U.S. patent application number 10/867165 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-27 for watercraft canopy.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sunstream Corporation. Invention is credited to Hey, Kenneth E., Kenley, John H..
Application Number | 20050016438 10/867165 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34083241 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050016438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hey, Kenneth E. ; et
al. |
January 27, 2005 |
Watercraft canopy
Abstract
A canopy covering for a watercraft to protect the watercraft
from natural elements while allowing a substantial amount of light
to be transmitted through the covering so as to not significantly
adversely impact the marine habitat below the canopy by light
reduction.
Inventors: |
Hey, Kenneth E.; (Mercer
Island, WA) ; Kenley, John H.; (Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS WRIGHT TREMAINE, LLP
2600 CENTURY SQUARE
1501 FOURTH AVENUE
SEATTLE
WA
98101-1688
US
|
Assignee: |
Sunstream Corporation
Kent
WA
|
Family ID: |
34083241 |
Appl. No.: |
10/867165 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60478958 |
Jun 17, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20130101;
B63C 5/00 20130101; B63C 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/361 |
International
Class: |
B63B 017/00 |
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A watercraft canopy for protecting a watercraft from
environmental elements when located at a marine habitat,
comprising: a substantially translucent cover sized and constructed
to protect the watercraft from environmental elements while
allowing sufficient solar radiation of the sun to pass through the
cover to not significantly adversely impact the marine habitat
below the canopy by light reduction; and a support structure
configured to support the cover in position between the watercraft
and the sun.
2. The canopy according to claim 1 wherein the cover comprises of a
flexible, synthetic fabric.
3. The canopy according to claim 2 wherein the cover comprises of a
polyester-based fabric.
4. The canopy according to claim 2 wherein the cover comprises of a
polyethylene fabric.
5. The canopy according to claim 2 wherein the cover comprises of a
polypropylene fabric.
6. The canopy according to claim 1 wherein the cover comprises of a
semi-rigid plastic.
7. The canopy according to claim 1 wherein the cover is
substantially opaque to ultraviolet radiation.
8. The canopy according to claim 7 wherein the cover includes a
material substantially absorbing of ultraviolet radiation and
substantially translucent to radiation other than ultraviolet
radiation.
9. The canopy according to claim 1 wherein the support structure is
a substantially rigid framework.
10. The canopy according to claim 1 for use with upright members,
wherein the support structure includes a framework configured to be
connected to and supported in position between the watercraft and
the sun by the upright members.
11. The canopy according to claim 1 for use with upright members of
a watercraft lift, wherein the support structure includes a
framework configured to be connected to and supported in position
between the watercraft and the sun by the upright members of the
watercraft lift.
12. The canopy according to claim 1 for use with a dock, wherein
the support structure includes upright members and a cover support
framework attached to the upright members and positioning the cover
between the watercraft and the sun.
13. The canopy according to claim 1 wherein the cover is
substantially opaque to ultraviolet radiation in the range of 290
to 400 nanometers.
14. The canopy according to claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a
material allowing at least 80% of the natural light impinging
thereon to pass therethrough.
15. The canopy according to claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a
material that in combination with the support structure permits
natural light diffusion to the marine habitat below the cover to be
at lest 90% when the cover is situated at least six feet above the
marine habitat.
16. The canopy according to claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a
material with a strength of at least ten pounds per square
inch.
17. A watercraft canopy for protecting a plurality of watercraft
from environmental elements when in a multi-slip docking facility
located at a marine habitat, comprising: a substantially
translucent cover sized and constructed to protect the plurality of
watercraft from environmental elements while allowing sufficient
solar radiation of the sun to pass through the cover to not
significantly adversely impact the associated habitat below the
canopy by light reduction; and a support structure configured to
support the cover in position between the plurality of watercraft
and the sun.
18. The canopy according to claim 17 wherein the cover comprises of
a flexible, synthetic fabric.
19. The canopy according to claim 17 wherein the cover is
substantially opaque to ultraviolet radiation.
20. The canopy according to claim 19 wherein the cover includes a
material absorbing of ultraviolet radiation and substantially
translucent to radiation other than ultraviolet radiation.
21. The canopy according to claim 17 wherein the support structure
is a substantially rigid framework.
22. The canopy according to claim 17 for use with upright members,
wherein the support structure includes a framework configured to be
connected to and supported in position between the plurality of
watercraft and the sun by the upright members.
23. The canopy according to claim 17 wherein the support structure
includes upright members configured to be attached to docks of the
multi-lip docking facility and a cover support framework attached
to the upright members and positioning the cover between the
plurality of watercraft and the sun.
24. The canopy according to claim 17 wherein the cover is
substantially opaque to ultraviolet radiation in the range of 290
to 400 nanometers.
25. The canopy according to claim 17 wherein the cover comprises a
material allowing at least 80% of the natural light impinging
thereon to pass therethrough.
26. The canopy according to claim 17 wherein the cover comprises a
material that in combination with the support structure permits
natural light diffusion to the marine habitat below the cover to be
at lest 90% when the cover is situated at least six feet above the
marine habitat.
27. The canopy according to claim 17 wherein the cover comprises a
material with a strength of at least ten pounds per square
inch.
28. A watercraft canopy for protecting a watercraft from
environmental elements when located at a marine habitat,
comprising: a substantially translucent top cover sized and
constructed to protect the watercraft from environmental elements
and allowing sufficient solar radiation of the sun to pass through
the cover to not significantly adversely impact the marine habitat
below the canopy by light reduction; and a support structure
supporting to support the cover in position at least six feet above
the marine habitat and above the watercraft, the cover permitting
natural light diffusion to the marine habitat below the cover to be
at lest 90%.
29. The canopy according to claim 28 wherein the cover comprises of
a flexible, synthetic fabric.
30. The canopy according to claim 28 wherein the cover is
substantially opaque to ultraviolet radiation.
31. The canopy according to claim 30 wherein the cover is
substantially translucent to radiation other than ultraviolet
radiation.
32. The canopy according to claim 28 wherein the cover is
substantially opaque to ultraviolet radiation in the range of 290
to 400 nanometers.
33. The canopy according to claim 28 wherein the support structure
is a substantially rigid framework.
34. The canopy according to claim 28 wherein the support structure
includes a plurality of upright members and a framework connected
to and supported by the upright members.
35. The canopy according to claim 34 wherein the upright members
are attached to at least one dock.
36. The canopy according to claim 28 wherein the cover comprises a
material allowing at least 80% of the natural light impinging
thereon to pass therethrough.
37. The canopy according to claim 28 wherein the cover comprises a
material with a strength of at least ten pounds per square inch.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] In recent years, the necessity of avoiding impacts to the
natural environment has resulted in the enactment of environmental
legislation on the part of Federal and State governments to enhance
the quality of the environment by reducing and/or eliminating
activities that cause environmentally adverse effects. This has
resulted in the exertion of regulatory pressures on those engaged
in potentially environmentally impacting activities to avoid
actions that may cause adverse impacts to endangered or protected
flora, fauna and associated habitat. These pressures have, in turn,
brought about the development of a substantial body of environment
enhancing, protecting, and impact-minimizing technology. A typical
example of a recent, relatively simple device of such technology
includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,907, which discloses an
environmentally compatible archway for road building that is meant
to avoid harmful alterations, disruption, or destruction of fish
habitat. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,890 discloses an underwater
seagrass seeding apparatus that addresses problems caused by the
loss of seagrass habitat.
[0002] More specifically, extensive protection of species listed as
endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 has led
to significant innovations addressing issues presented by these
laws. U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,189, for example, discloses a method for
creating a migratory fish bypass channel with natural features for
allowing endangered and other anadromous fish to by-pass dams and
other obstacles. U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,906 likewise discloses a sound
mitigation system and method to reduce the transmission of acoustic
output from explosions underwater, mitigating the effects of the
explosions on marine mammals and endangered, threatened, or
protected species.
[0003] In the field of watercraft canopies, prior art regarding the
use of such canopies to protect watercraft from natural elements
such as rain and sunlight is well known. A watercraft that is not
covered may be subject to damage and degradation and rainwater may
enter the watercraft, damaging the interior and potentially
overburdening the craft to the point of sinking it: Ultraviolet
radiation in the range of 290-400 nM is known to cause a boat's
exterior and interior surface paint and materials to degrade. A
canopy avoids or minimizes this damage by creating a barrier
between the elements, including ultraviolet radiation, and the
watercraft. U.S. Pat. No. 2,698,629 to Hall, discloses a portable
vehicle shelter with a frame over which is disposed a cover formed
of duck, canvas, or other material. U.S. Pat. No. 3,083,540 to
Smith discloses a portable boatlift and a movable roof that is
adapted for hydraulically operation using a covering material such
as canvas. U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,212 to Downer discloses a boat cover
apparatus that is on a lift assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,901 to
Mitchell discloses a cover for floating boat docks using precut,
coated, fiber canvases and vertical and horizontal support
elements.
[0004] Prior art, however, does not address recent environmental
concerns regarding the use of light-blocking coverings over
near-shore marine environments. Such structures have the
disadvantage of blocking a substantial amount of available
sunlight, thereby causing shading of such light in regard to the
waters below. What's more, unlike the moveable watercraft that the
canopy covers, these canopies continue to block light when the
watercraft and other under-canopy structures are removed or absent,
causing permanent shading impacts. The prior art thus provides the
desired protection to the watercraft, but avoids unwanted adverse
environmental impacts affecting vegetation growth and fish and
wildlife behavior due to the blockage of sunlight.
[0005] Environmental impacts from near-shore shading include
changing growth patterns and growth ability of vegetation that
forms the foundation of the pre-existing ecosystem beneath the
canopy and detrimental promotion of non-indigenous vegetation
growth. Studies prepared by the University of Washington School of
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences have indicated that light reduction
due to the shading impacts of overwater structures in certain cases
causes available light levels to fall below threshold amounts for
the photosynthesis of diatoms, benthic algae, eelgrass and
associated epiphytes, and other autotrophs--which provide an
important foundation for estuarine and nearshore marine food webs
supporting juvenile salmon and other fishes in estuarine and
nearshore marine environments. Also, predatory behavior of fauna
may be altered by canopy shading, causing endangered species such
as salmon and/or their habitat to be at greater risk. Indeed,
federal regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and NOAA
Fisheries--National Marine Fisheries Service, as well as multiple
State and local regulatory agencies, have advocated for the
decreased use of over-water structures which block significant
light and the use of traditional canopies in certain over-water
watercraft mooring areas has accordingly been prohibited.
[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a watercraft canopy
capable of protecting watercraft from the harmful effects of rain
and other environmental hazards--but which allows a substantial
amount of light to pass through the canopy, thereby reducing or
eliminating the adverse environmental impacts that would otherwise
be caused by light blockage. Specifically, such a canopy avoids the
adverse environmental impacts caused by the prior art while
providing the desired watercraft protection from natural elements.
In addition, and due to these environmental attributes, such a
canopy will be significantly more likely than prior art to comply
with increasingly strict environmental rules and regulations
regarding the installation and use of such canopies, thus allowing
the user an over-water canopy option that may otherwise be
unavailable. The canopy should also provide an aesthetic benefit
avoiding conflicting color schemes in regard to its surroundings.
The canopy should be economical by requiring minimal maintenance,
be simple to install, and be removable for off-season storage. It
should also be flexible in use in that it may cover one watercraft
or multiple boatlifts in various moorage situations.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention generally relates to an apparatus and method
for covering a watercraft while allowing a substantial amount of
light to be transmitted through the covering. More particularly, it
relates to a substantially translucent, environmental-impact
minimizing canopy for watercraft.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This summary of the invention section is intended to
introduce the reader to aspects of the invention and is not a
complete description of the invention. Particular aspects of the
invention are pointed out in other sections herein below and the
invention is set forth in appended claims, which alone demarcate
its scope.
[0009] The present invention provides a watercraft canopy in the
form of a substantially translucent cover supported by a semi-rigid
framework capable of protecting watercraft from natural elements
while allowing a significant amount of sunlight to pass through the
canopy. The cover is supported over the watercraft by a metal
framework or some other method whereby the cover is semi-rigidly
positioned between the sun and the watercraft. The cover will
preferably be substantially flexible, and may include a
UV-absorbing or reflecting material, the extent of absorption or
reflection being selectable according to the intended use,
providing protection from UV radiation in the range of 290 to 400
nM. Materials of construction are preferably such that
deterioration in a marine environment is significantly reduced. A
synthetic, durable material is thus preferably utilized.
[0010] The design of the canopy is such that it is able to fit a
wide range of boatlifts and other mooring facilities. The canopy
may be used to cover a single watercraft, or to cover very large
mooring facilities constituting several hundred slips. The canopy
protects the covered watercraft from rain, other natural elements,
and in certain embodiments, from ultraviolet radiation, while
sufficient light passes through the canopy to avoid adverse
environmental impacts to marine vegetation and wildlife that would
otherwise occur if a light-blocking canopy were used. The canopy
also will, due to its limited environmental impacts, generally
comply with environmental regulations and will thus be usable in
many situations where traditional canopies will not be
permissible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0011] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, which are schematic, and not to scale, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front-end view of the canopy according to the
present invention positioned on a watercraft lift.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front-end view of the canopy of the present
invention positioned on a dock rather than a watercraft lift.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the canopy of FIG. 1
positioned on the watercraft lift.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a partially assembled canopy
framework of one embodiment of the canopy of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a spider casting and some of
the metal tubes which partially form the canopy framework of FIG.
4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the canopy according to the present invention positioned on a
watercraft lift.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of one
embodiment of the cover of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of the cover of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a third
embodiment of the cover of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] This section illustrates aspects of the invention, and
points out certain preferred embodiments of these aspects. This
section is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to inform and
teach the person of skill in the art who will come to appreciate
more fully other aspects, equivalents, and possibilities presented
by the invention, and hence the scope of the invention as set forth
in the claims, which alone limit its scope.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a watercraft canopy 104
according to the present invention, which includes a thin,
flexible, substantially translucent cover 100. The watercraft
canopy 104 allows a substantial amount of sunlight to pass through
the canopy 104 while also providing protection of a subject
watercraft 103 therebelow from the elements. The flexible,
substantially translucent cover 100 is positioned between the sun
and the watercraft 103 to provide protection from the elements. The
cover 100, made rigid or semi-rigid by an interior framework as
described below, is supported by upright members 101, which in turn
may be connected to a watercraft lift 102, such as the watercraft
lift by Hey, U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,264, incorporated herein by
reference and shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6.
[0023] The cover 100 may be a substantially translucent material
approximately {fraction (1/16)}" thick such as that produced by
Snyder Manufacturing, Inc. under the trademark PRV 1444-K
Klearspan. One skilled in the art will appreciate that similarly
performing materials are available from other manufacturers as
well. The cover 100 may consist of a synthetic polyester-based
fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene or some other similar material
and may be laminated with transparent fluorine, polyvinyl chloride
or fiberglass and polyvinyl chloride for durability, although other
materials may also be used. The cover is preferably flexible for
ease of shipping, handling and installation, but may be rigid.
[0024] The cover 100 may include a material that substantially
absorbs and/or reflects incident radiation in the range of 290 to
400 nM. Such a cover 100 may be of a character to allow a thin UV
protective film or material to be impregnated, applied or attached,
with the UV protective film or material having UV absorbing or
reflecting properties. As an alternative to a UV coating on one or
both sides of the cover 100, a separate sheet of plastic with UV
absorbing, reflecting, or other protecting qualities could be
placed over or otherwise adjacent to the cover 100. The optional
ultraviolet absorbing or reflecting film or material may consist of
hindered amine light stabilizers, benzoxazinones, or benzophenones,
or coatings using 2-hydroxybenzonphenones, oxalanilides,
2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazoles and 2-hydroxy-phenyltriazines- , as
well as other similar materials. These materials may be applied to
the cover 100 by being impregnated in a thin sheet of plastic such
as a polyester sold under the trademark MYLAR.RTM. by E.I. DuPont
de Menours and Company, Inc. The sheet can then be affixed to the
cover 100 with an adhesive. Alternatively, the adhesive impregnated
with the additive may be used by itself as a coating on the surface
of the cover. Having the additive in the separate sheet, removable
from the flexible cover may provide an advantage in that the UV
protective sheet may be replaced when the ultraviolet radiation
blocking effects of the additive cease.
[0025] FIG. 2 discloses an alternative embodiment wherein the
substantially translucent watercraft canopy 104 is supported by
upright members 101 that are in turn connected to a dock 201 for
additional support. The canopy 104 thereby provides the desired
protection from the elements while allowing a significant amount of
sunlight to penetrate into the waterbody, thereby minimizing
potentially adverse environmental impacts. One skilled in the art
will further understand that the canopy 104 could be connected to
numerous types of structures for support and the desired affect of
protecting the watercraft and/or other structures would be
achieved.
[0026] FIG. 3 discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention,
similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, but including a lateral brace
300 that provides additional support and rigidity by connecting the
canopy 104 to the upright member 101.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows the partially constructed framework 403 used to
support the canopy 104 in a preferred embodiment. The cover 100
(not shown in FIG. 4) is supported and made relatively rigid by the
framework 403 which comprise metal tubes including twelve interior
tubes 400, two opposite end tubes 401, and two opposite side tubes
402 in the illustrated embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, these tubes
400, 401 and 402 are joined together by connectors, such as the
illustrated metal spider casting 500, and with a central beam 502
form the framework 403. The tubes, generally constructed of
aluminum due its lightweight and its ability to resist corrosion.
The framework is generally, but not limited to, peaked, hip-roofed,
or rounded shapes and generally will be sloped to allow for water
drainage. One skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous
different methods and means for creating a suitable framework are
available and could include spanning the cover over piers, pilings,
or other in-water structures.
[0028] The tubes 400, 401 and 402 of the framework 403 are
connected together by inserting into their open ends tube
penetrating posts of a connector, such as the spider casting 500
shown in FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 5 for the five interior
tubes 400 at one end of the framework 403, the spider casting 500
has five posts that are inserted into the open ends of the five
interior tubes with a removable cross-pin 501 to prevent their
unintentional disconnection. The spider casting 500 has another
post that is inserted into the open end of the central beam 502
with a removable cross-pin 503 to prevent their unintentional
disconnection. A similar spider casting is used to connect together
the interior tubes 400 and the other end of the central beam 502 at
the opposite end of the framework 403. The frame may be welded
together for additional strength.
[0029] FIG. 6 discloses a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the canopy 104 of the present invention positioned on
the watercraft lift 102. The cover 100 of the canopy 104 is
substantially transparent and is supported and made substantially
rigid by its connection to the relatively rigid framework 403. The
cover 100 is generally attached to the framework using elastic cord
or rope to further secure the canopy and to allow easy removal for
cleaning and replacement. The tubes 400, 401 and 402, and the
central beam 502 of the framework 403 are connected together using
connectors as described above or in any other effective manner such
as by welding. The canopy 104 is supported by the four upright
members 101 which may in turn be connected to the watercraft lift
102.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a fragmentary, cross sectional view of a
substantially translucent material 700 used as one cover material
for the cover 100 of the present invention. The material 700 is
produced by Snyder Manufacturing, Inc. under the trademark PRV
1444-K Klearspan. The material 700 allows approximately 80% of the
impinging natural light to pass from one side of the material to
the other. Light diffusion to the water below the canopy 104 is at
least 90% when the canopy is situated at least six feet above the
water using a 9 feet by 30 feet canopy. Existing habitat, such as
phytoplankton, freshwater macrophytes and eelgrass, is typically
adversely affected when water surface irradiance drops below 20%.
The material is approximately {fraction (1/16)}th inches thick
withstands downward and lateral forces of at least 10 pounds per
square inch.
[0031] The material 700 may also comprise a synthetic
polyester-based fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene or some other
similar material and may be laminated with transparent fluorine,
polyvinyl chloride or fiberglass and polyvinyl chloride for
durability, although other materials may also be used.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a
substantially translucent material 800 used as another cover
material for the cover 100 of the present invention. The material
800 comprises a laminate of two layers or laminae 802 and 803. Each
of the lamina 802, 803, for example, may be sheet of synthetic,
substantially translucent material as described above, with a layer
804 of ultraviolet blocking material sandwiched between them.
Laminae 802 and 803 can be attached together with heat and/or
pressure, or using an adhesive with which UV protective material is
compounded. One or both of the laminae 802 and 803 may also include
the ultraviolet absorbing additives discussed above. Alternatively,
the additive could be compounded directly into one or both laminae
802 and 803, or can be applied using one or both polymeric layer
and adhesive layer (not shown in FIG. 8) as discussed above.
[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a
substantially translucent material 900 used as another cover
material for the cover 100 of the present invention. In this
embodiment, a UV protective material 901 could be applied as a
coating to the top and/or bottom sides of a substrate material
902.
[0034] The foregoing description provides an enabling disclosure of
the invention, which is not limited by the description but only by
the scope of the appended claims. All those other aspects of the
invention that will become apparent to a person of skill in the
art, who has read the foregoing, are within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *