Abstract: A cover system for a boat includes a bimini frame securable to the boat and displaceable among an open position, a storage position, and a cover position. A flexible top is coupled with the bimini frame, and a cover is positionable over the bimini frame with the bimini frame in the cover position. The bimini frame thus functions as a support structure for a mooring or trailering cover. With the described bimini frame, one cover size can fit multiple seating and deck configurations without the need for a separate cover design for the various configurations.

Abstract: A self-supporting bimini top frame is independently supportable on four contact points. A main bow defines a first support member for a bimini top connectable to the bimini top frame. The main bow defines first and second contact points. A pair of stanchions are pivotably connected to the main bow and define third and fourth contact points. A primary tension bow is pivotably and slidably connected to the main bow and defines a second support member for the bimini top. A bimini top may also be secured on the bimini top frame.

Abstract: A retractable roof includes a pair of tracks oriented lengthwise along opposite sides of an opening, a plurality of traveler cars displaceable on the tracks manually or by motor, and a plurality of bows coupled with the traveler cars and extending between the tracks and across the opening. The bows are displaceable with the traveler cars between a closed position and an opened position. A roof material sized to cover the opening is secured to the bows.

Abstract: A tubing member includes an outer periphery delimiting a tubing interior and a slot opening therein. A channel is positioned adjacent the slot opening in the tubing interior and is integral with the outer periphery. The channel is accessible via the slot opening.

Abstract: A portable boat enclosure includes a plurality of separable panels formed of a lightweight material and a storage bag. The panels are connectable into a boat enclosure, and the panels are sized and shaped to be overlaid, folded and rolled to fit in the storage bag.

Abstract: A portable boat enclosure includes a plurality of separable panels formed of a lightweight material and a storage bag. The panels are connectable into a boat enclosure, and the panels are sized and shaped to be overlaid, folded and rolled to fit in the storage bag.

Abstract: A multi-piece hinge pivotably connects a top member and a bottom member. The hinge includes an upper hinge member securable to the top member, a lower hinge member securable to the bottom member and fixable in a frame, a hinge cover secured between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member, and a spring element acting between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member. The upper hinge member is pivotable relative to the lower hinge member across a pivot range between a closed position and an open position. The pivot range is limited by a stop assembly. In the closed position, the spring element is positioned to bias the upper hinge member toward the closed position, and in the open position, the spring member is displaced over center to bias the upper hinge member toward the open position.

Abstract: A multi-piece hinge pivotably connects a top member and a bottom member. The hinge includes an upper hinge member securable to the top member, a lower hinge member securable to the bottom member and fixable in a frame, a hinge cover secured between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member, and a spring element acting between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member. The upper hinge member is pivotable relative to the lower hinge member across a pivot range between a closed position and an open position. The pivot range is limited by a stop assembly. In the closed position, the spring element is positioned to bias the upper hinge member toward the closed position, and in the open position, the spring member is displaced over center to bias the upper hinge member toward the open position.

Abstract: An enclosure is removably securable to a support member including a first part of a releasable fastener. The enclosure includes a panel of material sized to enclose the support member. A flexible flap is affixed to the panel, and a second part of the releasable fastener is affixed to the flexible flap. The second part of the releasable fastener is positioned for engagement with the first part when the panel encloses the support member. By affixing the second part of the releasable fastener to the flexible flap, the position of the fastener is adjustable to accommodate panel shrinkage, manufacturing tolerances and the like.

Abstract: A windshield assembly includes a windshield frame constructed to support a windshield. A plurality of couplers are secured to the windshield frame, and a tower frame for a wakeboard tow rope or cable attachment, radar arch or the like is connected to the windshield frame via the couplers. In one arrangement, the couplers are connected to the wing sections of the windshield frame, and the tower frame extends between the wing sections and above an area defined between the wing sections. The integrated tower frame and windshield simplifies installation for the boat manufacturer while accommodating many varieties of tower and windshield configurations.

Abstract: A three-piece hinge supports a two-panel window assembly in a frame. The hinge includes a base member securable to the frame, a first pivot member pivotably coupled with the base member at a first pivot joint, and a second pivot member pivotably coupled with the base member at a second pivot joint spaced from the first pivot joint. The first and second pivot members each have a glass channel for supporting a panel of the two-panel window assembly. In one arrangement, an insert is secured in a pivoting path of the second pivot member to thereby limit a pivot range of the second pivot member. The hinge eliminates the significant machining time required for prior hinge designs, thereby resulting in a simpler less expensive hinge.

Abstract: A multi-piece bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a boat windshield on a surface such as a boat hull. The trim member includes a base member securable to the surface and including a supporting leg, and an upper member including a base member receiving channel that is shaped to receive the supporting leg of the base member. The upper member is positionable relative to the base member to accommodate varying angles of the curved sheet.

Abstract: A bottom trim member attaches a curved sheet to a surface. The bottom trim member includes a connecting part having a sheet receiving component that is configured to receive a bottom portion of the curved sheet, and a connecting leg extending in a downward direction relative to the curved sheet. A seal and cover member is attachable between the connecting leg and the surface and surrounding the connecting leg. With this construction, the seal and cover member serves to provide a moisture seal between the bottom trim member and the surface on which the trim member is mounted and serves to cover an area through which a fastening member can be placed to fix the trim member to the surface.

Abstract: A convertible boat top provides a covered area to protect the occupants from environmental concerns such as sun, rain, etc. The convertible top is easily deployed and can be unobtrusively tucked away into a storage area. The top can be provided as original equipment or may be embodied as a kit to adapt an existing boat.

Abstract: A windshield assembly includes a windshield frame constructed to support a windshield. A plurality of couplers are secured to the windshield frame, and a tower frame for a wakeboard tow rope or cable attachment, radar arch or the like is connected to the windshield frame via the couplers. In one arrangement, the couplers are connected to the wing sections of the windshield frame, and the tower frame extends between the wing sections and above an area defined between the wing sections. The integrated tower frame and windshield simplifies installation for the boat manufacturer while accommodating many varieties of tower and windshield configurations.

Abstract: A multi-piece bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a boat windshield on a surface such as a boat hull. The trim member includes a base member securable to the surface and including a supporting leg, and an upper member including a base member receiving channel that is shaped to receive the supporting leg of the base member.

Abstract: A bottom trim member attaches a curved sheet to a surface. The bottom trim member includes a connecting part having a sheet receiving component that is configured to receive a bottom portion of the curved sheet, and a connecting leg extending in a downward direction relative to the curved sheet. A seal and cover member is attachable between the connecting leg and the surface and surrounding the connecting leg. With this construction, the seal and cover member serves to provide a moisture seal between the bottom trim member and the surface on which the trim member is mounted and serves to cover an area through which a fastening member can be placed to fix the trim member to the surface.