Spa cover lifter

Abstract

A system for lifting a spa cover lifter. The system includes a pole and a post. The system also includes a first support member and a second support member. The first support member is pivotably connected to the pole. The second support member is pivotably connected to the pole and pivotably connected to the post. The system also includes a first cable connected to the spa cover, a second cable connected to the pole, and a drive mechanism connected to the first and second cables.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A method for lifting a spa cover from a spa, the spa cover comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first section and the second section are joined at a hinge interface, the method comprising: 
 providing a first lifting force at an edge of the first section opposite the hinge interface; and    providing a second lifting force at the hinge interface of the spa cover.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein providing the first lifting force comprises retracting a first cable attached to the first section of the spa cover at an edge of the first section opposite the hinge interface.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein providing the second lifting force comprises retracting a second cable attached to the hinge interface between the first section and the second section of the spa cover.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising maintaining the first lifting force until the first section is substantially folded upon the second section.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising maintaining the second lifting force until the first section and the second section are in a substantially vertical position.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the providing of the first lifting force and the providing of the second lifting force overlap in time.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the providing of the first lifting force and the providing of the second lifting force occur simultaneously.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein providing the first lifting force comprises storing a torque about the pole.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising replacing the spa cover, wherein replacing the spa cover comprises reducing the second lifting force.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein reducing the second lifting force comprises extending a cable.  
   
   
       27 . A spa cover lifter for lifting a spa cover, the spa cover comprising a first section and a second section pivotably coupled to the first section at a hinge interface, the spa cover lifter comprising: 
 a drive system, wherein the drive system is coupled to the spa cover at the first section, and wherein the drive system is also coupled to the spa cover proximate the hinge interface; and    wherein the drive system is configured to exert a first force on the first section and a second force proximate the hinge interface.    
   
   
       28 . The spa cover lifter of  claim 27 , further comprising a frame structure, wherein at least a portion of the drive system is coupled to the frame structure.  
   
   
       29 . The spa cover lifter of  claim 27 , wherein the drive system is coupled to the first section with a first cable, and wherein the drive system is coupled proximate the hinge interface with a second cable.  
   
   
       30 . The spa cover lifter of  claim 29 , wherein the second cable is coupled to a support member, and the support member is coupled to the spa cover proximate the hinge interface.  
   
   
       31 . The spa cover lifter of  claim 27 , wherein the drive system comprises a first drive mechanism coupled to the first section; and a second drive mechanism coupled to the spa cover proximate the hinge interface.  
   
   
       32 . A spa cover lifter for lifting a spa cover, the spa cover comprising a first section and a second section pivotably coupled to the first section at a hinge interface, the spa cover lifter comprising: 
 a frame structure;    a drive mechanism coupled to at least one of the first section and the second section; and    wherein the drive mechanism is coupled to the frame member.    
   
   
       33 . The spa cover lifter of  claim 32 , wherein the drive mechanism is coupled to the spa cover at the first section, wherein the drive mechanism is also coupled to the spa cover proximate the hinge interface, and wherein the drive mechanism is configured to exert a first force on the first section and a second force proximate the hinge interface.  
   
   
       34 . The spa cover lifter of  claim 32 , wherein the drive mechanism is coupled to the at least one of the first section and the second section by at least one cable.  
   
   
       35 . The spa cover lifter of  claim 34 , wherein the at lease one cable is coupled to a support member, and the support member is coupled to the at least one of the first section and the second section.