′ is placed into a covered position directly over the hot tub  42 ′ (not shown) the cover  34 ′ is unfolded (see arrow  153  of  FIG. 12 ) and is substantially horizontal. When horizontal, the shafts  28 ′,  30 ′ and telescoping rods  66 ′,  68 ′ are also substantially horizontal and concealed by the unfolded cover in the pocket  150 . 
   Preferably, the cover  34 ′ is foldable along a joint  32 ′ that bisects the cover  34 ′ into inward and outward wings  33 ′,  35 ′ with respect to a rear side of the hot tub  42 ′. The pocket  150  is in one of the wings  33 ′,  35 ′ and opens upwardly alongside the joint  32 ′ when the cover assembly  31 ′ is in the removed position  48 ′ thus positioning the wings  33 ′,  35 ′ vertically. When the cover assembly  31 ′ is in the covered position, the wings  33 ′,  35 ′ are substantially horizontal lying along the same imaginary plane and the joint  32 ′ is folded generally in upon itself, thus concealing the pocket  150  that contains the disassembled or stored convertible awning  20 ′. 
   When the cover assembly  31 ′ is in the removed position  48 ′ and the convertible awning  20 ′ is being assembled from its stored state, the resiliently flexible and telescoping rods  66 ′,  68 ′ of the whip devices  62 ′,  64 ′ are expanded longitudinally out of the pocket  150  carrying a rigid cross member  78 ′ that extends between distal ends of the rods  66 ′,  68 ′, with it. As the rods  66 ′,  68 ′ expand longitudinally, a canopy  65 ′ that is generally bunched-up in the pocket  150  when stored, spreads out laterally between the rods  66 ′,  68 ′ and longitudinally between the cover  34 ′ and cross member  78 ′. Once the rods  66 ′,  68 ′ are extended, the grips  151  are tightened to lock the rods  66 ′,  68 ′ in place. 
   Also during extension of the telescoping rods  66 ′,  68 ′, two columns  88 ′,  90 ′ of the whip devices  62 ′,  64 ′, are carried out of, the pocket  150  generally by the cross member  78 ′. Once extracted from the pocket  150 , the columns  88 ′,  90 ′ are rotated approximately ninety degrees about the cross member  78 ′. With rotation of the columns  88 ′,  90 ′ the resilient rods  66 ′,  68 ′ are flexed approximately ninety degrees over the respective left and right sides  38 ′,  40 ′ of the hot tub  42 ′ and toward a front side  152  of, the hot tub  42 ′ orientated substantially parallel to the cross member  78 ′. Once the rods  66 ′,  68 ′ are flexed, the columns  88 ′,  90 ′ project substantially downward to left and right corners  74 ′,  76 ′ of the hot tub  42 ′. 
   Engaged at or near to the bottom ends  96 ′ of the columns  88 ′,  90 ′ are preferably elastic fasteners  84 ′,  86 ′ such as bungee cords that releasably hook to the forward corners  74 ′,  76 ′ of the hot tub  42 ′. This prevents the resilient force of the flexed rods  66 ′,  68 ′ from lifting the spacer columns  88 ′,  90 ′ off of the hot tub  42 ′. When the convertible awning  20 ′ is being disassembled or stored, and prior to complete retraction of the telescoping rods  66 ′,  68 ′, the columns  88 ′,  90 ′ are rotated approximately ninety degrees about the cross member  78 ′ longitudinally aligning the columns  88 ′,  90 ′ with the un-flexed rods  66 ′,  68 ′, whereupon the bungee cords  84 ′,  86 ′, still engaged to the ends  96 ′ of the columns  88 ′,  90 ′, are wrapped about the respective rods  66 ′,  68 ′. The rods  66 ′,  68 ′ are then completely retracted placing the cords  84 ′,  86 ′ deep within the pocket  150  as the canopy  65 ′ is re-bunched against the cross member  78 ′ and placed into the pocket  150  near its opening  155 . 
   The pocket  150  is preferably located in the inward or forward wing  33 ′ of the cover  34 ′ thus utilizing the outward or rearward wing  35 ′ as a counter-weight to resist the resilient reactive force of the telescoping rods  66 ′,  68 ′ when fully extended and flexed. Moreover, if the cover removal mechanism  22 ′ of the cover assembly  31 ′ is of a type that firmly holds the forward wing  33 ′ in a substantially vertical position when the cover assembly  31 ′ is in the removed position  48 ′, the countering effect of the outward wing  35 ′ may not be necessary, thus enabling the pocket  150  to be carried by the outward wing  35 . If so located, the rods  66 ′,  68 ′ would have a greater distance to flex thus requiring a somewhat smaller force to perform the flexing, while creating a user handy shelf (not shown) created by the inward wing  33 ′ when in the removed position  48 ′ and generally along the joint  32 ′. 
   Preferably, the pocket  150  is generally U-shaped and inverted when the cover assembly  31 ′ is in the removed position. When inverted, the U-shaped pocket  150  has first and second vertical leg portions  154 ,  156  that store respective first and second rods  66 ′,  68 ′ and columns  88 ′,  90 ′, and a horizontal portion  158  that communicates with the leg portions  154 ,  156  and generally stores the cross member  78 ′ and bunched canopy  65 ′. The cover  34 ′ is substantially made of a preferably closed-cell insulating material that is resistant to moisture. To maximize the cover&#39;s insulating ability, the pocket  150  is not any larger than that needed to store the convertible awning  20 ′. Thus, preferably an insulating panel  160  spans between the leg portions  154 ,  156  for added structural rigidity and insulation. Providing lateral rigidity between the whip devices  62 ′,  64 ′ is a lateral internal support or bar  26 ′ that attaches between bottom ends of the shafts  28 ′,  30 ′ and is substantially encased by the panel  160 . 
   While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute a presently preferred embodiment, many others are possible. For instance, the shafts  28 ,  30  need not take the form of spokes in the spa cover removal mechanism  22 , but can function as stakes projecting rigidly upward from grade at opposite sides of the spa. Consequently, if the shafts  28 ,  30  function as stakes secured firmly to the surrounding grade or directly to the spa itself, the convertibly awning  20  can remain assembled over the spa  42  even when the cover  34  is in the covered position. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that terms used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.