US20190185111A1

US20190185111A1 - Watercraft deck cover system

Info

Publication number: US20190185111A1
Application number: US16/014,083
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin C. Johnson; Laura Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-19
Filing date: 2018-06-21
Publication date: 2019-06-20

Abstract

A watercraft deck cover system. The system provides a cover member. The cover member has fasteners placed along the perimeter of the cover member. A connector is on the top of the cover member and is designed to have a cord attached to the connector. The cord is secured to a frame at an overhead arm extending from the frame. When the fasteners are secured to a watercraft and connector is elevated by the cord, water is prevented from pooling on the deck of the watercraft.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/607,477 filed on Dec. 19, 2017. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a watercraft deck cover system. Watercraft must be protected from outdoor elements in order to maintain both their functionality and their aesthetic value. In order to prevent outdoor elements, such as rain, snow or tidal waters from entering the deck of a watercraft causing potential structural damage or promoting the growth of mold or mildew.
Currently available watercraft covers typically supply a cover which is stretched across the deck of the watercraft to prevent dirt and debris from being blown onto the deck. However, these covers create a problem wherein moisture, such as rainwater, may cause pooling upon the cover. When water pools on the cover, water may seep through onto the deck, or the cover may even rip, releasing a large amount of water into the watercraft deck.
Thus, there is a need in the known art for an improved watercraft deck cover system that is both effective and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of watercraft covers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a watercraft deck cover system wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when covering the deck of a watercraft.
The present system comprises a cover member that is defined by a perimeter therearound. The cover member is configured to cover a top deck of a watercraft. A plurality of fasteners is disposed along the perimeter of the cover member. The plurality of fasteners is configured to attach to the watercraft such as to prevent dirt or debris from entering the watercraft. A connector is centrally disposed on a top side of the cover member. Furthermore, the system comprises a frame. The frame provides an overhead arm member, wherein the overhead arm member is configured to extend over a watercraft.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cover member defining a plurality of corners, wherein each corner defines at least one aperture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover member having an elastic band disposed around the perimeter thereof, such that additional waterproof security is provided to the deck of a watercraft.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of elastic cords as the plurality of fasteners, such that the elastic cords can secure to a plurality of watercraft cleats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the watercraft deck cover system.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the watercraft deck cover system.

FIG. 3 shows an in use view of an embodiment of the watercraft deck cover system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the XXX. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the watercraft deck cover system. The watercraft deck cover system 10 comprises a cover member 11. The cover member 11 is dimensioned to cover a deck of a watercraft 12 and extend over the hull thereby covering structures situated on the deck. The cover member 11 is defined by a perimeter. In one embodiment, the cover member 11 is made of a waterproof material, such that the cover member 11 will prevent water from penetrating the cover member 11 and being displaced onto the deck of the watercraft 12.
A plurality of fasteners 13 are disposed along the perimeter of the cover member 11. The plurality of fasteners 13 are configured to secure the cover member 11 to the watercraft 12, such that the deck of the watercraft 12, will be protected from water. In the shown embodiment, each fastener of the plurality of fasteners 13 comprises a pair of mating ties. The mating ties extend from opposing sides of the cover member 11, such that each extends past the perimeter and mates with the corresponding mating tie while securing a portion of the watercraft to cooperatively secure the cover member 11 thereover.
A connector 14 is disposed on a top side of the cover member 11. The connector 14 is configured to receive a cord 15 therethrough. In one embodiment, the connector 14 is centrally disposed on a top side of the cover member 11, such as to provide more efficient prevention of water pooling on the cover member when the connector 14 is elevated. The connector is securely attached to the cover member 11, such that stress exerted on the connector 14 will not separate the connector 14 from the cover member. In another embodiment, the connector 14 comprises a support frame therein.
A frame 16 is placed in the proximity of the watercraft 12 such that an overhead arm 17 is disposed above the watercraft. In one embodiment, the frame 16 is defined by a curvature such that the frame 16 and overhead arm 17 are congruent on the arch of the curvature. In one embodiment, the frame 16 is disposed on a dock 21, wherein the dock 21 is configured to have the watercraft 12 anchored therein. The overhead arm 17 forms a cantilever with the frame 16 and a free end extends over a space adjacent to the dock 21, such that the free end of the overhead arm is positioned over a mooring or otherwise secured.
The cord 15 is disposed along the frame 16 and disposed from the overhead arm 17. In one embodiment, the cord 15 comprises a hook on an active end thereof. The hook is configured to receive the connector 14 therein, such that the connector 14 can be elevated relative to the deck of the watercraft 12. In another embodiment, an anchor 18 is disposed on an external side of the frame 16, such that a passive end of the cord 15 can be tied upon the anchor 18. When the cord 15 is tied upon the anchor 18, the position of the active end of the cord 16 is secured in a desired position. The desired height of the suspended cover member 11 is adjusted by altering a position or a length of the cord 15, such that the cover member 11 overlays the deck of the watercraft 12. The plurality of fasteners 13 are individually secured to the watercraft, while the cover member 11 remains suspended thereover. Adjustments to the position of the cover member 11 are controlled via the cord 15. Additionally, the cord 15 raises the central region of the cover member 11, thereby directing fluid to flow off the cover member 11 in the event of precipitation, for example.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the watercraft deck cover system. In another embodiment, the cover member 11 comprises an elastic band 22 disposed around the perimeter thereof. The elastic band 22 is configured to provide more tension around the perimeter of the watercraft 12 such as to prevent displaced water from penetrating the perimeter of the cover member 11 and splashing upon the deck of the watercraft 12.
In the shown embodiment, the cover member 11 defines a plurality of corners 19, wherein each corner comprises an aperture 20 therethrough. The corners 19 are configured to correspond with the angled portions of a gunwale of the watercraft 12. In the shown embodiment, the apertures 20 are positioned inboard of the perimeter so as to allow for access to cleats of the watercraft 12. The apertures are configured to receive ropes therethrough such that the cover member 11 can be secured to the watercraft 12.
In yet another embodiment, the plurality of fasteners disposed on the perimeter of the cover member 11 comprises a plurality of elastic cords 23. The plurality of elastic cords 23 is configured to secure the cover member 11 to a plurality of cleats of a watercraft 12.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an in use view of an embodiment of the watercraft deck cover system. In use, the cover member 11 is placed over the deck of the watercraft 12. The plurality of fasteners 13 is secured to the watercraft 12. The cord 15 is disposed along the frame 16 and disposed from the overhead arm 17, such that the active end of the cord 15 is suspended over the watercraft 12.
In the shown embodiment, the frame extends from a dock 21. The active end of the cord 15 is secured to the connector 14. The passive end of the cord 15 is pulled, elevating the connector 14 and the cover member 11. The passive end of the cord 15 is secured to the frame 16, such that the position of the active end of the cord 15 is preserved thereby.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A watercraft deck cover system, comprising:

a cover member, defined by a perimeter, adapted to cover a top deck of a watercraft;

a plurality of fasteners disposed along the perimeter, each fastener configured to secure to the top deck of the watercraft;

a connector disposed on a top surface of the cover member.

2) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover member defines a plurality of corners on the perimeter thereof, wherein each corner corresponds to an angled portion of a gunwale of the watercraft.

3) The watercraft deck cover of claim 2, wherein each corner comprises at least one aperture.

4) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover member comprises an elastic band around the perimeter.

5) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 4, wherein the elastic band is disposed around an entirety of the perimeter.

6) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fasteners is a plurality of elastic cords wherein each elastic cord is configured to secure to a plurality of watercraft cleats.

7) A watercraft deck cover system, comprising:

a plurality of fasteners disposed along the perimeter;

a connector disposed on a top surface of the cover member;

an overhead arm member suspended over a mooring by a frame;

a cord extending from the overhead arm member; and

the cord configured to secure to the connector.

8) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 6, further comprising an anchor disposed on the frame configured to receive a passive end of the cord.

9) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 7, wherein the anchor comprises a body with a pair of outward extension arms configured to receive the cord.

10) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 6, wherein the overhead arm member forms a cantilever with the frame, such that a free end extends over a space adjacent to a dock.

11) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 6, wherein a hook is disposed at an active end of the cord.

12) A method of covering a watercraft deck, comprising:

placing a cover member over a top deck of a watercraft;

fastening a plurality of fasteners disposed on a perimeter of the cover member to the watercraft;

suspending a cord over the watercraft from an overhead arm of a frame;

attaching the cord to a connector wherein the connector is centrally disposed on a top side of the cover member;

tensionably adjusting the cord overhead the watercraft such as to raise a central region of the cover member relative to the perimeter, to prevent liquid from pooling upon the top side of the cover member.