초록 ▼

Apparatus for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover. The apparatus includes at least one lifting assembly secured relative to the spa tub, each having a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to the spa tub and including a cover-engaging end coupled to the spa cover and a pivot end mounte

Apparatus for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover. The apparatus includes at least one lifting assembly secured relative to the spa tub, each having a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to the spa tub and including a cover-engaging end coupled to the spa cover and a pivot end mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The lifting arm is rotatable through a range of motion about the pivot axis between a covering position and an uncovering position. A lifting system is provided for exerting a lifting force on the arm tending to lift the arm as the arm moves from the covering position toward the uncovering position, and for exerting a resistance force on the arm tending to resist movement of the arm from the uncovering position toward the covering position. The lifting system includes a link lever having a pivot end pivotally mounted to the lift arm at a link pivot location disposed between the arm pivot end and the cover-engaging end. A slider end of the link lever is constrained for sliding movement along a slider path of travel. A spring structure is connected to the link lever at a spring pivot location between the link lever pivot end and the slider end. The spring structure is also connected to the lift arm at a spring connection point, and is under compression when the lift arm is at the covering location.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover on top of a spa tub, said apparatus comprising lifting assemblies adapted to be secured relative to said spa tub, each said lifting assembly comprising:a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to said spa tub

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover on top of a spa tub, said apparatus comprising lifting assemblies adapted to be secured relative to said spa tub, each said lifting assembly comprising:a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to said spa tub and including a cover-engaging end adapted to be coupled to the spa cover and a pivot end mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis, wherein said lifting arm is rotatable through a range of motion about the pivot axis from a covering position and an uncovering position;a lifting system for exerting a lifting force on said arm tending to lift said arm as the arm moves from the covering position toward the uncovering position, and for exerting a resistance force on the arm tending to resist movement of the arm from the uncovering position toward the covering position, the lifting system including a force applying structure having a first end coupled to said lifting arm at a location between said arm pivot end and said cover-engaging end, wherein said force applying structure exerts a force substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of said lifting arm when said lifting arm is in said covering position, so that relatively little force is exerted by the force applying structure in a vertical direction, and wherein as said lifting arm moves from the covering position toward the uncovering position, said force applying structure exerts a force having a substantial force component in the vertical direction, thereby tending to assist in moving the lifting arm to the uncovering position, and wherein said force applying structure has a second end which translates alone a constrained path from a first path location as said lifting arm moves from said covering position to said uncovering position.