초록 ▼

A device is provided for aiding in the removal and replacement of a spa cover atop a spa tub. A pair of lifting assemblies are located on opposite sides of the spa tub. Each of the lifting assemblies includes a spring having an anchored end secured relative to the spa tub and a moveable end. Each li

A device is provided for aiding in the removal and replacement of a spa cover atop a spa tub. A pair of lifting assemblies are located on opposite sides of the spa tub. Each of the lifting assemblies includes a spring having an anchored end secured relative to the spa tub and a moveable end. Each lifting assembly employs a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to the spa tub and including a cover-engaging end attached to the spa cover, a spring-engaging end attached to the moveable end of the spring, and a fulcrum located between the lifting arm ends. The lifting arm is rotatable between extreme covering and uncovering positions in which the spring-engaging end of the lifting arm lies on opposite sides of a straight line extending between the lifting arm axis of rotation and the anchored end of the spring. The lifting arm is rotatable through an intermediate position in which the spring-engaging end of the lifting arm passes between the fulcrum and the anchored end of the spring. At this intermediate position the spring force is at a minimum. The lifting device thereby tends to balance the gravitational moment exerted by the cover on the lifting arms more closely than is achieved with conventional devices. In an alternative arrangement the fulcrum of the lifting arm is located at one end thereof and the moveable end of the spring is joined to the lifting arm at an intermediate spring coupling. A clamping mechanism is employed to lock the lifting arm to prevent accidental closure of the cover.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] In combination, a spa having a tub with a pair of opposing transverse end walls and a pair of opposite side walls, each side wall having a top and a bottom, a folding spa cover divided longitudinally into two sections and including a cover hinge that extends transversely between sai

[ I claim:] [1.] In combination, a spa having a tub with a pair of opposing transverse end walls and a pair of opposite side walls, each side wall having a top and a bottom, a folding spa cover divided longitudinally into two sections and including a cover hinge that extends transversely between said opposite side walls of said spa tub, wherein said spa cover sections are foldable together at said hinge, and a device for aiding removal and replacement of said spa cover relative to said spa tub comprising a pair of lifting assemblies each of which is secured relative to said spa tub on a separate one of said opposite side walls, each lifting assembly including:a spring having an anchored end secured relative to said spa tub and a moveable end, wherein said anchored end is attached to one of said side walls of said tub near said bottom thereof,a single lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to said spa tub and including a cover-engaging end attached to said spa cover proximate said spa cover hinge, a spring-engaging end attached to said moveable end of said spring, and a fulcrum located between said lifting arm ends and attached to said one of said side walls near said top thereof and defining a lifting arm axis of rotation, and said lifting arm is rotatable between extreme covering and uncovering positions in which said moveable end of said lifting arm lies on opposite sides of a straight line extending between said lifting arm axis of rotation and said anchored end of said spring and said lifting arm is rotatable through an intermediate position in which said moveable end of said lifting arm lies on said straight line whereby said spring exerts a spring biasing moment on said lifting arm urging said lifting arm toward said intermediate position and said cover exerts a gravitational moment on said lifting arm that opposes said spring biasing moment when said lifting arm is at said extreme positions, and said spring biasing moment is less than said gravitational moment.