Patent ID: 12203286

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1A and1Billustrate a spa pool100according to an example embodiment. The spa pool100has one or more exterior sides110(one of which is not depicted to reveal the cover lifting mechanism) which at least partially surround a tub120. The sides are usually connected to a frame130which structurally supports the weight of the tub120. The tub120is typically filled with heated water and is accessible to a user through an opening in the top face140(depicted inFIG.3) of the spa pool100. When the spa pool100is not in use, the top face140of the spa pool100may be covered by a spa pool cover150in order to mitigate heat loss and to prevent debris from entering the tub120. If a person wishes to use the spa pool100, they must lift and move the spa pool cover150from its covering position to a position in which the spa pool100is accessible. The person may then replace the spa pool cover150back into the covering position once they have finished using the spa pool100.

The example embodiment of the spa pool100illustrated inFIGS.1A and1Bshows the spa pool100with the spa pool cover150in the covering position. In this position, the spa pool cover150lies substantially flush with (and is supported by) a rim160of the spa pool100. The rim160of the spa pool100may be defined by the top edge of the tub120and/or the sides110of the spa pool100, depending on their relative heights and construction. The spa pool cover150has a plurality of articulated sections and includes a first section151and a second section152, although in other embodiments the spa pool cover150may have additional articulated sections. The spa pool cover150may be substantially rigid and may include one or more straps or latches159(indicated inFIG.2) to secure the one or more sections151and152to the rim160or side110of the spa pool100when the spa pool cover150is in the covering position.

The articulation between the first section151and second section152of the spa pool cover150allows the two sections to fold together. With respect to the example embodiment depicted inFIG.2, the spa pool cover150is articulated so that the first section151is able to fold counter-clockwise towards the second section152, while the second section152is able to fold clockwise towards the first section151. In some embodiments, the articulation may be formed from one or more webbings or flaps formed of a durable material and connected to each section151and152. Suitable materials may include polyester or other synthetic fibres with the appropriate material properties. Furthermore, although the embodiment of the spa pool100depicted inFIGS.1A and1Bincludes a cover150which is articulated along its length, other embodiments may include spa pool covers150which are articulated along their width. The orientation of the articulation is not limited and may depend at least on the size and shape of the spa pool100and spa pool cover150.

The spa pool cover150may also be configured to buckle in a fail-safe mode when an excessive weight is placed on its top face. This is a safety feature which may help mitigate serious injury if a person stands on the cover150and is too heavy for the cover150to fully support. In some embodiments, the spa pool cover150may comprise a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder within a slipcover. The first and second inflatable bladders may be made of a drop stitch construction including a top skin, a bottom skin, and a fibre core comprising a plurality of tension fibres extending between the top and bottom skins. Embodiments of spa pool covers150having these constructions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,127,471, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The spa pool100also includes a spa pool cover lifter200. A cover lifter200may be provided on one or both sides of the spa pool. In the example described below cover lifter mechanisms are provided on both sides but operation of a single side will be provided for ease of description. The spa pool cover lifter200is used to move the spa pool cover150from a position covering the top140of the spa pool100to a position in which the spa pool100is accessible, and vice versa. The spa pool cover lifter200includes a first arm210and a second arm220. The first arm210is rotatable about a first pivotal connection215to a side of the spa pool100and is pivotally connected to the first section151of the spa pool cover150. The second arm220is rotatable about a second pivotal connection225to a side of the spa pool100at one end and is pivotally connected to the second section152of the spa pool cover150. The first and second arms210and220are configured so that when the spa pool cover150is in the covering position (as depicted in the non-limiting illustration inFIG.2), anticlockwise rotation of the first arm210causes the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150to fold together and move from the covering position to a position in which the spa pool100is accessible. This process is illustrated inFIGS.2to10according to one example embodiment.

In the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIGS.1A to10, the proximal end of the first arm210comprises a first shaft211which extends outwardly from the first pivotal connection215to the side110of the spa. The longitudinal axis of the first shaft211is substantially orthogonal to the side of the spa pool110and is substantially orthogonal to the plane of rotation of the first pivotal connection215. The first arm210further comprises a second shaft212, the longitudinal axis of which is generally at a right angle to the first shaft211and is parallel to the plane of rotation of the first pivotal connection215. The arrangement between the first shaft211, the second shaft212, and the first pivotal connection215of the first arm210means that the first arm210defines a clearance volume208between the side110of the spa pool and the first arm210. This is best shown with reference toFIG.1B.

A bearing202(depicted inFIG.11) is used to rotatably connect the proximal end211of the first arm210to the side of the spa110at the first pivotal connection215. The bearing202itself may be supported by a mounting plate204which in turn is attached to the frame130of the spa pool100in order to support the load maintained by the first arm210. The bearing202may be a deep-groove ball bearing, although any bearing capable of supporting a sufficient radial load may be used depending on the application of the spa pool cover lifter200.

In some embodiments, the first shaft211of the first arm210may be seated directly within the bearing202to define the first pivotal connection215at the proximal end of the first arm210. In other embodiments, the first shaft211of the first arm210may not be directly supported by the bearing202, but may instead surround and enclose a concentric inner shaft2110(also shown inFIG.11) which in turn is supported by the bearing202. The first shaft211and the concentric inner shaft2110may be connected by a shear pin2115passing radially through the first shaft211and concentric inner shaft2110and connecting the two together. The shear pin2115may be configured to transfer force or torque between the first shaft211and concentric inner shaft2110under usual circumstances, but may be selected to intentionally fail when the torque or force exceeds a predetermined magnitude or threshold. This may increase the safety of the spa cover lifter and may prevent damage to the bearing202supporting the first arm210at its first pivotal connection215to the side110of the spa pool100. Whether or not a shear pin2115is used and, if so, the magnitude of the torque or force at which it fails may depend on the application of the spa pool cover lifter200.

The second shaft212of the first arm210is connected to a third shaft213which may be substantially L-shaped. In some embodiments, the third shaft213may have a telescoping arrangement with the second shaft212or may have a fixed connection with the second shaft212. The distal end214of the third shaft213is pivotally connected to the first section151of the spa pool cover150. In some embodiments, the first section151of the spa pool cover150may include a bearing which receives the distal end214of the third shaft213and enables a pivotal connection between the two. In other embodiments, the first section151of the spa pool cover150may include a pipe sleeve which passes through at least a portion of the length of the first section151of the spa pool cover150and is fixed in relation to the first section151of the spa pool cover150. This construction may be particularly suitable where a cover lifting mechanism is provided on only one side of the spa pool. The pipe sleeve may at least partially define an aperture on a side of the first section151of the spa pool cover150, and the distal end214of the third shaft213may be concentrically received by this aperture and the interior of the pipe sleeve within the first section151of the spa pool cover150to enable a pivotal connection between the distal end214of the third shaft213and the first section151of the spa pool cover150. Bushings or the like may also be used to reduce friction between the pipe sleeve and distal end214of the third shaft213.

The proximal end221of the second arm220of the spa pool cover lifter200is also pivotally connected to a side110of the spa100through a second bearing203(depicted inFIG.12) at a second pivotal connection225. In some embodiments of the spa pool cover lifter200, the second bearing203may be a deep groove ball bearing capable of withstanding a significant radial force or torque. However, the second arm220of the spa pool cover lifter200will usually experience a smaller force or torque than the first arm210of the spa pool cover lifter200while the spa pool cover150is being moved, and a dedicated deep groove ball bearing may be unnecessary.

In other embodiments, the second pivotal connection225between the proximal end221of the second arm220and the side110of the spa pool100may comprise a cylindrical pivot pin2250(also depicted inFIG.12) which may be attached or connected directly to the frame130of the spa pool100and may extend outwardly therefrom. A corresponding cylindrical pivot hub2210at the proximal end221of the second arm220of the spa pool cover lifter200may concentrically enclose the cylindrical pivot pin2250. One or more flanged bushings (labelled203inFIG.12) may be spaced between the pivot pin2250and the cylindrical pivot hub2210of the proximal end221of the second arm210to enable the second arm210to rotate about the concentric axis of the fixed pivot pin2250.

The pivot hub2210of the proximal end211of the second arm210extends from the second pivotal connection225to the side110of the spa100. The second arm210further comprises a second shaft222which is generally at a right angle to the pivot hub2110and is parallel with the plane of rotation of the second pivotal connection225. The length of the second shaft222generally defines the radius of the arc which the second arm210sweeps out during the movement of the spa pool cover150.

The second arm220of the spa pool cover lifter200may also include a torsion spring2290to help distribute the torque experienced by the second arm220during operation of the spa pool cover lifter200. A first leg of the torsion spring2290may be fixed against the frame130of the spa pool100while a second leg of the torsion spring2290passes radially through the second shaft222of the second arm210. If a torsion spring2290is included with the second arm210of the spa cover lifter200, it may be configured so that it is neutrally biased (e.g. only exerts a negligible torque) when the spa pool cover150is in the covering position.

In other embodiments, the torsion spring2290may be configured so that it is neutrally biased when the spa pool cover150is in a position in which the spa pool100is accessible. In these embodiments, the torsion spring2290may be configured so that, when the spa pool cover150is in the covering position, it exerts a torque which urges the second section152of the spa pool cover150clockwise (i.e. towards the covering position), or may urge the second section152of the spa pool cover150anti-clockwise (i.e. towards a position in which the spa pool is accessible.) If a torsion spring2290is included in the spa cover lifter200, its particular configuration will depend on the application of the spa cover lifter200. The torsion spring may exert a torque of 100 Nm when it has rotated to its maximum extent during operation of the spa pool cover lifter200. In some embodiments, this may correspond to a rotation through an arc of 150°-180°, 185°, or even higher in other embodiments.

Other embodiments may also use other springs or other arrangements to apply a bias to the second arm if necessary. As a non-limiting example, the torsion spring2290could be substituted with a leaf spring or a coil spring with the appropriate modifications. The exact arrangements used to apply a bias to the second arm220may depend on the application of the spa cover lifter200.

The second arm220also includes a third shaft223(shown inFIG.1B) which is substantially orthogonal to the second shaft222and is substantially parallel with the pivot hub2210. The distal end224of the third shaft223is pivotally connected to the second section152of the spa pool cover150in a way similar to the pivotal connection between the first arm210and first section151of the spa pool cover150, as described above.

In most embodiments of the spa cover lifter200, the first arm210and second arm220are pivotally connected to the same side110of the spa pool100. In these embodiments, the pivot hub2210of the second arm210is shorter than the first shaft211of the first arm210, and the second shaft222of the second arm220is shorter than the second shaft212of the first arm210. This means that if the first arm210and second arm220are pivotally connected to the same side110of the spa pool100, the first pivotal connection215and second pivotal connection225can be positioned so that the second arm220remains entirely within the clearance volume208as defined by the first arm210at all times during the operation of the spa cover lifter200. This enables the first arm210to sweep over and around the second arm220while the spa pool cover150is being lifted without either arm coming into contact with one another.

In other embodiments, the first arm210and second arm220may be positioned on different sides of the spa pool100, and a clearance between the two arms may not be necessary.

As mentioned above, the spa cover lifter200in the illustrated example may include a complementary set of arms on the opposite side(s) of the first and second arm210and220. More specifically, the spa cover lifter may include a third arm230opposite the first arm210and rotatable about a third pivotal connection at its proximal end231. The third pivotal connection may be situated on the opposite side of the spa pool100to where the first pivotal connection215is located. The third arm230, like the first arm210, may be pivotally connected at its distal end234to the first section151of the spa pool cover150. The spa cover lifter200may further include a fourth arm240opposite the second arm220and rotatable about a fourth pivotal connection at its proximal end241. The fourth pivotal connection may be situated on the opposite side150of the spa pool100to where the second pivotal connection225is located. The fourth arm240, like the second arm220, may be pivotally connected at its distal end244to the second section152of the spa pool cover150. This is best shown with respect toFIG.1B.

In these embodiments, the complementary set of the third and fourth arms230and240will usually be symmetric to the first and second arms210and220and will usually have the same dimensions and construction, although they may differ depending on the application of the spa pool cover lifter200. The third pivotal connection may be implemented in any of the ways in which the first pivotal connection215may be implemented. Similarly, the fourth pivotal connection may be implemented in any of the ways in which the second pivotal connection225may be implemented. The fourth arm240may also include a torsion spring in the same way that the second arm220may include a torsion spring2290, depending on the application of the spa pool cover lifter200.

The configuration of the pivotal connections between each section151and152of the spa pool cover150and the distal ends (214,224, and/or234, and/or244) of the respective arms (210,220, and/or230, and/or240) may vary depending on the application of the spa cover lifter200. In some embodiments, a section151or152of the spa pool cover150may include two bearings which are situated on opposite sides of the section151or152of the spa pool cover150, and each bearing may receive the distal end (214,224, and/or234, and/or244) of a respective arm (210,220, and/or230, and/or240). In other embodiments, the distal ends (214,224, and/or234, and/or244) of each respective arm (210,220, and/or230, and/or240) may be received in one or more pipe sleeves within the section151or152of the spa pool cover150. Each pipe sleeve may extend part-way through a respective section of the spa pool cover and receive the distal ends of the respective arms. Alternatively, a single pipe sleeve running through the entire length of a respective section of the spa pool cover may be used. In these embodiments, each respective arm may be connected with one or more intermediary pieces or may even be a single piece, and the first and third arms (and/or second and fourth arms) may form a contiguous U-shaped arm. These embodiments may be preferable if the spa pool cover150is sufficiently large and requires additional support and stability, although the configuration of the pivotal connection between each section of the spa pool cover150and the distal ends of its respective arms will depend on the specifics of the spa pool, the spa pool cover, and the spa pool cover lifter.

Operation of Spa Pool Cover Lifter

The operation of a non-limiting embodiment of the spa pool cover lifter200will now be described with reference toFIG.2toFIG.10.

FIG.2depicts an embodiment of the spa pool cover150in the closed position. First arm210is caused to rotate counter-clockwise (see description below) through a first arc with respect to the rim160. The first section151of the spa pool cover150is thus raised from the rim of the spa160and begins to rotate and fold towards the second section152of the spa pool cover150. This is depicted inFIGS.3and4. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2to10, the pivotal connection between the distal end214of the first arm210and the first section151of the spa pool cover150, in conjunction with the articulation between the first section151and second section152of the spa pool cover150, allows the first section151of the spa pool cover150to rotate and fold towards the second section152of the spa pool cover150while the second section152of the spa pool cover150remains substantially flush with the rim of the spa160.

As the first arm210continues to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction, the height of the point at which the distal end214of the first arm pivotally connects with the first section151of the spa pool cover150continues to increase. In other words, the vertical distance between the distal end214of the first arm210and the rim of the spa160continues to increase as the first arm210approaches a 90° angle with respect to the rim of the spa160.

Once the first arm210reaches a critical angle (corresponding to a critical height of the pivotal connection between the first arm210and the first section151of the spa pool cover150), further rotation of the first section151of the spa pool cover150about its pivotal connection to the first arm210raises the articulated edge1521of the second section152of the spa pool cover150from the rim of the spa160due to the articulated connection between the two sections151and152. However, as the second section152of the spa pool cover150is constrained to pivotally rotate about its connection to the second arm220, the second arm220begins to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction about its pivotal connection225to the side of the spa150to accommodate the vertical displacement of the articulated edge1521of the second section152from the rim of the spa160. The far edge1522of the second section152of the spa pool cover150correspondingly rotates with the articulated edge1521of the second section152so that it is below the rim160, as shown inFIGS.5and6. The second section152contacts the rim160at point1523between the far edge1522and articulated edge1521. This constrains the amount to which the second section152of the spa pool cover150can pivot about its pivotal connection with the distal end224of the second arm220. This constraint causes the first and second section151and152of the spa pool cover150to fold closer together as the first and second arm210and220continue to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction.

Further rotation of the first arm210brings the first section150of the spa pool cover150over the edge of the rim160and towards the rear side155, causing the second arm220and second section152of the spa pool cover150to continue to rotate in the same direction. The point1523at which the second section152of the spa pool cover150and the rim of the spa pool160contact one another moves towards the articulated edge1521of the second section152of the spa pool cover150as the second section152of the spa pool cover150continues to rotate, causing the first and second section151and152to fold together. This is depicted inFIGS.7and8.

If the first arm210continues to rotate, the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150fold together until they are substantially flush with one another and the second section152of the spa pool cover150is substantially flush with the rear side of the spa pool115. This is depicted inFIGS.9and10. In this position the spa pool may be uncovered for use with the covers stowed to one side and below the edge of the spa pool.

To replace the spa pool cover150back into the covering position from the position in which the spa pool100is accessible, the first arm210is simply rotated in the opposite direction (which is in the clockwise direction with respect toFIG.2) to reverse the entire process. Once the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150are substantially flush with the rim of the spa160and the spa pool cover150is in the covering position, any straps or latches159can be re-secured to the side of the spa110until the spa pool cover150needs to be removed again.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2to10, both the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150are completely below the top rim of the spa pool160when they are substantially flush with one another and with the rear side of the spa pool115, as shown inFIG.10. However, at least a portion of the first and/or second section151and152of the spa pool cover150may protrude above the rim of the spa pool160in other embodiments. This at least partially depends on the geometry and shape of the spa pool100and cover150, and in particular the height of the top rim of the spa pool160compared to the size of each section151and152of the spa pool cover150.

The spa pool cover150may be completely below the rim of the spa pool160when it is in the position in which the spa pool is accessible, as shown inFIGS.9and10. In other embodiments, the spa pool cover150may only be substantially below the rim of the spa pool160, or only the majority of the spa pool cover150may be below the rim of the spa pool160. In still further embodiments, the spa pool cover150may only be partially below the rim of the spa pool160when it is in the position in which the spa pool100is accessible. The extent to which the spa pool cover150is below a rim of the spa pool160will vary according to the particular embodiment.

Moreover, the final position of the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150may also vary in differing embodiments of the invention. For example, the first arm210and second arm220may be configured so that the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150are not substantially flush with one another and/or with the rear side of the spa pool115in the uncovered position. With respect to the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2to10, this could be achieved by limiting or restricting the extent to which the first and/or second arm210and220can rotate about their respective pivotal connections215and225to the sides110of the spa. For example, the first and second arms210and220may be configured to rotate at a maximum to the extent depicted inFIGS.6and7, so that the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150are brought to the position depicted inFIGS.6and7accordingly. In other embodiments, the first and/or second arms210and220may rotate through an arc of 150° to 180° (i.e. the extent to which they rotate may be more or less the same as the embodiment depicted inFIG.10), but the geometry of the first and second arms210and220and their respective pivotal locations215and225to the side of the spa pool110and spa pool cover sections151and152may be configured to determine a different final position of the spa pool150cover than that depicted inFIG.10.

The path of movement taken by the first and second section151and152of the spa pool cover150during rotation by the first and second arms210and220may also vary according to different embodiments. This movement is at least partially determined by the geometry and configuration of the first and second arms210and220, the position of their pivotal locations215and225to the side of the spa, the location of the pivotal connections to the first and second section151and152of the spa pool cover150, and the geometry of the articulated spa cover150.

These all may vary according to different embodiments and their applications. For example, the first and second arms210and220may be configured so that the second section152of the spa pool cover150does not contact the edge of the rim160during removal of the spa cover150from the covering position.

Furthermore, it should be noted that although the operation of the spa pool cover lifter200has been described with respect to a spa pool lifter200having a first and second arm210and220, the general principles outlined above equally apply to embodiments which include a third and/or fourth arm230and240. In these embodiments, the third and first arms230and210perform substantially the same function as one another, as do the fourth and second arms240and220. Both pairs of arms are configured so that when the first and third210and230arms are rotated, the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150fold together and move from a position covering the top140of the spa pool100to a position in which the spa pool is accessible (and vice versa), as described above.

Actuation

Manual operation of the spa pool cover lifter200is possible by a user manually rotating the first arm210in either direction, and some embodiments of the first arm210may include a protruding handle or other ergonomic feature to assist a user rotating the arm. Some embodiments may also include a driven assembly to drive the rotation of the first arm210about its pivotal axis215to the side of the spa pool110, without the user needing to expend substantial manual effort.

In some embodiments, the spa pool cover lifter200may include an actuator310configured to actuate the rotation of the first arm210about its pivotal connection215to the side110of the spa pool. For example, the actuator310may be a rotary actuator, such as a motor which may include a rotating drive shaft. The first arm210of the spa cover lifter200may be coupled to the drive shaft through a transmission or the like to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft to rotational motion of the first arm210about its pivotal connection215to the side110of the spa pool.

In other embodiments, the actuator310may be a linear actuator, such as an electrical linear actuator or a hydraulic cylinder. A mechanical linkage300may be provided between the actuator310and the first arm210to convert at least a portion of the linear translation of the linear actuator310to rotation of the first arm210about its pivotal connection215to the side110of the spa pool. In some embodiments, the first arm210may be connected to an eccentric drive plate350which is coupled in turn to the mechanical linkage300. The mechanical linkage300may further comprise an over-rotation linkage between the linear actuator310and the eccentric drive plate350to which the first arm210is connected or coupled to. The mechanical linkage and/or over-rotation linkage may be configured to allow the first arm to rotate through an arc of between 150° to 180°, or even further in other embodiments.

An example embodiment of a mechanical linkage300is depicted inFIGS.2to10. With respect toFIG.2, the spa pool cover lifter200includes a linear actuator310. In this embodiment, the linear actuator310includes a pivotal connection315at its base to the frame130of the spa pool. This pivotal connection315allows the linear actuator310itself to rotate relative to the frame130of the spa pool as the linear actuator310actuates the rotation of the first arm210. This pivotal connection315may be absent in other embodiments which include different mechanical linkages300between the linear actuator310and the first arm210.

The linear actuator310includes a drive rod317which can extend and/or retract to effect the rotation of the first arm210about its pivotal connection215to the side110of the spa pool. The drive rod317is rotatably connected to a first plate320of the mechanical linkage300at a first rotatable connection321.

The first plate320is substantially straight in the embodiment of the mechanical linkage300depicted inFIGS.2to10, although it may be curved to various extents in other embodiments. The first plate320is also rotatably connected to the side110of the spa pool about a second rotatable connection322, which may be situated in mounting plate204.

The mechanical linkage300further includes a second plate330which is rotatably connected to the first plate320about a third rotatable connection331at one of its ends. The second plate330has a curved shape in the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2to10, although other embodiments may include second plates330which have a different shape. The other end of the second plate330is rotatably connected to an eccentric drive plate350about a fourth rotatable connection332. The eccentric drive plate350is connected to the first arm210and is rotatably connected to the side110of the spa pool.

The mechanical linkage300of the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2to10is configured so that the drive rod317is extended when the spa pool cover150is in the covering position. To remove the spa cover150from the spa pool100, the drive rod317of the linear actuator310is progressively retracted and rotates the first arm210counter-clockwise to uncover the spa pool100as depicted inFIGS.2to10. The linear translation of the drive rod317causes the first plate320to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction about its second pivotal connection322to the side110of the spa pool. The second plate330follows the rotation of the first plate320due to the third rotatable connection331between the two, and this in turn causes the eccentric drive plate350(and hence the first arm210) to rotate in suit. The pivotal connection321between the drive rod317of the linear actuator310and the first plate320also allows the linear actuator310to rotate about its pivotal connection315to the side110of the spa pool while the first plate320progressively rotates about its connection321to the side of the spa pool.

Because the respective connections331and332between the second plate330and the first plate320and the eccentric drive plate350are rotatable, the angle between the eccentric drive plate350and first plate320changes as the first plate320rotates from its initial position to its final position in which the spa pool cover150has been removed. This allows the first and second plates320and330to act as an “over-rotation linkage” between the linear actuator310and the eccentric drive plate350, enabling the actuator310to rotate the first arm210through an angle between 150° to 180°, or even further in other embodiments.

For example, when the spa pool100is covered as depicted inFIG.2, a line drawn from the fourth rotatable connection332(between the second plate330and the eccentric drive plate350) to the connection between the eccentric drive plate350and the first arm210meets the longitudinal axis of the first plate320at an angle of approximately 90°. This angle continues to decrease as the eccentric plate350rotates and becomes more aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first plate320during the removal of the spa cover150. In the final position depicted inFIG.10, in which the spa cover150has been removed and the spa pool100is accessible, the same line intersects the longitudinal axis of the first plate320at an angle of approximately 10°. As the mechanical linkage300depicted inFIGS.2to10is a non-limiting embodiment, these values may vary accordingly in other embodiments depending how they are configured and their application.

During the removal of the spa pool cover150, the drive rod317of the linear actuator310is retracted until the first and second arms210and220have rotated and caused the first and second sections151and152of the spa pool cover150to fold together and move to a position in which the spa pool is accessible, as depicted inFIG.10. When the spa pool cover150is to be replaced in the covering position, the drive rod317of the linear actuator310is extended to rotate the first plate320in the clockwise direction until it has reached the original position depicted inFIG.2, and the process depicted inFIGS.2to10substantially takes place in reverse.

Various components of the mechanical linkage300may be configured differently in other embodiments. For example, the mechanical linkage300may be configured so that extension (rather than retraction) of the drive rod317rotates the first arm210to remove the cover from the spa. The positions and geometries of the different rotatable connections may also vary depending on the embodiment.

Furthermore, it should be noted that in the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2to10, the mechanical linkage300is supported by a mounting plate204(shown inFIGS.1A and1B) which in turn is supported by the frame130of the spa. For example, the first plate320may be connected to the mounting plate204at the second rotatable connection322, and the eccentric drive plate350may be connected to the mounting plate at the fourth rotatable connection332. However, the mounting plate204has been hidden inFIGS.2,4,6,8, and10in order to clearly show the operation of the depicted embodiment of the linear actuator310and mechanical linkage300.

Moreover, although the actuator310and mechanical linkage300have only been described with reference to the first and second arm210and220, the same description and principles of operation apply to embodiments of the spa pool cover lifter200which include a third and fourth arm230and240. For example, the third arm230may also be driven to effect its rotation about its pivotal connection235to the side110of the spa pool. In these embodiments, mechanical linkages300may be provided between each linear actuator310and respective first or third arm210and/or230. Each mechanical linkage300may convert the linear translation of the respective linear actuator310to rotation of the first and/or third arm210and/or230about its pivotal connection215and/or235. The mechanical linkage300may comprise an eccentric drive plate350connected to the first and/or third arm210and/or230.

In still further embodiments, different mechanical linkages300may be used to rotate the first and/or third arm210and/or230using a linear actuator310. As a non-limiting example, the mechanical linkage300may be a rack and pinion, a slide and crank, or a treadle linkage. The mechanical linkage300may vary depending on the application of the spa cover lifter.

Controller

In some embodiments where an actuator310is included, the spa pool cover lifter200may further comprise a controller400(as depicted inFIG.2) configured to operate and control the actuator310to effect rotation of the first and/or third arm210and/or230. The controller400may also include a user interface410which is in operative communication with the controller400to enable a user to operate the actuator310via the controller400.

For example, in some embodiments, the user interface410may be a button or may be a cylinder configured to receive a key. Pressing the button or turning the key within the cylinder may cause the controller400to engage the actuator310to remove or replace the spa pool cover150via rotation of the arms of the spa pool cover lifter200.

In still further embodiments, the controller400may include a receiving module430configured to receive a wireless signal. This can allow a user to wirelessly operate the actuator310via the controller400of the spa pool cover lifter200using an associated wireless sender (here shown in a non-limiting way as part of the user interface410.) The receiving module430may be compatible with standard wireless protocols including Bluetooth, Zigbee, and/or Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11 standards. The user interface410may also be in operative communication with the controller400via the receiving module420.

In some embodiments, the user interface410may be configured as a ‘live man switch’ or an enabling device as a safety feature. In other words, the controller400will interrupt the actuator and/or prevent its operation unless the user interface410is actively engaged by the operator (e.g. unless the button is continually pressed or the key within the cylinder is held in a rotated position.) This functionality may reduce the possibility of the actuator310replacing the cover150of the spa pool100while someone is inside the spa pool100, as a user cannot start the cover replacement process and consequently climb into the spa before the cover is in place. In some embodiments, the live man switch functionality may be required to replace the spa pool cover150on the spa pool100, but not be required to uncover the spa pool100.

The spa pool100may also include an additional emergency user interface within the vicinity of the tub120of the spa pool100. For example, the emergency user interface may be an emergency button within the interior of the spa pool100and in communicative operation with the controller400. If the spa pool cover150is somehow replaced while a person is within the spa pool100, they can engage the actuator310to remove the spa pool cover150and to allow them to leave the interior of the spa pool100.

As an additional safety feature, the controller400may be configured to prevent or interrupt operation of the actuator310if an obstruction is detected either before or during its operation. This may prevent damage to the spa pool cover150or spa pool cover lifter200or accidental harm to users or other people nearby the spa pool100. In some embodiments, the controller400may be configured to detect whether an obstruction is present by monitoring the torque or force transmitted by the actuator. For example, this could be achieved by monitoring the current supplied to the linear actuator by its power supply. In other embodiments, the force or torque could be measured directly by a torque or force sensor at the output of the actuator.

Although the controller is only depicted inFIG.2, it is also present in the embodiments depicted inFIGS.3to10but is omitted for brevity.

Independent Spa Pool Cover Lifter

Although the depicted embodiments of the spa pool cover lifter200are supported by the frame130or sides110of a spa pool100, other embodiments may include a stand-alone spa pool cover lifter200which may not be integrated with the spa pool100. For example, if the spa pool100is kept at least partially indoors, the spa pool cover lifter200may be pivotally connected to the walls which surround the spa pool100. In alternative embodiments, the spa pool cover lifter200may be pivotally connected to plinths or columns which are spaced apart from the spa pool100itself. In still further embodiments, the spa pool cover lifter200could be sold or installed as a retrofit kit to be used with existing spas.

In these embodiments, the structure and components of the spa cover lifter200will be substantially the same and will include a first and second arm210and220. The first and second arms210and220are rotatable about a mount at their proximal ends211and221and are rotatably connected to the first and second sections151and152, respectively, of the spa pool cover150at their distal ends214and224. The rotation and operation of the first and second arms210and220is substantially the same as described above. The spa pool cover lifter200may also include third and fourth arms230and240. Actuators310and mechanical linkages300may be included to effect the rotation of the first and/or third arms210and/or230about their respective mounts211and231. A mechanical linkage300may be included between each of the respective actuators310and the first and/or third arms210and230. The details of the mechanical linkage may be substantially the same as described above.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.