CA2498379A1

CA2498379A1 - Hot tub table

Info

Publication number: CA2498379A1
Application number: CA 2498379
Authority: CA
Inventors: Peter R. Myers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-21
Filing date: 2005-03-21
Publication date: 2005-05-31

Abstract

A table for use adjacent a hot tub, spa, swimming pool and like body of water, comprising (a) elongate vertical adjustable support means comprising (i) an upper member; (ii) a lower member in telescopic engagement with the upper member;
(iii) adjustable retaining means for retaining the upper and lower members in the telescopic engagement at a pre-selected height of the support means; and (iv) stability means for maintaining the support means operably stable adjacent the body of water; and (b) table means comprising a horizontal member having an upper planar surface for receiving objects thereon, horizontally-rotatably connected to the vertical support means, and operably extendable over the water. The table can be located at any desired and convenient location across the water and is of improved design and construction.

Description

HOT TUB TABLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a table for use adjacent a hot tub, spa, swimming pool and like body of water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Adjustable tables for use adjacent a pool have been the subject of patents and patent Internet documents.
US Patent No. 4,086,859, issued to Dondero, discloses a swivel-mounted table set on a support arm that may be bracketed to a vertical surface. The table is adapted to be used at differing locations and at various desired pivot positions and heights, and can be alternatively locked into position or swung out of the way. The table may be disassembled for storage.
Non-patent Internet reference to "In The Swim" Spa Caddy, http://www.intheswim.com/catalog.cfn~/dest/product/deptid/103/productid/727/sto reid/10 shows a table that may be attached to the outside of a hot tub or spa. The tabletop is made of hard, weather-resistant plastic and may be rotated in or away from the spa.
Internet reference to the "In The Swim" Rotating Tray and Cup Holder, http://www.intheswim.com/searchitem.cfm/storeid/10/productid/177, describes a table that can be bracketed to the outside of a spa or hot tub. The tabletop tray rests on an angled support arm, and may be rotated in or away from the spa. An additional cup holder may also be attached to a support arm that is bracketed to the spa siding.
The remainder of the references listed, hereinbelow, are selected to further illustrate patent and Internet documents in the field of adjustable tables.

RELEVANT PRIOR ART
Patent Document No. Inventor Des. 379,727 Rylen Des. 406,967 Guerra et al US D492,858 S Georgopoulos 2003/0066464 A1 Chang 2003/0164120 Al Helle 1,717,235 Marmonier 3,665,867 Carlson et al 4,086,859 Dondero 4,158,997 de Polo 4,672,898 Davidson 4,744,309 Kiesel et al 4,779,540 Dion et al 5,099,768 Kirchner 5,170,720 Scheurer 5,595,128 De Ladurantaye et al 5,720,226 Padovano 5,802,989 Veyhl 5,865,501 Eisenberg et al 5,913,269 Franssen et al 6,047,648 Alm et al 6,505,566 B1 Foster et al 6,536,357 B1 Hiestand 6,802,263 B1 Kolb Foreign Patent Document No. Country and Date

2 688 988 France, 10/1993 Internet References HomeVisions.com, Cascade Swivel Glass Table http://www.homevisions.com/hvprod/prod displayl.asp?Product=32263&partner =18&CP=00, 1 page, printed from the Internet on 12/3/04.
In The Swim, Spa Caddy, http://www.intheswim.com/catalog.cfm/dest/product/deptid/103/productid/727/
storied/10, 2 pages, printed from the Internet on 12/3/04.
In The Swim, Rotating Tray and Cup Holder, http://intheswim.com/searchitem.cfm/storeid/10/productid/1722, 2 pages, printed from the Internet on 12/3/04.
However, there remains a need for a horizontally-rotatable tray and vertically adjustable support, therefor, that provides any desired and convenient location of the tray across the pool and of improved design, construction, strength and appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stable, height-adjustable and swivelable table for use adjacent a hot tub and the like.
Accordingly, in one aspect the invention provides a table for use adjacent a hot tub, spa, swimming pool and like body of water, comprising (a) elongate vertical adjustable support means comprising (i) an upper member;
(ii) a lower member in telescopic engagement with said upper member;
(iii) adjustable retaining means for retaining said upper and lower members in said telescopic engagement at a pre-selected height of said support means; and (iv) stability means for maintaining said support means operably stable adjacent said body of water; and (b) table means comprising a horizontal member having an upper planar surface for receiving objects thereon, horizontally-rotatably connected to said vertical support means, and operably extendable over said water.
Specifically, the invention is a swivel table attachment for use in a hot tub.
It includes a removable tabletop attached to a vertical support bar. The support bar is

3 anchored to the ground or to a base such as a deck or patio. The table pivots 360 degrees, giving users a place to set drinks or other items while the users are in the hot tub, while still allowing the table to be moved out of the way while not in use. The table is self draining and adjustable in height.
The adjustable table means may comprise a table as hereinabove defined wherein the adjustable retaining means of the support means comprises complementary engaging threads on the upper and lower members.
In an alternative embodiment, the table is as hereinabove defined wherein at least one of the upper member and the upper member is tubular and has a plurality of vertical holes adapted to receive a tubular support pin for supporting the upper member above the upper member, and wherein the support pin and the plurality of vertical holes constitute the adjustable retaining means.
In another embodiment, the lower member is tubular and has a plurality of vertical holes adapted to receive the support pin.
The stability means, preferably, comprises fixed anchor means retaining the vertical support means to a stable member. Examples of the stable member may be a table as hereinabove defined wherein the stable member is the ground, deck, wall, concrete pad, metal frame or plate.
The stability means may, in some embodiments, be readily removable away from the tub, spa or pool and the like, by manual lifting or rolling the table away. The stability means comprise rotatable members selected from wheels, castors and rollers to operably assist in relocating the table adjacent or away from the water.
The horizontal planar surface of the table, preferably, at its periphery has a support frame, for example, a solid or hollow rounded tube which defines, with the periphery, a plurality of water-drain apertures. The table means is preferably elongate.
Although the table horizontal surface may be of any convenient size, preferred dimensions are about 100 cm - 130 cm, more preferably about 115 cm in length and 15 -40 cm, more preferably about 25 cm in width.
Further, the adjustable, vertical support may be of any desired height, preferably, adjustable between 90 cm and 110 cm, in 5 cm increments. Clearly, in particular

4 situations, such as over an in-ground rather than an above-ground, swimming pool, the height above the ground would be minimal.
The table means may be rotatably-connected to the vertical support in any suitable manner wherein the weight of the table tray and resulting stability of the full table is addressed.
The table tray in one embodiment may be welded, screwed or bolted to one of either the upper or lower members, wherein these members are horizontally-rotatable one to the other. Most preferably, the table tray is welded to a tubular upper member which is rotatably-retained around a tubular lower member having the aforesaid plurality of vertical holes by which the height is selected.
The aforesaid table in preferred embodiments comprises the support frame having a pair of side arms terminally-connected, preferably, welded, to the vertical support, and an inclined triangular planar member, integral with the table horizontal planar surface, also connected, preferably, welded, to the tubular upper member, preferably above, terminal side arms.
The preferred tables according to the invention have several features which provide significant convenience to the user, as follows.
The aforesaid tables are readily adjustable in height, are horizontally-rotatable through 360° to permit suitable location over the water, preferably, after users have entered the water; and subsequent removal therefrom. The table is modular so as to allow dismantling of the table means from the vertical support, as well as dismantling of the latter, if desired. Thus, the table can be readily stored in minimum space adjacent or away from the hot tub and the like. In alternative embodiments, the stable means comprises a suitable plate, screwed or otherwise affixed to a deck, tub or other adjacent side or wall by screws, bolts, nails and the like, which, optionally, are readily removable.
In a most simple embodiment, the vertical support may be held in a concrete or like suitable material block, or manner.
The table and supports may be formed of any suitable material, for example, in whole or in part, of metal, such as steel or aluminum, or of a heavy plastics material, composite or otherwise. Most preferably, the full table is formed of a heavy-gauge powder-coated welded steel, which may be magnetized to retain metal objects, such as,

5 for example, tankards, beakers, and playing cards. Alternatively, the tray may be provided with one or a plurality of magnetic strips adhered to the upper surface.
The horizontal planar surface can thus be readily positioned over the water to allow for drinks, snacks, magazines and the like, to be readily reached in the usually not S ready-to-reach spots. The rotatable tray may be of such convenient length as may be desired. The table, as hereinabove defined, thus solves the problem of limited space and provides ready accessibility to the user.
In a further aspect, the invention provides an assembly comprising a table as hereinabove defined affixed to or adjacent a hot tub, spa, swimming pool or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be better understood, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic, front perspective view of a table according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic, vertical perspective side view, in part, of a vertical support, according to the invention;
Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic, vertical perspective side view of a vertical support attached to a support base and to a table, in part, according to the invention;
Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic, vertical perspective side view of an alternative vertical support, in part, according to the invention;
Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic, vertical reaction, in part, of an alternative telescopic fitting of members in a vertical support; and wherein the same numerals denote like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Fig. l, this shows generally as 10, an elongate steel table welded to vertical steel support 14, retained to iron base plate 16.

6 Table 12 has an elongate horizontal planar member 18 having a planar upper surface 20 upon which rests glasses 22 and periodical 24.
With reference also to Figs. 2 and 3, planar member 18 at end 26 adjacent vertical support 14 is integrally formed with an inclined triangular planar member 28.
Horizontal planar member 18, at its periphery 30, is adjacent and removably connected to an elongate support frame 32 which, together, define a plurality of water drain slot apertures 34. Frame 32 at its end adjacent vertical support 14 has a pair of horizontally inwardly converging side arms 36.
Vertical steel support 14 has an upper tubular member 38 in rotatable telescopic arrangement around a lower tubular member 40. Lower member 40 has a plurality of vertically aligned holes 42 through one of which holes 42 is a retaining pin 44 to support upper member 38 on bushings 45 at a pre-selected height. Upper member 38 has an end cap 46. Triangular member 28 and side arms 36 are welded to upper member 38 at and 50, respectively.
In operation, upper member 38 is rotated around lower member 40 and, in consequence, table 12 is rotated to and from the desired positions over the hot tub water.
In alternative embodiments, with reference to Fig. 4, a triangular member 52 may be downwardly, inclined and upper member 54 rotatably, telescopically retained by pin 56 within lower member 58.
In further alternative embodiments with reference to Fig. S, upper outer member 60 and lower inner member 62 have complementary inner threads 64 and outer threads 66, respectively, to provide telescopic retention one to the other at a selected and adjustable height.
Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to those particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are fimctional or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated.

7

Claims

1. A table for use adjacent a hot tub, spa, swimming pool and like body of water, comprising (a) elongate vertical adjustable support means comprising (i) an upper member;
(ii) a lower member in telescopic engagement with said upper member;
(iii) adjustable retaining means for retaining said upper and lower members in said telescopic engagement at a pre-selected height of said support means; and (iv) stability means for maintaining said support means operably stable adjacent said body of water; and (b) table means comprising a horizontal member having an upper planar surface for receiving objects thereon, horizontally-rotatably connected to said vertical support means, and operably extendable over said water.

2. A table as defined in claim 1 wherein said adjustable retaining means of said support means comprises complementary engaging threads on said upper and lower members.

3. A table as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said upper member and said lower member is tubular and has a plurality of vertical holes adapted to receive a tubular support pin for supporting said upper member above said lower member, wherein said support pin and said plurality of vertical holes constitute said adjustable retaining means.

4. A table as defined in claim 3 wherein said lower member is tubular and said adjustable retaining means and has a plurality of vertical holes adapted to receive said tubular support pin.

5. A table as defined in claim 3 wherein at least one of said upper member and said upper member is tubular and has a plurality of vertical holes adapted to receive a tubular support pin for supporting said upper member above said upper member, wherein said support pin and said plurality of vertical holes constitute said adjustable retaining means.

6. A table as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said stability means comprises fixed anchor means retaining said vertical support means to a stable member.

7. A table as defined in claim 6 wherein said stable member is the ground, deck, wall, concrete pad, metal frame or plate.

8. A table as defined in claim 6, wherein said stability means is removable.

9. A table as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said stability means further comprises rotatable members selected from wheels, castors and rollers to operably assist in relocating said table attachment adjacent or away from said water.

10. A table as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said horizontal planar surface at its periphery has a support frame and defines there between a plurality of water-drain apertures.

11. A table as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said horizontal member is 360° rotatable around said vertical support means.

12. A table as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said horizontal surface is rectangular and has a length selected from 100 cm - 130 cm, and a width selected from 15 cm to 40 cm.

13. A table as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said support frame comprises a pair of angular, converging terminal portions connected to a rotatable said upper member.

14. A table as defined in claim 13 further comprising an inclined triangular planar member, integral with said table horizontal surface and connected to said rotatable upper member.

15. A table as defined in claim 14 wherein said pair of angular converging terminal portions and said inclined triangular planar member are welded to said rotatable upper member.

16. A table as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said horizontal member is provided with one or more planar magnetic strips adhered to said upper surface.

17. An assembly comprising a table as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16 affixed to or adjacent a hot tub, spa, swimming pool or the like.