EYE WITH WEBBING RETAINING FEATURE

Abstract

An eye for a watercraft includes a body including a first leg, a second leg, and a connector portion extending between and coupled to a first end of both the first leg and the second leg. An opening is defined between the first leg, the second leg, and the connector portion in combination. The first leg and the second leg are connectable to another component and a retention feature protrudes radially outward from the body.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosed relate to a cover for a watercraft, and more particularly to an eye for retaining a cover of the watercraft.

BACKGROUND

It is well known to provide a watercraft, such as a boat, with a cover to prevent water and other debris from collecting inside the watercraft when not in use. In many instances, watercraft utilize covers designed to be affixed to the watercraft via a tightened strap or webbing. In such embodiments, the strap or webbing is typically threaded through the opening of one or more eyes mounted about the watercraft to restrict movement of the cover relative to the watercraft. However, this type of connection is only possible when the strap or webbing has a distinctive end that can be fed through an eye.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

An eye for a watercraft includes a body including a first leg, a second leg, and a connector portion extending between and coupled to a first end of both the first leg and the second leg. An opening is defined between the first leg, the second leg, and the connector portion in combination. The first leg and the second leg are connectable to another component and a retention feature protrudes radially outward from the body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature is integrally formed with the body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature is a separate component affixed to the body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature is positioned at an interface between the first end of the second leg and the connector portion.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature protrudes radially outward from the second leg.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature extends about only a portion of a periphery of the body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature is a rib.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature extends about an entire periphery of the body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature is a collar.

Also disclosed is a watercraft includes a hull and an eye mounted to the hull, the eye having a body and a retention feature protruding radially outward from the body. A clearance is formed between a surface of the hull and the retention feature.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the clearance is sized to receive a tension member therein.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature extends about only a portion of a periphery of the body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature is a rib.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature extends about an entire periphery of the body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the retention feature is a collar.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments including a cover having an affixing system for coupling the cover to the hull, wherein a portion of the affixing system is received within the clearance when the cover is in a tightened configuration.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the portion of the affixing system received within the clearance when the cover is in the tightened configuration is at least one tension member.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one tension member is continuous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary watercraft having a cover in a tightened configuration;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a watercraft having a cover in a tightened configuration;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an existing eye as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is side view of an eye according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is side view of an eye according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an eye according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of an eye according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

With reference now to FIG. 1, an example of a watercraft 20, such as a boat for example, is illustrated. As shown, the watercraft 20 includes a hull or body 22 having a bow or forward portion 24, a stern or aft portion 26, and two opposite lateral sides 28, 30. A longitudinal axis L of the boat 20 extends through a center of the bow 24 and a center of the stern 26. In an embodiment, the watercraft is a ski, sport, wakeboard, fishing, or other style of boat 20 that includes a tower or arch type structure 32 extending upwardly from a deck (not shown) of the boat 20. However, it should be appreciated that the illustrated watercraft 20 is intended as an example only and that embodiments that do not include a tower 32 are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, embodiments where the watercraft 20 is a completely different type of boat, such as a pontoon boat for example, or even a personal watercraft such as a jet ski for example, are also contemplated herein.

With reference to FIG. 2, a cover 40 is typically installed over at least a portion of the watercraft 20 to prevent water and other debris from collecting inside the watercraft 20 when not in use. As shown, the cover 40 may be formed from a flexible, air impermeable, such as nylon, canvas, or another suitable weather-proof material for example. The cover 40 may be dimensioned to conform closely to one or more exterior contours of the watercraft 20. A bottom 42 of the cover 40 defines an opening (not shown) configured to fit over the hull 22 of the watercraft 20. The bottom 42 of the cover 40 is fitted to and secured about the periphery of the hull 22, such as to one or more of the bow 24, stern 26, starboard 28, and port 30 sides thereof.

The cover 40 additionally includes an affixing system 44 for securing the cover 40 to the watercraft 20. When properly installed and tightened, the cover 40 will remain securely in place, for example during trailering of the watercraft 20 which includes transport of the watercraft 20 on a trailer at speeds commonly associated with travel on a highway.

The affixing system 44 may include one or more tension members 46 that extend about the bottom 42 of the cover 40. In an embodiment, the bottom 42 or hem of the cover 40 includes one or more pockets (not shown), and the at least one tension member 46 is threaded through the one or more pockets. Although the at least one tension member 46 is illustrated as a piece of webbing or a strap in the FIGS., in other embodiments, the at least one tension member 46 may be a rope, cable, or another suitable member for example.

A force may be applied to the at least one tension member 46 to selectively tighten the at least one tension member 46, thereby restricting movement of the cover 40 relative to the watercraft 20. In an embodiment, a tightening mechanism 48 (FIG. 2), for example a ratchet, is operably coupled to the at least one tension member 46. However, it should be understood that other suitable tightening mechanisms, such as a winch, gearing, or pulley for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the tightening mechanism 48 may be accessible via a pocket, an access panel, or a zippered slit. Operation of the tightening mechanism 48 applies a tension to the at least one tension member 46, thereby pulling the cover 40 taut about the watercraft 20. This tension is used to transform the cover 40 from a loose configuration to a tightened configuration

The one or more tension members of existing covers, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, have separate ends that may be connected to one another, such as via a fastener or a buckled connection for example. Accordingly, the ends of the one or more tension members 46 may be connected to form a continuous tension member that extends about the entire periphery of the opening of the cover. The resulting configuration of the one or more tension members can then be tightened to tension the cover about the boat 20. However, inclusion of one or more buckles or other suitable fastener results in the tension member 46 being transformable to an interrupted or discontinuous configuration when the ends are not coupled via the fastener or other connector.

In existing systems, the at least one tension member 46 or webbing of the cover 40 is typically threaded through the opening of an eye 50 mounted to the hull 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the eye 50 is shown as being positioned at the stern of the hull 22. However, it should be appreciated that one or more eyes 50 may be arranged at any suitable location about the hull including, but not limited to the bow of the watercraft 20. Accordingly, inclusion of the fastener or buckled connection allows a disconnected or separated end of the at least one the tension member 46 to be easily installed through the opening of an eye 50.

With reference now to FIGS. 4-7, various examples of an eye 50, such as intended for use on a watercraft for example, are illustrated in more detail. As shown, the eye 60 includes a body 62 generally having a first leg 64, a second leg 66, and a connector portion 68 extending between and connecting a first end of the first and second legs 64, 66. A hollow interior or opening 67 of the eye 60 is defined between the legs 64, 66 and the connector portion 68. In an embodiment, the connector portion 68 is non-linear, arcuate, or curved such that the body 62 of the eye 60 is generally U-shaped or C-shaped. However, embodiments where the connector portion 68 has another configuration are also within the scope of the disclosure. The legs 64, 66 and connector portion 68 may but need not be integrally formed, such as by bending a rod or other suitable piece of material or by via a casting process. In an embodiment, a cross-sectional shape of the legs and/or connector portion is generally circular, however, it should be appreciated that embodiments having another cross-sectional shape are also contemplated herein.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a portion of each of the legs 64, 66 may extend through a corresponding opening formed in a component, such as a base plate 70. In some embodiments, a portion of the legs 64, 66, is joined, such as welded, soldered, or otherwise permanently affixed for example, to the base plate 70 to restrict movement of the body 60 relative to the base plate 70. A surface 71 of the base plate 70 may be fastened to the hull 22 such that the body 62 of the eye 60 extends outwardly from the hull. The distal ends of the legs 64, 66 may extend through corresponding openings formed in the hull, such as to connect to an internal surface thereof. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the legs 64, 66 may extend through openings formed in another component, or formed directly in the hull of the boat 20.

Because of the arcuate or rounded shape of the connector portion 68, a tension member 46 arranged in contact with an exterior surface of the eye 60, such as the exterior surface of the second leg 66 for example, would typically slip out of engagement with the eye 50 when tensioned. However, in an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the eye 60 includes at least one retention feature 72. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the at least one retention feature 72 is arranged at the lowermost surface of the body 62, such as near the interface between the second leg 66 and the connector portion 68. However, in other embodiments, a retention feature 72 may alternatively or additionally be located at the second leg 66, spaced from the interface between the second leg 66 and the connector portion 68. As shown, at least a portion of the retention feature 72 protrudes radially outwardly from the body 62 such that a clearance 74 for receiving a tension member 46 is formed between the hull 22 or the base plate 70 and a surface 76 of the retention feature 72 closest to the hull 22. In an embodiment, a portion of the tension member 46 exposed between two pockets formed at the hem of the cover may be arranged within the clearance 74.

In some embodiments, the retention feature 72 is integrally formed with the body 62 of the eye 60. In other embodiments, the retention feature 72 is a separate component affixed at a desired position relative to the body 62. For example, a leg, such as leg 66 for example, may be slidably inserted into an opening formed in the retention feature 72 to couple the retention feature 72 to the body 62 prior to installation of the eye 60 to a hull 22. In other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 7, the retention feature 72 may be formed in multiple pieces. For example, the retention feature 72 may include a first piece 72a and a second piece 72b connectable to one another about the body 62 of the eye 60. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, each piece 72a, 72b has a groove 73 formed at an interior surface for receiving a portion of the body 62. The pieces may be removably coupled to one another about the body 62 via one or more fasteners (not shown). Although two pieces are illustrated, it should be understood that embodiments having additional pieces are also within the scope of the disclosure.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the retention feature 72 includes a circular collar arranged concentrically with the second leg 66. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the retention feature 72 is a rib, fin, or other protrusion coupled to or integrally formed with the body 62 and extending radially outwardly therefrom. As shown, the protrusion 72 need not wrap about the periphery of the second leg 66, Rather, the protrusion 72 may be arranged only about the portion of the periphery of the second leg 66 that would align with a tension member arranged within the clearance 74. In the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the retention feature 72 is generally arranged at a localized portion of the body 62.

In such embodiments, a surface 76 of the retention feature 72 facing toward the hull 22 may be configured to form a wall or barrier restricting lateral movement of the tension member 46 of the affixing system away from the hull 22. In an embodiment, the radius of the retention feature 72, or the length over which the retention feature 72 extends from the body 62, is selected such that the tension member 46 cannot deflect about an exterior surface of the retention feature 72 in response to the tension acting on the tension member 46.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the retention feature 72 may include a retaining member 80 oriented substantially parallel to the adjacent leg 66 of the body 62. As shown, the retaining member 80 is radially offset from a surface of the body 62 such that the clearance 74 is generally bounded on three sides by the body 62, the radial portion of the retention feature 72, and the retaining member 80, respectively. The distal end 82 of the retaining member 80 is spaced from the base plate 70 to provide a gap through which a tension member 46 can be inserted into the clearance 74. As shown, the width of the gap formed between the distal end 82 of the retaining member 80 and the base plate 70 may be smaller than the width of the tension member 46 to prevent unintended movement of the tension member 46 from the clearance 74.

By limiting or restricting movement of the tension member 46 relative to the body 62 of the eye 60 when tensioned, the tension member 46 need not be threaded through the opening or hollow interior 67 defined between the legs 64, 66 and the connector portion 68 when coupling the tension member to the eye 60. Rather, a continuous tension member having no distinct or free ends, whether formed by a single tension member or a plurality of connected tension members can be easily arranged within the clearance 74. Application of a tension to the continuous tension member will cause the tension member to move within the clearance, such as into contact with the retention feature 72. However, the engagement with the retention feature 72 will prevent movement of the tension member 46 out of the clearance 74. Such a configuration will provide an easier and more efficient mechanism for installing a cover about a watercraft 20.

The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An eye for a watercraft comprising: a body including a first leg, a second leg, and a connector portion extending between and coupled to a first end of both the first leg and the second leg, wherein an opening is defined between the first leg, the second leg, and the connector portion in combination, the first leg and the second leg being connectable to another component; anda retention feature extending from the body, wherein a clearance for receiving a tension member is defined by the retention feature.

2. The eye of claim 1, wherein the retention feature is integrally formed with the body.

3. The eye of claim 1, wherein the retention feature is a separate component affixed to the body.

4. The eye of claim 1, wherein the retention feature is positioned at an interface between the first end of the second leg and the connector portion.

5. The eye of claim 1, wherein the retention feature protrudes radially outward from the second leg.

6. The eye of claim 1, wherein the retention feature extends about only a portion of a periphery of the body.

7. The eye of claim 6, wherein the retention feature is a rib.

8. The eye of claim 1, wherein the retention feature extends about an entire periphery of the body.

9. The eye of claim 8, wherein the retention feature is a collar.

10. The eye of claim 1, wherein the retention feature includes a plurality of pieces connectable to one another about the body via a fastener.

11. The eye of claim 1, wherein the retention feature includes a retaining member oriented parallel to a leg of the body, the retaining member being radially spaced from a surface of the body.

12. A watercraft comprising: a hull; andan eye mounted to the hull, the eye having a body and a retention feature protruding radially outward from the body, wherein a clearance is formed between a surface of the hull and the retention feature for receiving a tension member.

13. The watercraft of claim 12, wherein the retention feature extends about only a portion of a periphery of the body.

14. The watercraft of claim 12, wherein the retention feature is a rib.

15. The watercraft of claim 12, wherein the retention feature extends about an entire periphery of the body.

16. The watercraft of claim 12, wherein the retention feature includes a plurality of pieces connectable to one another about the body via a fastener.

17. The watercraft of claim 12, wherein the retention feature includes a retaining member oriented parallel to a leg of the body, the retaining member being radially spaced from a surface of the body.

18. The watercraft of claim 12, wherein the retention feature is a collar.

19. The watercraft of claim 12, further comprising a cover having an affixing system for coupling the cover to the hull, wherein a portion of the affixing system is received within the clearance when the cover is in a tightened configuration.

20. The watercraft of claim 19, wherein the portion of the affixing system received within the clearance when the cover is in the tightened configuration is at least one tension member.