US20140130728A1 - Bimini top visor - Google Patents
Bimini top visor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140130728A1 US20140130728A1 US14/161,101 US201414161101A US2014130728A1 US 20140130728 A1 US20140130728 A1 US 20140130728A1 US 201414161101 A US201414161101 A US 201414161101A US 2014130728 A1 US2014130728 A1 US 2014130728A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- visor
- frame
- bracket
- bimini top
- bimini
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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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
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to bimini tops for boats and the like and, more particularly, to a bimini top visor that is attachable to an existing bimini top.
- a bimini top is typically an open-front canvas top for the cockpit of a boat.
- the canvas top is usually supported by a metal frame.
- Most bimini tops can be collapsed when not in use and raised again if shade or shelter from rain is desired.
- Bimini tops primarily protect boat occupants from high sun. When the sun is low in the sky, however, current bimini tops are less effective.
- a bimini top visor is attachable to an existing bimini top frame with a suitable bracket.
- the bimini visor serves as an extension of the bimini top that can be selectively deployed when needed.
- a visor is cooperable with a bimini top for a boat.
- the visor includes a bracket attachable to a bimini top frame, and a visor frame pivotally and removably secured to the bracket.
- the visor frame is positionable relative to the bracket between an inward position and an outward position.
- a visor cover is disposed on the visor frame.
- the visor cover is formed of a water resistant material.
- the visor cover may include a mesh pocket.
- the bracket may include a connecting portion attachable to the bimini top frame and defining a slot, where the visor frame includes a tab engageable with the slot and secured with a post or screw.
- the visor frame may be pivotable across a range of about 180°.
- a foam tube may surround the visor frame.
- the visor cover may be disposed on the visor frame over the foam tube.
- the visor frame In the inward position, the visor frame may be positionable adjacent an interior surface of the bimini top, and in the outward position, the visor frame may be positionable about 180° from the inward position.
- the visor frame may be secured to the bracket such that the visor frame can be frictionally held by the bracket in any position between the inward position and the outward position.
- the visor frame may be secured to the bracket with a quick disconnect assembly.
- the visor cover may include a rigid transparent material.
- a bimini top for a boat includes a bimini top frame attachable to a boat adjacent a boat cockpit, a canvas top secured to the bimini top frame, and the visor of the described embodiments cooperable with the bimini top frame.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bimini top including a bimini visor of the preferred embodiments
- FIG. 2 is a rear view of the bimini top including two bimini visors in a deployed position
- FIG. 3 shows the bracket that secures the visor to the bimini frame.
- a bimini top 10 is shown installed over a cockpit area of a boat.
- the bimini top includes a bimini top frame 12 attachable to the boat adjacent the boat cockpit.
- a canvas or other suitable material top 14 is secured to the bimini top frame 12 .
- the frame 12 and top 14 are configured for easy installation when needed and for easy folding for storage.
- a visor 16 is cooperable with the bimini top frame 12 .
- the visor 16 is configured to fold up and out similar to an automotive visor.
- the visor 16 is movable forward and back across about 180° for maximum coverage and storage.
- the visor 16 includes a bracket 18 that is attachable to the bimini top frame 12 .
- a visor frame 20 is pivotally and removably secured to the bracket 18 .
- the visor frame 20 is positionable relative to the bracket 18 between an inward position, folded up against the canvas top 14 of the bimini top 10 , and an outward position displaced about 180° from the inward position.
- a visor cover 24 is disposed on the visor frame 20 .
- the visor cover is formed of a water resistant material.
- exemplary suitable materials may include any marine grade fabric such as acrylic fabric.
- the cover 24 may also be provided with a mesh pocket including a zippered closure or the like.
- the mesh material is preferably Textaline fabric.
- the mesh pocket can be used for storing small objects like wallets, keys, sunscreen, and the like.
- the visor cover may be formed with a rigid transparent material such as a thermoplastic material including, for example, polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
- PC polycarbonate
- PMMA polymethyl methacrylate
- the rigid transparent material may be secured to the visor frame 20 or alternatively may take the place of the visor frame 20 and visor cover 24 .
- the alternative material will serve to block UV rays and provide for better visibility.
- the bracket 18 includes a connecting portion attachable to the bimini top frame 12 and defining a slot.
- a tab member 22 of the visor frame 20 is engageable and securable in the slot and secured with a post or screw.
- the bracket 18 enables the visor to be readily removed if necessary or desirable for cleaning or the like.
- the visor frame 20 is secured to the bracket 12 such that the visor frame 20 can be frictionally held by the bracket 12 in any position between the inward position and the outward position.
- a ‘quick disconnect’ assembly 21 may be used to facilitate attachment and removal of the visor frame.
- the tab member 22 may include spring-biased buttons 23 engageable with corresponding openings 25 in the bracket 18 .
- the visor frame 20 can be removed by simply depressing the buttons 23 and sliding the tab member 22 from the bracket 18 .
- other quick disconnect assemblies may be used, and the invention is not necessarily meant to be limited to the exemplary assembly shown.
- the visor may include a foam tube 28 surrounding the visor frame 20 (see FIG. 1 ).
- the foam tube 28 preferably extends around the perimeter of the visor frame 20 and may be helpful to cushion an inadvertent impact, e.g., if the user hit her head on the visor.
- the visor cover 24 is disposed on the visor frame 20 over the foam tube 28 .
- the visor assembly includes brackets that are securable to an existing bimini top frame, one or more visors of the preferred embodiments can be sold independently and can be added to an existing bimini top structure.
- the visor provides for selective extension of the bimini top and added functionality.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/056,269, filed Oct. 17, 2013, pending, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/714,987, filed Oct. 17, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in this application.
- (NOT APPLICABLE)
- The invention relates generally to bimini tops for boats and the like and, more particularly, to a bimini top visor that is attachable to an existing bimini top.
- A bimini top is typically an open-front canvas top for the cockpit of a boat. The canvas top is usually supported by a metal frame. Most bimini tops can be collapsed when not in use and raised again if shade or shelter from rain is desired.
- Bimini tops primarily protect boat occupants from high sun. When the sun is low in the sky, however, current bimini tops are less effective.
- It would thus be desirable to provide structure for selectively extending coverage of an existing bimini top, particularly during times of the day when the sun is lower in the sky. According to preferred embodiments, a bimini top visor is attachable to an existing bimini top frame with a suitable bracket. The bimini visor serves as an extension of the bimini top that can be selectively deployed when needed.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a visor is cooperable with a bimini top for a boat. The visor includes a bracket attachable to a bimini top frame, and a visor frame pivotally and removably secured to the bracket. The visor frame is positionable relative to the bracket between an inward position and an outward position. A visor cover is disposed on the visor frame. In one embodiment, the visor cover is formed of a water resistant material. The visor cover may include a mesh pocket.
- The bracket may include a connecting portion attachable to the bimini top frame and defining a slot, where the visor frame includes a tab engageable with the slot and secured with a post or screw. In this context, the visor frame may be pivotable across a range of about 180°.
- A foam tube may surround the visor frame. In this regard, the visor cover may be disposed on the visor frame over the foam tube.
- In the inward position, the visor frame may be positionable adjacent an interior surface of the bimini top, and in the outward position, the visor frame may be positionable about 180° from the inward position. The visor frame may be secured to the bracket such that the visor frame can be frictionally held by the bracket in any position between the inward position and the outward position. The visor frame may be secured to the bracket with a quick disconnect assembly. The visor cover may include a rigid transparent material.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a bimini top for a boat includes a bimini top frame attachable to a boat adjacent a boat cockpit, a canvas top secured to the bimini top frame, and the visor of the described embodiments cooperable with the bimini top frame.
- These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bimini top including a bimini visor of the preferred embodiments; -
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the bimini top including two bimini visors in a deployed position; and -
FIG. 3 shows the bracket that secures the visor to the bimini frame. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , abimini top 10 is shown installed over a cockpit area of a boat. The bimini top includes a biminitop frame 12 attachable to the boat adjacent the boat cockpit. A canvas or othersuitable material top 14 is secured to the biminitop frame 12. Theframe 12 andtop 14 are configured for easy installation when needed and for easy folding for storage. - A
visor 16 is cooperable with the biminitop frame 12. Thevisor 16 is configured to fold up and out similar to an automotive visor. Preferably, thevisor 16 is movable forward and back across about 180° for maximum coverage and storage. - In a preferred construction, with reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thevisor 16 includes abracket 18 that is attachable to the biminitop frame 12. Avisor frame 20 is pivotally and removably secured to thebracket 18. As noted, thevisor frame 20 is positionable relative to thebracket 18 between an inward position, folded up against thecanvas top 14 of thebimini top 10, and an outward position displaced about 180° from the inward position. Avisor cover 24 is disposed on thevisor frame 20. - Preferably, the visor cover is formed of a water resistant material. Exemplary suitable materials may include any marine grade fabric such as acrylic fabric. The
cover 24 may also be provided with a mesh pocket including a zippered closure or the like. The mesh material is preferably Textaline fabric. The mesh pocket can be used for storing small objects like wallets, keys, sunscreen, and the like. As an alternative construction, the visor cover may be formed with a rigid transparent material such as a thermoplastic material including, for example, polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The rigid transparent material may be secured to thevisor frame 20 or alternatively may take the place of thevisor frame 20 andvisor cover 24. The alternative material will serve to block UV rays and provide for better visibility. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thebracket 18 includes a connecting portion attachable to the biminitop frame 12 and defining a slot. Atab member 22 of thevisor frame 20 is engageable and securable in the slot and secured with a post or screw. Thebracket 18 enables the visor to be readily removed if necessary or desirable for cleaning or the like. Thevisor frame 20 is secured to thebracket 12 such that thevisor frame 20 can be frictionally held by thebracket 12 in any position between the inward position and the outward position. As an alternative to thebracket 18, a ‘quick disconnect’assembly 21 may be used to facilitate attachment and removal of the visor frame. In an exemplary construction, thetab member 22 may include spring-biased buttons 23 engageable with corresponding openings 25 in thebracket 18. Thevisor frame 20 can be removed by simply depressing the buttons 23 and sliding thetab member 22 from thebracket 18. Of course, other quick disconnect assemblies may be used, and the invention is not necessarily meant to be limited to the exemplary assembly shown. - The visor may include a
foam tube 28 surrounding the visor frame 20 (seeFIG. 1 ). Thefoam tube 28 preferably extends around the perimeter of thevisor frame 20 and may be helpful to cushion an inadvertent impact, e.g., if the user hit her head on the visor. In this arrangement, thevisor cover 24 is disposed on thevisor frame 20 over thefoam tube 28. - Since the visor assembly includes brackets that are securable to an existing bimini top frame, one or more visors of the preferred embodiments can be sold independently and can be added to an existing bimini top structure. The visor provides for selective extension of the bimini top and added functionality.
- While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/161,101 US20140130728A1 (en) | 2012-10-17 | 2014-01-22 | Bimini top visor |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261714987P | 2012-10-17 | 2012-10-17 | |
US14/056,269 US20140102352A1 (en) | 2012-10-17 | 2013-10-17 | Bimini top visor |
US14/161,101 US20140130728A1 (en) | 2012-10-17 | 2014-01-22 | Bimini top visor |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/056,269 Continuation-In-Part US20140102352A1 (en) | 2012-10-17 | 2013-10-17 | Bimini top visor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140130728A1 true US20140130728A1 (en) | 2014-05-15 |
Family
ID=50680427
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/161,101 Abandoned US20140130728A1 (en) | 2012-10-17 | 2014-01-22 | Bimini top visor |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20140130728A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9637203B1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2017-05-02 | Mary Ellen Kirwan-Waterson | Detachable curtain that secures to a boat cover |
US20180093742A1 (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2018-04-05 | Taylor Made Group, Llc | Pontoon boat cover system |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4940009A (en) * | 1985-03-29 | 1990-07-10 | Keithley Jr Howard W | Shape adaptable protective cushion device and method of making and using same |
US5419604A (en) * | 1993-07-15 | 1995-05-30 | Clark; Brant V. | Pivotal visor/windshield for vessels |
USD402624S (en) * | 1996-06-05 | 1998-12-15 | Auto-Shade, LLC | Visor organizer |
US6848387B1 (en) * | 2004-01-07 | 2005-02-01 | Craig Zalanka | Sunshade |
-
2014
- 2014-01-22 US US14/161,101 patent/US20140130728A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4940009A (en) * | 1985-03-29 | 1990-07-10 | Keithley Jr Howard W | Shape adaptable protective cushion device and method of making and using same |
US5419604A (en) * | 1993-07-15 | 1995-05-30 | Clark; Brant V. | Pivotal visor/windshield for vessels |
USD402624S (en) * | 1996-06-05 | 1998-12-15 | Auto-Shade, LLC | Visor organizer |
US6848387B1 (en) * | 2004-01-07 | 2005-02-01 | Craig Zalanka | Sunshade |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9637203B1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2017-05-02 | Mary Ellen Kirwan-Waterson | Detachable curtain that secures to a boat cover |
US20180093742A1 (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2018-04-05 | Taylor Made Group, Llc | Pontoon boat cover system |
US10173754B2 (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2019-01-08 | Taylor Made Group, Llc | Pontoon boat cover system |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TAYLOR MADE GROUP, LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PARNISKE, DENNIS J.;REEL/FRAME:032020/0325 Effective date: 20140120 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, MARYLAND Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TAYLOR MADE GROUP, LLC;REEL/FRAME:034762/0699 Effective date: 20150113 Owner name: TAYLOR MADE GROUP, LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WHITE OAK GLOBAL ADVISORS, LLC, AS AGENT;REEL/FRAME:034763/0679 Effective date: 20150114 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TAYLOR MADE GROUP, LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:045230/0567 Effective date: 20180126 |