US20150345163A1

US20150345163A1 - Adjustable Support Member for a Spa Cover Lifting Device

Info

Publication number: US20150345163A1
Application number: US14/727,249
Authority: US
Inventors: John Cunerty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-02
Filing date: 2015-06-01
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

An adjustable support member for supporting a frame of a spa cover lifting device is disclosed, the frame being movable between a first frame position wherein the spa cover generally covers a spa and a second frame position wherein the spa cover is lifted from the spa. The adjustable support member includes a base and a stop member. The base includes a bracket adapted to be fixed adjacent the spa. The stop member has a connection portion adapted to be displaceably coupled to the base, and an abutment portion adapted to support the frame of a spa cover lifting device when the frame is in the second frame position. The abutment portion extends from the connection portion and is displaceable with the connection portion for adjusting a distance between the abutment portion and the bracket.

Description

FIELD

The teachings described herein relates generally to a support member for a spa cover lifting device. More particularly, the teachings described herein generally relate to a support member that is adjustable.

BACKGROUND

Canadian Patent No. 2,432,833 relates to an adjustable lifting device for a spa cover has a frame for securing to the spa cover and at least one extendible mount for adjustably extending a distance between the frame of the lifting device and a mounting point on the housing of a spa. The extendible mount has an extendible member attached to the frame of the lifting device, and a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed at a mounting location on the housing of a spa. The extendible member is adjustably coupled to the mounting bracket.

SUMMARY

This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.
In accordance with one broad aspect of the teachings described herein, An adjustable support member for supporting a frame of a spa cover lifting device, the frame being movable between a first frame position wherein the spa cover generally covers a spa and a second frame position wherein the spa cover is lifted from the spa, may include a base. The base may include a bracket adapted to be fixed adjacent the spa. The support member may also include a stop member having a connection portion adapted to be displaceably coupled to the base, and an abutment portion adapted to support the frame of a spa cover lifting device when the frame is in the second frame position. The abutment portion may extend from the connection portion and may be displaceable with the connection portion for adjusting a distance between the abutment portion and the bracket.
One of the base and the stop member may inlcude an elongate shaft extending along a shaft axis, and the other of the stop member and the base comprises a collar configured to slidably receive the shaft.
The abutment member may have a first end adjacent the connection portion and a second end spaced apart from the first end in a first direction that is non-parallel to the shaft axis. Optionally, the first direction may be generally orthogonal to the shaft axis.
At least one of the base and the stop member may include a securement member moveable between an engaged configuration, in which relative displacement between the abutment portion and the bracket is inhibited, and a disengaged configuration, in which the abutment portion is displaceable relative to the bracket. The securement member may include a set screw.
The bracket may include at least one flange for securing the bracket adjacent the spa.
The abutment portion may include a body extending from the connection portion and made from a body material, and further comprising at least one cushioning member made from a different, cushioning material and disposed on the body to contact the frame of a spa cover lifting device when the frame is in the second frame position.
The abutment portion may include a primary abutment surface configured to abut one portion of the frame, and a secondary abutment surface spaced apart from the primary abutment surface and configured to abut another portion of the frame.
The secondary abutment surface may be generally orthogonal to the primary abutment surface.
In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings describe herein (which may be used in combination with any other aspects), an adjustable lifting device for lifting a spa cover of a spa having a spa housing, may include a frame positionable adjacent the spa housing and connectable to a spa cover. The frame may be movable between a first frame position, wherein the spa cover generally covers the spa housing, and a second frame position wherein the spa cover is lifted from the spa housing. The device may include a support member positionable adjacent the spa housing to support the frame when the frame is in the second frame position. The support member may include a base. The base may include a bracket adapted to be fixed adjacent the spa. The support member may also include a stop member having a connection portion adapted to be displaceably coupled to the base, and an abutment portion adapted to support the frame when the frame is in the second frame position. The abutment portion may extend from the connection portion and displaceable with the connection portion for adjusting a distance between the abutment portion and the bracket.
The frame is adapted to be connected to the spa housing at a frame elevation, and the support member is adapted to be connected to the spa housing at a support elevation that is higher than the frame elevation.
In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings describe herein (which may be used in combination with any other aspects), a spa apparatus may include a spa housing, a spa cover for covering the spa housing and a cover lifting frame supporting the spa cover. The cover lifting frame may be movable between a first frame position, wherein the spa cover generally covers the spa housing, and a second frame position wherein the spa cover is lifted from the spa housing. The spa apparatus may also include a support member comprising a base and a stop member. The base may include a bracket adapted to be fixed adjacent the spa. The stop member may have a connection portion displaceably coupled to the base and an abutment portion adapted to support the cover lifting frame when the frame is in the second frame position. The abutment portion may extend from the connection portion and may be displaceable with the connection portion for adjusting a distance between the abutment portion and the bracket.
The frame may be connected to the spa by a frame mount comprising a pivot axis about which the frame can pivot to move between the first and second frame positions. The pivot axis may be at a first elevation and the stop member may be disposed at a second, higher elevation.
The spa housing may include an open upper end spaced vertically above a lower end. The frame mount may be connected to the spa housing adjacent the lower end and the support member is connected to the spa housing adjacent upper end.
The spa housing may have an open upper end spaced vertically above a lower end by a spa height and wherein the support member is spaced above the frame mount by an offset distance that is between about 40% and about 80% of the spa height.

DRAWINGS

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spa cover lifting device installed on a spa and with the cover in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spa of FIG. 1 with one portion of the spa cover folded onto another portion of the spa cover, and including a support member;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the spa cover is lifted from the spa and a frame of the cover lifting device is contacting the support member;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a spa cover lifting device;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of another portion of a spa cover lifting device;

FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view of an example of a spa showing use of the extensible members of a cover lifting device with a spa having a housing with at least two opposing side different shapes;

FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view of an example of a spa showing use of the support members of a cover lifting device with a spa having a housing with at least two opposing side different shapes;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example of a support member for a spa cover lifting device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of the support member of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of support members and portions of the spa of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of one end of a support member useable with the spa of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
Spas (including, for example hot tubs and swim spas) particularly those located outdoors, can be provided with a cover to enclose the spa when not in use. Enclosing the spa may help prevent unwanted access to the spa, and may help make the spa safer when unattended. Optionally, the spa cover may be lockable or otherwise securable in its closed position. For example, a locked spa cover may prevent people from accessing the spa without supervision or permission.
Optionally, the spa cover can be insulated, or include at least some insulating material, to help insulate the water within the spa from the temperature of the surrounding air. For example, if the spa is operated as a hot tub containing relatively hot water, an insulated spa cover may help reduce the amount of heat loss while the spa is not in use. Reducing heat loss may help reduce the costs to heat the water in the spa and/or to keep the water at the desired temperature. Optionally, the spa cover may be formed from a thick, substantially rigid insulating material, which may be covered in a fabric shell. The fabric shell may help protect the insulating material from damage, may have a desired visual appearance and optionally may be generally water proof.
Spa covers can be relatively heavy, bulky or otherwise awkward for a user to handle directly. The weight, size and bulk of a spa cover may vary with the size of the corresponding spa, such that larger spas may tend to have larger, heavier and bulkier spa covers. For example spa covers can have dimensions of about 4′×4′, 6′×6′, 8′×8′, 10′×10′ or larger, such as 7′×12′, 10′×16′ and 10′×24′ for covers of larger swim spa type spas. Spa covers may be larger than the examples listed and need not be square or rectangular. A given spa cover may conform to the shape of the spa. Depending its configuration and materials, spa covers may weigh between about 30 pounds and about 200 pounds or more. Optionally, a spa cover lifting device may be used to help lift the cover off the spa.
The spa cover lifting device may help lift a spa cover off the top of the underlying spa, and optionally may be configured to move the spa cover laterally so as to allow users to access the spa. The spa cover lifting device may be configured to deposit the spa cover on the ground when not in use. Alternatively, the spa cover lifting device may be configured to suspend or otherwise support the spa cover above the ground when the cover is in the open position. For example, the spa cover lifting device may suspend the spa cover adjacent one side of the spa, thereby allow access to the spa from the remaining sides. Supporting the cover above the ground may help prevent the cover from being soiled or damaged by contact with the ground. It may also help facilitate re-placement of the spa cover onto the top of the spa, as the cover need not be lifted from ground level.
A spa cover lifting device that supports the cover in the open position may be configured to support some or all of the weight of the spa cover. This can put stress on portions of the spa cover lifting device, such as joints and movable couplings. The stresses on the spa cover lifting device may also be affected by external factors, such as wind loading on the suspended spa cover, snow accumulation on the cover, additional objects placed on the suspended spa cover and/or users leaning or resting on the suspended spa cover. Providing a separate support member may help reduce the stress applied to the joints or other portions of the spa cover lifting device.
Optionally, the spa cover lifting device can include a support member that is configured to help support at least a portion of the weight of the spa cover when it is in the open position. Optionally, the support member may be spaced apart from other load bearing regions of the spa cover lifting device, such as the joints or attachment points. This may help distribute the weight of the spa cover amongst the various supporting components.
Optionally, the support member may be adjustable. Providing an adjustable support member may allow a given support member to be adapted for use on a variety of spas having different shapes and sizes, and/or to be used with a variety of differently configured lifting devices. For example, the support member may be sold as a separate apparatus that can be mounted to existing spas having different shapes and different lifting devices. The support member can then be adjusted to help support the spa cover in a desired manner by each user. Alternatively, or in addition, a support member may be installed on a spa by its manufacturer or retailer and may form part of the original equipment of the spa as delivered to the user. Providing an adjustable support member may also allow a user to modify the resting or storage position of the spa cover on a given spa if desired. For example, a user may wish to alter the storage position of the spa cover based on weather conditions, such as wind and/or snow accumulation.
Optionally, an adjustable support member may include a securement member to retain the support member in its desired position/ configuration. The securement member may be configured to fix the support member in one position. Alternatively, the securement member may allow the support member to move between two or more positions. For example, at least a portion of the support member may be movable with other components of the cover lifting device. This may allow the support member to be stowed when not in use (for example when the cover is seated on and covering the spa), and to move with the cover to a deployed position when the cover is lifted off the spa. This may help reduce the overall size of the spa cover lifting device when the cover is on the spa.
To support the weight of a spa cover, the spa cover lifting device may be made from any suitable material, such as metal, composite materials and/or plastic. The spa cover lifting device, and the associated support member, may be configured to be fitted to spas having a variety of different shapes and sizes. Optionally, the spa cover lifting device and/or support member may affixed to a portion of the spa, such as the outer spa housing. In this configuration, the spa cover lifting device may be at least partially supported by the spa housing. Alternatively, the spa cover lifting device and/or support member may be positionable adjacent the spa, but may be secured to another object, such as the ground, decking surrounding the spa or other structure. In this configuration the spa cover lifting device may be at least partially self-supporting and/or free-standing. Optionally, the spa cover lifting device and/or support member may be connected to different objects/ surfaces. For example, portions of the spa cover lifting device may be connected to or supported by the ground adjacent the spa and the support member may be connected to the spa housing.
Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a spa 100 is illustrated. The spa 100 includes a generally octagonal housing 102 having eight sidewall panels 104 a-h and a bottom wall 106. Together, the sidewalls 104 a-h and bottom wall 106 co-operate to surround the spa interior 108 (FIG. 2), which can be filled with water. The spa has an upper rim 110 (FIG. 3) that surrounds an open upper end 112, to allow users to access the spa interior 108. Referring to FIG. 3, the distance between the bottom wall 106 and the upper rim 110 defines a spa height 114.
Referring also to FIG. 1, a spa cover 116 is configured to cover the upper end 112 of the spa 100. In the illustrated example, the spa cover 116 is generally octagonal in shape and is configured to fit over, and rest on, the upper rim 110 of the spa 100 when the cover 116 is in is deployed position (FIG. 1). To access the interior 108 of the spa, the cover 116 can be configured in a partially opened configuration (FIG. 2) or in a fully opened configuration in which the cover 116 is moved to a storage or stowed position (such as shown in FIG. 3).
Also referring to FIG. 1, an example of a spa cover lifting device 120 that is usable in with the spa 100 is shown. The spa cover lifting device 120 is attached to the spa and can be used to help move the cover 116 from a deployed position, in which it covers the top of the spa (FIG. 1) and a storage position, in which the cover 116 is lifted off of, and away from, the top of the spa (FIG. 3). In the illustrated example, the cover 116 is a rigid insulating cover and is formed from a rigid insulating material surrounded by a fabric cover, but may be formed from any suitable material (insulating or non-insulating).
Optionally, the cover 116 may be provided as a unitary member, or alternatively, the cover may include two or more cover portions. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the cover 116 is divided into two cover portions 116 a and 116 b that are pivotally coupled to each other using hinges 122 (FIG. 3). In this configuration, one portion of the spa cover, such as portion 116 b, can be folded onto the other portion 116 a to help facilitate movement of the cover 116 to the storage position.
Referring to FIG. 1, in the illustrated example, the spa cover lifting device 120 includes a generally U-shaped frame 126 that has a cross-member 128 and support arms 130. The cross-member 128 is securable to the spa cover 116.
In the illustrated example, the cross-member 128 is secured to the spa cover 116 near the fold line between the portions 116 a and 116 b and of the spa cover 116. The cross-member 128 can be secured to the spa cover 116 b by any suitable fastener, such as, for example, but not limited to, bolts and screws and adhesives, or by fabric extending from the spa cover and looped over the cross-member. Optionally, the frame can be detachably secured to the cover to allow the cover to be detached from the frame if desired.
Referring also to FIG. 4, in the embodiment illustrated, the U-shaped frame 126 comprises two corner elements 132. Each corner element 132 is formed from support arm 130 and a respective portion 128 a and 128 b of the cross-member 128. The corner elements 132 may be constructed of tubular material having a generally circular cross-section, with the material of one of the cross-member portions 128 a having a slightly smaller diameter than the other cross-member portion 128 b. This permits one of the corner elements 132 to fit within the other in a snug telescoping arrangement as at. The telescoping arrangement of the two corner elements allows the cross member 128 to be sized to fit generally across the width of the spa cover 116.
To mount the U-shaped frame 126 of the spa cover lifting device to the spa an adjustable mount is provided. Referring to FIG. 2, for the embodiment illustrated, the adjustable mount comprises a bracket 134 adapted to fit to the spa, and an extendible member 136 that is adjustably coupled to the bracket.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, each bracket 134 comprises a body portion 138, adapted to slideably receive the extendible member 136, and an attachment element, in the form of an extended flange 140, extending from the body 138, for securely fastening the bracket 134 adjacent the housing 102 of the spa 100. Referring also to FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment the bracket 134 can rest on a surface that the spa sits or rests on so the bracket 134 can be held in place by the weight of the spa on the extended flange 140. Optionally, if desired, the extended flange could be secured with suitable fasteners, such as, for example, but not limited to, screws, bolts, etc., to the bottom wall of the spa or to the underlying surface, or both.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B the body portion 138 of the bracket 134 generally includes a hollow channel 142 of a slightly larger cross-section than the extendible member 136 so that the extendible member 136 can be slideably received within the hollow channel 142. For the embodiment shown, the extendible member 136 also has a square cross section, though of a slightly smaller dimension than the cross section of the hollow channel 142 of the body portion 138 of the mounting bracket 134. It can be appreciated that other configurations of the extendible member and the body portion can be used. For example, but not to be considered limiting, the extendible member could be a sleeve that is slideably disposed over the body portion, or an externally threaded rod adapted to engage an internally threaded bore in body portion.
When the extendible member 136 is adjusted in relation to the body portion 138 of the bracket 134, as will hereinafter be described, a suitable securement member, such as, for example, but not limited to, bolts, screws, pins, and stop collars, can be used to secure the position of the extendible member relative to the body portion of the bracket.
In the illustrated example, screws 144 (FIG. 3) are used to secure the extendible member 136 in place by either passing through matching screw holes on extendible member 136 or by bearing on surface of the extendible member 136 to grip the extendible member 136 against further displacement within hollow channel 142.
In the illustrated example, the lower ends of the support arms 130 are pivotally connected to respective extendible members 136 using pivotal connections 146 (FIG. 1). The pivotal connection 146 allows the spa cover 116 to be removed from the spa 100 by swinging the frame 126, with the attached spa cover 116, upward and away from the spa 100 (e.g. between first and second positions), about the pivotal connection 146.
To configure the spa cover lifting device 100, the adjustable brackets 134 can be put in place and the extendible members 136 can then be fitted into the hollow channel 142 presented by the body portions 138 of the brackets 134. The extendible members 136 are adjusted so that their respective pivotal connections 146 with support arms 130 are directly opposite to one another so that both pivotal connections can pivot about axis 148 (FIG. 6). Moreover, the extendible members 136 are adjusted so that the pivotal connections 146 are located sufficiently away from the sides 104 a-h of the housing 102 of the spa 100, so that the spa cover 116 is free to swing about the pivotal connections 146 away from the spa. A user can then grasp one of both of the support arms 130 and swing the cover 116 about the pivotal connections 146 to the position illustrated in FIG. 3.
In use, brackets 134 can be secured to opposed regions of the spa 100. In general, this would be on opposed sidewall portions of the housing of the spa, such as sides 104 a and 104 e of the spa 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. Securing the brackets 134 on opposed, parallel sidewalls provides for generally parallel adjustable mounts. However, it can be appreciated that the brackets do not need to be directly opposite from one another. For example, with reference to a schematic representation of a spa 1100 (which is generally analogous to spa 100 and like features are identified using like characters indexed by 1000) if side 1104 e of the spa was longer than the opposing parallel side 1104 a the bracket 134 on side 1104 a would be further away from side 1104 g than the bracket 134 on side 1104 e. Such an arrangement is contemplated by this spa cover lifting device 120. Appropriate adjustment of the corresponding extending members 136 can be made so that the respective pivotal connections 146 of the spa cover lifting device 120 are opposed to each other, as illustrated in FIG. 6, for example.
For certain shapes of housing of spa it might be desirable to provide a spacing block. For example, if side were not parallel to side for the spa illustrated in FIG. 6, then a spacer block 150 can be secured to one side (eg. side 204 a) so that the mounting brackets 134 can be secured to the spa 1100 in a manner that ensures that the extendible members 136 are parallel. Other types of spacer blocks could be used if the sidewalls of the spa housing were, for example, curvilinear, or combinations of curved and rectilinear shapes.
Referring to FIG. 3, when the frame 126 is pivoted to move the cover 116 away from the spa 100, cover 116 is moved laterally outboard of the pivotal connections (i.e. to the left as illustrated) such that the weight of the cover exerts a moment load on the frame 126 and tends to urge the frame 126 to continue to pivot away from the spa, as indicated by arrow 152 (i.e. to continue pivoting counter-clockwise in the illustrated example). This moment load can exert stress on the frame 126 and the pivotal connections 146. Reducing the magnitude of the moment load 152 acting on the pivotal connections 146 may help reduce stress and/or wear of the pivotal connections 146. Optionally, one or more support members may be provided to help support some or all of the weight of the cover when it is suspended from the frame. In some configurations, the pivotal connections 146 may be adapted to resist pivoting of the frame 126 past a given point and may support some of the moment load. In such instances, the separate support members may supplement the support via the pivotal connections. Alternatively, the pivotal connections 146 may provide little or no resistance to the moment forces, and the separate support members may resist substantially all of the moment forces acting on the frame, while the pivotal connections 146 may continue to support some or all of the vertical load exerted on the frame. The support members can be configured to work with a variety of cover lifting devices, including, for example, cover lifting devices disclosed in Canadian Patent 2,432,833, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to FIG. 1, in the illustrated example the spa cover lifting device includes a pair of support members 160 that are configured to engage the frame 126 and help resist at least a portion of moment forces 152 acting on the frame 126 and/or the weight of the cover 116 when it is lifted off the spa 100 (see also FIG. 3).
Referring to Figured 8 and 9, in the illustrated embodiment, each support member 160 includes a base 162 having a bracket 164 adapted to be fixed to, or adjacent to, the spa 100. In the illustrated example, the bracket 164 includes a pair of flanges 166 which having apertures 168 for receiving fasters 170, which can be used to secure the bracket 164 to the housing 102 of the spa 100. While shown with two flanges 166, the bracket 164 may include no flanges (i.e. apertures 168 can be provided in the tube member), only a single flange and/or more than two flanges.
Each support member 160 also includes a stop member 172 for engaging and supporting the frame 126. In the illustrated example, the stop member 172 includes a connection portion 174 adapted to be displaceably coupled to the base 162, and an abutment portion 176 adapted to support the frame when the cover is lifted off the spa. In the illustrated example, the base includes an elongate shaft 178 (in the form of a hollow, square tube) that extends along a shaft axis 180. To provide a displaceable connection, the connection portion 174 is provided in the form a hollow collar 182, having a complimentary shape to the shaft 178, which is sized to slidingly fit over the shaft 178.
Optionally, to help secure the collar 182 in a given position along the shaft 178, the support member 160 may include at least one securement member that can be engaged to inhibit relative movement between the base 162 and the connection portion 174. In the illustrated example, the securement member is provided in the form of a set screw 184 that is received in an aperture in the collar 182. The set screw 184 can be advanced to engage the shaft 178 (either a corresponding aperture in the shaft or to abut an outer surface of the shaft) and secure the collar 182, and retracted to allow the collar 182 to slide on the shaft 178.
In the illustrated example, the collar 182 is configured to translate along the shaft axis 180 but, is adapted so that it does not rotate about the shaft axis 180. This may help maintain the abutment portion 176 in a desired rotational position relative to the shaft 178. Alternatively, the collar 182 may be rotatable about the shaft axis 180.
In the illustrated example, the abutment portion 176 is provided in the form of a protrusion 186 having a generally hollow, square shaped cross-sectional shaped body, that extends laterally outwardly from the collar 182. The protrusion 186 is supported by, and can translate with, the collar 182 along the shaft axis 180. Configuring the protrusion 186 and collar 182 to be displaceable relative to the shaft 180 may help facilitate adjusting an axial distance 188 between the abutment portion 176 and the bracket 164. For example, if the shape of the alternative embodiment of a spa housing 1102 requires the pair of support members 160 are attached to the housing 1102 at offset locations (i.e. non-opposed regions see FIG. 7) the adjustability of the support members 160 can allow the protrusions 186 1 to be aligned with each other, while being spaced different distances 188 from their respective brackets 164. This may be analogous to the configuration of the frame and brackets as discussed herein with reference to FIG. 6. For example, if desired an analogous spacing block may be used to support the base or bracket on a support member that is connected to a curved panel.
Referring to FIG. 8, in the illustrated example the protrusion 186 extends along an abutment axis 190 between an inner end 192 adjacent the collar 182 and a free, outer end 194. Optionally, the abutment axis 190 may non-parallel to the shaft axis 180, and may be generally orthogonal to the shaft axis 180 as illustrated (i.e. with about 10 degrees of orthogonal). Referring also to FIGS. 9 and 10, a primary abutment surface 196 extends at least partially between the inner and outer ends 192 and 194 is configured to abut one side of the support arms 130 when the cover 116 is lifted off the spa 100. Contact between the support arms 130 and the primary abutment surfaces 196 may limit movement of the frame in a first direction. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the primary abutment surface inhibits further rotation of the frame 126 about the pivotal connections 146, and may help resist the moment force 152.
Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the primary abutment surface 196 may be configured to have a width 198 that is equal to or greater than the width 200 of the support arm 130 it engages. This may help distribute the forces across the entire width of the support arm 130. Alternatively, the width 198 of the abutment surface 196 may be less than the width 200 of the support arm 130, such that the abutment surface 196 only engages a portion of the width of the support arm 130. This may help reduce the overall size of the support member 160.
Optionally, the support member 160 may also include a secondary abutment surface that is configured to contact another side of the support arm and to inhibit movement of the frame in a second direction. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in the illustrated example, a secondary abutment surface 202 is provided by a portion of the outer surface of the collar 182 and is positioned to abut a lateral side of the support arm 130. IN this embodiment, primary abutment surface 196 is generally orthogonal to secondary abutment surface 202.
Contact between the support arm 130 and the secondary support surface 202 may help resist lateral movement of the frame 126 relative to the support member 160. As shown in FIG. 10, the support members 160 on opposed sides of the spa 100 may be arranged in opposite orientations, such that contact between the frame 126 and the support member 160 illustrated toward the bottom of FIG. 10 inhibits lateral movement of the frame 126 in one direction (upwards as illustrated), and engagement between the frame 126 and the support member 160 illustrated toward the top of FIG. 13 inhibits lateral movement of the frame 126 in an opposed second direction (downwards as illustrated).
Together, the two support members 160 illustrated in FIG. 10 may inhibit lateral shifting of the frame 126 relative to the spa 100. This may help keep the cover 116 laterally aligned with the spa 100 while the cover 116 is lifted off the spa 100.
Optionally, one or both of the primary and secondary abutment surfaces 196 and 202 may be provided with a cushioning member. The cushioning member may be made from a different, optionally softer, material than the abutment surfaces. Providing a relatively softer cushioning member may help absorb some of the impact when the frame contacts the abutment surfaces, protect the paint or other surface finishings of the support arms and abutment surfaces and may reduce the amount of noise generated when the support arms contact the abutment surfaces). A cushioning member may be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, rubber, foam and wood. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the illustrated example the support member 160 includes a cushioning member in the form of a rubber pad 204 that is affixed to the primary abutment surface 196. Optionally, the secondary abutment surface 202 may also be provided with a cushioning member.
In the illustrated example, the frame 126 of the spa cover lifting device is connected to the spa housing 102 by brackets 134 that are positioned at the bottom of the spa, while the support members 160 are connected to the spa housing 102 at a higher elevation. In this configuration, the support members 160 are disposed above the brackets 134, by an offset distance 206, and are at a higher elevation that the pivotal connections 146 and pivot axis 148. The offset distance 206 may be any suitable distance, and may be, for example between about 25% and about 100% of the spa height 114. Optionally, the offset distance 206 may be between about 40% and about 80%, or between about 50% and 75% of the height 114.
In the illustrated example, the stop members 172 are located axially outboard of the associated pivotal connection 146, and axis 148 when the support arms 130 are abutting the primary abutment surfaces 196. That is, the pivotal connection 146 is disposed between the stop member 172 and the bracket 134 along the shaft axis 180 in this position. In this configuration, when the support arms 130 are resting on the primary abutment surfaces the centre of gravity 208 (FIG. 3) of the cover 116 is axially outboard of the pivotal connections 146 (to the left of axis 148 as illustrated in FIG. 3), and the forces exerted on the frame 126 by the cover 116 may tend to urge the support arms 130 against the primary abutment surfaces 196. This may help the frame 126 to remain stable when the cover 126 is lifted off the spa 100.
Optionally, the support members 160 may include one or more fasteners that are adapted to secure the frame to the support member. For example, the stop members may be provided with a strap that can be wrapped around the support arms of the frame when the cover is lifted off the spa. The straps may help secure the support arms adjacent the stop members and may help prevent the cover from unintentionally falling back toward the spa, such as, for example, if subjected to a strong gust of wind. Instead of a strap, a latch, locking mechanism, clip, detent or other suitable releasable fastener may be used.
While in the illustrated example the base 162 includes the elongate shaft 178 and the connection portion 174 includes a slidable collar 182, in other embodiments this configuration may be reversed such that the connection portion includes the elongate shaft that is slidably receivable within a collar or tube portion on the base. For example, the bracket portion of the base may include a body portion with a hollow channel, analogous to the brackets 134 used to support the frame 126, and the connection portion may include an elongate tube like the extendible members 136. In such a configuration, the distance between the bracket portion and the stop member may be adjusted by sliding the elongate tube through the hollow channel on the body portion.
Alternatively, instead of being generally octagonal as illustrated herein, other embodiments of a spa housing may be a different shape including, for example, round/circular, square, hexagonal, hexagonal, semi-circular, a combination of rectilinear and curved sidewall panels and other suitable shapes. The cover for such a spa may have a corresponding shape.
What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. An adjustable support member for supporting a frame of a spa cover lifting device, the frame being movable between a first frame position wherein the spa cover generally covers a spa and a second frame position wherein the spa cover is lifted from the spa, the adjustable support member comprising:

a) a base, the base comprising a bracket adapted to be fixed adjacent the spa;

b) a stop member having a connection portion adapted to be displaceably coupled to the base, and an abutment portion adapted to support the frame of a spa cover lifting device when the frame is in the second frame position, the abutment portion extending from the connection portion and displaceable with the connection portion for adjusting a distance between the abutment portion and the bracket.

2. The adjustable support member of claim 1, wherein one of the base and the stop member comprises an elongate shaft extending along a shaft axis, and the other of the stop member and the base comprises a collar configured to slidably receive the shaft.

3. The adjustable support member of claim 2, wherein the abutment member has a first end adjacent the connection portion and a second end spaced apart from the first end in a first direction that is non-parallel to the shaft axis.

4. The adjustable support member of claim 3, wherein the first direction is generally orthogonal to the shaft axis.

5. The adjustable support member of claim 1, wherein at least one of the base and the stop member comprises a securement member moveable between an engaged configuration, in which relative displacement between the abutment portion and the bracket is inhibited, and a disengaged configuration, in which the abutment portion is displaceable relative to the bracket.

6. The adjustable support member of claim 5, wherein the securement member comprises a set screw.

7. The adjustable support member of claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises at least one flange for securing the bracket adjacent the spa.

8. The adjustable support member of claim 1, wherein the abutment the abutment portion comprises a body extending from the connection portion and made from a body material, and further comprising at least one cushioning member made from a different, cushioning material and disposed on the body to contact the frame of a spa cover lifting device when the frame is in the second frame position.

9. The adjustable support member of claim 1, wherein the abutment portion comprises a primary abutment surface configured to abut one portion of the frame, and a secondary abutment surface spaced apart from the primary abutment surface and configured to abut another portion of the frame.

10. The adjustable support member of claim 9, wherein the secondary abutment surface is generally orthogonal to the primary abutment surface.

11. An adjustable lifting device for lifting a spa cover of a spa having a spa housing, the adjustable lifting device comprising:

a) a frame positionable adjacent the spa housing and connectable to a spa cover, the frame movable between a first frame position, wherein the spa cover generally covers the spa housing, and a second frame position wherein the spa cover is lifted from the spa housing;

b) a support member positionable adjacent the spa housing to support the frame when the frame is in the second frame position, the support member comprising:

i. a base, the base comprising a bracket adapted to be fixed adjacent the spa; and

ii. a stop member having a connection portion adapted to be displaceably coupled to the base, and an abutment portion adapted to support the frame when the frame is in the second frame position, the abutment portion extending from the connection portion and displaceable with the connection portion for adjusting a distance between the abutment portion and the bracket.

12. The adjustable lifting device of claim 9, wherein the frame is adapted to be connected to the spa housing at a frame elevation, and the support member is adapted to be connected to the spa housing at a support elevation that is higher than the frame elevation.

13. A spa apparatus comprising:

a) a spa housing;

b) a spa cover for covering the spa housing;

c) a cover lifting frame supporting the spa cover, the cover lifting frame movable between a first frame position, wherein the spa cover generally covers the spa housing, and a second frame position wherein the spa cover is lifted from the spa housing;

d) a support member comprising a base and a stop member, the base comprising a bracket adapted to be fixed adjacent the spa, and the stop member having a connection portion displaceably coupled to the base and an abutment portion adapted to support the cover lifting frame when the frame is in the second frame position, the abutment portion extending from the connection portion and displaceable with the connection portion for adjusting a distance between the abutment portion and the bracket.

14. The spa apparatus of claim 11, wherein the frame is connected to the spa by a frame mount comprising a pivot axis about which the frame can pivot to move between the first and second frame positions, and wherein the pivot axis is at a first elevation and the stop member is disposed at a second, higher elevation.

15. The spa apparatus of claim 12, wherein the spa housing comprises an open upper end spaced vertically above a lower end, and wherein the frame mount is connected to the spa housing adjacent the lower end and the support member is connected to the spa housing adjacent upper end.

16. The spa apparatus of claim 12, wherein the spa housing comprises an open upper end spaced vertically above a lower end by a spa height and wherein the support member is spaced above the frame mount by an offset distance that is between about 40% and about 80% of the spa height.