Lift system for a spa cover
A lift system for a spa cover includes a first arm rotatable about a first pivotal connection with a side of a spa and pivotally connected to a spa cover, a lift mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the side of the spa, and a mechanical linkage between the lift-assist device and the first arm.
1. A lift system for a spa cover, comprising:
a first arm rotatable about a first pivotal connection with a side of a spa and pivotally connected to a spa cover;
a lift mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the side of the spa; and
a mechanical linkage between the lift mechanism and the first arm;
wherein the lift mechanism is a linear actuator which is connected to the mechanical linkage at a point offset from the first pivotal connection.
2. The lift system of claim 1 , wherein:
the linear actuator is pivotally connected to the mechanical linkage.
3. The lift system of claim 2 , wherein:
the mechanical linkage converts linear translation of the linear actuator to rotation of the first arm about the first pivotal connection.
4. The lift system of claim 2 , wherein:
a proximal end of the mechanical linkage is connected to the spa at a point generally beneath the first pivotal connection.
5. A lift system for a spa cover, comprising:
a first arm rotatable about a first pivotal connection with a side of a spa and pivotally connected to a spa cover;
a lift mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the side of the spa; and
a mechanical linkage between the lift mechanism and the first arm;
wherein the mechanical linkage includes a first linkage and a second linkage.
6. The lift system of claim 5 , wherein:
the lift mechanism is an actuator.
7. The lift system of claim 6 , wherein:
the actuator is a linear actuator.
8. The lift system of claim 5 , wherein:
the lift mechanism is pivotally connected to the first linkage; and
wherein the first linkage is pivotally connected to the second linkage.
9. The lift system of claim 8 , wherein:
the first linkage is a linear, elongated member.
10. The lift system of claim 9 , wherein:
the second linkage is a disk.
11. A lift system for a spa cover, comprising:
a first arm rotatable about a first pivotal connection with a side of a spa and pivotally connected to a spa cover;
a lift mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the side of the spa;
a mechanical linkage between the lift mechanism and the first arm; and
a mechanism configured to inhibit rotation of the first arm during rotation of the first arm.
12. A lift system for a spa cover, comprising:
a first arm rotatable about a first pivotal connection with a side of a spa and pivotally connected to a spa cover;
a lift mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the side of the spa, the lift mechanism being a linear actuator;
a mechanical linkage between the lift mechanism and the first arm; and
an eccentric drive plate connected to the first arm;
wherein the mechanical linkage is between the eccentric drive plate and the linear actuator.
13. A lift system for a spa cover, comprising:
a first arm rotatable about a first pivotal connection with a side of a spa and pivotally connected to a spa cover;
a lift mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the side of the spa, the lift mechanism being a linear actuator; and
a mechanical linkage between the lift mechanism and the first arm;
wherein the mechanical linkage is a linear actuator; and
wherein the linear actuator and the mechanical linkage are positioned behind the side of the spa.
14. A spa, comprising:
a housing defining an interior chamber for containing a volume of water;
a cover positionable over the housing; and
a cover lifter, the cover lifter including:
a first arm rotatable about a first pivotal connection with a side of the housing and connected to the cover;
a lift mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the side of the housing; and
a mechanical linkage between the lift mechanism and the first arm;
wherein the lift mechanism is a linear actuator; and
wherein the mechanical linkage converts linear translation of the linear actuator to rotation of the first arm about the first pivotal connection.
15. The spa of claim 14 , wherein:
the linear actuator is connected to the mechanical linkage at a point offset from the first pivotal connection.
16. The spa of claim 14 , wherein:
the mechanical linkage includes a first linkage and a second linkage.
17. The lift system of claim 16 , wherein:
the linear actuator pivotally connected to the first linkage; and
wherein the first linkage is pivotally connected to the second linkage.