Patent Grant
10179629
Not applicable
Not applicable
The present invention relates to a cockpit covering system and method for a boat or skiff, e.g., a small hunting or fishing boat or skiff. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cockpit covering system and method for forming an enclosure around an interior for providing shelter to an occupant of the interior. The cockpit covering system comprises a cover or tent with an opening in a tent base, the tent base resting on the boat deck around a cockpit and the base opening extending over the cockpit. The tent or cover encloses the cockpit recess and an interior above a height of the boat deck. A cockpit floor located below the tent base defines a floor for the enclosure. The covering system includes a plurality of webbing straps extending from an outer perimeter of the boat to the cockpit and wherein tension applied to the webbing straps compresses a sealable layer to form a water and/or bug proof seal around the cockpit. A plurality of pole brackets or pole housings can be provided on the webbing straps for securing poles on the deck of the boat or skiff, wherein said poles can provide support for the tent or cover. The tent covering system may be assembled while the boat is in open water or in a marshy area, a distance away from a launch location. A boat can be operated, e.g., idling from one place to another or using poling techniques, while the tent covering system is in place on the boat.
Small hunting and fishing boats, e.g., those manufactured by Hellsbay, Maverick, Chittum, East Cape and Beaver Tail companies are commonly used for day trips for hunting and fishing, e.g., in the Florida Everglades. These boats are commonly referred to as poling skiffs wherein the boats are moved through shallow waters via poling techniques. These boats also generally comprise a motor for moving the boat through water.
Such boats generally have a small deck area wherein a person, e.g., a person five (5) foot tall or taller, generally does not have room to lie down on the deck. There also generally is not room to pitch a tent on the deck area, and no means to secure a standard prior art tent at deck level in a manner so that a water and/or bug proof seal can be provided around a cockpit area.
A cockpit or recessed area of such boats generally comprises a seat or two and a steering column. A person, e.g., a person that is five (5) foot tall or taller can have room to lie down and/or sit down on a floor of a cockpit interior.
Some hunters and fishermen may bring their own tent and pitch it over a cockpit area but such tents are not securable to the boat wherein a water and bug seal is provided at a cockpit outer perimeter. Such tents can be awkwardly placed with a tent floor drooping into the recessed area of a cockpit. Such tents generally are put into use when a boat is off the water, e.g., on a trailer.
In common hunting/fishing areas in which hunting and fishing boats or skiffs are used, e.g., the Florida Everglades, fishermen may be able to rent deck/platform space extending over water at certain locations to camp on the deck or platform overnight. Such space is expensive and highly sought after, and it can be difficult to find or rent available space for any given hunting or fishing trip.
Hunting and fishing boats or skiffs at times experience malfunctions and may break down leaving hunters or fishermen or other boat occupants stranded in open water or marsh areas over night. In such situations, the hunters, fishermen and/or other boat occupants are exposed to numerous insects and bugs as well as weather elements without adequate cover. This can be a very dangerous situation.
There is thus a need in the art for an enclosure and tent covering system for small boats or skiffs that will provide protection for boat or skiff occupants from weather elements, bugs and insects, and which includes a water and/or bug proof enclosure.
There is also a need in the art for a cockpit enclosure and covering system for small boats or skiffs that will provide protection for boat or skiff occupants from weather elements and bugs and insects, and which includes a water and bug proof seal around a cockpit area, wherein the occupants can sleep or rest in a prone position within the cockpit interior and within the enclosure and can be protected from insects and bugs swarming at an exterior of the cockpit cover or tent.
There is also a need in the art for a tent covering system that can be assembled while a small boat or skiff is on open water or in marsh areas.
There is also a need in the art for a tent covering system that can be assembled on a small boat or skiff a distance away from a launch point, and which may remain assembled while moving on open water, e.g., idling from one place to another, or while utilizing poling techniques.
There is also a need for a tent covering system for small boats or skiffs wherein occupants, while utilizing the shelter of the tent can easily access hatches located on the deck, while maintaining a water and/or bug proof seal around the cockpit perimeter.
There is also a need in the art for a tent covering system that remains in place over a cockpit area, with a water and/or bug proof seal around the cockpit perimeter, while boat occupants can enter and exit the cockpit area to the deck, and perform hunting, fishing or other activities on the deck.
There is also a need in the art wherein a tent covering system can be secured on a deck, at or near deck level, and not just at a boat outer rail or lip.
There is also a need in the art for a tent covering system that can remain in place while a boat is in motion, over a cockpit area during the day and night, including while the deck is utilized for hunting, fishing or other boating activities.
Such a system will enable people to extend their fishing or hunting trips over night and during rainy or other bad weather conditions. Such a system will also provide protection from bugs and insects in the event a boat or skiff breaks down leaving occupants stranded in open water or marsh areas overnight.
The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 349,316; U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,542; U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,832; U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,054; U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,507; U.S. Pat. No. 7,395,775; U.S. Pat. No. 8,950,416.
A cockpit covering system and method for small boats or skiffs forms an enclosure around an interior for providing shelter to an occupant of the interior. The cockpit covering system comprises a cover or tent with an opening in a tent base, the tent base resting on the boat deck around a cockpit and the base opening extending over the cockpit. The tent or cover encloses the cockpit recess and an interior above a height of the boat deck. A cockpit floor located below the tent base defines a floor for the enclosure. The covering system includes a plurality of webbing straps, or other tie down straps or ropes or cords (e.g., see webbing straps or tie downs available at http://webbingdepot.com/webbing/), preferably extending from an outer perimeter of the boat to the cockpit and wherein tension applied to the webbing straps compresses a sealable layer that can rest on the boat deck surface, e.g., a gasket, to form a water and/or bug proof seal around a cockpit perimeter. A plurality of pole brackets can be provided on the webbing straps for securing poles at the deck of the boat or skiff, wherein said poles can provide support for the tent or cover.
The tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is in open water or in a marshy area, a distance away from a launch or docking location, e.g., at least about ¼, ½, ¾ or 1 mile away from a launch location or docking station, or at least between about ¼ and 1 mile away from a boat launch or dock. In some embodiments, the tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is in open water or in a marshy area, over a mile away from a launch or docking location. In some embodiments, the tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is in open water or in a marshy area, less than about ¼ mile away from a launch or docking location. In some embodiments, the tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is at a dock or launch point, or off the water, e.g., on a trailer.
Preferably a boat can be operated, e.g., idling from one place to another or using poling techniques, while the tent covering system is in place on a boat on the water.
In some embodiments, if a boat is operated while the tent is assembled on the boat, doors and/or windows of the enclosure may be opened and closed. In some embodiments doors or windows can include two layers, a mesh or screen layer and nylon or polyester layer, wherein the polyester or nylon layer can be opened, e.g., unzipped, with the screen or mesh layer remaining in place, to help prevent bugs from entering the enclosure, but to allow wind to flow through the enclosure, for example.
In various embodiments a cockpit tent covering system for a small boat or skiff comprises a tent or cover having a plurality of walls, each of the plurality of walls having a lower portion and wherein the tent or cover is sized to cover and enclose a cockpit recessed area and an interior at a height above the deck, and wherein the cover extends over the cockpit recessed area. A tent base includes a base layer that is attached to a lower portion of each of the plurality of walls and positionable on the deck around the cockpit. A sealable water and/or bug proofing layer, which preferably is compressible, is below the base layer for resting on a deck of the boat around a cockpit. The base of the enclosure comprises an open portion that extends over a cockpit recessed area. A floor of the cockpit preferably defines a floor of the enclosure. A plurality of tension straps, e.g., webbing straps, have first and second ends. The first end of each strap is attachable at an outer perimeter of the boat. The second end of each strap is attachable to the tent covering system and at a cockpit perimeter and/or at a cockpit wall. Tension applied to the straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit perimeter applies pressure to the sealable layer for compressing the sealable layer to form a water and/or bug proof seal around the cockpit. The amount of pressure and sealing can be adjusted based on tension applied, e.g., tension of one or more webbing tension straps.
In another embodiment, a tent covering system for a cockpit of a small boat comprises:
a tent comprising four side portions, each of the tent side portions having a lower portion and wherein the tent is sized to cover the opening of a cockpit;
a base layer attached to the lower portion of each of the tent side portions and positionable on a deck surface of the boat around the cockpit, the base layer not extending over the cockpit opening;
a compressible sealable layer below the base layer on at least three sides of the tent;
a plurality of straps, each of the plurality of straps comprising first and second ends;
the first end of each of the plurality of straps attachable to an outer perimeter of the boat;
the second end of each of the plurality of straps attached to the tent covering system and attachable to a cockpit coupler;
wherein tension applied to the plurality of straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit coupler compresses the compressible sealable layer to form a seal around the cockpit.
In various embodiments the tent or cover of the cockpit covering system is made from a continuous piece of material, e.g., nylon or polyester, and said continuous tent or cover has four wall portions for enclosing each side of a cockpit.
In various embodiments the sealable layer has a perimeter that is closed.
In various embodiments the sealable layer surrounds an entire circumference or perimeter of a cockpit.
In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises more than one component that establishes the closed perimeter.
In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises a compressible material for sealing a portion of the cockpit perimeter and a flange, e.g., a metal or plastic flange, for providing a seal along one or more sides of the cockpit.
In various embodiments the sealable layer seals around a rotation of about 360 degrees, if an occupant turns a full circle within an interior of the enclosure created by the covering system.
In various embodiments the sealable layer seals an interior from an exterior. In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises a material that is not penetrable by water.
In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises a material that is not penetrable by bugs.
In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises a material that is not penetrable by bugs or water.
In various embodiments tension may be applied to the straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit via one or more tension buckles positioned on the straps.
In various embodiments one or more pole bracket housings may also be provided on the webbing tension straps, or other tension tie down, that extend from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit. Preferably tension can be applied to the straps so that the tension straps cannot move or have very restricted movement in any direction. When a tent pole is secured in a bracket housing on the webbing tension straps, with desired tension applied, the tent pole can be secured at or near deck level for supporting the enclosure over the cockpit. Said poles can be selected so as to provide a desired height for the cockpit enclosure.
Preferably a tent pole housing bracket assembly for coupling to a webbing tension strap includes a housing bracket coupled to a pole housing tension strap, said pole housing tension strap coupled to the webbing tension strap that can extend from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit. Preferably the tent pole housing bracket is movable or slidable between one or more positions on the pole housing tension strap of the pole housing bracket assembly, enabling tension or slack to be applied to the poles, as necessary or desired.
Preferably a pole may be moveable in forward and reverse directions within a bracket housing on the pole bracket tension strap, while the bracket housing itself, coupled to the pole bracket tension strap with tension applied, will have no or limited movement in any direction.
In various embodiments poles are provided on an exterior of the tent or cover for nesting within pole housings on pole housing tension straps, on boat deck webbing tension straps
In various embodiments poles can also be provided on an interior of the tent or cover.
In various embodiments a pole system can be provided for both an exterior and interior of the tent or cover.
If included, an interior pole system can run along interior sides of a tent base portion at or near deck level. Preferably, the said interior poles can extend a distance along all four sides of the tent or cover, e.g., corner to corner. Preferably the said interior poles will have clips or pole housings spaced a distance apart, e.g., a foot apart, to hold the interiors in place at or near a lower most portion of the tent cover wall portions or at or near the base portion of the tent that can rest on the boat deck. Pockets or sleeves for receiving one or more pole end portions can be placed at or near corners at the tent cover base.
Alternatively, a tent base portion can be made to include sleeves that can extend along on an interior of the tent for receiving interior poles to be threaded through the sleeves. Including interior poles can add additional protection and support for the tent covering system, e.g., for protection against high winds.
In various embodiments, support stakes or poles are provided inside the tent along a base layer or over a base layer, attached between four corners of the tent. In between webbing tension straps, preferably a clip will be placed to clip poles along the run.
In various embodiments a compressible water and/or bug proofing layer is not provided on all sides of the tent or cockpit, for example, for skiffs that include one or more seats along a rear side of a cockpit. For such skiffs with one or more seats at or near a cockpit edge, a flange may be provided as part of a tent base portion for any tent side or sides that does not include the compressible water and/or bug proofing layer. A lower portion of a tent rear wall, for example, can be coupled to the flange, e.g., via an adhesive. A tent base webbing layer that extends on other sides of the tent base, e.g., above the gasket or sealable layer, can also be coupled to at least an end portion of the flange. Preferably the tent walls and base layer are coupled to the flange so that bugs or water cannot enter a tent interior at the couplings. The flange preferably is configured so that at least a portion of the flange can be pushed or slid under a seat, for example, and wherein the boat seat can help hold the tent side with the flange in place.
In various embodiments, a flange can be provided with one or more openings to enable a tent wall portion or a tent base portion to be threaded therethrough to enable attachment of a tent wall portion or tent base portion to the flange. The tent wall portion or base portion can be sewn back on itself, for example, after being threaded through the opening in the flange. In some embodiments, a tent wall portion or tent base portion could be sewn to a flange, e.g., if sew holes are included in the flange. In some embodiments a tent wall portion or tent base portion could be coupled to a flange via staples, e.g., heavy duty staples when a flange comprises a thin metal or plastic material.
In various embodiments, a tent covering system with a compressible sealable layer on all sides of the tent cover can be used on boats that do include a seat at or near a cockpit edge, wherein the tent base portion with a compressible sealable layer is slid under the seats, or wherein the tent base portion with a compressible sealable layer is attached to a horizontal member of a flange on a seat side of the cockpit and the compressible sealable layer on the flange is slid under the seat portion.
Preferably a tent enclosure and covering system does not comprise a floor layer that extends over and covers a cockpit recessed area. Preferably the floor of the cockpit defines a floor for the enclosure formed by the tent covering system.
In various embodiments the sealable layer can be a neoprene gasket.
In various embodiments the sealable layer can be a foam material.
In various embodiments the sealable layer can be a foam material that is water proof
In various embodiments the sealable layer can be a foam material that has been sealed with a water proofing material to prevent the foam material from absorbing water.
In various embodiments, a cockpit covering system can be utilized on a skiff or boat in open water, away from a launch or docking area in an emergency situation, for example if the boat breaks down, even if the weather is not bad or raining. In such a situation a water proof layer may not be needed but a bug proofing layer will still be desirable. A foam material that is compressible to form a seal around the perimeter of the cockpit wherein bugs cannot move under or through the layer can be utilized, although preferably a sealable layer is both water and bug proof so that when compressed at a cockpit perimeter it also can prevent water from flowing under or through the sealable layer. The tent walls above the sealable layer can also prevent bugs from entering the interior of the tent covering system and are preferably at least water resistant, e.g., of a nylon or polyester material, to help prevent water from entering the interior through the tent walls. In some embodiments a rainfly can also be used to cover the tent covering system and provide added protection from rain water.
In some embodiments the material of the tent cover can be water proof, e.g., not penetrable by water, or the tent material can be treated with a water proofing layer to prevent water from being absorbed by or penetrating the tent material.
Preferably four tension straps are sized to extend from the boat outer perimeter to cockpit corners and are attached to the cockpit tent covering system at or near tent corners at the tent base.
In various embodiments, each of the straps extends from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit at corners or bends of a cockpit rail or lip and are attached to the covering system at tent corners between a lower portion of one or more walls and a base layer.
In various embodiments, each of the tension straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit are threaded through a sealed or sealable opening in a lower portion of one or more of the plurality of tent wall portions and are attached to the tent on an interior side of one or more of the tent wall portions.
In various embodiments, each of the straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit are attached to the tent covering system between a base layer and the sealable layer.
In various embodiments a second plurality of straps may be provided spaced apart along a lower portion of the tent, as desired, and sized to extend from a tent wall portion to the outer perimeter of the small boat. Such straps may or may not also be attachable to the cockpit, e.g., to a cockpit wall or cockpit rail or lip.
In various embodiments the enclosure and covering system provides a water and/or bug proof seal around a cockpit perimeter but the enclosure formed by the covering system can receive gas, e.g., air into the enclosure interior.
In various embodiments an entrance/exit is provided for entering or exiting an interior of the enclosure formed by the covering system, wherein an occupant can enter or exit the interior by temporarily unsealing the entrance/exit, which may be resealed, while the sealable layer around the cockpit perimeter continues to provide a water and/or bug proof seal at the cockpit outer perimeter.
Various embodiments can include a rain fly for covering the tent and/or deck of the boat or skiff.
Preferably a rain fly extends over the outer perimeter of the boat and is secured underneath the boat to enable rain or water to flow off the boat and provide another level of waterproofing to the enclosure and tent covering system.
A plurality of brackets may be positioned along the outer perimeter of a boat or skiff. Preferably at least four brackets positioned along the outer perimeter of a boat or skiff include an opening or loop for receiving a strap extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit outer perimeter corners. In various embodiments at least four such brackets can include a rain fly tie down area (e.g., an opening for the tie down to be threaded through or a raised coupler for the tie down to be coupled to). In some embodiments, the at least four brackets may also include a tent tie down or a pole tie area (e.g., an opening, loop, or raised coupler via which a tie down for one or more poles or for tent sides may be coupled).
In various embodiments a method for providing a tent covering system with a water and/or bug proof seal around an outer perimeter of a cockpit of a small boat or skiff comprises the following steps:
In various embodiments the method further comprises providing a pole bracket housing on at least two of the plurality of straps, wherein the bracket housing is moveable or slidable between one or more positions to enable increasing or decreasing tension of a pole secured therein.
Various embodiments of the method of the present invention includes a method of operating a boat on water, e.g., idling a boat from one location to another, or using poling techniques, with a cockpit tent covering system attached and working to provide a water and bug seal around a cockpit perimeter, while a boat or skiff is moving through water.
In various embodiments of the method, the tent covering system may be assembled on a boat or skiff in open water, or in a marshy area, at a distance away from a boat launch or docking location.
In various embodiments of the method, the tent covering system is assembled after a boat or skiff is launched on water.
In various embodiments of the method, the tent covering system is assembled on a small boat or skiff at least about ¼, ½, ¾ or 1 mile from a launch location or docking station, or between about ¼ and 1 mile away from a launch location or docking station.
In various embodiments of the method and cockpit covering system, a tent covering system is provided wherein straps that can extend from an outer perimeter of a boat or skiff to the cockpit are attached at one end to a rail bracket and attached at another end to a cockpit hook. In various embodiments an end of a said strap can be threaded through an opening on the rail bracket and threaded through a tension buckle, and another end of the said strap can be thread through an opening on a cockpit hook and then sewn to itself, or otherwise coupled to itself (e.g, via a sewn connection or an adhesive) or also threaded through a tension buckle.
In various embodiments an end of a said webbing tension strap can be threaded through an opening on the rail bracket and then coupled to itself, e.g., via a sewn connection or adhesive, and another end of the said strap can be thread through an opening on a cockpit hook and then threaded through a tension buckle.
In various embodiments, a said strap can be coupled to a rail bracket or a cockpit wall via other means known in the art.
In various embodiments, the method of assembling a cockpit covering system comprises the following steps:
In various embodiments, preferably rail brackets with tension straps secured thereto are first attached to a windward side of the boat or skiff, then attached to the other side of the boat.
Preferably, after the rail brackets with tension straps connected thereto are positioned around the boat, the cockpit covering system is secured to the boat.
In various embodiments, the method includes further adjusting tension on tension straps until desired pressure and amount of seal of the bug and water proof seal around the cockpit is created.
In various embodiments of the method, a rain fly is assembled over the cockpit tent or cover.
In various embodiments of the method, assembling a rain fly comprises the following steps:
Preferably 4 rain fly straps can be attached to 4 rail brackets at a location exterior of the boat and underneath a boat rail or side.
In other embodiments, couplers can also be provided on tension straps wherein rain fly ties can be coupled to said couplers on a tension strap on the deck of the boat.
In various embodiments, when the cockpit enclosure system is not needed or desired it may be disassembled and stored on the boat, e.g., in a hatch or cabinet.
For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:
As shown in
In the embodiment as shown in the figures, a cockpit 21 includes a front or bow side 22, a starboard side 23, a rear or aft side 24 and a port side 25. Cockpit 21 can be an irregular rectangle. Cockpit 21 also includes corners or bends 35, 36, 37, 38 which commonly have a radius of curvature. A cockpit 21 also generally has a deck lip portion 85 extending around an outer perimeter 110 of cockpit 21 (see
One or more seats can be included on some boats or skiffs at or near a cockpit 21 edge. For examples, seats 31a, 31b and 31c as shown in
In the tent covering system 10 shown in
Tent 100 includes a base portion 34 that can rest on deck 26 around the cockpit perimeter 110. One or more wall portions, e.g., a forward or bow wall portion 101, starboard wall portion 102, rear or aft wall portion 103, and port wall portion 104, extend from the base portion 34 to a height above deck 26 and form an enclosure above the cockpit recessed area 15. Poles 90 can be coupled to the tent wall portions, e.g., coupled to wall portions 101, 102, 103, 104, e.g., via twist hooks or clips 117. Ends of poles 90 can be coupled in pole bracket housings on tension straps 40 and/or 88. Poles 90 can support tent 100 and maintain tent 100 at a desired height above cockpit 21.
As shown in
A sealable layer 80 is preferably coupled under tent base portion 34, e.g. under the lower tent wall portion 150 coupled to the tent base webbing layer 55 as shown in
Referring now to
Each tension strap 60 may also be threaded through a sealable opening at one or more tent corners 65, 66, 67, 68 above the location where lower tent portion 150 wraps around tent base webbing layer 55 (see
Tension straps 60 can also be coupled to tent cover 100 in a manner as described above at locations other than tent corners, e.g., tension straps 60 coupled to brackets 88 as shown in
In various embodiments a sealable compressible layer 80 may be removably attachable to tent or cover 100, e.g., via velcro. In various embodiments, a sealable compressible layer 80 is not removably attached to tent or cover 100. In various embodiments a sealable compressible layer 80 may be a separate component of the tent system 10 for positioning on a deck 26, around a cockpit 21 underneath a tent or cover 100 base portion 34.
A sealable layer 80 may comprise one or more portions that are compressible and one or more portions that are not compressible.
Preferably, sealable layer 80 and tent base webbing layer 55 comprise the same width, although this is not required. In various embodiments the sealable layer 80, and tent base webbing layer 55 are about 1 to 2 inches wide.
Preferably sealable layer 80 is sized to rest on deck 26 at or near perimeter 110 of cockpit 21. Sealable layer 80 can positioned on deck 26 a distance away from cockpit lip 85 around sides 22, 23, 24, 25 of cockpit 21, e.g., about 0.5 to 2 or 3 inches away from cockpit lip 85 on each side 22, 23, 24, 25 of cockpit 21. Preferably tent 100 base portion 34 is sized to be coupled to sealable layer 80. As previously discussed, the dimensions and shape of sealable layer 80 can be selected based on the dimensions and shape of the cockpit.
Preferably the tent base webbing layer 55 and/or base portion 34 of tent 100 are also sized to be coupled to at least an upper portion 86 of sealable layer 80 (see
In
Tent base layer 55 promotes a flat lie of tent or cover 100 on sealable layer 80 on deck 26 of boat or skiff 20, around a cockpit 21.
For a tent covering system sized for use with a Hellsbay Boatworks Skiff, the width of a forward wall portion 101 extending along bow cockpit side 22 can be about 46.5 inches when the width of bow cockpit side 22 is about 42.5 inches, so that each end of forward wall portion 101 will extend across deck 26 about two inches further than cockpit side 22 on each side of cockpit side 22. Rear or aft wall 103 can have a width of about 54.5 inches when the cockpit rear side 24 is about 48 and ¾ inches, so that each end of rear wall 103 extends across deck 26 about 2.88 inches further than cockpit side 24 on each side of cockpit side 24. Tent walls 102 and 103 can have a width of about 84 inches when cockpit sides 23, 25 are about 78.5 inches long. The tent walls 102, 104 can extend across deck 26 about 2.75 inches more on each side of cockpit sides 23, 25. As discussed, the dimensions of the tent walls can vary based on the dimensions of a cockpit 21 on a boat or skiff 20, with tent base sides or corners preferably extending 1 to 3 inches away from a cockpit outer lip 85.
As discussed, a lower portion 150 of each tent wall portion 101, 102, 103, 104 (see
Some of the webbing tension straps 60 preferably have a length that is sized to at least extend from a gunwale hook or cockpit interior wall hook 50 (which is preferably positionable on a cockpit wall 39 at a bend or corner 35, 36, 37, or 38 (see
Some of the webbing tension straps 60 preferably have a length that is sized to at least extend from a hook 50 (which is preferably positioned on a cockpit wall 39 at a location between a bend or corners of cockpit 21 (see
Preferably the length of a said webbing tension strap 60 is longer than the distance between a said boat gunwale hook 50 positionable at a cockpit wall 39 at a corner location and bracket 40 positionable on outer rail or lip 27, or longer than the distance between a said hook 50 positionable at a cockpit wall 39 between cockpit corners and a bracket 88, so that tension in the strap 60 can be increased or decreased as necessary to secure tent 100 in place on deck 26 and over cockpit 21. Preferably the length of a tension strap 60 allows room for tension of the strap 60 to be adjusted, e.g. increased or decreased from 0.01% to 100%.
As shown in
A rail or lip 27 at an outer perimeter 17 of a boat 20, commonly extends about 2.5 inches beyond a boat outer wall 12 towards an exterior 115 of a boat or skiff 20. A rail or lip 27 may also laterally extend 2 to 3 inches towards boat exterior 115 off a deck 26 of a boat or skiff 20. The height of a rail or lip for a rail top side 62 to a rail bottom side 63 commonly may be 2 inches. The height of rail or lip 27 from top side 62 to bottom side 63 may also be 1 to 3 inches.
A side view of bracket 40 attached to a boat rail 27, taken along lines 10B-10B of
Opening or space 49 between lower transverse member 47 and upper transverse member 46 can receive a rail or lip 27 of boat or skiff 20. The dimensions of bracket 40 can vary depending on the dimensions of a rail or lip 27 of a boat or skiff 20 and/or the shape of a rail or lip 27 of a boat or skiff 20. As shown in
Bracket 40 also preferably comprises an adjustable tightening means, e.g., bolt 44, to enable a tight fit of bracket 40 on lip or rail 27. Preferably any portion of the bolt 44 that will contact the rail or lip 27 or skiff 20 surface will have a cushioning layer, e.g. rubber 45.
If a rain fly 130 is included, a rain fly tie down can be tied to bolt 44. In other embodiments, a lower transverse member 47 can comprise another opening or a raised coupler, that can be coupled to a rain fly 130 tie down.
As illustrated in
As discussed a webbing tension strap 60 that is attachable to rail brackets 40 on outer rail or lip 27 of boat or skiff 20 can also be attachable to a hook 50 at cockpit wall 39 (see
Hook 50 also preferably has an opening 51 that can extend laterally across a width of upper portion 57, and which can receive an end of a tension strap 60 therethrough.
Preferably hook 50 has rubber 45 or other cushioning material spaced at least along a portion of surfaces of hook end 53 and center portion 52 that can come into contact with surfaces of wall 39 to provide a cushion against wall 39 surfaces.
Hook 50 can be used to receive an end of a webbing tension strap 60 extending from either a bracket 40 or a bracket 88 for positioning on boat 20 outer rail 27 (see
A gunnel, gunwale or interior cockpit wall 39 may commonly extend down about 1.5 inches into cockpit interior 28, recess 15 of cockpit 21. A gunnel, gunwale or interior wall 39 may also extend down about 1 to 5 inches into recess 15 of cockpit 21. A lateral width of wall 39 may commonly can be about 3/16 inches. Dimensions of a hook 50 can vary based on the dimensions of cockpit wall 39. As shown in
As discussed, a hook 50 can be positioned onto a cockpit wall at or near corner junctions of cockpit walls 39. A hook 50 can also be positioned onto a cockpit wall 39 at one or more locations between corner junctions of cockpit wall 39.
As discussed, preferably at least four webbing straps 60 are provided, each attachable at one end to one of 4 rail brackets 40 and at the other end to one of four hooks 50. Additional tension webbing straps 60, can also be provided that can be coupled to a bracket 88 at one end and to a hook 50 at the other end. The bracket 88 as shown in
In various embodiments the positioning of an opening 174 in a bracket 88 or the positioning of an opening 41 in a bracket 40 can be modified as desired based on the angle at which a strap 60 will extend from the cockpit.
In various embodiments a bracket 40 and a bracket 88 can comprise the same shape. In various embodiments a bracket 40 and a bracket 88 can comprise the same shape but with openings for receiving a tension strap 60 positioned at different angles. In various embodiments a bracket 40 and a bracket 88 can comprise a different shape. In various embodiments either a bracket 40 or a bracket 88 can include a tightening means. In various embodiments, a tightening means on a bracket 40 or 88 may not be needed when sufficient tension in tension straps 60 is provided to hold the brackets 40 and 88 in place at the boat rail or lip 27.
A tension strap 60 for coupling to a rail bracket 88 and a hook 50 can be coupled to a tent base portion 34 in a similar manner as previously described when tension straps 60, e.g., between tent base portion 34 and sealable layer 80, or through a lower tent wall portion 150. In some embodiments, a tension strap 60 extending from a hook 88 can be coupled to a tent base portion 34 and also to a hook 50. In some embodiments, a tension strap 60 extending from a hook 88 can be coupled to a tent base portion 34, end at or around tent base portion 34 and not be threaded through a hook 50. Straps 60 can extend from at or near a tent lower portion 150, for example, to a bracket or hook 88 on outer rail or lip 27. Straps 60 can be sewn or glued, for example to a tent lower portion 150 on exterior side 180 of tent 100. Straps 60 may also extend through a sealable or sealed opening in a tent wall portion and can be coupled at an interior side 181 of tent 100 when not threaded through an opening in a hook 50.
In various embodiments at least one tension buckle 54 is provided on a webbing strap 60 to receive at least one end of a tension strap 60 after being threaded through a rail bracket 40 or 88, or a hook 50 so that tension of strap 60 can be adjusted to secure tent 100 in place on boat 20. An end of a tension strap 60 that is not threaded through a tension buckle can be coupled back to itself after being threaded through an opening on a bracket 40, bracket 88 or hook 50, e.g., by sewing or adhesive or heat sealing.
In various embodiments, a tension buckle is provided on both ends of a tension strap 60 for receiving an end portion of a tension strap 60 from an opening in a bracket 40 or 88 and for receiving an end portion of a tension strap 60 from an opening in a hook 50.
In some embodiments, e.g., for tension straps 60 extending from a side of a cockpit 21 to a bracket 88 on a the deck rail 27, a tension buckle does not need to be included on said tension webbing straps 60. In said embodiment, tension can be applied based on the length of the tension strap 60 extending from the cockpit 21 side to bracket 88 and from tension applied to tension straps 60 that extend from the corners of the cockpit to a bracket 40.
As discussed, preferably a plurality of 4 webbing tension straps 60 extend from a bracket 40 on rail or lip 27 of boat or skiff 20 to a hook 50 at a cockpit corner 35, 36, 37, 38. Other webbing straps 60 can also extend from a hook 50 positioned on a sidewall of a cockpit to a bracket 88 on the boat rail 27. When the plurality of webbing straps 60 are secured to the plurality of hooks 50 and hooked onto a cockpit wall 39 and secured to the plurality of rail brackets 40 at or near deck 26 height, and tension is applied to straps 60, e.g., via tightening of a strap 60 in buckle 54, the force spreading the webbing straps 60 applies pressure to sealable compressible layer 80 under tent base portion 34 to compress sealable layer 80 against deck 26, and form a water and/or bug proof seal around cockpit 21, wherein water and/or bugs cannot enter a cockpit interior from under sealable layer 80, through sealable layer 80, or between the tent base portion 34 and sealable layer 80.
Tension on webbing 60 may be applied through spreading the webbing from bracket 40 or bracket 88 to hook 50. The amount of tension of tension strap 60 may be adjusted 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 percent to adjust the level of seal around cockpit 21. The amount of tension of tension strap 60 may be adjusted between about 0.1% and 100% to adjust the level of seal around cockpit 21. Tension of a webbing tension strap 60 and pressure on a sealable layer 80, for example, can be increased or decreased via tension buckles 54. With sealable layer 80 compressed against deck 26, water and bugs will be unable to enter cockpit interior 28 at around the deck area. Lower tent wall portion 151 wrapped around webbing layer 55 from a distance away from exterior side 180 of tent 100 to a distance away from interior side 181 of tent or cover 100 provides an additional bug and water proofing feature. The tent material is also preferably at least water resistant. Where doors and/or windows are provided on a tent 100, preferably a mesh layer that can be zipped or unzip is also provided to provide a barrier against bugs while also allowing wind to flow therethrough.
When a covering system 10 or 11 is in place on a boat 20 an occupant 195 can preferably lie down on a cockpit floor or sit on cockpit floor as shown in
In an alternative embodiment as shown in
Some skiffs or boats 20, include foldable or removable seats, e.g., seats 31a, 31b, and 31c, at or near a rear edge of side 24 of a cockpit 21. Other skiffs or boats include seats that are permanent and may not be removed. When a cockpit covering system 10 is to be used on a boat with removable rear seats or without rear seats, a compressible sealable layer 80 can be provided to extend around an entire cockpit perimeter and form a closed perimeter, e.g., around all four cockpit sides 22, 23, 24 and 25 and wall portions 101, 102, 103 and 104.
A flange 126 preferably comprises an “L” shape with a horizontal member 128 and a vertical member 129. Vertical member 129 can be positioned perpendicular to horizontal member 128. Vertical member 129 and horizontal member 128 can comprise the same or different dimensions. The junction of a horizontal member 128 and vertical member 129 can form a 90 degree angle. A lower portion 150 of wall 103 can be coupled to the vertical member 129, e.g., via an adhesive. Horizontal member 128 preferably is sized to be pushed or slide in between a bottom of a seat or seats 31a, 31b, 3c, and a surface of deck 26 with the vertical member 129 extending a distance along a longitudinal side of the seats 31a, 31b, 31c. Preferably a flange 126 includes one or more spaces 109 that will allow a flange 126 to be folded when the tent system 11 is not in use.
As discussed the tent 100 can be made from a continuous piece of fabric or from fabric pieces coupled together to form a continuous tent 100. In an embodiment of system 11, the majority of tent base portion 34 will include tent base webbing 55 with a portion of tent lower portion 150 sewn around a portion of tent base webbing 55 as previously described, and a sealable layer will be under the tent base webbing 55 and portion 150 wrapped around tent base webbing 55, with sealable layer 80 for resting on a deck surface at least around 3 sides of a cockpit (or around sides of a cockpit that do not include seats located near an edge of the cockpit).
A portion of the tent base webbing layer 55 extending along side 23 of cockpit 21 can turn corner 37 from cockpit side 23 to cockpit rear side 24 and can be coupled to flange 126. For example a portion of the tent base webbing layer can be threaded through an opening in flange 126, e.g., on vertical side 129, on vertical side 128 or at the junction of sides 129 and 128. Webbing 55 can then be sewn back on itself as shown in
Sealable layer 80 on sides 23 and 25 that can turn corners 37 and 38 preferably can extend right up to a side edge of flange 126, or possibly can extend a distance onto lower portion 128 of flange 126, e.g., when there is enough space between a bottom of the seats 31a, 31b, and 31c and deck 26 to accommodate both horizontal member 128 and the sealable layer 80.
The weight of the seats 31a, 31b, and 31c can hold flange 126 in place and tent wall portion 103 in place. Preferably when constructing tent system 11, the tent wall portions at the junction of the flange, tent base webbing layer 55, and sealable layer 80 will not include any spaces through which water or bugs can enter. If necessary an extra piece of tent material can be coupled around the junction area to promote a water and/or bug proof seal at the junction of a flange 126 with the rest of tent 100.
On the side of a cockpit 21 with seats, the flange configuration 126 will provide a water proof and/or bug proof seal for interior 28. In such an embodiment, the compressible sealable material 80 and flange 126 together form a closed sealable layer around an entire cockpit perimeter.
In various embodiments, a tent lower portion 150 is not wrapped around a flange 126, but a base of the wall is attached to at least vertical member 129 of flange 126. In various embodiments, a base wall layer 150 is not wrapped around a flange 126, but a base of the wall is attached to at least vertical member 129 and extends over the portion of tent base webbing layer 55 coupled to flange 126.
Preferably a tent wall will be glued to flange 126 so there are no holes anywhere to form a solid water tight and/or bug proof seal. In some embodiments, tent base webbing layer 55 with the lower portion 150 wrapped around at least a portion of layer 55 and attached to sealable layer 80 can extend along an entire length of horizontal member 128 in embodiments where there is enough space between a seat bottom and the boat deck to accommodate the flange horizontal member 128, sealable layer 80 and tent wall portion 34 including tent lower portion 150 wrapped around tent webbing base layer 55.
In some embodiments a tent covering system as described with regard to
In various embodiments, if seats are included at or near more than one cockpit side edge, a tent base portion can include more than one flange member.
When assembling a tent system 11 on a boat 20, brackets 40, 88 and hooks 50 can be put into position prior to inserting flange 126 between a boat seat and deck 26. If seat 31a, 31b, or 31c comprises a hatch portion that can open and close, preferably a window can be included on the wall portion 103, for example, so that a person within the tent 100 interior 28 can open the window, e.g., unzip the window, and/or mesh screen portion, and access the hatch from an interior of the tent.
On some boats or skiffs 20, three rear seats may be located on the boat 20, e.g., a starboard rear seat 31a and port rear seat 31c, and a rear seat located in the middle, 31b (see
Referring now to
A pole bracket assembly can comprise a pole bracket housing 91 coupled to a pole housing tension strap 55, which is coupled to a webbing tension strap 60. A plurality of poles 90 can be releasably coupled to a pole base housing 91, e.g., wherein an end 96 of pole 90 can be pushed or inserted into a pole bracket housing 91. Pole bracket housings 91 preferably are coupled to a tension strap 92 on tension straps 60. A pole bracket housing 91 can be similar to a DAC® Jake's foot 132 (see
A pole bracket assembly can comprise a pole bracket housing 91 coupled to a pole housing tension strap 92 with tension buckles 94 on tension strap 92, said tension strap 92 coupled to a webbing tension strap 60. A plurality of poles 90 can be releasably coupled to a pole bracket housing 91, e.g., wherein an end 96 of pole 90 can be pushed or inserted into an interior 97 of pole bracket housing 91 and coupled to a coupler 120 at a base of bracket housing 91 in interior 97. Pole bracket housings 91 preferably are coupled to a tension strap 92 on tension straps 60.
Generally, a pole end can have a different shape or width than the shape or width of a main portion 121 of pole 90. The opening in the bracket housing 91, can be modified based on dimensions of a main portion 121 of a pole 90 and a pole end 96. In some embodiments for example, the opening may not have an irregular shape, but may be a substantially rectangular, or oval, shape opening for example, with room to accommodate a pole coupler and a pole end at least in a portion of the housing. Preferably, the housing will also have a portion, for example, sized to allow a pole to rest thereon, or therein, at an angle. An insert also potentially could be placed within a housing sized to have a pole rest thereon or therein at an angle, and/or sized to accommodate a pole coupler.
A lower end 96 of a tent pole 90 preferably can be removably secured or removably locked within a pole bracket housing 91 positioned on tension strap 92 coupled to webbing straps 60 on deck 26 (see
In various embodiments, a pole bracket housing 91 can include an interior 97 for receiving lower end 96 of tent pole 90, wherein end 96 preferably comprises a shape and size allowing it to mate with, and snugly nest within interior 97 when pushed, for example, into interior 97, and to also be removed from housing 97 when desired, e.g., via pulling, or twisting of pole 90 or pulling or twisting of housing 91. In various embodiments housing 91 may also have a lock and release mechanism enabling locking or release of a pole end 96 in housing 91 interior 97. Interior 97 of housing 91 also preferably has a shape sized to mate with a pole 90 end 96.
As discussed, a lower end 96 of a tent pole 90 preferably can be removably secured within a pole bracket housings 91 positioned on tension strap 92 coupled to a webbing straps 60 on deck 26 (see
As discussed a pole bracket housing assembly preferably includes a pole bracket housing 91 coupled to a tension strap 92, which is attachable to webbing strap 60, e.g., via an adhesive or sewn connection. When tension is applied to webbing or tension strap 60 extending from cockpit 21 to outer lip or rail 27, webbing or tension strap 60 will have limited movement and can provide a secure base for a pole 90 nesting within a bracket housing 91 on strap 92, to anchor a pole end 96 at or near deck 26 level on the boat or skiff 20. Preferably bracket housing 91 is movable or slidable along tension strap 92, e.g., via buckles 94 (see
In some embodiments a pole end 96 releasably coupled within a housing 91 will be able to have limited movement, e.g., to move in a forward and backward direction. In such an embodiment buckles 94 or tension strap 92 do not need to be included.
In some embodiments, a tent tie down or a strap that is also connected to a pole 90 could be coupled to a boat 20 at the outer rail or lip 27 to a bracket 40 or 88, e.g., by threading through an opening on a bracket 40 or 88 or by being tied around, or to, any suitable coupler on a bracket 40 or 88.
Referring now to
When the rain fly 130 tie downs 137 are secured to a bracket 40 or 88 under rail or lip 27 or to an exterior of rail or lip 27, the rain fly can extend underneath or past rail or lip 27, which allows rain or other water on rain fly 130 to slide off the boat 20 and which can help prevent any pooling of water on deck 26. A rain fly 130 tie down 137, may also be provided for securing rain fly 130 on a bow line (which may be used to anchor the boat) (see
As illustrated in
Referring now to
In an alternative embodiment, interior sleeves could be provided instead of clips 112 for receiving the base poles 111 that extend a distance along tent interior sides.
When poles 111 are coupled within housings 112 and corner sleeves 114 the poles can rest on an interior surface of tent base webbing layer 55 and also possibly a portion of the poles 111 can rest on a surface of deck 26 if a pole or stake width extends over tent base webbing 55.
Tent or cover 100 can have a plurality of doors or windows.
A door 105 or window can provide an entrance/exit to interior 28 of the enclosure formed by the cockpit covering system. The entrance or exit may be unsealed and resealed while the sealable layer 80 continues to seal the cockpit interior 28 at or near the cockpit outer perimeter 110 at or around deck 26 height.
Referring to
In various embodiments, the method of assembling a cockpit enclosure system comprises the following steps:
In embodiments of the method for system 11, after step 3, a tent side including a flange can be pushed or slide under seats at or near a cockpit edge, e.g., at or near the rear cockpit edge. Then steps 4-8 can be performed to assemble a tent covering system 11.
In various embodiments, preferably rail brackets with tension straps secured thereto are first attached to a windward side of the boat or skiff, then attached to the other side of the boat.
Preferably, after the rail brackets with tension straps connected thereto are positioned around the boat, and the poles are within the pole housings, the cockpit enclosure and covering system is secured to the boat.
In various embodiments, the method includes further adjusting tension on tension straps until a desired amount of seal on the sealable layer is achieved.
In various embodiments, the method includes further adjusting tension on tension straps until desired amount of pressure on the bug and/or water proof seal around the cockpit opening and enclosure interior is created to achieve the desired amount of seal. In various embodiments of the method, a rain fly is assembled over the cockpit enclosure or cover.
In various embodiments of the method, assembling a rain fly comprises the following steps:
Preferably 4 rain fly straps are attached to 4 rail brackets and are attached to a rail bracket loop positioned to the exterior of the boat and underneath a boat rail or side.
A covering system 10 or 11 can be assembled on a boat 20 while in open water 197, and not moving with anchor 196 working to maintain the boat 20 in place. A covering system 10 or 11 can also be assembled on a boat 20 while in open water 197 near a marshy area 194.
All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.
The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the claims.
The benefit of and/or priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/351,013, filed on Jun. 16, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.
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