Patent application title: Modular Frame for Boat Covers
Inventors:
IPC8 Class: AB63B1702FI
USPC Class:
1 1
Class name:
Publication date: 2016-12-22
Patent application number: 20160368569
Abstract:
A modular frame is provided for supporting a tarp or cover over the deck
of a boat. The modular frame comprises at least two bipod end members and
a plurality of elongated tubular members extending therebetween. The
bipod end members include telescoping legs and a bipod end joint that
supports the tubular members in axial alignment above the deck of the
boat. Along the length of the connected tubular members may one or more
midspan bipod members for additional support of the axial members. The
midspan bipod members include telescoping legs and an upper axial sleeve
to receive the elongated members therethrough. The lower ends of the
bipod members include pads adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of
an underlying surface. Once the frame is assembled, a tarp or boat cover
is supported thereover and along the length of the boat deck.Claims:
1) A boat covering frame, comprising: a plurality of elongated tubular
members having a pair of ends; at least two bipod end members; each bipod
end member having an upper bipod end joint and a pair of legs extending
from the bipod end joint; the bipod end joint comprises an upper end
sleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular members; the
bipod end joint further comprises a pair of bipod leg sleeves; the upper
end sleeve of the bipod end joint having an axial direction, the pair of
bipod leg sleeves extending downward and off-axis from the axial
direction of the upper end sleeve; each of the pair of legs of the bipod
end members having a lower end; the lower ends further comprising a pad
adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface
supporting the lower ends; the ends of elongated tubular members being
adapted to secure to adjacent tubular members aligned with one another,
and furthermore secure to the upper end sleeves of the bipod end members;
the bipod end members and the tubular members forming a triangular frame
adapted to support a tarp or cover thereover.
2) The boat covering frame of claim 1, wherein: each of the pair of legs of the bipod end member further comprises a telescoping leg structure with a lower end telescoping with an upper end; whereby the lower end and upper end of the telescoping leg structure are securable together using a connector; the telescoping leg structure being adapted to change the height of the bipod end joint of each bipod end member.
3) The boat covering frame of claim 1, further comprising: one or more midspan bipod members; the midspan bipod members comprising an upper axial sleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular members and receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough; the upper axial sleeve comprises a hollow sleeve member with open ends and a cross section adapted to receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough; the upper axial sleeve further comprises a pair of bipod leg sleeves extending therefrom; the upper axial sleeve having an axial direction, whereby the pair of bipod leg sleeves of the upper axial sleeve extend downward and off-axis from the axial direction of the upper axial sleeve; the one or more midspan bipod members each further comprising a pair of legs, the pair of legs extending from the bipod leg sleeves of the upper axial sleeve; each of the pair of legs of the midspan bipod members having a lower end; the lower ends further comprising a pad adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface supporting the lower ends.
4) The boat covering frame of claim 3, wherein: each of the pair of legs of the midspan bipod members further comprise a telescoping leg structure with a lower end telescoping with an upper end; whereby the lower end and upper end of the telescoping leg structure are securable together using a connector; the telescoping leg structure being adapted to change the height of the upper axial sleeve of each midspan bipod member.
5) The boat covering frame of claim 1, wherein: the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end; the first end comprising a male threaded end; the second end comprising a female threaded end adapted to receive the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.
6) The boat covering frame of claim 1, wherein: the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end; the first end comprising a male threaded end; the second end further comprising a captive, rotatable collar nut having female threading adapted to secure over the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.
7) The boat covering frame of claim 1, wherein: the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end; at least one of the first end and second end comprising a male threaded end; the upper end sleeve of the bipod end joint further comprising female threading adapted to receive the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.
Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/182,870 filed on Jun. 22, 2015. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to frames for tarps and covers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular frame assembly that supports a cover or tarp over the deck of a boat, whereby the frame assembly can be modified to suit the size and length of the boat being covered.
[0003] When storing a boat or protecting the boat during periods of non-use, a boat cover serves as an effective means to prevent damage to the boat from exposure to weather and the environment. Boat covers are provided in a variety of forms. This includes specifically designed covers for particular boats. This also includes generic tarps or covers that are fastened over the boat to protect the same. Whether using a standard tarp or a fitted cover to protect a boat, common problems exist.
[0004] While covers and tarps keep water off of the boat deck, one major issue with is the pooling of water, snow, or debris on the surfaces of the cover. This is a particular problem if the covered boat is exposed to the elements for long periods, and not routinely cleaned. Standing water can erode the cover over time, while heavier items such as snow and leaves can cause the cover to sage or deform in certain locations. Both of these can wear the cover, leading to tears and holes. Even a small hole or tear can allow water to leak therethrough and damage the interior of the boat. This type of wear and tear can create expenses for the user in repair and replacement costs. Therefore, there exists a need for a modified boat cover support, whether the cover is specific to the given boat or a generic tarp secured thereover.
[0005] In particular, a device for supporting a cover or tarp above the deck of a boat is desired, whereby the cover is angled and does not include level surfaces for debris and water to pool. Moreover, a device is needed to elevate the cover above the deck surface, thereby separating the cover from the boat to prevent contact therebetween. The present invention provides such a device. Specifically, the present invention provides a modular frame that can be assembled and supported along the deck of a boat (or along the open interior of a smaller vessel). The frame includes several bipod members and axial members therebetween, which form a triangular structure to support a cover or tarp above the surfaces of the boat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The following summary is intended solely for the benefit of the reader and is not intended to be limiting in any way. The present invention provides a new modular frame for boat covers, wherein the same can be utilized for supporting a cover or tarp over the upper surface of a boat and with clearance between the boat and the interior surface of the cover.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved boat cover frame that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular boat cover frame that is assemblable and customizable for a particular boat, and whereby the frame supports a tarp or cover over the boat and above the upper surface thereof to prevent pooling or sagging thereof.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame that comprises a plurality of elongated tubular members and at least two bipod end members to form an axial frame with bipod members supporting the ends thereof.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame that comprises one or more midspan bipod members that support the elongate tubular members along their length between the bipod end members.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby each bipod end member have an upper bipod end joint and a pair of legs extending from the bipod end joint. The bipod end joint comprises an upper end sleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular members, along with a pair of bipod leg sleeves for supporting the legs of the bipod end member.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the upper end sleeve of the bipod end joint has an axial direction, and whereby the pair of bipod leg sleeves extend downward and off-axis from the axial direction of the upper end sleeve to form a three-pointed bipod end joint.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby each of the pair of legs of the bipod end members and the midspan bipod members have a lower end. The lower end of each of the legs further comprise a pad secured thereto that is adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface supporting the lower ends.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the ends of elongated tubular members extend axially between the bipod end members and along the axial direction of the boat when deployed. The elongated tubular members are adapted to secure to adjacent tubular members when aligned with one another, thereby extending the overall length of the frame and the distance between the bipod end members. The elongated members furthermore secure to the upper end sleeves of the bipod end members.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the bipod end members and the tubular members forming a triangular frame adapted to support a tarp or cover thereover.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby each of the pair of legs of the bipod end members and the midspan bipod members further comprises a telescoping leg structure with a lower end telescoping with an upper end. The lower end and upper end of the telescoping leg structure are securable together using a connector, whereby the telescoping leg structure is adapted to change the length of the leg and thus the height of frame.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the midspan bipod members comprise an upper axial sleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular members and receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the upper axial sleeve of the midspan bipod members comprises a hollow sleeve member with open ends and an cross section adapted to receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough. The upper axial sleeve also has a pair of bipod leg sleeves extending therefrom that support the legs extending therefrom.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the upper axial sleeve has an axial direction, and whereby the pair of bipod leg sleeves of the upper axial sleeve extend downward and off-axis from the axial direction of the upper axial sleeve.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end. The first end may comprise a male threaded end, while the second end may comprise a female threaded end adapted to receive the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end. The first end may comprise a male threaded end, while the second end may comprise a captive, rotatable collar nut having female threading adapted to secure over the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boat cover frame, whereby the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and second end may comprise a male threaded end, whereby the upper end sleeve of the bipod end joint further comprising female threading adapted to receive the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.
[0023] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a view of the modular boat cover frame of the present invention in a working state.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a view of the end of the modular boat cover frame of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the elements of the modular boat cover frame of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the modular boat cover frame of the present invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for supporting a cover or tarp over and above a boat upper surface. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
[0029] The present invention provides a modular frame assembly that can be assembled and installed over the deck of a boat, thereby providing a support for a tarp or boat cover positioned over the frame and over the boat. The frame, once erected, suspends the cover above the deck of the boat and provides an air gap therebetween. Moreover, the upper portion of the cover is angled by the single peak provided by the frame. When the cover or tarp is tensioned thereover, the cover provides two angled surfaces that are not prone to accumulating water, snow, or debris over the period of storage. Therefore, the cover does not sag, pressure is removed from the boat surface, and the condition of the cover/tarp is preserved.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown views of the modular frame assembly of the present invention in a working state. In these views, an embodiment of the frame is shown, whereby at least one of every element of the frame assembly is used to support a cover over the boat 300. In particular, the frame assembly comprises a pair of bipod end members 101 along the ends of the frame, whereby the bipod end members 101 support one or more elongated tubular members 200 extending axially along the length of the boat 300. Along the tubular members 200 are one or more midspan bipod members 102, which support the tubular members 200 along their length. The midspan bipod members 102 offer support for the tubular members 200 when several tubular members are aligned and connected. The midspan bipod members 102 support the otherwise extended length of tubular members 200 between the bipod end members 101.
[0031] Each of the bipod end members 101 forms the outer extent, or end of the frame. Each supports a tubular member 200 and is designed to be positioned at an end of the boat. The bipod end members 101 each comprise an upper bipod end joint 111 and a pair of legs 112 extending downward from the bipod end joint 111. The bipod end joint 111 is a three-pronged assembly that supports a pair of legs 112 and a tubular frame member 200. In particular, the bipod end joint 111 comprises an upper end sleeve 119 adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular members 200, and a pair of leg sleeves 118 extending downward from the upper end sleeve 119. The upper end sleeve 119 supports a tubular member 200 of the frame, while the leg sleeves 118 support the pair of legs 112 extending downward to form a bipod configuration.
[0032] More specifically, the upper end sleeve 119 of the bipod end joint 111 has an axial direction that is aligned with the axial direction of the tubular members 200, and preferably aligned with the axial direction of the boat 300 (longitudinal direction of the boat). The bipod leg sleeves 118 extend downward and off-axis from the upper end sleeve 119, extending outward from the axial direction thereof. In this way, the bipod end joint 111 comprises a joint with three-pointed joint with sleeves extending in different orientations. The result is an end joint that supports a pair of bipod legs 112, and the peak of the frame assembly.
[0033] Extending between the bipod end members 101 is one or more tubular members 200. The tubular members 200 are rounded, preferably hollow structures with a first end and a second end. The tubular members 200 may also be solid structures without a hollow interior. The tubular members 200 form the upper peak of the frame, over which the cover or tarp is draped. One or more of the members 200 is aligned and connected to form the frame length, which is preferably situated axially (longitudinally) along the bow of the boat 300 to be covered.
[0034] The ends of the tubular members 200 comprise one of either a male threaded end and/or one that is adapted to receive and secure the male threaded end of an adjacent tubular member 200. As shown in FIG. 3, each tubular member 200 has a first end 203 and a second end 204. Each end may comprise a male threaded end 205, or alternatively, one threaded end 205 and another end adapted to receive a male threaded end. In particular, an end adapted to receive a male threaded end may comprises an end with female threads along the interior of the tubular member, or one in which captive rotatable collar nut 210 is provided for securing over the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member. In this manner, two or more adjacent tubular members 200 are connectable together to form a longer length with a common axial axis.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the midspan bipod members 102 are shown. The midspan bipod members 102 each comprise an upper axial sleeve 122 that is adapted to align with the one or more elongated tubular members 200 and receive one of the elongated tubular members 200 therethrough. The upper axial sleeve 122 is a hollow sleeve 123 with open ends and a cross section adapted to receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough. The hollow sleeve 123 preferably comprises a smooth interior that allows the upper axial sleeve 122 to slide relative to the outer surface of the tubular members 200. However, in some embodiments, the hollow sleeve 123 may comprises threads to secure to threaded ends of the tubular members 200. The preferred embodiment allows the midspan bipod members 102 to slide along the tubular members 200, thereby allowing in situ adjustment of each midspan bipod member 102 along the frame length after the assembly has been erected.
[0036] The upper axial sleeve 123 of the midspan bipod members 102 further comprises a pair of bipod leg sleeves 124 extending therefrom. The upper axial sleeve 123 has an axial direction, while the pair of bipod leg sleeves 124 extends outward and downward therefrom such that the bipod leg sleeves 124 are off-axis from the axial direction of the upper axial sleeve 123. Securing to the leg sleeves 124 are a pair of legs 112, forming a bipod configuration. In this way, the bipod end members 101 support the ends of the frame, while the midspan bipod members support the midsection thereof.
[0037] Each of the legs 112 of the frame, including those of the midspan bipod members and the bipod end members, preferably includes an adjustable structure. The adjustable structure allows the length of the legs 112 to be adjusted, thereby changing the height of the end joints 111 and the axial sleeves 123 of the frame. In one embodiment, each of the legs has a telescoping leg structure with a lower end 113 telescoping within an opening in the upper end 115 of the leg. The legs therefore include two, slidable portions, whereby the lower end and upper end of the telescoping leg structure 112 are securable together via a connector. The connector may comprises a spring pin or similar pin joint that engages both the upper and lower legs portions using an aligned set of apertures. Alternative configurations are contemplated, but the preferred leg arrangement includes a height adjustable structure. In this way, an adjustable leg structure can change the height frame assembly.
[0038] Each of the bipod legs of the frame assembly comprises a lower end. The lower ends preferably comprise a pad 114 or similar element adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface below the lower ends. In particular, the lower ends may comprise a rubber element, an enlarged puck, or similar structure that is elastomeric or nonmarring to painted surfaces. This prevents the lower ends of the legs from scratching or marring the surfaces of the boat 301 when erected and positioned thereover.
[0039] Overall, It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0040] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
User Contributions:
Comment about this patent or add new information about this topic: