Patent application title: Poling platform mounted folding top for flats boat
Inventors:
Ross Arther Johnson (Mount Pleasant, SC, US)
IPC8 Class: AB63B1702FI
USPC Class:
114361
Class name: Ships boats, boat component, or attachment protective cover or shield
Publication date: 2010-08-26
Patent application number: 20100212575
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Patent application title: Poling platform mounted folding top for flats boat
Inventors:
Ross Arther Johnson
Agents:
Ross Arthur Johnson
Assignees:
Origin: MOUNT PLEASANT, SC US
IPC8 Class: AB63B1702FI
USPC Class:
Publication date: 08/26/2010
Patent application number: 20100212575
Abstract:
This invention provides a top for a boat fitted with an aft-mounted,
raised poling platform providing protection from the sun for passengers
at the vessel's centrally mounted helm, which a) may be easily attached
to vessel's existing poling platform, b) allows unencumbered access all
around the vessel's gunwales, b) folds up, down or longitudinally for
storage, d) may be used at the vessel's intended operating speed, and e)
may easily removed. The top shall be constructed of rigid metal, plastic
or composite tubing and covered with a flexible or rigid material for
protection from the elements. Other options for this type of boat include
centrally mounted T-Top designs which interfere with fishing, umbrella
designs which cannot be used at speed, and gunwale mounted rigid or
folding which interfere with access to the boat's perimeter such as
fishing and ingress/egress.Claims:
1. This invention is unique due to its ability to provide shade for
passengers via a frame and canvas covering providing rigidity and
convenience of mounting entirely to a flats boat's raised poling
platform, with no straps or brackets to perimeter of vessel combined with
its unique ability to:a) Mount to the vessel's existing, aft-mounted,
raised poling platform,b) Provide unencumbered access to walk around the
vessel's perimeter gunwales without interruption of the top or its
mounting gear,c) Fold up, down or longitudinally for storage,d) Be used
at the vessel's intended operating speed,e) Be removed easily.Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001]Provisional Patent Application No, 61/208,473 Filed Feb. 25, 2009 by applicant Ross Arthur Johnson, U.S.P.T.O. customer number 79141
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002]Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
[0003]Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004]Flats boats are defined as boats having shallow draft, low gunwales, open decks and a stern mounted raised "poling platform" for a fisherman or fishing guide to stand on to look for fish and push the boat in shallow water by means of along, light-weight pole called a "push pole". These boats provide open access for fly fishing and walking about the perimeter of the boat to fish. Current methods for providing a top for protection from the sun on this type of vessel are limited to a) variations of umbrellas which can only be used when the vessel is stationary, b) rigid "T" shaped structures, called "T-Tops" affixed to the floor at the center of the vessel providing a clear perimeter, or c) folding, gunwale mounted "Bimini top" top which can be easily lowered but interferes with the clear access to the perimeter of the boat.
[0005]Umbrella variations provide shade, and can be easily removed and stored, but can only be used when the vessel is at rest or at very low speed.
[0006]The "T" shaped top (commonly referred to as a "T-Top"), is a rigid tubular structure affixed permanently to the vessel by bolting to the structure, which provides shade and mounting for equipment. It has emerged as a popular solution providing protection from the sun and the elements, without external straps and brackets extending to the vessel's gunwales. The T-Top, however, is rigidly mounted and does not allow for the vessel to fit in garages or under low bridges, and interferes with the flats boat's intended purpose of providing an open platform for fly-fishing.
[0007]A gunwale mounted frame (commonly referred to as a "Bimini Top") with a canvas covering on it, held in place by straps or tubes with release pins attached to the gunwales. The Bimini top can be lowered, but lacks rigidity for passengers to hold onto or for mounting gear. The Bimini top interferes with fishing and boating activities, as the frame, straps and other brackets or tubing are attached around the perimeter of the vessel.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008]This invention provides a folding top for boats equipped with aft-mounted, raised poling platforms, providing protection from the sun for passengers which can be used at speed while providing unobstructed access around the boat's gunwales, a method to fold the top out of the way when not is use, ease of installation and ease of removal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0009]Three drawings with front and top views of the two design variations:
[0010]1. FIG. 1--Upward Folding (FlatsUp)
[0011]2. FIG. 2--Longitudinal Folding (FlatsLon)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012]This invention provides shade for person at the boat's centrally mounted helm, while providing clear access to walk about the gunwales of the vessel, usable at speed other than stationary or nearly stationary, folds up, down or longitudinally when not is use and is easy to remove by removing quick release pins or bolt. Installation shall be by brackets affixed to the vessel's existing, aft-mounted, raised "poling platform".
[0013]This invention provides a top for a raised, poling-platform equipped boat providing protection form the sun for passengers, which: [0014]a) shall be attached to the vessel's existing, aft, raised "poling platform" using clamp-on fittings or brackets otherwise affixed to said structure with screws, bolts or other means, which [0015]b) extends forward over the seat of the vessel's centrally mounted helm, [0016]c) provides open access completely around the perimeter of the boat without straps or other contrivances attached to the gunwales or perimeter of the boat, [0017]d) may fold upward, downwards or longitudinally for storage when not is use, [0018]e) is usable at non-stationary speeds, [0019]f) can be easily removed, [0020]g) shall be constructed of rigid metal, plastic or composite tubing and covered with a flexible or rigid material for protection from the sun.
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