Protective spa cover and method

Abstract

A protective cover device for a spa, adapted to fit over a spa and a spa's insulated cover. The device comprises a center panel that covers the top of the spa and side panels that cover the sides of the spa. Corner panels may be attached to the side panels to cover the corners of the spa. Coupling means on one side of each side panel of the device help to keep the device in position over the spa and the spa's insulated cover. The device may be adjustable so as to accommodate varying spa sizes. The device's exterior may be used for advertising by placing names, logos, or the like thereon.

1 . A protective spa cover comprising: 
 a center panel adapted to fit over the top of a spa and a spa's insulated cover;    four side panels, each adapted to fit over a side of a spa, wherein a side of each of the side panels is attached to a side of the center panel; and    at least one coupling member attached to one side of each of the four side panels, wherein the coupling member is adapted to couple one side panel to an adjacent side panel, thereby securing the protective spa cover in position over the spa and the spa's insulated cover.    
   
   
       2 . The protective spa cover of  claim 1 , wherein each of the side panels is attached to the center panel by a seam, wherein the seam is reinforced with a strip of binding folded over each seam and stitched through the seam.  
   
   
       3 . The protective spa cover of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is made of a polyester reinforced fabric.  
   
   
       4 . The protective spa cover of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is made of a waterproof material.  
   
   
       5 . The protective spa cover of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling member consists of one of a Velcro strip, a snap, a button, and a tie.  
   
   
       6 . The protective spa cover of  claim 1  further comprising advertising text located on an outer surface thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The protective spa cover of  claim 1  further comprising four corner panels, each adapted to fit over a corner of a spa, wherein a side of each of the corner panels is attached to a side of each of the side panels.  
   
   
       8 . A flexible protective spa cover comprising: 
 a substantially square-shaped center panel adapted to fit over the top of a spa and a spa's insulated cover;    four substantially rectangular side panels, each adapted to fit over a side of a spa, wherein a side of each of the side panels is attached to a side of the center panel;    four substantially rectangular corner panels, each adapted to fit over a corner of a spa, wherein a side of each of the corner panels is attached to a side of each of the side panels; and    at least one-coupling member attached to one side of each of the four side panels, wherein the coupling member is adapted to couple one side panel to an adjacent side panel, thereby securing the protective spa cover in position over the spa and the spa's insulated cover.    
   
   
       9 . The protective spa cover of  claim 8 , wherein each of the side panels is attached to the center panel by a seam, wherein the seam is reinforced with a strip of binding folded over each seam and stitched through the seam.  
   
   
       10 . The protective spa cover of  claim 8 , wherein the cover is made of a polyester reinforced fabric.  
   
   
       11 . The protective spa cover of  claim 8 , wherein the cover is made of a waterproof material.  
   
   
       12 . The protective spa cover of  claim 8 , wherein the coupling member consists of one of a Velcro strip, a snap, a button, and a tie.  
   
   
       13 . The protective spa cover of  claim 8  further comprising advertising text located on an outer surface thereof.  
   
   
       14 . A method for protecting a spa and a spa's insulated cover from exposure to the elements comprising: 
 providing a protective spa cover comprising: 
 a center panel adapted to fit over the top of a spa and a spa's insulated cover;  
 four side panels, each adapted to fit over a side of a spa, wherein a side of each of the side panels is attached to a side of the center panel; and  
 at least one coupling member attached to one side of each of the four side panels, wherein the coupling member is adapted to couple one side panel to an adjacent side panel, thereby securing the protective spa cover in position over the spa and the spa's insulated cover; and  
   installing the protective spa cover in position over the spa and the spa's insulated cover.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein each of the side panels is attached to the center panel by a seam, wherein the seam is reinforced with a strip of binding folded over each seam and stitched through the seam.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the cover is made of a polyester reinforced fabric.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the cover is made of a waterproof material.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the coupling member consists of one of a Velcro strip, a snap, a button, and a tie.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising displaying advertising text located on an outer surface of the cover.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the cover further comprises four corner panels, each adapted to fit over a corner of a spa, wherein a side of each of the corner panels is attached to a side of each of the side panels.