CA1242613A - Cover assembly for a boat - Google Patents
Cover assembly for a boatInfo
- Publication number
- CA1242613A CA1242613A CA000511036A CA511036A CA1242613A CA 1242613 A CA1242613 A CA 1242613A CA 000511036 A CA000511036 A CA 000511036A CA 511036 A CA511036 A CA 511036A CA 1242613 A CA1242613 A CA 1242613A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bow
- main
- cover
- cover assembly
- bows
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B17/00—Vessels parts, details, or accessories, not otherwise provided for
- B63B17/02—Awnings, including rigid weather protection structures, e.g. sunroofs; Tarpaulins; Accessories for awnings or tarpaulins
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
Abstract
TITLE: COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A BOAT
INVENTOR: BARRY RAYMOND FLYNN
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A cover assembly for a boat has a framework secur-able to the boat and a flexible sheet cover supported by the framework. The framework has a main frame secured to the boat, a first additional frame probably attached to the main frame and extending upwardly and laterally therefrom. A
second additional frame is pivotally attached to the first frame and extends laterally out from the main frame beneath the first frame. The frames can comprise bows, with their legs pivotally connected. The cover extends across the top of the frames, and has side portions extending below the additional frames to secure them in position.
INVENTOR: BARRY RAYMOND FLYNN
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A cover assembly for a boat has a framework secur-able to the boat and a flexible sheet cover supported by the framework. The framework has a main frame secured to the boat, a first additional frame probably attached to the main frame and extending upwardly and laterally therefrom. A
second additional frame is pivotally attached to the first frame and extends laterally out from the main frame beneath the first frame. The frames can comprise bows, with their legs pivotally connected. The cover extends across the top of the frames, and has side portions extending below the additional frames to secure them in position.
Description
lZ'~Z6~3 This invention relates to a cover assembly for a boat. This invention more particularly relates to a cover assembly for the open cockpit of a boat, which provides space underneath for free movement of the occupants.
At the present time, there are many designs of boats, particularly boats for recreational use, which include an open cockpit. Such an arrangement can be found on both sailboats and motor driven boats. Particularly, but not exclusively, in the case of motor driven boats, the cockpit is often provided with a cover, for covering it in the event of bad weather. Typically, the cover assembly will comprise a framework of tubes, which are secured to the main boat structure. A canvas, or other flexible sheet cover is then mounted on this framework, so as to provide sufficient head room underneath for the occupants to walk about freely.
In the case of recreational boats, the cockpit will usually include a number of seats and controls for operating the boat. Also, it usually has a fixed, glass windshield, which may include tapered side portions along the front part of the cockpit. This windshield and its frame are considered part of the main boat structure, to which the canvas cover is secured.
There are numerous designs of such covers. However, many existing designs are relatively complex and cumbersome.
Further, there are many instances where one wishes to have the cover in place, or readily available. Thus, if there is any possibility of bad weather being encountered, one will ~`~
~9L;~ 3 usually keep t.he framework in position. The canvas cover is then either secured to the framework and rolled up so as to leave the cockpit open, or stored elsewhere. Also, where there is hot, sunny weather, it is often desirable to use the canvas cover as an awning, to shade the cockpit. In all these cases, it is desirable that the framework should be as unobstructive as possible, and it should not impede movement int.o and out of the cockpit. However, many current frame-works include numerous members extending vertically from the cockpit edges, which are unsight.ly when the canvas cover is wholly or partially removed, and which impede progress into and out of the cockpit.
By way of example, one current design includes, at its mid point, a main bow that is secured to the edges of the cockpit and extends upwardly and rearwardly~ This main bow has side legs t.hat. are continuous with a horizont.al cen-t.er portion. Two vertical struts are provided on either side to support the main bow. At either side, each st.rut and the main bow forms a secure triangular struct.ure with the cock-pit edge. To support the front part of the cover, two subsi-diary bows are provided. A first one with relatively short legs extends forwardly and upwardly from near the top of the main bow, whilst a second subsidiary bow extends forwardly and upwardly from near the base of the main bow. The front part. of the cover then extends from the main bow over the tops of these two subsidiary bows. However, to keep this front part secure, its forward edge has t.o be secured to the ~ ~ 4 ~ ~2~ 3 windshield frame. At the rear, in accordance with current practice, a separate rear bow is provided. This extends upwardly and rearwardly. Again, it is provided with struts or legs to brace it relative to the main boat structure. In some cases, a further subsidiary bow is mounted on this rear bow.
It is to be realized that such a structure has var-ious disadvantages. The first and second subsidiary bows on the main bow can only be maintained in position, with the cover secured to the windshield. Further, they obscure vision through the forward side panels.
The arrangement of the rear frame impedes access to the cockpit. Additionally, the provision of the rear frame, its struts~ and any optional subsidiary bow, again impedes vision through the rear side panels. Further, it is unsight-ly, with or without the side panels present.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a cover assembly for a boat, the cover assembly comprising a framework which comprises a main bow having side legs adapted for securing to a boat, and a pair of struts for supporting the main bow, each strut being attached at one end to a respective leg of the main bow and being securable to a boat at the other end at a location horizontally spaced from the end of the respective leg with the legs of the main bow and the struts extending upwardly towards one another to form a self-supporting structure, an auxiliary bow including side legs pivotally attached at free ends thereof to one of the struts or side legs of the main bow and extending laterally out from the main bow, and a flexible sheet cover securable to the auxiliary bow at least, which cover includes a main portion extending across the top of the main and auxiliary bows so as to support the auxiliary bow in position and side portions which extend downwards to the side legs of the auxiliary bow, for securing the auxiliary bow in position.
Preferably, the cover assembly includes an additional bow pivotally attached to the main bow and extending laterally out therefrom. The auxiliary bow is then a front bow attached to this additional bow and extending underneath it.
To locate the additional bow in position, the slde portions of the cover extend below the additional bow. The side portions can be secured to the side limbs of the main frame. Thus, with moderate tension maintained in the cover, the additional and front bows cannot be displaced.
The front and additional bows can be pivotally attached to either the main bow or the struts. Preferably they are attached to the main bow, and any rear bow attached to the struts.
The front bow in the open configuration is at a small angle to the horizontal. To permit this configuration to be collapsed, the front bow is provided with links in its side legs.
At the rear, a rear bow can be provided which is pivotally and slidably mounted on the supporting struts of ~24~L3 the main bow. This rear bow in the open configuration is held in position by the cover. In effect, -the cover, the rear bow and the upper part of the main bow form a -triangu-lar configuration, with the cover maintained in tension by the weight of the rear bow. This then eliminates the neces-sity for any vertical support at the rear.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first additional bow forms a rear bow, supported by a rear part of the cover. The rear bow has side legs connected to the struts or side legs of a main bow that permit both sliding and pivotal movement. At the front, two separate additional frames or bows can be provided, which could be largely conventional; each frame would be pivotally attached to the main frame, and the two additional frames would be generally parallel to one another. Whilst this would not provide unobstructed support in front of the main frame, it would provide unobstructed support at the rear, as a rear supporting frame is not required.
For a better understanding of the present inven-tion, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cockpit of a boat fitted with a cover assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 2a shows a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the detail 2 of Figure l;
Figure 2b shows a perspective view, corresponding to Figure 2a, in a collapsed configuration;
7 - ~ 2~ 3 Figure 3 shows a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the detail 3 of Figure li Figure 4 shows a perspective view corresponding to Figure 1 with the cover in position; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view similar to Fig-ures 1 and 4 with the cover partially in position.
In Figure 1, there is shown a boat designated by the reference 10. The boat 10 is conventional, and in this case a motor driven boat is shown. The cockpit of the boat 10 is denoted by the reference 12. At the rear, it includes a bench seat 14 and a rail 16. As shown, the forward part of the cockpit sides are higher than the rear. Also, at the forward end of the cockpit 12, a windshield 18 is provided.
The windshield 18 includes side parts 20, and a frame 22.
In known manner, the flexible cover (not shown in Figure 1) is secured to its support framework and to the edge of the cockpit and the windshield frame 22 by dome fasteners. Such dome fasteners comprise a first part secured to the boat structure and a second part secured to the flex-ible cover. The first part includes a short projection with an outwardly extending annular lip. The second part compris-es two pieces which are secured together through an opening in the cover. The second part includes a recess, which receives the projection of the first part and includes a spring clip arrangement for engaging its annular lip. The first part of the dome fasteners are also provided on the framework. Such dome fasteners are shown at 24 in Figure 1 on the windshield frame 22 and around the edge of the cock-pit. Generally, to secure the cover to the framework, the - 8 - 12~6~3 dome fasteners are provided on the inside of the framework, and the cover includes appropriate flaps extending around the framework to the inside and bearing the corresponding second dome parts. This use of dome fasteners is standard and known in this art, and for simplicity is not described in greater detail here.
The cover assembly as a whole is denoted by the reference 30 (Figure 4). The cover assembly 30 comprises a framework 31 and a cover 32. Details of the framework 31 will be described first, with reference primarily to Figures 1, 2 and 3.
The framework 31 has a main bow 34. The main bow 34 is a tubular member and has two straight side legs 36. A
central part 38 is curved upwards slightly and extends between and is continuous with the side legs 36.
To support the main bow 34 in position, two struts 40 are provided. The struts 40 are generally vertical, and each is pivotally attached to the cockpit side by a bracket 42. The ends of the main bow 34 are attached by similar brackets 42, and a detail of one such bracket 42 is shown in Figure 3. The bracket 42 can be largely conven-tional. It has a fixed base 43 with two flanges 44. A corresponding flange 45 of a second part 46 is pivotally mounted between the flanges 44. The second part 46 is secured to the bow 34 or strut 40.
With reference to Figure 2, the upper end of each strut 40 is joined to a respective side leg 36 by a corres-ponding fastener 48. The fastener 48 is similar to the brac-ket 42, in that one part is secured to the side leg 36 and -~` 124~6~3 another part is secured to the end of the strut 40, with the two parts pivotally connected together.
Extending from the main bow 34 is an additional bow 50. This additional bow 50 includes straight side legs 52, which are inclined forwardly and upwardly. The side legs curve inwards and are continuous with a cen-tral part 54, as for the main bow 34. The central part 54 is curved upwards slightly. As shown in Figure 2, the side legs 52 are pivot-ally attached to the side legs 36 of the main bow 34 by fasteners 56, corresponding to the fasteners 48.
A front bow 60 has a shape corresponding to that for the other bows 34, 50. Thus the front bow 60 has side legs 62 and a central part 64. The central part 64 is curved forwardly slightly. Each side leg 62 is connected to a side leg 52 of the additional bow 50 by a respective link 66, which is shown in detail in Figures 2a and 2b.
Each link 66 comprises a pair of elongate plates 68, which are pivotally attached at one end 69 to the side leg 52 and are pivotally attached at the other end 70 to the side leg 62, remote from the end of the side leg 62. This leaves an end por-tion 71 of the side leg 62 extending between the plates 68. A strap 72 is wrapped around the plates 68 and end portion 71 and secured. Consequently, the plates 68 and leg 62 are rigid relative to one ano-ther as shown in Figure 2a, which shows an open configuration. The closed, or collapsed, configuration is shown in Figure 2b, and this is described below.
~2'~26~3 A rear bow 80 is provided, which also corresponds to the other bows 34, 50, 60. This rear bow 80 has side legs 82 and a central part 84 continuous with the side legs 82.
The side legs 82 are connected to the struts 40 by fasteners 86. The fasteners 86 comprise a first part 87 having a tub-ular body slidably mounted on a respective strut 40. The tubular body includes a threaded bore for a locking member 88. A second part 89 is similar to that for the other fast-eners and is secured to a leg 82. The two parts 87, 89 are pivotally connected together. The provision of the locking member 88 enables the first part 87 to be secured at any position on the strut 80 and to be freed for vertical slid-ing movement along the strut 40. In Figure 1, the bow 80 is shown in an open configuration; a collapsed configuration is indicated by dotted lines 80a.
The elements of the framework 31 can be made from any suitable material. For most uses, depending on the size, it has been found that aluminum and steel tubing are suitable.
Having described the framework 31, a description will now be given of the cover 32.
With reference to Figure 4, the cover 32 includes a front part 90, and a rear part 91.
The front part 90 is secured -to the main bow 34 and the front bow 60, and simply extends over the additional bow 50. As described above, it is secured by means of extension flaps provided on the under side of the front part 90. For :lZ42~3 the front bow 60, a simple extension flap can be provided.
For the main bow 34, a pocket is formed by an additional strip of mat.erial. Free edges of this strip and the main cover material are turned in at one side, and an extension flap sewn between them. A corresponding arrangement is pro-vided for the rear bow 80. Then, the second dome fastener parts are provided on the flap for the front bow 60, and on the additional strips for the main and rear bows 30, 80. The forward edge of the front cover part 90 is secured by dome fasteners to the windshield frame 22. As shown, second dome fastener parts 92 secured to the forward edge of the front cover part 90 engage t.he first dome fastener parts 24 of the windshield frame 22.
Conventionally, the control equipment for the ves-sel is provided on the st.arboard or right-hand side. For this reason, the front. part of the cover 90 is provided with a removable flap 94. The flap 94 is secured along its two edges by zip fasteners indicated at 96. If desired, to increase the sealing, the front flap 94 can be overlapped by adjacent portions of the front part 90. The front flap 94 includes a transparent panel 98. The front flap 94 is shown unzipped and folded backwards, and retained by the addition-al bow 50. This leaves an opening in the front part 90, to enable the operator of the boat to st.and upright with his head in the opening. On t.he port side of the boat, there is provided a corresponding transparent window 100 secured by - 12 - ~Z~ 3 stitching to the surrounding fabric in known manner.
The rear cover part 91 is secured along i-ts side edges and rear edge, indicated at 102, by dome fasteners.
Again, these are provided on extension tabs inside the rear cover part 90, to produce a clean exterior appearance~ The forward edge of the rear cover part 91 is joined to the front cover part 90 by a zipper 104, which extends across the join between the front and rear cover parts 90, 91. It is to be noted that, to improve the weather seal, the front part 90 overlaps the rear part 91 of the cover.
As shown in Figure 4, each of the front and rear cover parts 90, 91 include a main portion that extends across -the central parts 34, 54, 64 and 84 of the various bows. The front cover part includes side portions that extend down from the main portion to cover the side legs 52, 62. These side portions extend down to an edge 128 (Figure 5). This edge extends from the main bow 30 below the side legs 52, 62. As detailed below, this holds -the bows 50, 62.
This holds the bows 50, 60 down since any lifting of them attempts to stretch that edge. The bows 50, 60 are thus secure against upward or downward movement, for moderate loads.
It should also be appreciated that, whilst two bows 50, 60 are shown at the front, a single auxiliary lateral.
bow could be provided. It could extend similarl.y to the bow 80, but without the slide arrangement. This would then provide a self-supporting structure, with a single forward - 13 - ~ 3 bow, and side portions with edges below but adjacent the bow to secure it in position.
To complete the cover assembly, side and rear cur-tains are provided. The side curtains are generally identi-cal and symme-trical. For this reason, just one of the side curtains is shown in Figure 4, this being the port side cur-tain 106, and just this side curtain 106 will be described.
The rear curtain is denoted by the reference 108.
The side curtain 106 comprises a front panel 110 and a door panel 112. The front panel 110 is secured along its upper edge to an edge of the front cover part 90, by a zip fastener 114. The edge of the front cover part 90 overlaps on the outside the front panel 110, to give be-tter sealing. The lower edge of the front pane] 110 is secured by dome fasteners to the windshield frame 22 and to the edge of the cockpit 12.
The door panel 112 is secured along its upper edge by a zip fastener to the rear cover part 91, with the rear cover part 91 overlapping it. This zipper is not directly visible in Figure 4, but is indicated at 120. Further vertical zip fasteners 121, 122 are provided -to attach the door panel 112 to the front panel 110 and the rear curtain 108. As indicated by the arrow 124, this enables the door panel 112 to be rolled upwards, to provide access to the cockpit 12. The lower edge of the door panel 112, in known manner, is provided with dome fastener parts to secure it to the cockpit edge.
- 14 - 12~2~3 It is to be noted that just below the join between the main bow 34 and each stru-t 40, three join lines in the cover 32 converge. Thus, the joins along -the zip fasteners 104, 120 and 121 converge. This joint is located behind the strut 40. To assist in making this join and to maintaining a water tight assembly, the front cover part 90 overlaps on the exterior the rear cover part 91. Additionally, a down-wardly extending corner piece 116 of the front cover part 90 is provided with three first dome fastener parts 118 as shown. The rear of the front side panel 110, as shown, extends behind these dome fastener parts 118 and up behind the corner piece 116 and behind the lower corner of the rear cover part 91. This front side panel 110 is provided with corresponding dome fastener parts to fit the dome fastener parts 118. This then creates a layered assembly at this point, where the front cover part 90 overlies the rear cover part 91, which in turn overlies the front side panel 110.
The rear curtain 108 is similarly secured along its upper edge by a zipper indicated schematically a-t 126 to the 20 rear edge 102 of the rear cover part 91. The rear curtain 108 is also secured along its lower edge by dome fasteners to the edge of the cockpit 12. As mentioned above, zippers or zip fasteners 122 secure the vertical edges of the rear curtain 108 to the door panels 112.
The detailed design of each of the side curtains 106 and the rear curtain 108 can follow conventional prac-tice. Thus, the front and door panel parts 110, 112 can each ~ . - 15 - ~2'~ 3 comprise a flexible transparen-t sheet, to which the approp-riate fastening elements are secured. As shown, the rear curtain 108 can comprise a main transparent sheet part, with a lower strip of canvas material. Further, the rear curtain 108, for example, could be provided with a screen portion, which optionally can be uncovered or covered by a transpar-ent sheet, depending upon the weather. The front and rear cover parts 90, 91 are usually made from a suitable canvas material, with the transparent windows 98, 100 formed from the same material as the transparent parts of the side curtains.
A description will now be given of the way in which the cover assembly is put up and taken down. This descrip-tion will. be primarily wi-th reference to Figures 4 and 5, and commencing with the configuration of Figure 4. In Figure 4, the cover assembly 30 is in the fully assembled configur-ation, with the exception of the front flap 94 and the door panel 112.
The curtains 106, 108 are not essential for the in-tegrity of the cover assembly 30. Accordingly, the curtains106, 108 can be removed, by unzipping the zip fas-teners 114, 120, 126, with the dome fasteners 118. The curtains are also detached from the edge of the cockpit 12. This then leaves the sides and rear of the cockpit 12 unobstructed, apart from the legs 36 of the main bow 34 and struts 40. There is no rear frame obstructing the rear part of the cockpit. In this configuration, the rear bow 80 is main-tained in - 16 ~
position solely by tension in the rear cover part 9]. When viewed in section, these components form a structural triangle, in which the rear cover part 91 forms the upper tension side, with the legs 82 of the rear bow 80 forming the lower compression side. As such, there is no component holding the rear bow 80 down. In some conditions, e.g. where there is a following wind, it may be necessary to hold the rear bow 80 down. This can be achieved by means of a strap , attached to the rail 16 around the cockpit 12, and attached at its other end to the rear bow 80. This can be achieved by appropriate dome attachments on the strap etc.
The ront cover part 90 is secure with the curtains removed. This is in part because the fron-t of this cover part 90 is secured -to the windshield frame 22, as in known designs. However, the configuration of the framework 31 is such that the integrity of the structure is maintained, even when the front cover part 90 is detached from the windshield frame 22, this configuration being shown in Figure 5. This is because the front bow 60 forms an obtuse angle with the legs 52 of the additional bow 50. The canvas of the front part 90 is maintained generally in tension by the bows 50, 60. The bow 50 is not attached to the front cover part 90.
Instead, tension in the cover part 90 presses the bow 50 down. This is maintained by the curved edge, denoted by the reference 128 in Figure 5. It is to be noted that this lower edge piece 128 is below the bows 50, 60. This is both aes-thetically pleasing, and holds the bows 50, 60 in position.
- 17 ~ 1 ~ ~ 2 6 1 3 Any movement upwards of the additional or front bows 50, 60 attempts to stretch this edge 128. Consequently, the mater-ial along this edge 128, below the bows 50, 60 maintains this front part secure and prevents upward movement of the bows 50, 60. The bows 50, 60 are, as for the rear cover part 91 prevented from downward movement by the tension in the front cover part 90. Thus, it has been found that this arrangement of the bows 50, 60 provides a secure structure, which is not affected by moderate or light winds, even when detached from the windshield 22. As shown in Figure 5, this enables the cover 32 to be configured to form a compact awning. As detailed below, to release the front cover part 90 from the windshield frame 22, for most configurations it will be necessary to release the tension first by pivotting the front bow 60 relative to the links 66. After detachment, the links 66 are resecured as in Figure 2a. It is to be noted that the only visible supports are the legs 36 and ~truts 40. Further, no part of the bows 50, 60 projects below the edge of the front cover part 90.
To completely collapse the cover parts 90, 91, the following procedure should be adopted. In the drawings, the collapsed configuration of the various components of the framework 31 is denoted by giving the appropriate reference numbers the subscript "a".
For the front cover part 90, after removal of the curtains 106, 108, the straps 72 are untied. This releases the tension in the front cover part 90, permitting it to be , - 18 ~ 2~3 detached from the windshield frame 22. With the links 66 released, the front bow 60 is folded back until it meets the additional bow 50, whereupon both bows 50, 60 are folded back until they reach the main bow 34. This configuration is shown in Figure 2b. Here, the side leg 36 of the main bow is now parallel to the legs 52a and 62a of the bows 50, 60. The link 66a now adopts a position, whereby the end part 71a of the side leg 62a extends beyond the end of the leg 52a. This enables the strap to be positioned on each side as indicated at 72a, securing the three bows together, -to prevent further movement of them. Then, the whole of the front cover part 90 can be wrapped around the three frames 34, 50, 60, and se-cured in a boot (not shown). For this purpose, it may be necessary to unfasten two or more of the dome fasteners 118 on each side, to enable the cloth to be rolled up tightly.
To collapse and store the rear cover part 91, the dome fasteners securing the cover part 91 to the sides of the rear bow 80 are unfastened. Then, the zip fastener 104 is unfastened at either edge, to the top of -the curved part.
For this purpose, the zip fastener 104 has two slide members at either end. The side parts of the cover part 91 are then folded onto the center section thereof. The locking members or thumb screws 88 are loosened, to enable -the fasteners 86 to be slid down the struts 40. The locking members 88 are then retiyhtened. The rear bow is then folded forward, under the central part 38 of the main bow 34 to adopt the collaps-ed configuration 80a. The excess material is then wrapped - 19 - ~2426~3 around the bows, and secured by straps, optionally with dome fasteners.
To open the cover assembly 30, the procedure is essentially the reverse of the procedure described above for 5 collapsing or closing it. At the front, the bows 50, 60 are folded forward, and the front cover part 90 unwrapped from around them. This cover part 90 is attached to the wind-shield frame 22, prior to securing the links 66 in the open configuration shown in Figure 2a. At the rear, the rear 10 cover part 91 is unwrapped, and the rear bow 80 moved from the closed configuration 80a to the open position 80. The fasteners 86 are then secured at the tops of the struts ~0.
The side and rear curtains 106, 108 can then be fitted as desired.
l'Z~
S U P P L E M E N T A ~ Y D I S C L O S U R E
As a variant of the present invention, the one bow, suppor-ted by the cover, preferably the rear bow, is provided with bracing members. The bracing members are pivotally attached to the main and rear bows, to support the rear bow.
Also, the front and additional bows can be separa-tely attached to the main bow. The additional bow would have relatively short legs and would be pivotally attached to the main bow, such that it can be folded back against the main bow with its centre part abutting the centre part of the main bow. The front bow would be pivotally attached to the main bow by slide fasteners, similar to those used for the rear bow. In use, in the open configuration, the slide fasteners would be pushed up against the fasteners for the additional bow. This can ensure that the legs of the front bow do not project below the main top post of the cover assembly. In the collapsed configuration, the slide fasteners are slid down the main bow, to enable the front bow to be folded back against the main bow with their centre parts adjacent one another.
To maintain the proper configuration for additional bow, straps can be provided around the main and additional bows, and beneath the cover. The front bow would have its central part secured to the cover to have a similar effect.
For a better understanding of the variants of the present invention, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
.~
4~
Figure 6 is a side view of a variant of the framework showing the rear bow;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of another variant of the framework of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a further view of the framework of Figure 7.
Reference will now be made to Figure 6, which shows a detail of a variant of the frame assembly. In this variant, parts common to the framework of the earlier figures are given the same reference numeral.
Thus, Figure 6 shows the main bow 34 supported by struts 40, with the additional bow 50. Although not shown, the front bow 60 could be provided. Figure 6 also includes the rear bow 80.
The configuration of Figure 6 is primarily intended for larger cover assemblies. For such assemblies, it has been found that it is impractical to provide a rear bow 80 which is supported simply by the rear cover part 91. The weight of the rear part is such that it would cause excessive elongation of the canvas or cloth of the cover, causing the rear bow 80 to drop or sag. This in turn would let curtains suspended from it sag. This is the case even if stronger stainless steel tube is used rather than aluminum tube.
Accordingly, as shown in Figure 6, an additional pair of bracing members are provided for the rear bow 80.
One bracing member 130 is shown in Figure 6. The bracing members 130 are provided symmetrically on either side of the framework.
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Each bracing member 130 is secured by fasteners 132, 134, which are generally similar and correspond to the fasteners 86. The fastener 132 pivotally secures one end of the bracing member 130 to one side leg 36 near the top thereof, whilst the fastener 134 pivotally secures the other end of the bracing member 130 to an approximately mid point of the corresponding side leg 82. Each of the fasteners 132, 134 comprises a tubular body part 136 provided with a pair of flanges, and a second part 138 secured to the bracing member 130 itself. The second part 138 has a single flange or tongue pivotally mounted between the flanges of the first tubular part 136. The tubular parts 136, unlike the tubular bodies 87, are permanently secured in position on their respective tubes.
Figure 6 shows the cover assembly in the open position. Here, the fasteners 86 are secured by their locking members 88 at the tops of the struts 40. As before, the rear bow 80 then extends rearwardly and slightly upwardly. Elowever, it is now no longer supported solely by the rear cover part 91. Instead, the bracing members 130 locate the rear bow 80 in position. The rear cover part 91 now needs only be cut so that it has sufficient tension in this open position to hold its position. If any additional weight is applied to the rear bow 80, eg. by the addition of the side curtains, this should not cause it to bend or sag, since it is securely held by the bracing members 130.
To close the rear part of the cover assembly, the locking members 88 are again released. The fasteners 86 then ~24~63L3 ..
slide down the struts 40, allowing the rear bow 80 to pivot upwards. The rear bow 80 pivots upwards and the bracing members 130 pivot downwards about the fasteners 132, until the rear bow 80 reaches the position shown by the dotted lines. It can then be stowed by straps in this storage position.
Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, these show an assembly which again has many parts in common with the earlier figures, and accordingly the description of these parts is not repeated. The main bow 34 and the supporting struts 40 again are present. A rear bow 80 as in the earlier figures is present, i.e. without the bracing members 130.
The additional bow 50 is also present, and this can correspond generally to the additional bow S0 of the first embodiment. It is pivotally attached by its side legs 52 to the main bow 34 as before. However, the front bow is no longer pivotally connected to the additional bow S0.
Here, an independent front bow 160 is provided.
This front bow 160 is mounted similarly to the rear bow 80.
Thus, legs 162 of the front bow 160 are connected by fasteners 164. Fasteners 164 are two part fasteners, having one part secured to a respective side leg 162 and another part sliding on the respective main leg 36. Fasteners 164 include locking members, comparable to the locking members 88.
In the open position shown in Figure 7, with the cover absent for clarity, the additional bow S0 e~tends forwardly as shown. The fasteners 164 have been slid to a ~3 ~2'~6~3 position immediately beneath the mounting point of the legs 52 and secured to the main legs 36. The front bow 160 then extends forward beneath the additional bow 50.
The front cover 90, could then be attached to the various bows 34, 50, 160 generally as for the first embodiment.
The side portions of the cover 32, extending down to the line 128 of the Figure 5, will now still extend down below the bows 50, 160, to give a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The bows 50, 160 will not mar or interfere with the view through the side windows.
To close this variant of the framework, the locking members of the fasteners 164 are loosened, to permit the fasteners 164 to be slid down the main legs 36. The bows 50, 160 can then be folded back against the main bow 34, as shown in Figure 8. The locking members of the fasteners 164 can be locked to ensure that the bow 160 stays in the correct position. The rear bow 80 can be folded back as before, with its fasteners 86 being operated similarly. The bow 80 can be folded, so that, as shown in Figure 8, its central part is forward of the central part of bows 34, 50, 160. The cover 32 can then be wrapped around the various bows and secured by straps. This stores the whole cover assembly in a tidy manner, whilst leaving the cockpit 12 of the boat virtually unobstructed.
The brackets 42 for the foot of the struts 40 at least can be provided with a slide arrangement to permit small longitudinal adjustment of the foot of the struts 42 26~ 3 relative to a base of the bracket. These brackets 42 can also include locking knobs, for locking the struts against rotation relative to the brackets.
The axrangement of Figures 7 and 8 eliminates the complexity provided by the links 66 and straps etc. of the earlier embodiment.
At the present time, there are many designs of boats, particularly boats for recreational use, which include an open cockpit. Such an arrangement can be found on both sailboats and motor driven boats. Particularly, but not exclusively, in the case of motor driven boats, the cockpit is often provided with a cover, for covering it in the event of bad weather. Typically, the cover assembly will comprise a framework of tubes, which are secured to the main boat structure. A canvas, or other flexible sheet cover is then mounted on this framework, so as to provide sufficient head room underneath for the occupants to walk about freely.
In the case of recreational boats, the cockpit will usually include a number of seats and controls for operating the boat. Also, it usually has a fixed, glass windshield, which may include tapered side portions along the front part of the cockpit. This windshield and its frame are considered part of the main boat structure, to which the canvas cover is secured.
There are numerous designs of such covers. However, many existing designs are relatively complex and cumbersome.
Further, there are many instances where one wishes to have the cover in place, or readily available. Thus, if there is any possibility of bad weather being encountered, one will ~`~
~9L;~ 3 usually keep t.he framework in position. The canvas cover is then either secured to the framework and rolled up so as to leave the cockpit open, or stored elsewhere. Also, where there is hot, sunny weather, it is often desirable to use the canvas cover as an awning, to shade the cockpit. In all these cases, it is desirable that the framework should be as unobstructive as possible, and it should not impede movement int.o and out of the cockpit. However, many current frame-works include numerous members extending vertically from the cockpit edges, which are unsight.ly when the canvas cover is wholly or partially removed, and which impede progress into and out of the cockpit.
By way of example, one current design includes, at its mid point, a main bow that is secured to the edges of the cockpit and extends upwardly and rearwardly~ This main bow has side legs t.hat. are continuous with a horizont.al cen-t.er portion. Two vertical struts are provided on either side to support the main bow. At either side, each st.rut and the main bow forms a secure triangular struct.ure with the cock-pit edge. To support the front part of the cover, two subsi-diary bows are provided. A first one with relatively short legs extends forwardly and upwardly from near the top of the main bow, whilst a second subsidiary bow extends forwardly and upwardly from near the base of the main bow. The front part. of the cover then extends from the main bow over the tops of these two subsidiary bows. However, to keep this front part secure, its forward edge has t.o be secured to the ~ ~ 4 ~ ~2~ 3 windshield frame. At the rear, in accordance with current practice, a separate rear bow is provided. This extends upwardly and rearwardly. Again, it is provided with struts or legs to brace it relative to the main boat structure. In some cases, a further subsidiary bow is mounted on this rear bow.
It is to be realized that such a structure has var-ious disadvantages. The first and second subsidiary bows on the main bow can only be maintained in position, with the cover secured to the windshield. Further, they obscure vision through the forward side panels.
The arrangement of the rear frame impedes access to the cockpit. Additionally, the provision of the rear frame, its struts~ and any optional subsidiary bow, again impedes vision through the rear side panels. Further, it is unsight-ly, with or without the side panels present.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a cover assembly for a boat, the cover assembly comprising a framework which comprises a main bow having side legs adapted for securing to a boat, and a pair of struts for supporting the main bow, each strut being attached at one end to a respective leg of the main bow and being securable to a boat at the other end at a location horizontally spaced from the end of the respective leg with the legs of the main bow and the struts extending upwardly towards one another to form a self-supporting structure, an auxiliary bow including side legs pivotally attached at free ends thereof to one of the struts or side legs of the main bow and extending laterally out from the main bow, and a flexible sheet cover securable to the auxiliary bow at least, which cover includes a main portion extending across the top of the main and auxiliary bows so as to support the auxiliary bow in position and side portions which extend downwards to the side legs of the auxiliary bow, for securing the auxiliary bow in position.
Preferably, the cover assembly includes an additional bow pivotally attached to the main bow and extending laterally out therefrom. The auxiliary bow is then a front bow attached to this additional bow and extending underneath it.
To locate the additional bow in position, the slde portions of the cover extend below the additional bow. The side portions can be secured to the side limbs of the main frame. Thus, with moderate tension maintained in the cover, the additional and front bows cannot be displaced.
The front and additional bows can be pivotally attached to either the main bow or the struts. Preferably they are attached to the main bow, and any rear bow attached to the struts.
The front bow in the open configuration is at a small angle to the horizontal. To permit this configuration to be collapsed, the front bow is provided with links in its side legs.
At the rear, a rear bow can be provided which is pivotally and slidably mounted on the supporting struts of ~24~L3 the main bow. This rear bow in the open configuration is held in position by the cover. In effect, -the cover, the rear bow and the upper part of the main bow form a -triangu-lar configuration, with the cover maintained in tension by the weight of the rear bow. This then eliminates the neces-sity for any vertical support at the rear.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first additional bow forms a rear bow, supported by a rear part of the cover. The rear bow has side legs connected to the struts or side legs of a main bow that permit both sliding and pivotal movement. At the front, two separate additional frames or bows can be provided, which could be largely conventional; each frame would be pivotally attached to the main frame, and the two additional frames would be generally parallel to one another. Whilst this would not provide unobstructed support in front of the main frame, it would provide unobstructed support at the rear, as a rear supporting frame is not required.
For a better understanding of the present inven-tion, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cockpit of a boat fitted with a cover assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 2a shows a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the detail 2 of Figure l;
Figure 2b shows a perspective view, corresponding to Figure 2a, in a collapsed configuration;
7 - ~ 2~ 3 Figure 3 shows a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the detail 3 of Figure li Figure 4 shows a perspective view corresponding to Figure 1 with the cover in position; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view similar to Fig-ures 1 and 4 with the cover partially in position.
In Figure 1, there is shown a boat designated by the reference 10. The boat 10 is conventional, and in this case a motor driven boat is shown. The cockpit of the boat 10 is denoted by the reference 12. At the rear, it includes a bench seat 14 and a rail 16. As shown, the forward part of the cockpit sides are higher than the rear. Also, at the forward end of the cockpit 12, a windshield 18 is provided.
The windshield 18 includes side parts 20, and a frame 22.
In known manner, the flexible cover (not shown in Figure 1) is secured to its support framework and to the edge of the cockpit and the windshield frame 22 by dome fasteners. Such dome fasteners comprise a first part secured to the boat structure and a second part secured to the flex-ible cover. The first part includes a short projection with an outwardly extending annular lip. The second part compris-es two pieces which are secured together through an opening in the cover. The second part includes a recess, which receives the projection of the first part and includes a spring clip arrangement for engaging its annular lip. The first part of the dome fasteners are also provided on the framework. Such dome fasteners are shown at 24 in Figure 1 on the windshield frame 22 and around the edge of the cock-pit. Generally, to secure the cover to the framework, the - 8 - 12~6~3 dome fasteners are provided on the inside of the framework, and the cover includes appropriate flaps extending around the framework to the inside and bearing the corresponding second dome parts. This use of dome fasteners is standard and known in this art, and for simplicity is not described in greater detail here.
The cover assembly as a whole is denoted by the reference 30 (Figure 4). The cover assembly 30 comprises a framework 31 and a cover 32. Details of the framework 31 will be described first, with reference primarily to Figures 1, 2 and 3.
The framework 31 has a main bow 34. The main bow 34 is a tubular member and has two straight side legs 36. A
central part 38 is curved upwards slightly and extends between and is continuous with the side legs 36.
To support the main bow 34 in position, two struts 40 are provided. The struts 40 are generally vertical, and each is pivotally attached to the cockpit side by a bracket 42. The ends of the main bow 34 are attached by similar brackets 42, and a detail of one such bracket 42 is shown in Figure 3. The bracket 42 can be largely conven-tional. It has a fixed base 43 with two flanges 44. A corresponding flange 45 of a second part 46 is pivotally mounted between the flanges 44. The second part 46 is secured to the bow 34 or strut 40.
With reference to Figure 2, the upper end of each strut 40 is joined to a respective side leg 36 by a corres-ponding fastener 48. The fastener 48 is similar to the brac-ket 42, in that one part is secured to the side leg 36 and -~` 124~6~3 another part is secured to the end of the strut 40, with the two parts pivotally connected together.
Extending from the main bow 34 is an additional bow 50. This additional bow 50 includes straight side legs 52, which are inclined forwardly and upwardly. The side legs curve inwards and are continuous with a cen-tral part 54, as for the main bow 34. The central part 54 is curved upwards slightly. As shown in Figure 2, the side legs 52 are pivot-ally attached to the side legs 36 of the main bow 34 by fasteners 56, corresponding to the fasteners 48.
A front bow 60 has a shape corresponding to that for the other bows 34, 50. Thus the front bow 60 has side legs 62 and a central part 64. The central part 64 is curved forwardly slightly. Each side leg 62 is connected to a side leg 52 of the additional bow 50 by a respective link 66, which is shown in detail in Figures 2a and 2b.
Each link 66 comprises a pair of elongate plates 68, which are pivotally attached at one end 69 to the side leg 52 and are pivotally attached at the other end 70 to the side leg 62, remote from the end of the side leg 62. This leaves an end por-tion 71 of the side leg 62 extending between the plates 68. A strap 72 is wrapped around the plates 68 and end portion 71 and secured. Consequently, the plates 68 and leg 62 are rigid relative to one ano-ther as shown in Figure 2a, which shows an open configuration. The closed, or collapsed, configuration is shown in Figure 2b, and this is described below.
~2'~26~3 A rear bow 80 is provided, which also corresponds to the other bows 34, 50, 60. This rear bow 80 has side legs 82 and a central part 84 continuous with the side legs 82.
The side legs 82 are connected to the struts 40 by fasteners 86. The fasteners 86 comprise a first part 87 having a tub-ular body slidably mounted on a respective strut 40. The tubular body includes a threaded bore for a locking member 88. A second part 89 is similar to that for the other fast-eners and is secured to a leg 82. The two parts 87, 89 are pivotally connected together. The provision of the locking member 88 enables the first part 87 to be secured at any position on the strut 80 and to be freed for vertical slid-ing movement along the strut 40. In Figure 1, the bow 80 is shown in an open configuration; a collapsed configuration is indicated by dotted lines 80a.
The elements of the framework 31 can be made from any suitable material. For most uses, depending on the size, it has been found that aluminum and steel tubing are suitable.
Having described the framework 31, a description will now be given of the cover 32.
With reference to Figure 4, the cover 32 includes a front part 90, and a rear part 91.
The front part 90 is secured -to the main bow 34 and the front bow 60, and simply extends over the additional bow 50. As described above, it is secured by means of extension flaps provided on the under side of the front part 90. For :lZ42~3 the front bow 60, a simple extension flap can be provided.
For the main bow 34, a pocket is formed by an additional strip of mat.erial. Free edges of this strip and the main cover material are turned in at one side, and an extension flap sewn between them. A corresponding arrangement is pro-vided for the rear bow 80. Then, the second dome fastener parts are provided on the flap for the front bow 60, and on the additional strips for the main and rear bows 30, 80. The forward edge of the front cover part 90 is secured by dome fasteners to the windshield frame 22. As shown, second dome fastener parts 92 secured to the forward edge of the front cover part 90 engage t.he first dome fastener parts 24 of the windshield frame 22.
Conventionally, the control equipment for the ves-sel is provided on the st.arboard or right-hand side. For this reason, the front. part of the cover 90 is provided with a removable flap 94. The flap 94 is secured along its two edges by zip fasteners indicated at 96. If desired, to increase the sealing, the front flap 94 can be overlapped by adjacent portions of the front part 90. The front flap 94 includes a transparent panel 98. The front flap 94 is shown unzipped and folded backwards, and retained by the addition-al bow 50. This leaves an opening in the front part 90, to enable the operator of the boat to st.and upright with his head in the opening. On t.he port side of the boat, there is provided a corresponding transparent window 100 secured by - 12 - ~Z~ 3 stitching to the surrounding fabric in known manner.
The rear cover part 91 is secured along i-ts side edges and rear edge, indicated at 102, by dome fasteners.
Again, these are provided on extension tabs inside the rear cover part 90, to produce a clean exterior appearance~ The forward edge of the rear cover part 91 is joined to the front cover part 90 by a zipper 104, which extends across the join between the front and rear cover parts 90, 91. It is to be noted that, to improve the weather seal, the front part 90 overlaps the rear part 91 of the cover.
As shown in Figure 4, each of the front and rear cover parts 90, 91 include a main portion that extends across -the central parts 34, 54, 64 and 84 of the various bows. The front cover part includes side portions that extend down from the main portion to cover the side legs 52, 62. These side portions extend down to an edge 128 (Figure 5). This edge extends from the main bow 30 below the side legs 52, 62. As detailed below, this holds -the bows 50, 62.
This holds the bows 50, 60 down since any lifting of them attempts to stretch that edge. The bows 50, 60 are thus secure against upward or downward movement, for moderate loads.
It should also be appreciated that, whilst two bows 50, 60 are shown at the front, a single auxiliary lateral.
bow could be provided. It could extend similarl.y to the bow 80, but without the slide arrangement. This would then provide a self-supporting structure, with a single forward - 13 - ~ 3 bow, and side portions with edges below but adjacent the bow to secure it in position.
To complete the cover assembly, side and rear cur-tains are provided. The side curtains are generally identi-cal and symme-trical. For this reason, just one of the side curtains is shown in Figure 4, this being the port side cur-tain 106, and just this side curtain 106 will be described.
The rear curtain is denoted by the reference 108.
The side curtain 106 comprises a front panel 110 and a door panel 112. The front panel 110 is secured along its upper edge to an edge of the front cover part 90, by a zip fastener 114. The edge of the front cover part 90 overlaps on the outside the front panel 110, to give be-tter sealing. The lower edge of the front pane] 110 is secured by dome fasteners to the windshield frame 22 and to the edge of the cockpit 12.
The door panel 112 is secured along its upper edge by a zip fastener to the rear cover part 91, with the rear cover part 91 overlapping it. This zipper is not directly visible in Figure 4, but is indicated at 120. Further vertical zip fasteners 121, 122 are provided -to attach the door panel 112 to the front panel 110 and the rear curtain 108. As indicated by the arrow 124, this enables the door panel 112 to be rolled upwards, to provide access to the cockpit 12. The lower edge of the door panel 112, in known manner, is provided with dome fastener parts to secure it to the cockpit edge.
- 14 - 12~2~3 It is to be noted that just below the join between the main bow 34 and each stru-t 40, three join lines in the cover 32 converge. Thus, the joins along -the zip fasteners 104, 120 and 121 converge. This joint is located behind the strut 40. To assist in making this join and to maintaining a water tight assembly, the front cover part 90 overlaps on the exterior the rear cover part 91. Additionally, a down-wardly extending corner piece 116 of the front cover part 90 is provided with three first dome fastener parts 118 as shown. The rear of the front side panel 110, as shown, extends behind these dome fastener parts 118 and up behind the corner piece 116 and behind the lower corner of the rear cover part 91. This front side panel 110 is provided with corresponding dome fastener parts to fit the dome fastener parts 118. This then creates a layered assembly at this point, where the front cover part 90 overlies the rear cover part 91, which in turn overlies the front side panel 110.
The rear curtain 108 is similarly secured along its upper edge by a zipper indicated schematically a-t 126 to the 20 rear edge 102 of the rear cover part 91. The rear curtain 108 is also secured along its lower edge by dome fasteners to the edge of the cockpit 12. As mentioned above, zippers or zip fasteners 122 secure the vertical edges of the rear curtain 108 to the door panels 112.
The detailed design of each of the side curtains 106 and the rear curtain 108 can follow conventional prac-tice. Thus, the front and door panel parts 110, 112 can each ~ . - 15 - ~2'~ 3 comprise a flexible transparen-t sheet, to which the approp-riate fastening elements are secured. As shown, the rear curtain 108 can comprise a main transparent sheet part, with a lower strip of canvas material. Further, the rear curtain 108, for example, could be provided with a screen portion, which optionally can be uncovered or covered by a transpar-ent sheet, depending upon the weather. The front and rear cover parts 90, 91 are usually made from a suitable canvas material, with the transparent windows 98, 100 formed from the same material as the transparent parts of the side curtains.
A description will now be given of the way in which the cover assembly is put up and taken down. This descrip-tion will. be primarily wi-th reference to Figures 4 and 5, and commencing with the configuration of Figure 4. In Figure 4, the cover assembly 30 is in the fully assembled configur-ation, with the exception of the front flap 94 and the door panel 112.
The curtains 106, 108 are not essential for the in-tegrity of the cover assembly 30. Accordingly, the curtains106, 108 can be removed, by unzipping the zip fas-teners 114, 120, 126, with the dome fasteners 118. The curtains are also detached from the edge of the cockpit 12. This then leaves the sides and rear of the cockpit 12 unobstructed, apart from the legs 36 of the main bow 34 and struts 40. There is no rear frame obstructing the rear part of the cockpit. In this configuration, the rear bow 80 is main-tained in - 16 ~
position solely by tension in the rear cover part 9]. When viewed in section, these components form a structural triangle, in which the rear cover part 91 forms the upper tension side, with the legs 82 of the rear bow 80 forming the lower compression side. As such, there is no component holding the rear bow 80 down. In some conditions, e.g. where there is a following wind, it may be necessary to hold the rear bow 80 down. This can be achieved by means of a strap , attached to the rail 16 around the cockpit 12, and attached at its other end to the rear bow 80. This can be achieved by appropriate dome attachments on the strap etc.
The ront cover part 90 is secure with the curtains removed. This is in part because the fron-t of this cover part 90 is secured -to the windshield frame 22, as in known designs. However, the configuration of the framework 31 is such that the integrity of the structure is maintained, even when the front cover part 90 is detached from the windshield frame 22, this configuration being shown in Figure 5. This is because the front bow 60 forms an obtuse angle with the legs 52 of the additional bow 50. The canvas of the front part 90 is maintained generally in tension by the bows 50, 60. The bow 50 is not attached to the front cover part 90.
Instead, tension in the cover part 90 presses the bow 50 down. This is maintained by the curved edge, denoted by the reference 128 in Figure 5. It is to be noted that this lower edge piece 128 is below the bows 50, 60. This is both aes-thetically pleasing, and holds the bows 50, 60 in position.
- 17 ~ 1 ~ ~ 2 6 1 3 Any movement upwards of the additional or front bows 50, 60 attempts to stretch this edge 128. Consequently, the mater-ial along this edge 128, below the bows 50, 60 maintains this front part secure and prevents upward movement of the bows 50, 60. The bows 50, 60 are, as for the rear cover part 91 prevented from downward movement by the tension in the front cover part 90. Thus, it has been found that this arrangement of the bows 50, 60 provides a secure structure, which is not affected by moderate or light winds, even when detached from the windshield 22. As shown in Figure 5, this enables the cover 32 to be configured to form a compact awning. As detailed below, to release the front cover part 90 from the windshield frame 22, for most configurations it will be necessary to release the tension first by pivotting the front bow 60 relative to the links 66. After detachment, the links 66 are resecured as in Figure 2a. It is to be noted that the only visible supports are the legs 36 and ~truts 40. Further, no part of the bows 50, 60 projects below the edge of the front cover part 90.
To completely collapse the cover parts 90, 91, the following procedure should be adopted. In the drawings, the collapsed configuration of the various components of the framework 31 is denoted by giving the appropriate reference numbers the subscript "a".
For the front cover part 90, after removal of the curtains 106, 108, the straps 72 are untied. This releases the tension in the front cover part 90, permitting it to be , - 18 ~ 2~3 detached from the windshield frame 22. With the links 66 released, the front bow 60 is folded back until it meets the additional bow 50, whereupon both bows 50, 60 are folded back until they reach the main bow 34. This configuration is shown in Figure 2b. Here, the side leg 36 of the main bow is now parallel to the legs 52a and 62a of the bows 50, 60. The link 66a now adopts a position, whereby the end part 71a of the side leg 62a extends beyond the end of the leg 52a. This enables the strap to be positioned on each side as indicated at 72a, securing the three bows together, -to prevent further movement of them. Then, the whole of the front cover part 90 can be wrapped around the three frames 34, 50, 60, and se-cured in a boot (not shown). For this purpose, it may be necessary to unfasten two or more of the dome fasteners 118 on each side, to enable the cloth to be rolled up tightly.
To collapse and store the rear cover part 91, the dome fasteners securing the cover part 91 to the sides of the rear bow 80 are unfastened. Then, the zip fastener 104 is unfastened at either edge, to the top of -the curved part.
For this purpose, the zip fastener 104 has two slide members at either end. The side parts of the cover part 91 are then folded onto the center section thereof. The locking members or thumb screws 88 are loosened, to enable -the fasteners 86 to be slid down the struts 40. The locking members 88 are then retiyhtened. The rear bow is then folded forward, under the central part 38 of the main bow 34 to adopt the collaps-ed configuration 80a. The excess material is then wrapped - 19 - ~2426~3 around the bows, and secured by straps, optionally with dome fasteners.
To open the cover assembly 30, the procedure is essentially the reverse of the procedure described above for 5 collapsing or closing it. At the front, the bows 50, 60 are folded forward, and the front cover part 90 unwrapped from around them. This cover part 90 is attached to the wind-shield frame 22, prior to securing the links 66 in the open configuration shown in Figure 2a. At the rear, the rear 10 cover part 91 is unwrapped, and the rear bow 80 moved from the closed configuration 80a to the open position 80. The fasteners 86 are then secured at the tops of the struts ~0.
The side and rear curtains 106, 108 can then be fitted as desired.
l'Z~
S U P P L E M E N T A ~ Y D I S C L O S U R E
As a variant of the present invention, the one bow, suppor-ted by the cover, preferably the rear bow, is provided with bracing members. The bracing members are pivotally attached to the main and rear bows, to support the rear bow.
Also, the front and additional bows can be separa-tely attached to the main bow. The additional bow would have relatively short legs and would be pivotally attached to the main bow, such that it can be folded back against the main bow with its centre part abutting the centre part of the main bow. The front bow would be pivotally attached to the main bow by slide fasteners, similar to those used for the rear bow. In use, in the open configuration, the slide fasteners would be pushed up against the fasteners for the additional bow. This can ensure that the legs of the front bow do not project below the main top post of the cover assembly. In the collapsed configuration, the slide fasteners are slid down the main bow, to enable the front bow to be folded back against the main bow with their centre parts adjacent one another.
To maintain the proper configuration for additional bow, straps can be provided around the main and additional bows, and beneath the cover. The front bow would have its central part secured to the cover to have a similar effect.
For a better understanding of the variants of the present invention, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
.~
4~
Figure 6 is a side view of a variant of the framework showing the rear bow;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of another variant of the framework of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a further view of the framework of Figure 7.
Reference will now be made to Figure 6, which shows a detail of a variant of the frame assembly. In this variant, parts common to the framework of the earlier figures are given the same reference numeral.
Thus, Figure 6 shows the main bow 34 supported by struts 40, with the additional bow 50. Although not shown, the front bow 60 could be provided. Figure 6 also includes the rear bow 80.
The configuration of Figure 6 is primarily intended for larger cover assemblies. For such assemblies, it has been found that it is impractical to provide a rear bow 80 which is supported simply by the rear cover part 91. The weight of the rear part is such that it would cause excessive elongation of the canvas or cloth of the cover, causing the rear bow 80 to drop or sag. This in turn would let curtains suspended from it sag. This is the case even if stronger stainless steel tube is used rather than aluminum tube.
Accordingly, as shown in Figure 6, an additional pair of bracing members are provided for the rear bow 80.
One bracing member 130 is shown in Figure 6. The bracing members 130 are provided symmetrically on either side of the framework.
~J
Each bracing member 130 is secured by fasteners 132, 134, which are generally similar and correspond to the fasteners 86. The fastener 132 pivotally secures one end of the bracing member 130 to one side leg 36 near the top thereof, whilst the fastener 134 pivotally secures the other end of the bracing member 130 to an approximately mid point of the corresponding side leg 82. Each of the fasteners 132, 134 comprises a tubular body part 136 provided with a pair of flanges, and a second part 138 secured to the bracing member 130 itself. The second part 138 has a single flange or tongue pivotally mounted between the flanges of the first tubular part 136. The tubular parts 136, unlike the tubular bodies 87, are permanently secured in position on their respective tubes.
Figure 6 shows the cover assembly in the open position. Here, the fasteners 86 are secured by their locking members 88 at the tops of the struts 40. As before, the rear bow 80 then extends rearwardly and slightly upwardly. Elowever, it is now no longer supported solely by the rear cover part 91. Instead, the bracing members 130 locate the rear bow 80 in position. The rear cover part 91 now needs only be cut so that it has sufficient tension in this open position to hold its position. If any additional weight is applied to the rear bow 80, eg. by the addition of the side curtains, this should not cause it to bend or sag, since it is securely held by the bracing members 130.
To close the rear part of the cover assembly, the locking members 88 are again released. The fasteners 86 then ~24~63L3 ..
slide down the struts 40, allowing the rear bow 80 to pivot upwards. The rear bow 80 pivots upwards and the bracing members 130 pivot downwards about the fasteners 132, until the rear bow 80 reaches the position shown by the dotted lines. It can then be stowed by straps in this storage position.
Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, these show an assembly which again has many parts in common with the earlier figures, and accordingly the description of these parts is not repeated. The main bow 34 and the supporting struts 40 again are present. A rear bow 80 as in the earlier figures is present, i.e. without the bracing members 130.
The additional bow 50 is also present, and this can correspond generally to the additional bow S0 of the first embodiment. It is pivotally attached by its side legs 52 to the main bow 34 as before. However, the front bow is no longer pivotally connected to the additional bow S0.
Here, an independent front bow 160 is provided.
This front bow 160 is mounted similarly to the rear bow 80.
Thus, legs 162 of the front bow 160 are connected by fasteners 164. Fasteners 164 are two part fasteners, having one part secured to a respective side leg 162 and another part sliding on the respective main leg 36. Fasteners 164 include locking members, comparable to the locking members 88.
In the open position shown in Figure 7, with the cover absent for clarity, the additional bow S0 e~tends forwardly as shown. The fasteners 164 have been slid to a ~3 ~2'~6~3 position immediately beneath the mounting point of the legs 52 and secured to the main legs 36. The front bow 160 then extends forward beneath the additional bow 50.
The front cover 90, could then be attached to the various bows 34, 50, 160 generally as for the first embodiment.
The side portions of the cover 32, extending down to the line 128 of the Figure 5, will now still extend down below the bows 50, 160, to give a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The bows 50, 160 will not mar or interfere with the view through the side windows.
To close this variant of the framework, the locking members of the fasteners 164 are loosened, to permit the fasteners 164 to be slid down the main legs 36. The bows 50, 160 can then be folded back against the main bow 34, as shown in Figure 8. The locking members of the fasteners 164 can be locked to ensure that the bow 160 stays in the correct position. The rear bow 80 can be folded back as before, with its fasteners 86 being operated similarly. The bow 80 can be folded, so that, as shown in Figure 8, its central part is forward of the central part of bows 34, 50, 160. The cover 32 can then be wrapped around the various bows and secured by straps. This stores the whole cover assembly in a tidy manner, whilst leaving the cockpit 12 of the boat virtually unobstructed.
The brackets 42 for the foot of the struts 40 at least can be provided with a slide arrangement to permit small longitudinal adjustment of the foot of the struts 42 26~ 3 relative to a base of the bracket. These brackets 42 can also include locking knobs, for locking the struts against rotation relative to the brackets.
The axrangement of Figures 7 and 8 eliminates the complexity provided by the links 66 and straps etc. of the earlier embodiment.
Claims (35)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A cover assembly for a boat, the cover assembly comprising a framework which comprises a main bow having side legs adapted for securing to a boat, and a pair of struts for supporting the main bow, each strut being attached at one end to a respective leg of the main bow and being securable to a boat at the other end at a location horizontally spaced from the end of the respective leg with the legs of the main bow and the struts extending upwardly towards one another to form a self-supporting structure, an auxiliary bow including side legs pivotally attached at free ends thereof to one of the struts or side legs of the main bow and extending laterally out from the main bow, and a flexible sheet cover securable to the auxiliary bow at least, which cover includes a main portion extending across the top of the main and auxiliary bows so as to support the auxiliary bow in position and side portions which extend downwards to the side legs of the auxiliary bow, for securing the auxiliary bow in position.
2. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary bow comprises a front bow that extends forwardly, and which includes a first additional bow having side legs whose free ends are pivotally attached to the struts or side legs of the main bow with the side legs of the front bow pivotally attached to the side legs of the first additional bow and extending under the first additional bow away from the main bow and with said side portions extending sufficiently below the side legs of the front and additional bows to locate the front and additional bows in position and prevent upward movement of the front and additional bows.
3. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cover is securable to the main and front bows, and the first additional bow only abuts the cover.
4. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the length of the side legs of the front bow is greater than the length of the portion of the side legs of the additional bow in front of the point of attachment between the additional and front bows.
5. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the side legs of the front bow are pivotally attached to the additional bow by side links, one end of each side link being pivotally attached to the additional bow and the other end of each side link being pivotally attached to a respective side leg of the front bow at a location spaced from the free end of that leg.
6. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein each side link includes a strap, for securing that side link to its respective side leg of the front bow.
7. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein a line extending between the points of attachment of the side legs of the front bow to the first additional bow is closer to the centre of the additional bow than to a line extending between free ends of the side legs of the additional bow.
8. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein each side link comprises a pair of plates on either side of the respective side leg of the front bow.
9. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 5, which includes a rear bow having side legs pivotally connected to the other of the struts and the side legs of the main bow adjacent the top thereof.
10. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the legs of the rear bow are pivotally connected to the struts by fasteners, which are mounted for sliding movement along the struts or main bow side legs.
11. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cover is securable to the main bow and the rear bow.
12. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cover comprises a front cover part, including said main and side portions, extending from the main bow over the additional and front bows and securable to the front and main bows, and a rear cover part extending between the main and rear bows and securable to the front cover part and to the rear bow.
13. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the front and rear cover parts are joined by a zip fastener adjacent the main bow, with the front cover part overlapping the rear cover part.
14. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the side portions of the front cover part cover the legs of the additional and front bows and have curved edges, and wherein the front cover part includes, at the rear of each side portion, individual fasteners for fastening the front cover part to a side curtain.
15. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 14, which includes side and rear curtains attached to the front and rear cover parts at their upper edges, and attachable to a boat at their lower edges.
16. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the front cover part includes a front flap, which is at least partially detachable.
17. A cover assembly for a boat, the cover assembly comprising a framework, which comprises a main bow having side legs adapted for securing to a boat, and a pair of struts for supporting the main bow, each strut being attached at one end to a respective leg of the main bow and being securable to a boat at the other end at a location horizontally spaced from the end of the respective leg with the legs of the main bow and the struts extending upwardly towards one another to form a self-supporting structure, fasteners mounted for sliding movement on one of the struts and the side legs of the main bow, and capable of being locked in position, a second bow including side legs whose free ends are pivotally connected to the fasteners, the second bow extending mainly horizontally away from the main bow in an open configuration, and a flexible sheet cover securable to the main and second bows, which cover includes a main portion extending across the top of the main bow and side portions that extend down to the side legs of the second bow when the second bow is in the open configuration, the cover supporting the second bow in the open configuration.
18. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the second bow comprises a rear bow, and which includes one or more front bows, each front bow having side legs pivotally attached to the other of the struts and the main bow and extending out from the main bow away from the second bow in an open configuration, the front bows serving to support the flexible sheet cover, and being held in position by the sheet cover.
19. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein each fastener comprises a first fastener part that is mounted for sliding movement, a second part pivotally connected to the first part to which second part a corresponding side leg of the second bow is secured, and a locking member mounted in the first part for locking the fastener in position.
20. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 6, wherein the auxiliary bow is pivotally attached to the legs of the main bow.
21. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the second bow is mounted by the fasteners to the struts.
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
22. A cover assembly for a boat, the cover assembly comprising a framework, which comprises a main bow having side legs adapted for securing to a boat, and a pair of struts for supporting the main bow, each strut being attached at one end to a respective leg of the main bow and being securable to a boat at the other end at a location horizontally spaced from the end of the respective leg with the legs of the main bow and the struts extending upwardly towards one another to form a self-supporting structure, fasteners mounted for sliding movement on the struts or the legs of the main bow and capable of being locked in position, a second bow including side legs whose free ends are pivotally connected to the fasteners, bracing members pivotally attached to the main and second bows, the second bow extending mainly horizontally away from the main bow and being supported by the bracing members in an open configuration and being movable to a closed configuration adjacent the main bow and struts, and a flexible sheet cover securable to the main and second bows, which cover includes a main portion extending across the top of the main bow and side portions that extend down to the side legs of the second bow when the second bow is in the open configuration.
23. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second bow comprises a rear bow and which includes one or more front bows, each front bow having side legs pivotally attached to the main bow or the struts and extending out from the main bow away from the second bow in an open configuration, the front bows serving to support the flexible sheet cover, and being held in position by the sheet cover.
24. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein each fastener comprises a first fastener part that is mounted for sliding movement, a second part pivotally connected to the first part to which second part a corresponding side leg of the second bow is secured, and a locking member mounted in the first part for locking the fastener in position.
25. A cover assembly for a boat, the cover assembly comprising a framework which comprises a main bow having side legs adapted for securing to a boat, and a pair of struts for supporting the main bow, each strut being attached at one end to a respective leg of the main bow and being securable to a boat at the other end at a location horizontally spaced from the end of the respective leg with the legs of the main bow and the struts extending upwardly towards one another to form a self-supporting structure, an additional bow including side legs pivotally attached at free ends thereof to the struts or the side legs of the main bow and extending laterally out from the main bow, fasteners mounted for sliding movement below the additional bow on the struts or the side legs of the main bow and capable of being locked in position, a front bow having side legs pivotally connected to the fasteners, whereby the front bow can adapt an open configuration extending laterally with the fasteners locked in position adjacent the additional bow and a closed configuration in which the fasteners are spaced downwards from the additional bow, and a flexible sheet cover, which includes a main portion extending across the top of the main, front and additional bows.
26. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 25, wherein the cover is securable to the main and front bows, and includes side portions extending down to the additional bow at least, to secure the front and additional bows in position.
27. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 26, which includes a rear bow having side legs pivotally connected to the struts or the legs of the main bow adjacent the top thereof.
28. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 27, wherein the legs of the rear bow are pivotally connected by fasteners, which are mounted for sliding movement and are capable of being locked.
29. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 26, which includes bracing members pivotally connected to the main and rear bows, to support the rear bow in an open configuration.
30. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 23, 28 or 29, wherein the cover is securable to the main bow and the rear bow.
31. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 28, wherein the cover comprises a front cover part, including said main and side portions, extending from the main bow over the additional and front bows and securable to the front and main bows, and a rear cover part extending between the main and rear bows and securable to the front cover part and to the rear bow.
32. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein the cover comprises a front cover part securable to the main bow and at least one front bow, and a rear cover part securable to the front cover part and to the rear bow and extending therebetween.
33. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the front and rear cover parts are joined by a zip fastener adjacent the main bow, with the front cover part overlapping the rear cover part.
34. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 31 or 32, which includes side and rear curtains attached to the front and rear cover parts at their upper edges, and attachable to a boat at their lower edges.
35. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the front cover part includes a front flap, which is at least partially detachable.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000511036A CA1242613A (en) | 1986-06-06 | 1986-06-06 | Cover assembly for a boat |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000511036A CA1242613A (en) | 1986-06-06 | 1986-06-06 | Cover assembly for a boat |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1242613A true CA1242613A (en) | 1988-10-04 |
Family
ID=4133306
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000511036A Expired CA1242613A (en) | 1986-06-06 | 1986-06-06 | Cover assembly for a boat |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1242613A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0710603A1 (en) * | 1994-11-01 | 1996-05-08 | Mission Yachts Plc | Sail boats |
| US5520139A (en) * | 1995-01-17 | 1996-05-28 | King; Paul F. | Boat canopy |
-
1986
- 1986-06-06 CA CA000511036A patent/CA1242613A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0710603A1 (en) * | 1994-11-01 | 1996-05-08 | Mission Yachts Plc | Sail boats |
| US5628265A (en) * | 1994-11-01 | 1997-05-13 | Mission Yachts Plc | Sail boats |
| US5520139A (en) * | 1995-01-17 | 1996-05-28 | King; Paul F. | Boat canopy |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |