Patent Application
20230287687
The present invention relates to a portable covering that may be used for boats and docks, as well as in other applications. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a collapsible frame structure that may be removably attached to a dock, and which includes a flexible sunscreen that is attachable to the frame structure. The portable cover structure is primarily used to cover a dock and/or boat in order to provide shade and shelter from sun and weather.
Heretofore, many attempts have been made to develop and commercialize various types of coverings for docks and boats. Some are fixed structures, while others are portable and collapsible. The following references disclose various wind-screen type mechanisms, and these documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,874 Weather Shelter
A first plurality of like shelter supports lie in equidistantly horizontally spaced parallel vertical planes. Each support consists of a curved elongated unit having a central section resembling the letter C. Each section has a lower end portion which extends vertically below the section and terminates in a bottom end. Each section has an upper end portion which is shorter than the lower end portion and extends upwards and outwards to form a stub. A second plurality of horizontally elongated connector members are provided. There is one less connector member than supports. Each connector member is connected at each end to a stub of a corresponding one of a corresponding pair of next-adjacent supports and extends horizontally therebetween whereby the combination of supports and connector members defines a frame. A flexible waterproof cover is applied over said frame and is secured thereto. The cover has an opening extending vertically from the stubs to the lower end portions and extending horizontally along the entire frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,284 Dock Side Boat Cover
A cover for protecting the interior of a boat from the surrounding environment. The cover has first and second vertical supports connected to a dock. A horizontal member is connected with the first and second vertical supports to form a frame. First and second brackets are located on the first and second vertical supports. The first and second brackets have arms attached thereto that extend from the dock toward the water. A canopy is attached to the arms. A winch has cables connected to the first and second brackets to move the canopy with respect to the boat from a first position where flaps surround that portion of the boat out of the water, to a second position which allows unhampered ingress and egress between the boat and dock.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,273 Portable Marine Shelter
A portable marine shelter that includes a frame assembly having two lower spaced apart longitudinally extending members, or float bars, and a flexible cover that fits over the frame assembly to provide an enclosure to store a boat and the like. A floatation system includes numerous sphere-shaped floats that are rotatably attached to the lower frame members, the floats are also free to move longitudinally along predetermined sections of the lower frame members. The floats are substantially equally distributed between the two lower members and along each individual member. The loosely attached floats enables the shelter to accommodate wave and wind generated motion without unduly stressing the frame assembly of the boat sheltered therein. The entire shelter is loosely attached to a dock and loosely anchored to the bottom of the lake, etc. to provide a structure that securely protects a boat yet is capable of being moved easily to different locations.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,243 Floating Shelter
A floating shelter has a semicircular frame defining an open-ended tunnel with an unobstructed ingress and egress. The frame has straight frame members forming the base of the open-ended tunnel. The roof of the open-ended tunnel is formed by curved frame members working together with a canopy top. A tensioning assembly mounted to each bottom corner of the canopy top engages the curved frame members forming the entrance and exit of the tunnel. Floats are fitted about the straight frame members forming the base of the open-ended tunnel for flotation of the frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,913,710 Shading Systems
A system for improved exterior shading devices of highly adaptable configurations. The system comprises several cantilever shade structures usable in the shading of land vehicles.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,651 Retractable Boat Slip Cover
Boat slip cover systems are provided for affixing to piers having a plurality of slips with closed and open ends, and first and second sides. Each boat slip cover includes a flexible canopy. Fixed supports for a first end of the canopy are disposed about the closed end of the slip, at least one extending upward from and perpendicular to the pier surface, and at least one extending upward from and angular to the pier surface. Rotating supports are disposed along each side of the slip and extend upward from the pier. Telescoping joints are disposed along each rotating support for their extension or retraction. A winch device is further provided for manual positioning. A convertible pier cover includes various retractable boat slip covers, valley portions extending between adjacent boat slip covers and forming an attachment on each side to an adjacent boat canopy, and a central aisle canopy.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,216,798
A covering system for removably covering a vehicle, such as a boat, that includes a plurality of rotatively anchored swing arms rotatable between a covered position and an uncovered position. Each swing arm includes a mount and a pretensioner formed of one or more stays adjustably attached to part of a shaft of the arm to adjust an applied preload and transfer forces encountered during operation to part of the shaft rotatively anchored by the mount to a grounded structure such as a piling or post of a dock. The swing arms are pivotally connected to an elongate transversely extending carriage from which a cover is suspended with a boom of each arm connected to the carriage by a pivot assembly that also facilitates carriage and cover position adjustment. A pivot limiter can be included that limits or even stops pivoting of the carriage relative to the swing arm boom.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,556,640 Cantilevered Watercraft Canopy
In a cantilevered watercraft canopy, a plurality of vertical supports provides support to a plurality of horizontal supports. First and second main struts are supported by the horizontal supports. First and second pluralities of arch members are affixed at a central attachment point to the first main strut and second main strut, respectively. The outer ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members support outer struts. In the first exemplary embodiment, the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members are affixed to one another, and the main struts are affixed rigidly to the horizontal supports. In the second exemplary embodiment, first and second inner struts are affixed to the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members, and the main struts are affixed rotatably to the horizontal supports. A canopy cover is affixed over the arch members and struts.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,776,687 One-Sided Cantilevered Watercraft Canopy
A cantilevered canopy structure includes at least one vertical support having a first and second upper support joint. The structure further includes at least one first and second horizontal support. The first horizontal support is affixed to the vertical supports at the first upper support joint. The second horizontal support is affixed to the vertical supports at the second upper support joint. The structure further includes cantilever supports. The cantilever support is affixed to the first and second horizontal supports. The structure further includes at least one horizontal frame member. The horizontal frame member is affixed to the cantilever supports at a cantilever frame joint. The first upper support joint is located higher than the second upper support joint. The first upper support joint and second upper support joints are distal, in opposing directions, from the vertical support.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,777,504 Cantilevered Watercraft Canopy
In a cantilevered watercraft canopy, a plurality of vertical supports provides support to a plurality of horizontal supports. First and second main struts are supported by the horizontal supports. First and second pluralities of arch members are affixed at a central attachment point to the first main strut and second main strut, respectively. The outer ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members support outer struts. In the first exemplary embodiment, the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members are affixed to one another, and the main struts are affixed rigidly to the horizontal supports. In the second exemplary embodiment, first and second inner struts are affixed to the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members, and the main struts are affixed rotatably to the horizontal supports. A canopy cover is affixed over the arch members and struts.
U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/272,971 Watercraft Canopy for U-shaped Dock
A canopy structure includes arch members defining a barrel vault and horizontal members. Each of the upper horizontal members is affixed to the parallel arch members. The canopy structure further includes arched vertical supports. The upper horizontal supports are affixed to the arched vertical supports. The canopy structure further includes lower horizontal members. Each of the lower horizontal members is affixed to the parallel arch members. According to another aspect, a canopy structure includes a U-shaped dock surrounding a watercraft mooring area. The canopy structure includes inner dock arm edges located on opposite sides of the watercraft mooring area. The canopy structure further includes vertical supports affixed to at least two of the inner dock arm edges. The vertical supports support a canopy frame. The canopy frame defines a barrel vault.
U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/557,284 Fastening a Portable Shade Apparatus to a Fence to Provide Shade
A portable shade apparatus includes a sheet of material, a set of cables, and a set of flexible rods coupled to the sheet of material and the set of cables. Each flexible rod has (i) a first end section which projects from the sheet of material, (ii) a second end section which fastens to a respective cable, and (iii) an inner section between the first end section and the second end section. The inner section provides support to the sheet of material.
A system for improved exterior shading devices of highly adaptable configurations. The system comprises several cantilever shade structures usable in the shading of land vehicles.
The present invention concerns apparatus and methods for covering and uncovering a desired object. Particular embodiments include a covering system comprising: a cover operably connected to a plurality of translational members translationally positioned along a track; two or more hangers having a vertically extending portion and an outwardly extending portion, the track being operably attached to the outwardly extending portion; means for mounting hangers in a rotatable arrangement to a structure about a vertical axis. A further embodiment of the present invention includes a method for covering and uncovering a desired object, the steps including: mounting each of two or more hangers to a structure in a rotatable arrangement, the two or more hangers having a vertically extending portion and an outwardly extending portion; suspending a track from the outwardly extending portion of the two or more hangers; suspending a cover from the track, the cover being translatable along the track; rotating the two or more hangers between a covering position and a stored position, the covering position being arranged to position the track above an object to be covered, and the stored position being arranged to position the track to a side of the object to be covered.
A retractable cantilevered watercraft whip mooring system has a retractable canopy which covers the watercraft while moored to a dock. The system includes a pair of whips secured to the dock by a pair of mounts. Each whip includes a tie-down line. Each whip includes a tie-down line. The retractable cantilevered watercraft whip mooring system protects the watercraft from rubbing or bumping against the dock. In addition, a retractable canopy slides over and is secured by the pair of whips. The retractable canopy includes a support batten. The watercraft is secured by the retractable cantilevered watercraft whip mooring system to protect the watercraft from rubbing or bumping against the dock. The canopy slides over the pair of whips. The canopy is securable relative to an exterior side of the watercraft, enabling the watercraft to be protected during severe weather conditions while the watercraft is attached to the dock.
Publication No. WO2007082403 Floating Boat Garage
The invention relates to a floating boat garage (1) for a watercraft (3) which is located in water. Said floating garage comprises a floating support structure (5) and a covering element which surrounds said support structure, consisting of awning cloth (4) which is stretched over said structure or plastic plates. Said floating support structure (5) rests on several longitudinal floating bodies (6) which are vertical in relation to the surface of the water and which act as fenders. The support structure consists of several curved or gable-shaped elements (7) which extend in the supports (12) from the lower side. Said supports are equipped with a longitudinal floating body (6) on the lower end thereof which extends in a vertical manner. Said curved and gable-shaped elements (7) are connected to at least two purlins (8) which extend in a transversal manner in relation to said elements.
Many of the canopies and covers set forth in the above-referenced documents are difficult to install, expensive, and are cumbersome to handle. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a dock and boat covering that is portable, collapsible, lightweight and easy to install.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a first embodiment of a portable dock and boat cover structure includes a pair of flexible poles that are disposed in a generally parallel fashion, and a sunscreen that is attached to the poles on opposed sides thereof, so that the sunscreen is stretched between the poles. The poles may be of unitary construction, or may comprise sections that fit together but can be taken apart, similarly to tent poles. One end of each pole may be removably attached to a structure, such as a dock, and the other end of each pole is preferably connected to a strap, rope, string, cord or other type of line. The distal end of the strap or cord may be tied to a cleat on the dock, or may be attached to a dock in any suitable fashion.
In a first embodiment, the cover structure may be affixed to a dock, pier, or the like, so that the poles are attached adjacent the edge thereof, so that the cover structure may alternate between a position covering the dock, and a second position covering a boat, as shown in
When a boat is moored to the dock in a position adjacent to the location where the poles are attached thereto, the cover may be unsecured from the opposed side of the dock, and the structure may be bent in the opposite direction so that the cover structure extends over the boat, as shown. The straps or cords may then be removably attached to the opposite side of the boat from the dock in any desired manner, including securing the straps or cords to cleats or other fixtures secured to the boat, or by attaching the quick-connect mechanism to mounts on the boat. In this way, the cover structure may alternate between a position over the dock, and a second position over the boat, due to the flexible nature of the poles.
In another embodiment, a pair of such structures may be employed, with one portable cover extending over a dock, and a second portable cover extending over a boat. In this embodiment, the second portable cover may be positioned so that the poles are attached to the dock so that the cover extends outwardly, away from the dock, and over a boat, as shown in
It is contemplated that a mount may be secured to the dock, and may temporarily receive one end of the poles for temporary setup. Alternatively, the poles may be fixed to the dock in any suitable manner, whether permanently attached or removable.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
The present invention includes, in a first embodiment, a portable cover structure 10 includes a pair of flexible poles 12 disposed in generally parallel relation, wherein a flexible sunscreen 14 is attached to each pole and stretched therebetween, as shown in
As shown in
In a first embodiment, the portable cover structure 10 may be affixed to a dock 16, pier, or the like, so that the poles 12 are attached adjacent the edge thereof, so that the cover structure 10 may alternate between a position covering the dock 16, and a second position covering a boat 28, as shown in
Alternatively, the poles 12 of the portable cover structure 10 may be bent outwardly, so that the cover structure provides shade over a boat that is in the water and moored to the dock, as shown in
In another embodiment, two portable cover structures 10 may be employed, as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the straps or cords 18 may include adjustment means, such as an adjustable buckle or the like, so that they may be lengthened or shortened, as desired, in order to position the cover structure at a suitable height or orientation. The distal ends of the straps or cords 18 may include a snap-fit mechanism 22, as shown in
The sunscreen 14 may be made from any suitable material, such as canvas, nylon, polyester, or any other suitable type of plastic, and should be capable of being rolled up or folded, as desired, for transport and storage purposes. Additionally, the sunscreen 14 may be opaque, translucent, or may be made from a clear or tinted polymeric material that preferably provides protection against ultraviolet rays. Optionally, the poles 12 may include lights or light strips, such as LED light strips, which may be battery operated, or may be plugged into an electrical outlet, USB port, or any other type of power source. The lights may be operated remotely, by a remote control, as desired.
Dock mounts 34 for the poles 12 may be installed on a dock 16, similarly to rod holder mounts, wherein each pole mount 34 defines a hole for receiving the bottom portion of the pole 12. These mounts 34 may also include a snap-fit mechanism that allows the poles 12 to be snapped into the mount 34, and which allows the poles 12 to be removed from the mounts 34 when not in use.
The portable cover structure 10 may be disassembled when not in use, and rolled up or folded for storage in a bag or other container, in the same manner as a tent is folded up or stuffed into a stuff sack, along with the poles 12 in a disassembled state.
In use, the portable cover structure 10 may be positioned over and removably affixed to a boat 28 while the boat 28 is moored to a dock 16 until a user wishes to run the boat. At that point, the user may detach the straps or cords 18 from the boat 28, bend the poles 12 in the opposite direction so that the portable cover structure 10 extends over the dock 16, and affix the straps or cords 18 to the dock, as described herein. After boating, the user may moor the boat 28 to the dock 16, detach the straps or cords 18 from the dock 16, bend the poles 12 outwardly over the boat 28, and then affix the straps or cords 18 to the boat 28, as shown.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
