Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Pool type – Accessory
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-19
2001-04-10
Recla, Henry J. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Pool type
Accessory
C004S494000, C004S580000, C135S096000, C052S066000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212702
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to convertible enclosures, and more particularly, to such enclosures for outdoor spas.
2. Description of the Related Art
Outdoor spas have enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years. These spas are usually built outside on a patio or deck. In several parts of the country, however, inclement weather, such as rain or snow, limits their use.
The impact of weather on the usage of a spa can be curtailed by installing a raised cover over the spa. Ideally, such covers should be elevated structures so that users of the spa may stand up in a fully upright position. The cover should be a sufficient size to slightly extend over the sides of the spa to protect users sitting on the edge of the spa. Also, the cover should be made of strong, durable material capable of withstanding normal weather conditions.
Typically, these covers are relatively heavy structures made of standard-size lumber which are cut and assembled on site by three or more individuals. What is needed is a spa cover made of lightweight materials that is pre-fabricated and distributed in a kit for easy assembly by only two individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a raised cover for a spa.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a cover that uses pre-fabricated, lightweight, durable components and can be easily connected together so that the cover can be easily and quickly assembled by only two individuals.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a cover that can be easily modified to cover additional areas immediately adjacent to the spa.
These and other objects are met by a lightweight, easy to assemble spa cover. The cover includes a square or rectangular-shaped cap pivotally attached at two corners to two dual hinged support posts and at the opposite corners to two fixed support posts. In one embodiment, the cap is a single unit made of lightweight, weather-proof material, such as fiberglass, which fully extends across a standard size spa. The lower end of each dual hinged support post is pivotally attached to the deck adjacent to the corners on the spa. The opposite, upper end of each dual hinged support post is pivotally attached to one corner of the cap.
The upper hinge means and lower hinge means are aligned on each dual hinged support post so that the cap may simultaneously pivot on the upper and lower hinge means as the dual hinged support posts pivotally rotate from a horizontal to a vertical orientation on the deck when positioning the cap over the spa. This feature is especially useful because it allows one or two workers to easily assemble the cover over the spa.
As the two dual hinged support posts are rotated into a vertical orientation, the free, unsupported side of the cap can be comfortably supported by one worker. The two fixed support posts are then selected, vertically aligned, and securely attached to the two unsupported corners on the cap. The lower ends of the two fixed support posts are then securely attached to the deck while the upper ends of the two fixed support posts are attached to the cap. Optional, diagonally aligned cross-braces can then be attached between the cap and each support post to further stabilize the cap.
The system may also include optional cover extensions that attach directly to the sides of the cap to provide additional covered areas. Each extension cover includes a lightweight cap and a pair of legs that can be easily and quickly installed.
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Craine Dean A.
Nguyen Tuan
Recla Henry J.
Sitzmann Derek
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