A device for removing spa covers and storing them, while the spa in use, and returning them to cover the spa after use. This invention takes a different approach to the mounting requirements for the system hardware. Most notable, all weight of the covers and lifter are ground level mounted, no attachment is made to the spa.

A spa cover removal apparatus. The removal apparatus includes a pair of elongate spaced apart side arms. One end of each side arm is pivotally connected to the bottom side portion of a spa side, and the opposing end rotatingly engages a side edge of the spa cover. In this way, the spa cover can rotate in relation to the side arms such that a horizontal cover rotation axis is defined by the axis of rotation of the spa cover relative to the side arms. A back rack is pivotally coupled to the rear edge of the spa cover to enable the spa cover to pivot, relative to the back rack, about a horizontal cover pivot axis. In addition, a base bracket assembly is provided for pivotally connecting the back rack to the back surface of the spa. This enables the back rack to pivot, relative to the base bracket assembly, about a substantially horizontal back rack pivot axis. With this arrangement, a rearwardly directed force can be increasingly applied to the spa cover causing the same to lift and move rearward, above the spa, wherein the side arms pivot relative to the spa, and the back rack pivots relative to the base bracket assembly, responsive to rearward movement of the spa cover. As a result, the spa cover shifts from a first horizontal covering position over the spa, to a second stowed position adjacent the back surface of the spa.

A spa cover lifting device for lifting a folding spa cover seated on a spa from a seated position to a vertical storage position, the spa cover lifting device having a frame apparatus with a horizontal cross member and a pair of side members with ends having pivot means connectable with the spa, the horizontal cross member engaging the folding spa cover at the fold and transporting the cover when folded over the cross member from the seated position to the storage position when the frame apparatus is pivoted.

A spa cover removal apparatus includes a pivot frame assembly having a pair of elongate side arms spaced apart to receive opposing cover side surfaces between the same for rotatably supporting the spa cover. Fixed to the spa is a stationary base, for pivotally supporting the pivot frame assembly. For this purpose, the stationary base is disposed under the pivot frame assembly. This arrangement, enables the spa cover to shift from a first horizontal covering position over the spa, to a second stowed position adjacent the back side of the spa as a rearwardly directed force is applied to the spa cover. Accordingly, the spa cover moves rearward and pivots relative to the side arms while the pivot frame assembly simultaneously pivots relative to the stationary base, about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis. In addition, a slide lock bar extends from the pivot frame assembly for sliding attachment to the spa side to restrict the spa cover against further movement once the same reaches the second stowed position. In another aspect, a portion of the pivot frame assembly extends in a downward direction from the base pivot axis so that the pivot frame assembly can engage the stationary base for restricting further pivotal movement of the pivot frame assembly when the same moves to the second stowed position.

A spa cover lift frame is described for a spa cover which is formed of two halves and joined along a central hinge and rests against the top of a spa having upright left and right spa side walls and an end wall leading downwardly from the spa top. The preferred lift frame includes left and right mounting brackets configured to be mounted to the respective left and right spa side walls adjacent the end wall. Each of the left and right mounting brackets are preferably comprised of an elongated bracket flange configured to be mounted flush against a side wall of the spa with the second end adjacent the spa end wall. Pivots are situated on the mounting brackets, as are pivot stops. A "U" shaped reinforced carrier, including opposed substantially parallel support arm members and a cross member extending between the support arm members, is mounted to the brackets for pivotal motion about a lift axis. The left and right mounting brackets and the carrier are configured to be mounted on the spa side walls with the carrier pivotable on the lift axis between a down position wherein the cross member is positioned against the spa cover adjacent the hinge such that the spa cover may be folded over the cross member, and a raised position wherein the folded spa cover is supported on the cross member and is substantially upright and adjacent to the spa end wall.