Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Tubs – Convenience accessories
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-18
2001-12-04
Phillips, Charles E. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Tubs
Convenience accessories
C004S498000, C211S013100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324708
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a spa/hot tub cover holder (“spa cover holder”). The spa cover holder is used for storing a spa cover when the cover is not in place on a spa. When properly assembled, the spa cover holder will accommodate spa or hot tub covers of different sizes ranging from small to extra-large. The cover holder of the present invention has a unique structure which prevents a spa or hot tub cover placed thereon from moving around, being damaged, or from falling to the ground or floor upon which the cover holder is positioned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spa cover holder for preventing a spa cover inserted therein from moving around, being damaged, or falling from the cover holder onto the ground or floor upon which the cover holder is positioned.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a spa cover holder which will accommodate spa or hot tub covers having different sizes ranging from small to extra-large.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a freestanding spa cover holder for storing a cover when not in place on the spa. The cover holder includes a horizontally-disposed base having first and second horizontally-oriented and spaced apart major base rails. First and second horizontally-oriented and spaced apart minor base rails are perpendicularly disposed between and connected to the opposing major base rails. A tall first support rail is mounted on the base and extends upwardly along the entire length of the major base rails. The first support rail has a first predetermined height and defines a back support against which the cover is received. A low second support rail is mounted on the base in spaced-apart relation to the first support rail and extends along less than the entire length of the major base rails. The second support rail has a second predetermined height at least less than one half of the first predetermined height and defines with the base and the first support rail a J-shaped structure for permitting the cover to be positioned between the first and second support rails for full support of a leaning side of the cover against the first support rail while permitting the cover to be lifted only over the low second support rail when placing the cover in and removing the cover from the holder.
According one preferred embodiment of the invention, the first support rail extends between the first and second minor base rails and includes one end connected to a respective one of the first and second minor base rails and another end connected to the other of the first and second minor base rails.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second support rail extends along the length of the first major base rail and includes first and second ends connected thereto.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second support rail extends along the length of the second major base rail and includes first and second ends connected thereto.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover holder includes a plurality of vertically-oriented, spaced apart support legs connected to the base in a predetermined configuration. The legs extend outwardly from the base in a direction opposite the first and second support rails for supporting and maintaining the cover holder above the surface upon which the cover holder is positioned.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base further includes at least one horizontally-oriented base rail segment having one end connected to a respective one of the first and second major base rails and the other end connected to the other one of the first and second base rails for providing reinforcing support to the base.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover holder includes a plurality of vertically-oriented, spaced apart support legs connected to the major and minor base rails and the at least one base rail segment in a predetermined configuration. The legs extend outwardly away from the base in a direction opposite the first and second support rails for supporting and maintaining the cover holder above the surface upon which the cover holder is positioned.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover holder includes a vertically-oriented reinforcing rail having one end connected to the first support rail between the first and second ends thereof, and the other end connected to one of the base rail segments for providing reinforcing support to the first support rail as the cover leans thereon.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1330891 (1920-02-01), Merrill
patent: 3669464 (1972-06-01), Linzmeier
patent: 4679805 (1987-07-01), Cunningham
patent: 4991238 (1991-02-01), Forrest
Adams, Schwartz & Evans P.A.
Phillips Charles E.
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