US20090308422A1

US20090308422A1 - Outdoor spa covering device

Info

Publication number: US20090308422A1
Application number: US12/157,673
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Rizzotto
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-12
Filing date: 2008-06-12
Publication date: 2009-12-17

Abstract

An outdoor spa covering device includes a frame member having generally vertical supports, first generally horizontal supports, second generally horizontal supports, roof supports, and first, second, third, and fourth connecting mechanisms. The first connecting mechanism removably connects such first generally horizontal supports at first ends and second ends thereof generally adjacent to first ends of such generally vertical supports. The second connecting mechanism removably connects such second generally horizontal supports at first ends and second ends thereof generally adjacent to second ends of such generally vertical supports. The third connecting mechanism removably connects such roof supports at first ends thereof generally adjacent to at least one of second ends of such generally vertical supports, predetermined locations on such second generally horizontal supports, and a combination thereof. The fourth connecting mechanism removably connects the second ends of such roof supports. A covering member covers such frame member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to tent-like devices and, more particularly, this invention relates to a device for covering an outdoor spa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, tents, as are generally well known in the prior art, have been used to provide shelter for campers. Party tents have sometimes been used to afford shelter from sunlight and rain for picnickers. However, there exists a need for a device which can be used to cover an outdoor spa and provide full and partial shelter from wind, rain, other inclement weather and sunlight as desired, as well as provide varying degrees of privacy and which will enable year-round usage of such outdoor spa.
Specifically of interest to the present invention are the following: Barovetto, U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,932 discloses a hot tub cover and enclosure which, when in a closed position, forms a waterproof cover for a hot tub and a sloping surface to shed snow and water while the hot tub is not in use, and when in an open position, provides privacy screening and wind protection.
Sitzmann, U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,702, discloses a lightweight, spa cover kit. The cover kit includes a square or rectangular-shaped overhead cap pivotally attached at two corners along one end to two dual hinged support posts. The cap is made of lightweight, weather-proof material, such as molded fiberglass, and may include skylights to allow natural light through during use. The lower end of each dual hinged support post is pivotally attached to the deck surface on which the spa sits.
Gray, U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,433 discloses a moveable hot tub cover structure which removably covers a hot tub and includes at least one rail structure mounted generally adjacent the hot tub and extending outwards therefrom and a rigid hot tub cover structure including at least two upright walls having bases and upper sections and a roof extending between and connecting the at least two upright walls adjacent upper sections thereof such that the roof is spaced from the bases of the upright walls to permit the rigid hot tub cover structure to enclose the hot tub and be used with the rigid hot tub cover structure thereon. At least two rail-engaging wheels are mounted on the rigid hot tub cover structure. The wheels are operative to rollably engage the rail structure. A drive device, such as a garage door opener-type chain drive, is operatively connected to the hot tub cover structure for rollably moving the rigid hot tub cover structure on the rail structure between a hot tub covering position over and above the hot tub and a position in which the hot tub is uncovered.
Aragona, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,663, discloses a generally hemispherical dome designed to cover a hot tub and comprises a pair of successively smaller spherical shells, generally quadrantal in configuration, which are pivotally connected to a pin member vertically disposed through the superimposed apexes of the respective shells. A deck surrounding the perimeter of the hot tub provides basal support to the shells as well as a bearing surface for roller wheels attached along the base of the smaller shell. Upon affixation of the larger shell to the deck the smaller shell is rotated about the pin member through a range of superjacent positions relative to the fixed shell. A plurality of arcuate ribs form the framework of each shell. The ribs are adapted to support canopy material.
Wilson, et al, U.S. Publication No. 2005/0108817, discloses a collapsable spa enclosure which includes a canopy that is carried by a frame that is supported by a plurality of support blocks. The support blocks are connected to the outer surface of the spa with an adhesive or a clamping strap. The collapsable spa enclosure may be removed from the spa by detaching the frame from the support blocks. The frame may be collapsed into a convenient storage size. When erected over the spa, the enclosure protects the spa user from insects, sun, and wind while providing the user privacy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an outdoor spa covering device. Such device includes a frame member and a covering member. Such frame member includes a plurality of generally vertical support members, a plurality of first generally horizontal support members, a plurality of second generally horizontal support members, a plurality of roof support members, a first connecting means, a second connecting means, a third connecting means, and a fourth connecting means. The plurality of generally vertical support members each have a first end and a second end and are manufactured from a first predetermined material and have a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. The plurality of first generally horizontal support members each have a first end and a second end and are manufactured from a second predetermined material and have a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. The first connecting means removably connects each of the plurality of first generally horizontal support members at each of such first ends and such second ends thereof generally adjacent to such first ends of the plurality of generally vertical support members. The plurality of second generally horizontal support members each have a first end and a second end and are manufactured from a third predetermined material and have a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape. The second connecting means removably connects each of the plurality of second generally horizontal support members at each of such first ends and such second ends thereof generally adjacent to each of such second ends of the plurality of generally vertical support members. The plurality of roof support members have a first end and a second end and are manufactured from a fourth predetermined material and having a fourth predetermined size and a fourth predetermined shape. The third connecting means removably connects each of the plurality of roof support members at each of such first ends thereof generally adjacent to at least one of such second ends of the plurality of generally vertical support members, a predetermined location on each of the plurality of second generally horizontal support members, and a combination thereof. The fourth connecting means removably connects each of the plurality of roof support members at such second ends thereof closely adjacent each other. The covering member has at least one of at least one side portion, at least one top portion, and a combination thereof and is manufactured from a fifth predetermined material and has a fifth predetermined shape and a fifth predetermined size. The covering member removably covers the frame member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a covering device for an outdoor spa which will protect people within the covering device from wind, inclement weather, sun exposure, insects, dust, pollution and the like.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor spa covering device which has an expandable frame for fitting over various sized spa units.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a covering device for an outdoor spa, such covering device having at least one of at least one window-type member, at least one door-type member, at least one sun roof type member and a combination thereof.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable covering device for an outdoor spa which includes side panels that can be rolled up or folded up to enable a user to enjoy privacy as desired.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor spa covering that includes a covering member having a heavy duty flap type skirt along a bottom edge thereof for restricting outside air from entering the area within the covering member. The flap type skirt may wrap around a bottom horizontal portion of a frame member which supports such covering member thereby further restricting outside air flow.
In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.
Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-5.
An outdoor spa covering device, generally designated 10, is provided. Such device 10 includes a frame member, generally designated 12, and a covering member, 14.
Such frame member 12 includes a plurality of generally vertical support members 16, a plurality of first generally horizontal support members 18, a plurality of second generally horizontal support members 22, a plurality of roof support members 24, a first connecting means 26, a second connecting means 28, a third connecting means 32, and a fourth connecting means 34.
The plurality of generally vertical support members 16 each have a first end 36 and a second end 38 and are manufactured from a first predetermined material and have a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape.
The plurality of first generally horizontal support members 18 each have a first end 42 and a second end 44 and are manufactured from a second predetermined material and have a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape.
The first connecting means 26 removably connects each of the plurality of first generally horizontal support members 18 at each of such first ends 42 and such second ends 44 thereof generally adjacent to such first ends 36 of the plurality of generally vertical support members 16.
It is presently preferred that such first connecting means 26 further includes an anchoring means 31 operably connectable to such first connecting means 26 at a predetermined location thereon and operably anchorable into at least one of dirt, ground, and flooring for securing such frame member 12 into such at least one of such dirt, ground and flooring.
The plurality of second generally horizontal support members 22 each have a first end 46 and a second end 48 and are manufactured from a third predetermined material and have a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape.
The second connecting means 28 removably connects each of the plurality of second generally horizontal support members 22 at each of such first ends 46 and such second ends 48 thereof generally adjacent to each of such second ends 38 of the plurality of generally vertical support members 16.
The plurality of roof support members 24 each have a first end 52 and a second end 54 and are manufactured from a fourth predetermined material and having a fourth predetermined size and a fourth predetermined shape.
The third connecting means 32 removably connects each of the plurality of roof support members 24 at each of such first ends 52 thereof generally adjacent to at least one of such second ends 38 of the plurality of generally vertical support members 16, a predetermined location on each of the plurality of second generally horizontal support members 22, and a combination thereof.
The fourth connecting means 34 removably connects each of the plurality of roof support members 24 at such second ends 54 thereof.
It is presently preferred that such roof support members 24 are at a predetermined angle from at least one of said second generally horizontal support members 22 and said generally vertical support members 16 such that such second ends 54 of the roof support members 24 are at a predetermined elevation from such first ends 52 thereof.
It is further presently preferred that such predetermined distance is between about 3.0 feet and about 5.0 feet.
The covering member 14 has at least one of at least one side portion 62, at least one top portion 64, and a combination thereof and is manufactured from a fifth predetermined material and has a fifth predetermined shape and a fifth predetermined size. The covering member 14 removably covers the frame member 12.
It is presently preferred that at least one of the first generally horizontal support members 18, the generally vertical support members 16, the second generally horizontal support members 22, the roof support members 24, and a combination thereof are telescoping to allow a user to adjust the outdoor spa covering device 10 to a desired size.
It is presently preferred that at least one of the first generally horizontal support members 18, the generally vertical support members 16, the second generally horizontal support members 22, the roof support members 24, and a combination thereof include at least one of shock cord telescoping means and detent and aperture telescoping means disposed at predetermined locations thereon for enabling a user to adjust the length of at least one of the first generally horizontal support members 18, the generally vertical support members 16, the second generally horizontal support members 22, the roof support members 24, and a combination thereof. Although such shock cord and detent and aperture telescoping means are presently preferred, the device is not meant to be limited as such and any known telescoping means may be used which will achieve the desired results. Furthermore, such telescoping means may also be used as a leveling means.
It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 is flexible. It is further presently preferred that such covering member 14 is insulated.
It is presently preferred that such at least one side portion 62 of such covering member 14 is divided into a predetermined number of sub-portions 66. It is presently preferred that such at least one of such predetermined number of sub-portions 66 are at least one of removable, foldable and rollable at least one of upwards, downwards, and sideways. It is further presently preferred that at least one of such covering member 14 and such frame member 12 further includes a means 68 for securing such at least one sub-portion 66 in at least one of a predetermined position. For example, hook and loop type securing means may be used to secure such covering member in such predetermined position. Furthermore, such sub-portions 66 may overlap each other such that air outside such covering member 14 flowing within such covering member 14 is limited.
According to one embodiment, such sub-portions 66 are at least one of foldable and rollable such that the covering member 14 may be adjusted in size. According to another embodiment, such sub-portions 66 may be folded or rolled and secured such that a user may determine the degree to which an outdoor spa 76 is enclosed and therefore the degree of privacy enjoyed by the person or persons within. For example, in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 such spa 76 is only partially enclosed but in FIG. 2 such spa 76 is completely enclosed.
It is further presently preferred that such outdoor spa covering device 10 further includes a securing means 72 for securing the covering member 14 to the frame member 12 at predetermined locations thereon.
It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 further includes a skirt type member 78 disposed on the covering member 14 closely adjacent a lower edge 82 thereof for reducing the amount of outdoor air entering into an area within such covering member 14 when such covering member 14 has been placed over such frame member 12. It is presently preferred that such skirt type member 78 is a flap type member 84. It is meant that such flap type member 84 may be placed underneath such plurality of first generally horizontal support members 18 thereby further insulating the area within such covering member 14 from outdoor air flow.
It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 includes at least one door member 86 manufactured from a sixth predetermined material and having a sixth predetermined size and a sixth predetermined shape and being operably disposed on a predetermined portion of such at least one side portion 62 of such covering member 14 at a predetermined location thereon. It is further presently preferred that such at least one door member 86 is able to be secured in at least one of an open position and a closed position. It is further presently preferred that such at least one door member 86 is a zipper type door member. However, the invention is not meant to be limited as such and any type of door may be utilized which serves the purpose of allowing ingress and egress into the area covered by such covering member 14.
It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 includes at least one window member 88 manufactured from a seventh predetermined material and having a seventh predetermined size and a seventh predetermined shape and being operably disposed on a predetermined side portion 62 of such covering member 14 at a predetermined location thereon. It is presently preferred that such seventh predetermined material is plastic. It is further presently preferred that such plastic is flexible. It is further presently preferred that such at least one window member 88 is able to be secured in at least one of an open position and a closed position. It is further presently preferred that such at least one window 88 is removable.
It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 includes at least one sun roof type member 92 manufactured from an eighth predetermined material and having an eighth predetermined size and an eighth predetermined shape and being operably disposed on the top portion 64 of such covering member 14 at a predetermined location thereon. It is further presently preferred that such sun roof type member 92 is able to be secured in at least one of an open and a closed position. It is further presently preferred that such at least one sun roof type member 92 is removable.
It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is a metal. It is presently preferred that such metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum and galvanized steel. It is further presently preferred that such first predetermined material, such second predetermined material, such third predetermined material, and such fourth predetermined material are substantially identical.
It is presently preferred that such fifth predetermined material is at least one of weather resistant, water resistant, fluid resistant, and a combination thereof. It is presently preferred that such fifth predetermined material is water impervious. It is further presently preferred that such fifth predetermined material is at least one of vinyl, nylon, nylon taffeta, rip stop nylon, polyester, canvas, cotton canvas, and a combination thereof. It is presently most preferred that such fifth predetermined material is polyester.
It is presently preferred that such fifth predetermined material includes a water impervious coating disposed thereon at a predetermined location. It is further presently preferred that such fifth predetermined material is mold and mildew resistant. It is further presently preferred that such fifth predetermined material is UV resistant.
It is presently preferred that the first generally horizontal support members 18 and the second generally horizontal support members 22 are each between about 8.0 feet and about 18.0 feet long. It is further presently preferred that such generally vertical support members 16 are each between about 5.0 feet and 7.0 feet long.
It is presently preferred that such spa covering device 10 includes an anchoring means 31 for anchoring such frame member 12 in place.
While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An outdoor spa covering device comprising:

a. A frame member including;

i. a plurality of generally vertical support members each having a first end and a second end and being manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape;

ii. a plurality of first generally horizontal support members each having a first end and a second end and being manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape;

iii. a first connecting means for removably connecting each of said plurality of first generally horizontal support members at each of said first ends and said second ends thereof generally adjacent to said first ends of said plurality of generally vertical support members;

iv. a plurality of second generally horizontal support members each having a first end and a second end and being manufactured from a third predetermined material and having a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape;

v. a second connecting means for removably connecting each of said plurality of second generally horizontal support members at each of said first ends and said second ends thereof generally adjacent to each of said second ends of said plurality of generally vertical support members;

vi. a plurality of roof support members having a first end and a second end and being manufactured from a fourth predetermined material and having a fourth predetermined size and a fourth predetermined shape;

vii. a third connecting means for removably connecting each of said plurality of roof support members at each of said first ends thereof generally adjacent to at least one of said second ends of said plurality of generally vertical support members, a predetermined location on each of said plurality of second generally horizontal support members, and a combination thereof;

viii. a fourth connecting means for removably connecting each of said plurality of roof support members at said second ends thereof; and

b. a covering member having at least one of at least one side portion, at least one top portion, and a combination thereof said covering member being manufactured from a fifth predetermined material and having a fifth predetermined shape and a fifth predetermined size, and said covering member being for removably covering said frame member.

2. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said roof support members are at a predetermined angle from at least one of said second generally horizontal support members and said generally vertical support members such that said second ends of said roof support members are at a predetermined elevation from said first ends thereof.

3. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 2 wherein said predetermined distance is between about 3.0 feet and about 5.0 feet.

4. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said first generally horizontal support members, said generally vertical support members, said second generally horizontal support members, said roof support members, and a combination thereof are telescoping.

5. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one side portion is divided into a predetermined number of sub-portions and further includes a means for preventing airflow adjacent a corner portion.

6. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 5 wherein said at least one of said predetermined number of sub-portions is at least one of, removable, foldable and rollable at least one of upwards, downwards, and sideways and wherein at least one of said covering member and said frame member further includes a means for securing said at least one sub-portion in at least one of a predetermined position.

7. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering device further includes a securing means for securing said covering member to said frame member at predetermined locations thereon.

8. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering member further includes a skirt type member disposed on said covering member closely adjacent a lower edge thereof for reducing the amount of outdoor air entering into an area within said covering member when said covering member has been placed over said frame member.

9. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first connecting means further includes an anchoring means operably connectable to said first connecting means at a predetermined location thereon and operably anchorable into at least one of dirt, ground, and flooring for securing said frame member into said at least one of said dirt, ground and flooring.

10. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering member includes at least one door member manufactured from a sixth predetermined material and having a sixth predetermined size and a sixth predetermined shape and being operably disposed on a predetermined portion of said at least one side portion at a predetermined location thereon.

11. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering member includes at least one window member manufactured from a seventh predetermined material and having a seventh predetermined size and a seventh predetermined shape and being operably disposed on a predetermined side portion of said covering member at a predetermined location thereon.

12. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering member includes at least one sun roof type member manufactured from an eighth predetermined material and having an eighth predetermined size and an eighth predetermined shape and being operably disposed on said top portion of said covering member at a predetermined location thereon.

13. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is a metal.

14. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 13 wherein said metal is selected from aluminum and galvanized steel.

15. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said fifth predetermined material is at least one of weather resistant, water resistant, fluid resistant, and a combination thereof.

16. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 15 wherein said fifth predetermined material is at least one of vinyl, nylon, nylon taffeta, rip stop nylon, polyester, canvas, cotton canvas, and a combination thereof.

17. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 16 wherein said fifth predetermined material is polyester.

18. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said fifth predetermined material is water impervious.

19. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first generally horizontal support members and said second generally horizontal support members are each between about 8.0 feet and about 18.0 feet long.

20. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said generally vertical support members are each between about 5.0 feet and 7.0 feet long.