Folding spa cover

Abstract

A retractable, folding, insulating spa cover assembly with interconnected, plural, elongated, generally rectangular, panel members, the panel members being connected to each other along their longitudinal edges or sides by hinge members that act as gaskets to close the entire gap between adjoining panel members, wherein the hinge members alternate between the upper and lower surface of the panel members, such that the panel members are foldable into a vertical stack. Track members may be provided on opposing upper walls of the spa, with pins or roller members disposed on each end of the panel members such that the panel members slide laterally within the track members. The track members may each have a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, such the panel members remain in the track members when vertically stacked as well. In an alternative embodiment, vertically oriented roller conveyor members may be positioned beside the spa.

1 . A folding spa cover comprising a plurality of elongated, substantially rectangular, interconnected, insulating panel members, the majority of said panel members being interior panel embers and two of said panel members being end panel members, each of the panel members having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the panel members are joined to each other with hinge members in alternating manner such that the panel members are foldable in an accordion-style manner into a vertical stack, such that each individual interior panel member is joined to a first adjacent panel member at or adjacent the upper surface and to a second opposite adjacent panel member at or adjacent the lower surface. 
   
   
       2 . The spa cover of  claim 1 , wherein said hinge members extend substantially the full length of said panel members. 
   
   
       3 . The spa cover of  claim 2 , wherein said hinge members are waterproof so as to define a barrier between said panel members. 
   
   
       4 . The spa cover of  claim 1 , wherein said panel members are less than approximately 18 inches in width. 
   
   
       5 . A retractable folding spa cover assembly mounted onto a spa having side walls and a generally horizontal upper surface, said assembly comprising:
 a plurality of elongated, substantially rectangular, interconnected, insulating panel members, the majority of said panel members being interior panel embers and two of said panel members being end panel members, each of the panel members having ends, an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the panel members are joined to each other with hinge members in alternating manner such that the panel members are foldable in an accordion-style manner into a vertical stack, such that each individual interior panel member is joined to a first adjacent panel member at or adjacent the upper surface and to a second opposite adjacent panel member at or adjacent the lower surface;   a pair of generally horizontal, opposing track members atop the walls of said spa, said track members each comprising a slot receiving and retaining said panel members whereby said panel members can be moved horizontally within said track members.   
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 5 , further comprising guide members mounted on said ends of said panel members, wherein said guide members are received within said slots of said track members. 
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said guide members are chosen from the group of guide members consisting of pins, wheels and rollers. 
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 5 , said track members extending vertically downward adjacent said spa side walls, whereby said panel members can also be moved vertically within said track members. 
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , further comprising guide members mounted on said ends of said panel members, wherein said guide members are received within said slots of said track members. 
   
   
       10 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein said guide members are chosen from the group of guide members consisting of pins, wheels and rollers. 
   
   
       11 . A retractable folding spa cover assembly in combination with a spa having side walls and a generally horizontal upper surface, said assembly comprising:
 a plurality of elongated, substantially rectangular, interconnected, insulating panel members, the majority of said panel members being interior panel embers and two of said panel members being end panel members, each of the panel members having ends, an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the panel members are joined to each other with hinge members in alternating manner such that the panel members are foldable in an accordion-style manner into a vertical stack, such that each individual interior panel member is joined to a first adjacent panel member at or adjacent the upper surface and to a second opposite adjacent panel member at or adjacent the lower surface;   at least two generally vertically oriented roller conveyor members positioned externally adjacent a side wall of the spa, said roller conveyor members each comprising an upstanding body member having a plurality of roller members disposed thereon and facing away from said spa side wall to define a rollway for said panel members;   whereby said roller members reduce friction and drag when the panel members are pulled from the vertical stack back onto the upper surface of said spa.   
   
   
       12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said body members comprise a shoulder. 
   
   
       13 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said shoulder is curved. 
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said shoulder is beveled. 
   
   
       15 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said shoulder is right-angled. 
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said roller conveyor members further comprise footer members disposed beneath sad spa. 
   
   
       17 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said hinge members extend substantially the full length of said panel members. 
   
   
       18 . The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein said hinge members are waterproof so as to define a barrier between said panel members. 
   
   
       19 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said panel members are less than approximately 18 inches in width.