U.S. patent application number 17/117951 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for stowable bimini top.
The applicant listed for this patent is Commercial Sewing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian DeLisle, Joseph Hamilton, III, Timothy Hamilton, Michael Hissong, David Mazzarelli, Gregory Perosino.
Application Number | 20210094655 17/117951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005264253 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210094655 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perosino; Gregory ; et
al. |
April 1, 2021 |
STOWABLE BIMINI TOP
Abstract
A swing arm for a stowable bimini frame associable with a tower
structure of watercraft is provided including a body associated
with the bimini frame. The body is rotatable relative to the tower
structure between a first position and a second position. An
engagement mechanism selectively engages the body to retain the
body in at least one of the first position and the second
position.
Inventors: |
Perosino; Gregory;
(Torrington, CT) ; Hamilton, III; Joseph;
(Sweetwater, TN) ; Hamilton; Timothy; (Lenoir
City, TN) ; Mazzarelli; David; (Torrington, CT)
; Hissong; Michael; (Torrington, CT) ; DeLisle;
Brian; (Barkhamsted, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Commercial Sewing, Inc. |
Torrington |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005264253 |
Appl. No.: |
17/117951 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16389518 |
Apr 19, 2019 |
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17117951 |
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15820122 |
Nov 21, 2017 |
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16389518 |
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15080832 |
Mar 25, 2016 |
9855998 |
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15820122 |
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62188079 |
Jul 2, 2015 |
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62109449 |
Jan 29, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20060101
B63B017/02 |
Claims
1. A swing arm for a stowable bimini frame associable with a tower
structure of a watercraft, the swing arm comprising: a body coupled
to the bimini frame, the body being rotatable relative to an
exposed surface of the tower structure between a first position and
a second position; and an engagement mechanism for selectively
engaging the body to retain the body in at least one of the first
position and the second position; wherein the body includes a first
connector and a second connector, wherein when the body is in the
first position, the engagement mechanism engages the first
connector and when the body is in the second position, the
engagement mechanism engages the second connector.
2. The swing arm according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a
first connector and a second connector, wherein when the body is in
the first position, the engagement mechanism engages the first
connector and when the body is in the second position, the
engagement mechanism engages the second connector.
3. The swing arm according to claim 1, wherein the first connector
and the second connector are substantially identical.
4. A stowable bimini top associable with a tower structure of a
watercraft, the bimini frame comprising: a first frame portion; a
second frame portion; a hinge associating said first portion and
said second portion, said second portion being foldable in a
direction of said first portion via rotation about said hinge,
wherein the bimini frame is rotatably coupled to an exposed surface
of the tower structure between a first position and a second
position, the bimini frame being coupled to the tower structure
adjacent a distal end of the tower structure.
5. The stowable bimini top according to claim 4, further comprising
a swing arm connected to at least one of the first frame portion
and the second frame portion, the swing arm being rotatably mounted
to the tower structure.
6. The stowable bimini top according to claim 5, further comprising
an engagement mechanism that selectively engages the swing arm to
retain the bimini frame in one of the first position and the second
position.
7. The stowable bimini top according to claim 6, wherein the swing
arm includes a first connector and a second connector, wherein when
the bimini frame is in the first position, the engagement mechanism
engages the first connector and when the bimini frame is in the
second position, the engagement mechanism engages the second
connector.
8. The bimini frame according to claim 6, wherein the engagement
mechanism is configured to releasably lock the swing arm when the
bimini frame is in first position and the second position.
9. The bimini frame according to claim 4, wherein when the bimini
frame is in the first position relative to the tower structure, the
bimini frame is in one of an open configuration, folded
configuration, or a first stowed configuration.
10. The bimini frame according to claim 9, wherein when the bimini
frame is in the second position, the bimini frame is in a second
stowed configuration, offset from horizontal.
11. The bimini frame according to claim 10, wherein in the second
position, the bimini frame is arranged generally parallel to the
tower structure.
12. The bimini frame according to claim 5, wherein the first frame
portion is arranged in sliding association with said swing arm via
at least one frame association structure.
13. The bimini frame of claim 12, wherein said sliding association
allows said bimini frame to be configured between a folded
position, wherein a front end of said bimini frame is spaced from
said tower structure and a stowed position, wherein said front end
of said bimini frame is disposed adjacent said tower structure via
a sliding of the bimini frame relative to said frame
association.
14. The bimini frame of claim 4, wherein at least one of said first
frame portion and said second frame portion are configured for
attachment of a cover extending across at least one of said first
frame portion and said second frame portion.
15. A bimini top system for a watercraft, the system comprising: a
tower structure extending the watercraft; and a stowable frame
including a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the
stowable frame being coupled to an exposed surface of the tower
structure adjacent a distal end of the tower structure such that
the stowable frame is rotatable relative to the tower structure
between a first position and a second position.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the stowable frame is
mounted to the tower structure via a swing arm.
17. The system according to claim 16, further comprising: an
engagement mechanism configured to cooperate with the stowable
frame to releasably lock the stowable frame one of the first
position and the second position.
18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the swing arm
includes a first connector and a second connector, and when the
stowable frame is in the first position, the first connector is
operably coupled to the engagement mechanism and when the stowable
frame is in the second position, the second connector is operably
coupled to the engagement mechanism.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the engagement
mechanism is a fastener and the first connector and the second
connector are substantially identical slots formed in a first side
of the arm.
20. The system according to claim 18, wherein the engagement
mechanism is a spring pin.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/389,518 filed Apr. 19, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/820,122, filed Nov. 21, 2017, which is a
continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
15/080,832, filed Mar. 25, 2016, which is related to and claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/109,449
filed on Jan. 29, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 62/188,079 filed on Jul. 2, 2015, the entire contents of which
are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to a bimini top, and more
particularly to a stowable bimini top.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Stowing a bimini top for a tower structure that is
associable with a watercraft can be difficult and inefficient from
with respect to both time required and available storage space.
Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a bimini top that can be
easily and efficiently stowed.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one embodiment of the invention, a swing arm
for a stowable bimini frame associable with a tower structure of
watercraft is provided including a body associated with the bimini
frame. The body is rotatable relative to the tower structure
between a first position and a second position. An engagement
mechanism selectively engages the body to retain the body in at
least one of the first position and the second position.
[0005] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a
stowable bimini top associable with a tower structure of a
watercraft is provided including a first frame portion and a second
frame portion. A hinge associates the first portion and the second
portion. The bimini frame is configured to rotate relative to the
tower structure between a first position and a second position.
[0006] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a
bimini top system for a watercraft is provided including a tower
structure extruding from the watercraft. A stowable frame includes
a first frame portion and a second frame portion. The stowable
frame is configured to rotate relative to the tower structure
between a first position and a second position.
[0007] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a
method of stowing a bimini top mounted to a tower structure of a
watercraft is provided including unlocking the bimini top from a
first position and rotated the bimini top from the first position
to a second position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of schematic bimini frame in an
open position according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic partial and exploded view of a hinge
and slide area of the frame shown in FIG. 1, as well as a portion
of a tower structure of a watercraft, according to an embodiment of
the invention;
[0010] FIGS. 3-9 are various partial and full perspective views of
a bimini top shown in positions intermediate to the open position
shown in FIG. 1 and a stowed position, according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bimini in a stowed
position according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 11 is an enlarged end view of the slide piece shown in
FIG. 1 as configured in a first, unlocked configuration according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 12 is an enlarged end view of the slide piece shown in
FIG. 1 as configured in a second, locked configuration according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a watercraft having a
bimini top system in an open configuration according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 14 is a side view of a rotation assembly of a bimini
top system in an open position according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a rotation assembly of a
bimini top system in a folded position according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 16 is a side view of a rotation assembly of a bimini
top system in a stowed positon according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 17 is a detailed view of a rotation assembly of a
bimini top system according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a bimini top system in a
position intermediate to the folded position and another stowed
position according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 19 is a side view of a watercraft having a bimini top
system in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 20 is a side view of a watercraft having both a tower
structure and a bimini top system arranged in a stowed
configuration according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0022] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of another rotation
assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 22 is an alternate exploded perspective view of the
rotation assembly of FIG. 21 according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the assembly rotation
assembly of FIGS. 21 and 22 according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 24 is a side view of a watercraft having both a tower
structure and a bimini top system arranged in a stowed
configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of another rotation
assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 26 is an alternate exploded perspective view of the
rotation assembly of FIG. 25 according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the assembly rotation
assembly of FIGS. 25 and 26 according to another embodiment of the
invention; and
[0029] FIG. 28 is a side view of a watercraft having both a tower
structure and a bimini top system arranged in a stowed
configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Referring now to the FIGS., an example of a bimini frame 10
that may fold and slide in a manner that allows a bimini top to be
stowed against a tower/arch type structure mounted on any desirable
style of watercraft 6, including, but not limited to a sport, ski,
wakeboard, fishing, or other watercraft for example, is
illustrated. As is best shown in FIG. 2, the frame 10 includes a
hinge 12, slide piece 14, and cam locking device 16. These elements
of the frame 10 allow the frame 10 to fold, slide, and lock in the
manner alluded to above and discussed in greater detail below.
Along with the frame 10, these elements may be made of any
desirable material, such as but not limited to various metals and
hard plastics. In addition, the frame 10 is typically equipped with
a cover portion 17 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), such as formed from a
canvas, plastic, or other suitable material for example, stretched
around and across the bars of the frame 10 and secured via affixing
mechanisms, including, but not limited to Velcro, snaps, and ties
for example.
[0031] An example of the slide piece 14 is shown in the embodiment
of FIG. 2. The illustrated slide piece 14 includes a slide piece
body portion 15, which may be affixed to a portion of the boat
tower structure, such as a handle 18 for example, at affixing
surface 19 via any association means such as but not limited to
mechanical fasteners 21. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,
the body portion 15 is not directly affixed to the handle portion
18, as spacer 23 is disposed between the affixable surfaces of the
handle 18 and the slide piece 14 to create a clearance there
between. Of course, embodiments wherein the surface 19 of the slide
piece 14 is directly affixed to the handle 18 and embodiments
wherein some or all of the handle 18, slide piece 14, and/or spacer
23 elements are of unitary construction with each other are also
within the scope of the invention.
[0032] As shown in the FIGS., the frame 10 includes a relatively
front portion 22 and a relatively rear portion 30, defined by the
hinge 12. The front portion 22 of the frame 10 is associated with
the slide piece 14 via frame association structures or slide parts
24. These slide parts 24 may be affixed to the body 15 of the slide
piece 14 via any association means such as but not limited to
mechanical fasteners, welding, and unitary construction. In use,
the slide parts 24 of the piece 14 may be covered with a protective
cover of similar material to the piece 14. When the frame 10 of the
bimini top is in an open position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the
cams 16 are locked so as to prevent the front portion 22 (and frame
10 in general) from sliding relative to the slide piece 14 and the
tower structure 20 to which the slide piece 14 is affixed. In
addition, when the bimini top is in the open position, the cover
portion 17 thereof, if supported not only by the front portion 22
and the rear portion 30 of the frame, but also by the free end of
the tower structure 20 which is configured to keep the material of
the cover portion 17 taut. The front portion 22 and back portion 30
of the frame 10 may also be locked in this open position at the
hinge 12.
[0033] As is best shown in FIG. 4, which illustrates an upper
portion of a bimini top system 8 (including the frame 10 and a
portion of the tower structure 20 mounted to and extending from a
deck or other surface of a watercraft 6), the back portion 30 of
the frame 10 may be moved towards a folded (and eventually stowed)
position by folding the frame 10 at hinge 12. This is achieved by
disengaging rear legs 32 from the tower structure 20 and folding
the back portion 30 of the frame 10 (which is fully locked against
sliding in a forward position by the cams 16) upwards and onto the
front portion 22. As is best shown in FIGS. 5-7, the front and back
portions 22, 30 of the frame 10 may then be clipped together via
clips 34, and the back legs 32 may be stored under Velcro
flaps.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the fully folded frame 10
(which remains locked against sliding via cams 16 in FIG. 8 is
positioned for sliding into a first stowed position. This first
stowed position is shown in FIG. 10, wherein the folded front and
back portions of the frame 10 are slid backwards from the folded
position of FIG. 9 to the first stowed position. This sliding
occurs by first unlocking the cams 16, and then sliding the front
portion 22 of the frame 20 backwards through the slide parts 24. As
the slide parts 24 are in a fixed position relative to the tower
structure 20 (via the affixing of the slide piece 14 to the tower
20), the sliding of the front portion 22 moves the frame 10
backward relative to the tower structure 20, and into the folded,
slid, and first stowed position shown in FIG. 10. The cams 16 are
then again locked to prevent the frame 10 from sliding out of the
first stowed position.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the
slide piece 14 and cam 16 is shown. In FIG. 11, the slide piece 14
and cam 16 are shown in an unlocked configuration. In this unlocked
configuration, a clearance is present between the front portion 22
of the frame 10 and the innermost walls of the slide piece 14. In
one embodiment, this clearance is at least 3/8 of an inch on either
lateral side of the frame bar.
[0036] In FIG. 12, the slide piece 14 and cam 16 are shown in a
locked configuration. In this locked configuration, the cam 16 is
positioned in a manner that biases the frame bar towards and into
contact with one of the walls (the wall away from slide piece
connection with the handle 18 in the embodiment of FIG. 12),
causing the bar to traverse and close the clearance that is present
on one side of the bar when in the open position of FIG. 11. The
bias caused by the above discussed locking (or any other desirable
locking mechanism) is designed to hold the frame 10 in position
while traveling at any acceptable speeds of highway or water
transportation.
[0037] While the front and back portions of the frame 10 are shown
to be "U" shaped in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, it should
be appreciated that the frame 10 may include any shape conducive to
use with any known tower configuration. In addition, though the
sliding of the frame 10 is shown to occur through the slide parts
24 in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 2-10, it should be
appreciated that this sliding may occur via any known mechanical
mechanism, such as but not limited to telescoping portions and
additional hinges.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 13-27, the bimini top is additionally
configured to rotate relative to the tower structure 20 to provide
enhanced storage capability. An assembly 40 to provide said
rotation generally includes swing arm 42 operably coupled to the
slide piece 14 and to a portion of the tower structure 20, such as
a side surface thereof, adjacent the handle for example. The swing
arm 42 is pivotable about an axis defined by a pin P to move the
bimini top and frame 10 between an extended first position (FIG.
15), and a rotated second position (FIG. 19).
[0039] An engagement mechanism 60 is configured to cooperate with
the swing arm 42 to limit movement of the swing arm 42 from at
least one of the first position and the second position. As shown,
the swing arm 42 may include a first connector 48 and/or a second
connector 50, generally complementary to the engagement mechanism
60. In one embodiment, the engagement mechanism 60 is configured to
engage the first connector 48 when the swing arm 42 is in the first
position and the second connector 50 when the swing arm 42 is in
the second position such that the engagement mechanism 60 is
selectively retains the swing arm 42 in each of the first position
and the second position, respectively. The engagement mechanism 60
may be a fastener, as shown in FIGS. 13-20, or a spring pin, as
shown in FIGS. 21-28. However, various other engagement mechanisms,
such as a latch, stanchion, marine hardware or strap for example,
are also within the scope of the disclosure.
[0040] Referring now to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 13-20, a first configuration of the assembly 40 is
illustrated in more detail. As shown, the affixing surface 19 of
the slide piece body 14 is directly attached to a portion of the
swing arm 42, such as adjacent an end 46 thereof. The first
connector 48 and the second connector 50 may be formed in generally
the same side of the swing arm 42, adjacent opposite ends 44, 46 of
the arm 42, respectively. The first connector 48 may include an
elongated first slot formed near end 46 and the second connector 50
may include an elongated second slot formed near the end 44. The
first connector 48 and the second connector 50 may, but need not
be, substantially identical in size and shape.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement mechanism 60
is a fastener threadably connected to the tower structure 20 and
slidably received within the first and second connectors 48, 50. In
such instances, a head of the fastener 60 is larger than the first
and second connector 48, 50 such that by tightening the fastener,
the swing arm 42 is compressed against the tower structure 20,
thereby preventing rotation of the arm 42.
[0042] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 21-24, the swing
arm 42 is connected to the tower structure 20 via a mounting
bracket 54. The swing arm 42 includes a first end 44 and an
elongated portion 56 arranged adjacent a second end 46 such that
the first end 44 and the second end 46 are at an angle to one
another. The slide piece 14 may be integrally formed with the
elongated portion 56 of the swing arm 42. As shown, the elongated
portion 56 of the swing arm 42 includes a plurality of openings
configured to receive one or more frame association structures 24
such that the frame 10 is limited to sliding movement relative to
the swing arm 42. As previously described, a first connector 48 and
a second connector 50 are formed in the swing arm 42. In one
embodiment, the swing arm 42 additionally includes a protrusion 58
configured to contact a portion of the mounting bracket 54 to
restrict rotation of the swing arm 42 relative to the mounting
bracket 54 in a first direction beyond the first, generally
horizontal position.
[0043] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the engagement
mechanism 60 includes a spring-loaded pin and is connected to a
portion of the mounting bracket 54 adjacent an end 44 of the swing
arm 42. In such embodiments, the engagement mechanism 60 is biased
into engagement with one of the first connector 48 and the second
connector 50. As a result, the swing arm 42 is retained in either
the first or second position until being manually released from the
engagement mechanism 60, such as by applying a force in a direction
opposing the biasing force thereof.
[0044] With reference now to FIGS. 25-28, in yet another
embodiment, the swing arm 42 coupled to the mounting bracket 54 has
a generally linear configuration. A first end 44 of the swing arm
42 is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 54, such as with
a bumper bolt P for example. As shown, the swing arm 42 is
configured to function as the slide piece body 14 and receive one
or more frame association structures 24 such that the frame 10 is
slidably coupled to the swing arm 42. In the illustrated,
non-limiting embodiment, a connecting plate 57 having the first
connector 48 and second connector 50 formed therein is mounted to a
portion of the swing arm 42, opposite the frame association
structures 24. However, in other embodiments, the connecting plate
57 may be integrally formed with the swing arm 42.
[0045] Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 21-24, the engagement
mechanism 60 includes a spring-loaded pin and is connected to a
portion of the mounting bracket 54 adjacent the connecting plate
57. In such embodiments, the engagement mechanism 60 is biased into
engagement with one of the first connector 48 and the second
connector 50. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a curved
or arcuate slot 62 is formed in the side of the swing arm 42 facing
the mounting bracket 54. A pin (not shown) extending from the
mounting bracket 54 is received within the slot 62 and is
configured to limit rotation of the swing arm 42 relative to the
mounting bracket 54, and therefore the tower structure 20.
[0046] With reference to all of the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 13-28, when the swing arm 42 is in the first position, the
engagement mechanism 60 is in contact with the first connector 48.
In the first position, the frame 10 is oriented generally
horizontally and may be arranged in any one of an open position,
folded position, or first stowed position. When the swing arm 42 is
in the second position, the engagement mechanism 60 is in contact
with the second connector 50 and the frame 10 is rotated relative
to horizontal.
[0047] Referring again to FIGS. 14-17, the fully folded frame 10,
(which remains locked against sliding via cams 16) is positioned
for rotating to a second stowed position. In the illustrated,
non-limiting embodiment, a boot or other case 64 is positioned
about the front end 11 of the folded frame 10 and is configured to
neatly store the cover portion 17 attached to the frame 10. The
frame 10 is moved to the second stowed position by rotating the
swing arm 42 from the first position to the second position. This
rotating occurs by first unlocking the swing arm 42 from the
engagement mechanism 60 and then by pivoting the swing arm 42 from
the first position to the second position. Once the swing arm 42 is
in the second position, the engagement mechanism 60 is locked to
the swing arm 42, such as by tightening the mechanism 60 against
the swing arm 42 for example, to prevent the frame 10 from rotating
out of the second stowed positon.
[0048] The configuration of the assembly 40 may be selected based
on the configuration of the tower structure 20 of the watercraft 6.
In embodiments having a tower structure 20 as shown in FIGS. 13-24,
the swing arm 40 is configured to rotate to a second positon where
the frame 10 extends towards the watercraft 6 in an orientation
generally parallel to the tower structure 20. In the illustrated,
non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 19, when the swing arm 42 is in the
second position, a front end 11 of the frame 10 is arranged in
contact with the tower structure 20, such as near an interface
between the tower structure 20 and the watercraft 6. As is
illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 24, the tower structure 20 may be
configured to pivot or rotate relative to a portion of the
watercraft 6, such as a deck thereof for example, for storage. By
arranging the frame 10 in the second stowed position, parallel to
the tower structure 20, the bimini top system 8 may be easily
stowed with the tower structure 20, thus eliminating the need to
remove the bimini top system 8 from the watercraft 6.
[0049] In other embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 25-28,
the clearance between the tower structure 20 and a windshield of
the watercraft 6 is limited. As a result, the frame 10 and swing
arm 42 may be configured to rotate in an opposite direction
relative to the mounting bracket 54. As shown, the swing arm 42 is
configured to rotate clockwise about pin P between the first
position and the second position. As a result, when the tower
structure 20 is rotated to a storage position, the bimini top
system 8, in the second position, is arranged generally
horizontally and may extend over the windshield of the watercraft
6.
[0050] It should be noted that though portions 22, 30 of the frame
10 are referred to as "front" and "back" respectively, these
qualifiers are merely provided for descriptive purposes. In fact,
the portions may be positioned in any desirable orientation
relative to a front or back of a watercraft 6 on which the frame is
mounted.
[0051] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0052] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0053] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *