U.S. patent application number 11/678514 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for adjustable tarpaulin support.
Invention is credited to SCOTT L. BUCKLEY.
Application Number | 20070144425 11/678514 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38192119 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070144425 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BUCKLEY; SCOTT L. |
June 28, 2007 |
ADJUSTABLE TARPAULIN SUPPORT
Abstract
A support apparatus includes a rectilinear central pole having
axially opposed end portions. The pole includes a plurality of
oppositely spaced female portions and a male portion slid ably
engageable therewith. Each female portion has a plurality of
apertures equidistantly spaced along a longitudinal length thereof.
The male portion is medially nested between the female portions
wherein the female portions are telescopically movable. The
apparatus further includes first and second pairs of telescopically
adjustable and rectilinear leg members connected to the opposed end
portions of the pole and extending away therefrom, respectively.
The apparatus also includes a mechanism for independently pivoting
each of the first and second leg members about a fulcrum axis
centrally registered with the pole and extending parallel thereto.
The apparatus also includes a mechanism for independently pivoting
the first and second members along a unique arcuate path and about
a fulcrum axis.
Inventors: |
BUCKLEY; SCOTT L.; (SEEKONK,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADVANTIA LAW GROUP
9035 SOUTH 1300 EAST
SUITE 200
SANDY
UT
84094
US
|
Family ID: |
38192119 |
Appl. No.: |
11/678514 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11096122 |
Apr 1, 2005 |
|
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11678514 |
Feb 23, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/361 ;
135/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/361 ;
135/090 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/04 20060101
E04H015/04; B63B 17/02 20060101 B63B017/02; B63B 17/00 20060101
B63B017/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus for providing cover to
boats when in storage, comprising: a horizontally registered
central pole having axially opposed end portions, wherein the pole
is telescopically extendable and includes: a plurality of
oppositely spaced female portions, each female portion having a
plurality of apertures disposed along a longitudinal length
thereof; and a male portion slidably engageable with the female
portions, medially disposed between the female portions, and having
a detent extending outwardly therefrom selectively insertable
through the apertures of the female portion, wherein the female
portions are telescopically movable along a longitudinal length of
the male portion; and first and second pairs of leg members each
pivotally coupled to the opposed end portions of the pole,
respectively, and extending outwardly therefrom, each first and
second pairs of leg members including first and second members,
respectively, each pivotally coupled to the first and second pairs
of leg members, respectively.
2. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 1, wherein the first
and second pairs of leg members pivot about a fulcrum axis of the
pole.
3. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 2, wherein the first
and second members pivot about the fulcrum axis of the pole.
4. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 3, further comprising
a leg member pair pivoting mechanism, disposed between the first
and second pairs of leg members and the horizontally registered
central pole, configured to pivotally couple the first and second
pairs of leg members to the opposed end portions of the pole,
respectively, wherein the leg member pair pivoting mechanism
includes a ball joint.
5. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 4, further comprising
a member pivoting mechanism, disposed between the first and second
pairs of members and the first and second pairs of leg members,
including: first and second pairs of brackets rotatably coupled to
the end portions of the pole; and first and second latches coupled
to the first pair of brackets, respectively, coupleable to the
second pair of brackets, respectively, configured to lock the first
and second pairs of brackets at biased positions, respectively.
6. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 5, wherein the member
pivoting mechanism further comprises third and fourth pairs of
brackets rotatably coupled to the first and second pairs of
brackets, respectively.
7. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 6, wherein each of the
members is telescopically extendable.
8. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 7, wherein each of the
members comprises: a female member portion coupled to the member
pivoting mechanism and extending outwardly therefrom, having a
plurality of apertures disposed along a front and rear surface of
the female member portion; and a male member portion slidably
coupled to an interior of the female member portion, having a
plurality of apertures selectively registerable with corresponding
apertures of the female member portions.
9. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 8, wherein the members
have a longitudinal length equal to one-half the longitudinal
length of the pole.
10. An adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus for providing cover
to boats when in storage, comprising: a horizontally registered
central pole having axially opposed end portions, wherein the pole
is telescopically extendable and includes: a plurality of
oppositely spaced female portions, each female portion having a
plurality of apertures disposed along a longitudinal length
thereof; and a male portion slidably engageable with the female
portions, medially disposed between the female portions, and having
a detent extending outwardly therefrom selectively insertable
through the apertures of the female portion, wherein the female
portions are telescopically movable along a longitudinal length of
the male portion; and first and second pairs of leg members each
pivotally coupled to the opposed end portions of the pole,
respectively, and extending outwardly therefrom, each first and
second pairs of leg members including first and second members,
respectively, each pivotally coupled to the first and second pairs
of leg members, respectively; wherein the first and second pairs of
leg members pivot about a fulcrum axis of the pole and the first
and second members pivot about the fulcrum axis of the pole.
11. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 10, further
comprising a leg member pair pivoting mechanism, disposed between
the first and second pairs of leg members and the horizontally
registered central pole, configured to pivotally couple the first
and second pairs of leg members to the opposed end portions of the
pole, respectively, wherein the leg member pair pivoting mechanism
includes a ball joint.
12. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 11, further
comprising a member pivoting mechanism, disposed between the first
and second pairs of members and the first and second pairs of leg
members, including: first and second pairs of brackets rotatably
coupled to the end portions of the pole; and first and second
latches coupled to the first pair of brackets, respectively,
coupleable to the second pair of brackets, respectively, configured
to lock the first and second pairs of brackets at biased positions,
respectively.
13. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 12, wherein the
member pivoting mechanism further comprises third and fourth pairs
of brackets rotatably coupled to the first and second pairs of
brackets, respectively.
14. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 10, wherein each of
the members is telescopically extendable.
15. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 14, wherein each of
the members comprises: a female member portion coupled to the
member pivoting mechanism and extending outwardly therefrom, having
a plurality of apertures disposed along a front and rear surface of
the female member portion; and a male member portion slidably
coupled to an interior of the female member portion, having a
plurality of apertures selectively registerable with corresponding
apertures of the female member portions.
16. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 10, wherein the
members have a longitudinal length equal to one-half the
longitudinal length of the pole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120,
to the U.S. Non-Provisional patent application No. 11/096,122 to
Scott L. Buckley filed on 1 Apr. 2005, which is incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to boat covers and, more
particularly, to supports for boat covers comprised of flexible
sheets.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many boats do not have roofs, and as a result, the passenger
compartments are open to the elements of rain, snow, and wind. When
such open boats are not in use, they are often covered with
flexible covers, often called tarpaulins or tarps. A problem
associated with tarps is that water or snow often forms pools on
the tarps. The pools of water on the tarps can put excessive
pressure on the tarp and cause it to tear. The excessive weight may
cause the tarp to be pulled from its supports and cause the tarp to
collapse causing the pooled water or snow to enter the boat. In
addition, after a rain or snow storm, and the boat user is planning
to use the boat, the user may be required to remove large
quantities of pooled water or snow before being able to remove the
tarp and gain access to the boat. For these and other reasons, it
would be desirable if a boat tarp could be supported in such as way
as to prevent the pooling of water or snow on the tarp.
[0006] In an effort to prevent water or snow from pooling on a
tarp, some people employ certain makeshift steps. For example, some
people place the tarp over the boat and then climb under the tarp
to place a vertically standing stick under the tarp. The vertically
standing stick supports a portion of the tarp at an elevated
position so that the tarp slopes downward from the elevated
position. Water or snow readily slides down the sloping tarp and
does not form undesirable pools. A disadvantage of this method of
tarp support is the necessity of climbing under the tarp. In this
respect, it would be desirable if a device were provided for
supporting a portion of a tarp in an elevated position without
requiring a person to get under the tarp to install the tarp
support.
[0007] Still other features would be desirable in a support
apparatus for a flexible sheet boat cover. For example, in many
boats, the most elevated point in the boat is present at the top of
the windshield. In this respect, it would be desirable if the top
of the windshield could be utilized in a tarp support
apparatus.
[0008] When a tarp support is supporting a tarp, the weight of the
tarp and the tarp support is born by the boat. In order not to
damage portions of the boat that support the tarp support and tarp,
it would be desirable if resilient pads could be provided between
the tarp support and the boat. In the front portions of some boats,
there are railings that are present that converge toward the bow of
the boat. Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable is a
tarp support could be supported by those converging railings.
[0009] Accordingly, a need remains for a tarpaulin cover support
apparatus for boats that overcomes the above-noted shortcomings.
The present invention satisfies such a need by providing an
adjustable tarpaulin support that directs moisture in the form of
rain, sleet, and snow away from a boat, instead of collecting it
and pooling it as conventional tarps do. Such an apparatus is ideal
for boats and other objects that are stored outdoors for preventing
the pooling of water, which may, over a period of time, cause rust,
mildew, or dry-rotting of a boat.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an
object of the present invention to provide an adjustable tarpaulin
support apparatus for providing cover for boats when in storage.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
are provided by an apparatus that may include a horizontally
registered and/or rectilinear central pole having axially opposed
end portions. The pole may include a plurality of oppositely spaced
female portions and/or a male portion slid ably engageable
therewith. Each female portion may have a plurality of apertures
equidistantly spaced along a longitudinal length thereof for
adjusting a length of the pole. The male portion may be medially
nested between the female portions wherein the female portions may
be telescopically movable along a longitudinal length of the male
portion for axially adjusting a longitudinal length of the pole.
The male portion may have at least one detent extending outwardly
therefrom selectively insertable through one of the apertures of
the female portion.
[0011] The apparatus may further include first and/or second pairs
of telescopically adjustable and/or rectilinear leg members
connected to the opposed end portions of the pole and/or extending
away therefrom respectively. Each first and/or second pairs of leg
members may include first and/or second members respectively.
[0012] The apparatus may also include a mechanism for independently
pivoting each of the members along a unique arcuate path and/or
about a fulcrum axis extending orthogonal to a longitudinal length
of the pole in such a manner that each leg member may be
independently positioned parallel and/or orthogonal to the
pole.
[0013] The apparatus may additionally include a mechanism for
independently pivoting the first and/or second pairs of leg members
about a fulcrum axis centrally registered with the pole and/or
extending parallel thereto. Each member may be pivotal along
independent arcuate paths radially extending outwardly from the
pole wherein the leg member pair pivoting mechanism cooperates with
the member pivoting mechanism in such a manner that a user may
adapt each member while simultaneously rotating the pair of leg
members during operating conditions.
[0014] The leg member pair pivoting mechanism may include a ball
joint, or rotating joint, and/or first and/or second pairs of
brackets rotatably connected to the end portions of the pole. First
and/or second latches are operably conjoinable with the first and
second pairs of brackets for locking the first and/or second pairs
of brackets at biased positions respectively. The member pivoting
mechanism may include third and/or fourth pairs of brackets
rotatably connected to the first and/or second pairs of brackets
and/or securely connected to the members respectively.
[0015] Each of the members may be coextensive and/or include a
female member portion connected to the member pivoting mechanism
and/or extending away therefrom. The female member portion may have
a plurality of apertures equidistantly spaced along a front and/or
rear surface of the female member portion. A male member portion
may be telescopically insertable into the female member portion
and/or slidable between extended and/or retracted positions. Such a
male member portion may have a plurality of equidistantly spaced
apertures selectively registerable with corresponding ones of the
female member portion apertures. Such members may have a
longitudinal length equal to one-half the longitudinal length of
the pole so that the members can be aligned end-to-end adjacent the
pole after being adapted to a folded position.
[0016] It is noted the purpose of the foregoing summary is to
enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public
generally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners
in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or
phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the
nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the
application.
[0017] The summary is neither intended to define the invention of
the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it
intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any
way.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The novel features believed to be characteristic of this
invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and
method of operation, together with further objects and advantages
thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable tarpaulin
support apparatus, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable tarpaulin
support apparatus, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a leg member pair
pivoting mechanism, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 3a is a side elevational view of a leg member pair
pivoting mechanism, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is top plan view of a leg member pair pivoting
mechanism, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the leg member pair
pivoting mechanism of FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the leg member pair pivoting
mechanism of FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable tarpaulin
support apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention;
and
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable tarpaulin
support apparatus, according to one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a
preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather,
this embodiment is provided so that this application will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout the figures.
[0029] The apparatus of this invention is referred to generally in
FIGS. 1-6 by the reference numeral 10 and is intended to provide an
adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus for providing cover for
boats when in storage. It should be understood that the apparatus
10 may be used to cover and protect many different types of objects
and should not be limited to use only with boats.
[0030] Initially referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 10
includes a horizontally registered and rectilinear central pole 20
having axially opposed end portions 21. The pole 20 includes a
plurality of oppositely spaced female portions 22 and a male
portion 23 slidably engageable therewith. Each female portion 22
preferably has a plurality of apertures 25 equidistantly spaced
along a longitudinal length thereof for adjusting a length of the
pole 20. The male portion 23 is medially nested between the female
portions 22 wherein the female portions 22 are telescopically
movable along a longitudinal length of the male portion 23 for
axially adjusting a longitudinal length of the pole 20.
[0031] The male portion 23 preferably has at least one detent 24
extending outwardly therefrom selectively insertable through one of
the apertures 25 of the female portion 22, as shown in FIG. 6. Such
an apparatus 10 is conveniently telescopically extendable along a
linear length and height so the apparatus 10 can be adapted for use
with boats of varying length and height. Such a feature allows the
apparatus 10 to be adapted to fully support and accommodate any
size tarpaulin in order to prevent sagging, stretching and tearing
of the tarpaulin, while also keeping the interior of an unoccupied
boat completely dry for the owner.
[0032] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 further
includes first 31 and second 32 pairs of telescopically adjustable
and rectilinear leg members 30 connected to the opposed end
portions of the pole 20 and extending away therefrom respectively.
Each first 31 and second 32 pairs of leg members 30 include first
31A, 32A and second 31B, 32B members respectively. In one
embodiment of the invention, such leg members 30 and pole 20 are
formed from aluminum because of its light weight and durability,
but may also be formed from stainless steel, galvanized metal, or
plastic, to resist corrosion in an outdoor environment. The
apparatus 10 also includes a mechanism 50 for independently
pivoting each of the members 30 along a unique arcuate path and
about a fulcrum axis extending orthogonal to a longitudinal length
of the pole 20 in such a manner that each leg member 30 can be
independently positioned parallel and orthogonal to the pole 20, as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the apparatus 10 also includes a
mechanism 40 for independently pivoting the leg members 30 about a
fulcrum axis centrally registered with the pole 20 and extending
parallel thereto. Each member 30 is pivotal along independent
arcuate paths radially extending outwardly from the pole 20 wherein
the leg member pair pivoting mechanism 40 cooperates with the
member pivoting mechanism 50 in such a manner that a user can adapt
each member 30 while simultaneously rotating the pair of leg
members 31, 32 during operating conditions. During operating
conditions, any rain, sleet, or snow rolls down all sides of the
tarpaulin, preventing leakage or moisture seepage into the boat.
Because the tarpaulin is not stretched or caused to sag by the
accumulation of water, the material life of such a tarpaulin is
extended, resulting in less cost and inconvenience for the
owner.
[0034] Still referring to FIGS. 3-4, the leg member pair pivoting
mechanism 40 includes first 41 and second 42 pairs of brackets
rotatably connected to the end portions 21 of the pole 20, and a
lock knob mechanism 43 operably conjoinable with the first 41 and
second 42 pairs of brackets for locking the first 41 and second 42
pairs of brackets at biased positions, respectively. For example,
one skilled in the art would appreciate that the lock knob 43
mechanism may be such as, but not limited to, the lock knob of U.S.
Pat. No.: 5,433,552, issued to Thyu, which is incorporated by
reference herein. Advantageously, the lock knob mechanism 43
secures the first 41 and second 42 pairs of brackets, respectively,
so that the apparatus may support a large amount of weight from
rain, sleet, snow, and/or other environmental matter without
collapsing.
[0035] Likewise, the member pivoting mechanism 50 includes third 55
and fourth 56 pairs of brackets rotatably connected to the first 41
and second 42 pairs of brackets and securely connected to the
members 30, respectively. Further, the member pivoting mechanism 50
includes a pair of swivel locks 44. For example, one skilled in the
art would appreciate that the pair of swivel locks 44 may be such
as, but not limited to, a socket bolt. When placed inside a boat,
the apparatus 10 may be adjusted to a desired length and height.
Once adjusted and positioned with all four leg members 30 on the
deck of the boat, the apparatus 10 would create an A-frame
configuration with the pole 20 and secured as required around the
lower edges of the tarpaulin. Such a pivoting mechanism 50 provides
folding and functionality of the apparatus 10 by allowing the
apparatus 10 to be folded and conveniently stored.
[0036] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the members 30 are
coextensive and include a female member 33 portion connected to the
member pivoting mechanism 50 and extending away therefrom. The
female member 33 portion has a plurality of apertures 35
equidistantly spaced along a front 36 and rear 37 surface of the
female member 33 portion. A male member 34 portion is
telescopically insertable into the female member 33 portion and
slidable between extended and retracted positions. Such a male
member 34 portion has a plurality of equidistantly spaced apertures
38 selectively registerable with corresponding ones of the female
members 33 portion apertures 35.
[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, such members 33 have a
longitudinal length equal to one-half the longitudinal length of
the pole 20 so that the members 33 can be aligned end-to-end
adjacent the pole 20 after being adapted to a folded position. In
such a folded position, the apparatus 10 can be easily transported
and stored, or used with another boat. The male members 34
preferably include a plurality of yieldable cups disposed subjacent
a distal end portion of the male member 34. Such yieldable cups
protect the male members from contaminants and moisture, and also
prevent marring of a ground surface and provide stability during
operating conditions.
[0038] While the invention has been described with respect to a
certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many
modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended,
therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0039] In particular, with respect to the above description, it is
to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the
parts of the present invention may include variations in size,
materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. The
assembly and use of the present invention are deemed readily
apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art.
* * * * *