U.S. patent application number 13/009025 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for automatic retractable boat cover.
Invention is credited to Thomas Andrew Bir, JR..
Application Number | 20120180714 13/009025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489780 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120180714 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bir, JR.; Thomas Andrew |
July 19, 2012 |
AUTOMATIC RETRACTABLE BOAT COVER
Abstract
The present invention relates to a boat cover with an automatic
boat protection system for raising and lowering the cover in a
balanced method. The device is utilized to protect a boat when
docked.
Inventors: |
Bir, JR.; Thomas Andrew;
(Raleigh, NC) |
Family ID: |
46489780 |
Appl. No.: |
13/009025 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/361 |
International
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20060101
B63B017/02 |
Claims
1. A balanced framework and mechanism assembly for raising and
lowering a boat cover having a top portion positioned over the
framework, a side portion extending over the sides of the
framework, and a bottom peripheral edge having long edges and short
edges comprising: a) a rectangular framework which can be attached
to a fixed point having a center cross member and two equally
spaced middle pipe cross members; and b) a mechanism for raising
and lowering the boat cover comprising i. a rotatable shaft rotated
by a motor and attached to the framework near the center cross
member; and ii. a singular winding cord connected at one end to the
shaft for rotation around the shaft the other end connected to a
balanced set of raising cords on each side of the center cross
member which engage the frame set at the middle pipes and are
spaced about and attached to the periphery of the cover bottom edge
such when the shaft is rotated in one direction it will raise the
bottom edge and rotating the shaft in the other direction will
lower the bottom edge.
2. The assembly according to claim 1 which further comprises a
vertical extending center support attached to the center cross
member and each of the middle cross members and a longitudinal
center frame member.
3. The assembly according to claim 2 wherein the raising cords
engage the middle pipes by passing through pulleys attached to the
vertical extending center supports attached to the center cross
members.
4. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein there is at least one
raising cord attached at each end of the short edges and at least
two cords attached to each of the long edges.
5. The assembly according to claim 4 wherein there are at least
four cords attached to each of the long edges.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material
that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a boat cover and, in
particular, for an automatic boat protection cover system that is
used to protect the boat when at a dock and not otherwise in
use.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The protection of a boat while it is moored at a dock and
not being used, especially at private docks, has been the subject
of many different types of covers. One of the oldest methods is the
use of canvas or flexible covers that can be placed over the top of
the boat. The cover is held with some type of rope at the edge for
retaining the cover on the boat. The main reason for these types of
covers is to protect them from the elements and to reduce the
accumulation of dirt, moisture, animals, bird contamination, and
the like, when the boat is not in use. Hand covering is time
consuming, and thus, frequently skipped when an owner is otherwise
in a hurry. The art teaches several methods to cover boats.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,171 there is taught a brief history
of boat cover apparatuses, mostly manual type systems. The '171
patent itself teaches a boat cover used with a hoist comprising a
rotatable shaft, rotated by a motor with two or more cords wound
around the shaft to raise and lower a series of ropes and the
cover. The design shown has two ropes, each winding in opposite
directions. It also requires the offset mounting from the center of
the shaft on the middle pipes, thus causing not only winding
problems from wrapping multiple ropes, but also causes problems
with level raising and lowering as the multiple ropes wind and
unwind and weight distribution issues with an offset rotatable
shaft. The disclosed cover also includes a framework to attach to
pilings, a fabric boat cover, and appropriately attached ropes to
raise and lower (albeit not always evenly) the cover on the boat.
The actual design has two ropes winding in opposite directions,
thus further complicating precise leveling issues.
[0007] Currently there is nothing better in the art for a rising
and lowering mechanism, and the art would find useful a more
balanced system without the problems associated with the current
raising and lowering mechanisms.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior
art by utilizing a lifting mechanism where the rotatable shaft is
centralized and only a single cord is wound and unwound on the
shaft with mirror image left and right cording to raise and lower
the cover.
[0009] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention
there is described a balanced framework and mechanism assembly for
raising and lowering a boat cover having a top portion positioned
over the framework, a side portion extending over the sides of the
framework, and a bottom peripheral edge having long edges and short
edges comprising: [0010] a) a rectangular framework which can be
attached to a fixed point having a center cross member and two
equally spaced middle pipe cross members; and [0011] b) a mechanism
for raising and lowering the boat cover comprising [0012] i. a
rotatable shaft rotated by a motor and attached to the framework
near the center cross member; and [0013] ii. a singular winding
cord connected at one end to the shaft for rotation around the
shaft, the other end connected to a balanced set of raising cords
on each side of the center cross member which engage the frame set
at the middle pipes and are spaced about and attached to the
periphery of the cover bottom edge such when the shaft is rotated
in one direction it will raise the bottom edge and rotating the
shaft in the other direction will lower the bottom edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the framework and lifting
mechanism of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the vertically
extending center support.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a close up perspective view of cord links.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a boat cover in the down,
covering position.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a boat cover in the up,
uncovered position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding
that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered
as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the
description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the
same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the
drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the
terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order
for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.
[0020] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or
as more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, is defined
as two or as more than two. The term "another", as used herein, is
defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or
"having", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open
language). The term "coupled", as used herein, is defined as
connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically.
[0021] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment",
"certain embodiments", and "an embodiment" or similar terms means
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such
phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without
limitation.
[0022] The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an
inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B
or C" means any of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and
C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only
when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in
some way inherently mutually exclusive.
[0023] The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of
illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present
invention, and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. Term
"means" preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a
desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e.,
one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the
desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from
these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use
of the term "means" is not intended to be limiting.
[0024] As used herein the term "framework" refers to a structure
for supporting a boat cover wherein the cover is of some fabric
material. In general, the framework will be essentially
rectangular, that is two short sides and two long sides. The exact
size will be such that the long sides and short sides are longer
than the length and width of the boat to be covered. While it can
be of a flat material, in one embodiment it is a piping material,
such as of a metallic or polymeric nature, designed to withstand
the rigors of being outside and at a boat dock.
[0025] The framework is of a size and adaptation such that it can
be attached to at least four boat pilings hung from above or the
like at a boat pier. The rectangular frame has a center cross
member, essentially dead center, such that it is at the balance
point of the frame. In addition, it has at least one middle pipe
cross member, one on each side of the center cross member equally
spaced, once again, to balance the frame at the center of the
frame.
[0026] In one embodiment of the framework, there are vertical
extending center supports attached to the center cross member and
each of the middle pipe cross members for attaching pulleys or for
guy loops for raising cords utilized in the present invention.
Attached to the top of each vertical extending center support is a
longitudinal center frame member. All positioned such that they are
in the center of the length of the frame and continue to keep the
center of gravity in the center of the center cross member.
[0027] The "boat cover", as used herein, refers to a fabric or
other flexible material having a top portion positioned over the
framework, a side portion extending over the sides of the
framework, and a bottom peripheral edge having a rectangular
configuration with long and short edges matching the framework. The
bottom peripheral edge can be weighted to hold it down and can have
piping sewn in the bottom edge or otherwise attached thereto in
order to attach the present invention mechanism to for raising and
lowering the cover over a boat.
[0028] The "mechanism assembly for raising and lowering the boat
cover" refers to a rotatable shaft which is rotated by a motor in
both a clockwise and counterclockwise manner. It is positioned
essentially at, and parallel to, the center cross member. By
positioning the rotatable shaft and motor at the center, once again
the whole framework will remain balanced easily and not have weight
distributions which would cause the cover or framework to list in
any direction.
[0029] A singular winding cord is connected at a first end to the
rotatable shaft in such a way that the cord can rotate around the
shaft or unwind off the shaft when the shaft is rotated. The other
second end is attached to a balanced set (one set on each side of
the center cross member) of raising cords. Each of the balanced set
of raising cords engages the center cross member by engaging the
vertical extending center support attached thereto. Multiple cords
controlled through loops or pulleys are then distributed through
the framework and attach to the bottom edge of the cover. In one
embodiment the cords attach to piping, forming the lower peripheral
edge as embodied in the figures. In one embodiment, there is at
least one raising cord attached to the short edge of the bottom
edge of the cover and at least four cords attached on each of the
long sides with two on each side positioned on opposite sides of
the middle cross member, once again evenly positioned so not to
coast the bottom peripheral edge to list in any direction, and thus
raise and lower evenly during shaft rotation and cord winding of
the invention.
[0030] As the shaft rotates one way, the bottom edge is raised and
rotation in the other direction lowers the bottom edge. In the
lowered position, the cover will be extended and extend over a boat
positioned under the frame. As can be seen from this design, the
entire framework remains balanced, and thus, operates more smoothly
with less operational problems than a multi-cord system wrapped
around a rotatable shaft.
[0031] The construction of the frame by use of piping and the like
is within the skill of the art. Cords and other cabling suitable
for use in the invention can be balanced in selection with the
weight of the cover size and the like. In general the construction
of each piece is clear from the description and as aided by the
drawings herein.
[0032] Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of the present invention with the boat cover removed for easy
viewing. The present invention consists of the rectangular
framework 1 having short sides 2 and long sides 3. In this
embodiment the frame is made of piping and assembled with
connectors 4 for ease of packing and assembly and for the ability
to adjust size by connecting different lengths of piping.
[0033] The frame 1 has a center cross member 7 which is positioned
in the center of the frame 1 across the short side. It can be seen
in essentially dead center position, and thus, with the rectangular
construction and centered cross member balanced. Also, additional
middle cross members 11 and 12 are positioned one on each side of
the center cross member 7. They could be positioned equal distance
from the center cross member 7 and each of the short ends 2 as long
as each middle cross member 11 and 12 are the same distance from
the center cross member 7, then the unit remains balanced.
[0034] Attached to the center point of each of the cross members 7,
11, and 12 are vertical extending center supports 15a, 15b, and
15c. Longitudinal center frame member 20 connects the opposite
short ends 2 and the tops of each of the vertical extending center
supports 15a, 15b and 15c. The framework 1 can be hung during use
to a beam support 22 if desired, but also the long edges can just
be lashed to four or more pillars at the pier during use. In
general, any fixed point that stably attaches the framework over
the boat at the pier will be sufficient.
[0035] The entire raising and lowering mechanism consists of
several parts. The rotatable shaft 25 is shown positioned right
next to or just under the center cross member 7 in a manner that
keeps the frame balanced. The rotatable shaft 25 is rotated by
motor 26. Once again, in the construction of the present invention
is such that choice of positioning is to keep the invention
balanced. Singular winding cord 30 is attached to the rotatable
shaft 25. The other end is connected to a pair of distance cables
32a and 32b at pulley 33. The length of the distance cables will
depend on the distance between the middle cross members. The
distance cables are each attached to a plurality of lifting cables
35a and 35b through link 36. Each of the pulling cords 35a and 35b
are guided by pulleys 37 though other guiding means may be used and
is within the skill of the art. The pulling cords are then attached
to bottom peripheral edge 40 of the cover. As the rotatable shaft
is rotated in one direction, it pulls on the distance cables and on
the pulling cables and raises the peripheral edge and rotation of
the shaft in the opposite direction lowers the edge (and of course
the cover).
[0036] FIG. 2 is a close-up of the vertical extending center
support 15a showing running cords 35a (steel cords) running through
pulleys 45 attached to eyelets 46. This embodiment of the present
invention allows cords to travel smoothly during the raising and
lowering operation.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows how link 36 is utilized to attach pulling
cables 35a to a similar system that is utilized for link 33 and
this figure demonstrates such method of attachment.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows the boat cover 50 over the device of the
present invention in the down or covered position. The top of the
cover 52 is positioned on the frame and in this version is resting
by gravity but a physical attachment could be made as well. FIG. 5
shows when the rotatable shaft has lifted the peripheral edge, and
thus, lifted the cover 50.
[0039] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention
pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiments
employing principles of the present invention without departing
from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering
the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are
to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not
restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore,
indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention
has been described with reference to particular embodiments,
modifications of structure, sequence, materials, and the like,
apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of
the invention as claimed by the applicant.
* * * * *