Abstract: A hinge can be used between two structures to allow the structures to be quickly and easily folded and unfolded. The hinge has a first portion connected to a structure and a second portion connected to a structure. The first and second portions are also connected to one another. A latch is connected to one of the portions. The latch is biased towards a locked position such that when the hinge is unfolded, the hinge is prevented from being folded.

Abstract: A frame for a top of a boat in accordance with the present invention can be moved into an deployed position with the aid of a biasing member such that the manual effort required is minimized. When the frame is in the deployed position a locking member may be engaged to hold the frame and top in the deployed position. When the locking member is disengaged, the frame may be manually collapsed into a stowed position in a controlled and safe manner.

Abstract: An attachment for attaching an accessory to a structure such as a vehicle or boat through a rail having a track. The attachment has at least one welt that is shaped and/or sized to fit within the facial opening of the track when no tensile force is exerted on the attachment and with retained within the track when tensile force is exerted on the attachment.

Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag includes an outer panel having a forward portion that defines a forward edge, a rearward portion that defines a rearward edge, and a side portion that defines a lower edge. The outer panel includes an inner surface. The inner panel is received by the outer panel and includes a back wall and a bottom wall. The back and bottom walls define an engagement surface that engages the inner surface of the outer panel and extends along and engages the forward portion, the side portion, and the rearward portion. When the saddlebag is attached to the motorcycle, the forward and rearward edges are positioned nearer a rear fender portion than the back wall and the engagement surface, and the lower edge is positioned below the bottom wall and the engagement surface. The lid is pivotally coupled to either of the outer panel and the inner panel.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle, such as a boat, including a ratchet and straps. The straps are connected to a plate for evenly distributing the load placed on the straps when the straps are tightened by the ratchet. The straps, when tightened, provide form to the cover such that water will run off the cover.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism is used to quickly and easily attach or detach an accessory or piece of equipment to or from an existing structure. The attachment mechanism generally has a slot to receive a structure, a retention member to hold the structure in place when it is desired to have the mechanism attached to the structure and a release mechanism to release the structure when it is desired to release the mechanism from the structure.

Abstract: A resilient clip can be used for covers for equipment. The resilient clip has a portion that can be inserted into a channel on the equipment, a portion that can be attached to a cover, and a portion that can be used to remove the clip from the channel.

Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag includes an outer panel having a forward portion that defines a forward edge, a rearward portion that defines a rearward edge, and a side portion that defines a lower edge. The outer panel includes an inner surface. The inner panel is received by the outer panel and includes a back wall and a bottom wall. The back and bottom walls define an engagement surface that engages the inner surface of the outer panel and extends along and engages the forward portion, the side portion, and the rearward portion. When the saddlebag is attached to the motorcycle, the forward and rearward edges are positioned nearer a rear fender portion than the back wall and the engagement surface, and the lower edge is positioned below the bottom wall and the engagement surface. The lid is pivotally coupled to either of the outer panel and the inner panel.

Abstract: A quick-release swivel fork assembly for pivotably supporting a remote member. The quick-release swivel fork assembly includes a first portion, a body portion releasably coupled to the first portion, a pin supported by the body portion, and a latch member coupled to the body portion. The body portion is rotatable relative to the first portion about a first axis, while separation along the first axis is prevented. The pin defines a second axis for rotatably mounting the remote member. The latch member is biased to a first position in which the latch member blocks separation of the body portion from the first portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The latch member is operable to selectively enable separation of the body portion from the first portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag includes an outer panel having a forward portion that defines a forward edge, a rearward portion that defines a rearward edge, and a side portion that defines a lower edge. The outer panel includes an inner surface. The inner panel is received by the outer panel and includes a back wall and a bottom wall. The back and bottom walls define an engagement surface that engages the inner surface of the outer panel and extends along and engages the forward portion, the side portion, and the rearward portion. When the saddlebag is attached to the motorcycle, the forward and rearward edges are positioned nearer a rear fender portion than the back wall and the engagement surface, and the lower edge is positioned below the bottom wall and the engagement surface. The lid is pivotally coupled to either of the outer panel and the inner panel.

Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag is formed of a plurality of panels. The saddlebag includes an outer panel, an inner panel, a lid, and a hinge. Some embodiments may also include a bottom panel. The lid is coupled to the outer panel by the hinge. The inner panel includes flanges extending around at least some of its perimeter edges. The outer panel is generally U-shaped shaped and receives the inner panel such that the flanges engage inner surfaces of the outer panel. The flanges are joined to the inner surfaces of the outer panel such that the outer and inner panel (and, in some embodiments, a bottom panel) cooperate to define a storage chamber. In some embodiments, portions of the outer panel extend beyond the inner panel and may be trimmed after bonding of the inner and outer panels to customize an inner contour of the saddlebag for different motorcycle applications.

Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag is formed of a plurality of panels. The saddlebag includes an outer panel, an inner panel, a lid, and a hinge. Some embodiments may also include a bottom panel. The lid is coupled to the outer panel by the hinge. The inner panel includes flanges extending around at least some of its perimeter edges. The outer panel is generally C-shaped shaped and receives the inner panel such that the flanges engage inner surfaces of the outer panel. The flanges are joined to the inner surfaces of the outer panel such that the outer and inner panel (and, in some embodiments, the bottom panel) cooperate to define a storage chamber. In some embodiments, portions of the outer panel extend beyond the inner panel and may be trimmed after bonding of the inner and outer panels to customize an inner contour of the saddlebag for different motorcycle applications.

Abstract: A retractable bimini top movable between stowed and deployed orientations includes a frame including a first bow and a second bow movable relative to the first bow. The retractable bimini top further includes a cover positioned over at least a portion of each of the first and second bows and a first elastic cord having a first end coupled to the first bow and a second end coupled to the second bow such that the first elastic cord is under tension at least when the retractable bimini top is in the deployed orientation. The first elastic cord has an allowable percent elongation of at least 200 percent.

Abstract: A vented transport cover is disclosed for use in protecting vehicles, cargo and other objects during transport. The vented transport cover includes at least one venting member secured within the cover. Each venting member includes a downwardly extending, recessed body portion having an exhaust aperture oriented at the front of the venting member. The venting member includes an upwardly extending air diffuser that disrupts the oncoming stream of air during transport of the object. The air diffuser stabilizes the vent by preventing the vent from flapping during travel. Due to the recessed nature of the exhaust aperture, the air pressure at the exhaust aperture is less than that of the high speed airstream passing over the covered object. Negative pressure at the exhaust aperture induces exhaustion of air from within the cover and causes the cover to conform closely to the surface of the covered object.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a protective cover incorporating a battery operated alarm unit contained within a pocket that is attached to the inner surface of the cover. A cable contained within the cover removably connects a switch actuating plunger of the alarm unit to the vehicle for operating a switch to activate the alarm unit, producing an audible alarm in the event an intruder attempts to remove the cover from the vehicle.