Bimini top assembly

Abstract

A bimini top assembly for providing a partial cover for the operators of a vehicle. The bimini top assembly generally includes a tower connectable to the vehicle. The assembly further provides at least one support member, a plurality of adjustment assemblies having a connector assembly attached to the tower and an eye-end connected to the at least one support member, and a bimini top attached to the at least one support member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a bimini top assembly for a vehicle. An exemplary assembly according to the invention comprises a tower connectable to the vehicle. The bimini top assembly further includes a plurality of adjustment assemblies connected to the tower. Each of the adjustment assemblies comprising a connector assembly attached to the tower and an eye-end which can be selectively positioned relative to the connector assembly. Finally, the bimini top assembly includes at least one support member supported by each of the adjustment assemblies via the eye-ends thereof and a bimini top supported by the at least one support member.

The invention also provides a method of making a bimini top assembly on a vehicle, comprising the steps of providing a vehicle having a tower and attaching a plurality of adjustment assemblies to the tower. Each of the adjustment assemblies is provided with a connector assembly and an eye-end. The method further includes attaching at least one support member to the eye-ends of at least two of the plurality of adjustment assemblies and attaching a bimini top to the at least one support member.

Another exemplary assembly comprises a tower connectable to the vehicle; a plurality of adjustment assemblies, each of the adjustment assemblies having a connector assembly, an eye-end, and a lockable tension control assembly, the connector assembly having a first clamping member and a second clamping member, the eye-end having a cylindrical cross-section, and the lockable tension control assembly having a first crown gear, a second crown gear, a flange member, and a body member, the first clamping member of the connector assembly attachable to the second clamping member such that the plurality of adjustment assemblies can be connected to the tower, the circular cross-section of the eye-end of the connector assembly supported by the flange of the lockable tension control assembly, the first crown gear supported by the body member of the first clamping member, and the second crown gear supported by the flange of the lockable tension control assembly, the first crown gear engagable with the second crown gear so that the eye-end of the connector assembly is adjustable relative to the position of the connector assembly; at least one support member supported by the eye-ends of the plurality of adjustment assemblies; a bias assembly positioned through an opening in the flange supporting the second crown gear, positioned within the first crown gear supported by the first clamping member of the connector assembly, and threadably engaged within an inner portion of the first clamping member of the adjustable connector assembly whereby the second crown gear supported by the flange forcibly engages the first crown gear supported by the first clamping member of the connector assembly; and a bimini top supported by the at least one support member.

The invention includes other embodiments within the scope of the claims, and variations of all embodiments. Additional understanding of the invention can be obtained by referencing the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational, fragmental view of a bimini top assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention, shown supported above a boat.

FIG. 2 is a close-up, perspective view of an adjustment assembly attached to a portion of a tower of the bimini top assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adjustment assembly.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the adjustment assembly.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the adjustment assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, and in particular to FIG. 1, reference character 10 generally designates a bimini top assembly used to provide cover to the users of the bimini top assembly 10 of a vehicle 12, such as a boat, golf cart, or tractor. It will be appreciated, however, that the bimini top assembly 10 can be used to implement a cover in a variety of manners, such as for an outdoor canopy. The bimini top assembly 10 is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle 12 in any suitable manner known in the art. In general, the bimini top assembly 10 includes a tower 14 connectable to the vehicle 12, a plurality of adjustment assemblies 16 attached to the tower 14, only three of the adjustment assemblies 16 being labeled in FIG. 1 by reference numerals 16a, 16b, and 16c for purposes of clarity, a support member 18, shown in FIG. 1 as 18a, 18b, and 18c for purposes of clarity, supported by the adjustment assemblies 16, and a bimini top 20 supported by the support member 18. FIG. 2 shows a close-up of the adjustment assembly 16 attached to a portion of the tower 14 and supporting a portion of the support member 18.

The tower 14 can be any structure capable of supporting the bimini top 20. In one version, the tower 14 is sized and shaped to be attached to the vehicle 12. The tower 14 can be constructed of any weather resistant material suitable to support the adjustment assemblies 16, and thus the bimini top 20, such as carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, and various polymer materials.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support member 18 can be sized and shaped in any manner suitable to support the bimini top 20, for example, above the vehicle 12. For example, the cross-sectional perimeter shape of the support member 18 can be circular, polygonal, quadrilateral, and ellipsoidal. It will be appreciated, however, that the support member 18 can be made of any material suitable to support the bimini top 20, such as carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, and polymer material. It should also be understood that the support member 18 can be constructed of solid material or be constructed in a tubing configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. In an exemplary embodiment, each end of the support member 18 may be provided with a device, such as a spring loaded ball stop, for secure attachment to the adjustment assembly 16.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the adjustment assembly 16 is provided with a connector assembly 22 attachable to the tower 14, an eye-end 24 capable of supporting the support member 18, and a lockable tension control assembly 26 positioned between the connector assembly 22 and the eye-end 24. Optionally, the adjustment assembly 16 can include inserts 28, shown as 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d for purposes of clarity, which can vary in size so as to allow the adjustment assemblies 16 to be attached to different sized towers 14, as shown in more detail in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows two sets of inserts 28, one set is depicted by 28a and 28b, while the other set is depicted by reference numerals 28c and 28d. The inserts 28 can be made of any suitable material so as to allow the connector assemblies 22 to be securely attached to the tower 14 while being resistant to the environment, such as polymeric material, plastics, polymer fibers, and carbon fibers to name a few.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the lockable tension control assembly 26 can be provided with a first body member 30 supporting the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16, a second body member 32 supported by the connector assembly 22, and a bias assembly 34 to force the engagement of the first body member 30 and the second body member 32. The first body member 30 has an opening 31 and a first engagable member 36. The second body member 32 has a second engagable member 38 and optionally, a screw receiving opening 33. One of the first and second engagable members 36 and 38 is provided with teeth 40 and the other of the first and second engagable members 36 and 38 is provided with at least one tooth 42 so as to matingly engage the first or second engagable member 36 or 38 having the teeth 40. The size, shape, and spacing of the teeth 40 and 42 may be varied. For example, the first and second engagable members 36 and 38 having the teeth 40 and 42 can be crown gears made of any suitable material known in the art, such as steel.

In one embodiment, the first body member 30 can be a flange supporting the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16 and the second body member 32 can be an extension of the connector assembly 22 of the adjustment assembly 16. It will be appreciated, however, that the first body member 30 can be any size, shape, and made of any suitable material so as to be able to support the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16. Similarly, the second body member 32 can be any size, shape, and made of any suitable material so as to be able to be supported by the connector assembly 22 of the adjustment assembly 16.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bias assembly 34 has an adjustable linkage 44 and a bias member 46. The adjustable linkage 44 can be used to forcibly secure the first body member 30 to the second body member 32. In an exemplary embodiment, adjustable linkage 44 can be a screw positioned through the opening 31 in the first body member 30, through the bias member 46, and threadably engaged in a screw receiving opening 33 positioned within the second body member 32. However, it will be appreciated that the adjustable linkage 44 may be any suitable type of screw or linkage known in the art, such as a thumb screw or a cam-action clamp. When the first and second body members 30 and 32 are not forcibly engaged by the screw member 44, the bias member 46 is used to provide separation of the first and second body members 30 and 32, which allows the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16 to be moved and adjusted, or positioned, relative to the connector assembly 22 of the adjustment assembly 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the second body member 32 supports a holddown device 48 securing the bias member 46, shown as a spring having a substantially constant radius along its length, within the second body member 32. The holddown device 48 can be held in place in any suitable manner known in the art, such as screws (shown in FIG. 4 as 50a and 50b), bonding, or welding.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the bias member 46 is shown having a tapered shape, thus the radius of the bias member 46 is smaller at one end (e.g. shown by way of example as an “upper end”) and increases along the length of the bias member 46 as the opposite end (e.g. shown by way of example as a “lower end”) is approached. The lower end of the bias member 46 can be seated on a rim 52 positioned within the second body member 32. The radius of the upper end of the bias member 46 is sized so that the screw member 44 can be threaded into the upper end of the bias member 46. It should be understood that the bias member 46, as shown and implemented in the adjustment assembly 16 in FIG. 5, can also be implemented in the adjustment assembly 16 in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lockable tension control assembly 26 can also include a third body member 54 having a first side 53, a second side 55, and a bias receiving opening 58. The first side 53 of the third body member 54 faces the first body member 30 and the second side 55 faces the second body member 32. The first and second sides 53 and 55 of the third body member 54 are provided with a plurality of teeth 56, shown in FIG. 5 as reference numerals 56a and 56b, respectively. The teeth 56a of the first side 53 of the third body member 54 facing the first body member 30 can be sized, shaped, and spaced so as to be able to matingly engage the teeth 40 of the first body member 30. Likewise, the teeth 56b of the second side 55 of the third body member 54 facing the second body member 32 can be sized, shaped, and spaced so as to be able to matingly engage the teeth 42 of the second body member 32. The bias receiving opening 58 is sized and shaped so that the adjustable linkage 44 and the bias member 46 can extend therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 40 and 56a of the first body member 30 and the third body member 54, respectively, are sized, shaped, and spaced in a smaller orientation than the teeth 42 and 56b of the second body member 32 and the third body member 54, respectively, so as to allow for a more finite positioning of the first body member 30, and thus the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16 and the support member 18, relative to the second body member 32, and thus the connector assembly 22 of the adjustment assembly 16. However, it will be appreciated that the teeth 42 and 56b of the second body member 32 and the third body member 54, respectively, could be sized, shaped, and spaced in a smaller orientation than the teeth 40 and 56a of the first body member 30 and the third body member 54, respectively. The third body member 54 can be made of any suitable material known in the art to withstand the forces that may be applied, such as steel, aluminum, and an alloy. It will be appreciated that the third body member 54 may also be implemented in the adjustment assembly 16 shown in FIG. 4.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-4, the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16 is provided with a length L, an opening 60, and an internal cross section. The eye-end 24 is used to receive the ends of the support member 18. The support member 18 is attached within the eye-end 24 in any manner suitable to secure the support member 18 within the eye-end 24. For example, the opening 60 may be threaded and a screw could be used to secure the support member 18 within the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16, the end of the support member 18 may be equipped with a spring loaded ball stop that is positioned within the opening 60 of the eye-end 24, or the end of the support member 18 may be forcibly and frictionally secured within the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16. The length L can be any length so as to be able to securely support and maintain the support member 18 within the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16. The internal cross section of the eye-end 24 can be any size and shape so as to allow the support member 18 to be received within the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16, such as circular, polygonal, quadrilateral, and ellipsoidal. It will be appreciated, however, that the eye-end 24 can be made of any material suitable to securely support the support member 18, and thus the bimini top 20, such as aluminum, steel, polymeric materials, fiberglass, and aluminum alloy.

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and more particularly in FIG. 4, the connector assembly 22 is adapted to be connected to the tower 14 using clamp members, bands, straps, screws, magnets, snaps, or a combination thereof. For example, the connector assembly 22 can be provided with a first clamping member 62, a second clamping member 64, and a securing assembly 66, an exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 as 66a and 66b for purposes of clarity, to secure the first clamping member 62 to the second clamping member 64, and thus securely attaching the connector assembly 22 of the adjustment assembly 16 to the tower 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the first clamping member 62 and the second clamping member 64 each have a generally semicircle shape with threaded openings 68, shown in FIG. 4 as 68a, 68b, and 68c for purposes of clarity, at each end for receiving the securing assembly 66, which is shown in FIG. 4 as two screws 66a and 66b. The first and second clamping members 62 and 64 are configured so as to be able to receive the optional inserts 28. It will be appreciated that the securing assembly 66 can be constructed in a variety of manners suitable to securely attach the first clamping member 62 to the second clamping member 64 and to securely attach both clamping members 62 and 64 to the tower 14. The clamping members 62 and 64 can be constructed of any material suitable to secure the connector assembly 22 of the adjustor assembly 16 to the tower 14 of the vehicle 12 and support the eye-end 24 of the adjustment assembly 16, and thus supporting the support member 18 and the bimini top 20. For example, the clamping members 62 and 64 can be constructed of aluminum, steel, plastics, fiberglass, or aluminum alloy.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts or elements as here to fore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A bimini top assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a tower connectable to the vehicle;

a plurality of adjustment assemblies connected to the tower, each adjustment assemblies comprising: a connector assembly attached to the tower; and an eye-end which can be selectively positioned relative to the connector assembly;

at least one support member supported by each of the adjustment assemblies via the eye-ends thereof; and

a bimini top supported by the at least one support member.

2. The bimini top assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality of adjustment assemblies further comprise a lockable tension control assembly for adjusting the eye-end relative to the connector assembly.

3. The bimini top assembly of claim 2 wherein the lockable tension control assembly comprises a first body member and a second body member, one of the first and second body members having a plurality of teeth and the other body member having at least one tooth engaged with the teeth of the one of the first and second body member, the first body member supporting the eye-end and the second body member supported by the connector assembly.

4. The bimini top assembly of claim 3 wherein the lockable tension control assembly further comprises a third body member having a first side and a second side, each side of the third body member having a plurality of teeth wherein the plurality of teeth of the first side of the third body member are engagable with the plurality of teeth of the one of the first and second body member supporting the eye-end and the plurality of teeth of the second side of the third body member are engagable with the tooth of the other body member supported by the connector assembly.

5. The bimini top assembly of claim 3 wherein the plurality of adjustment assemblies further comprises a bias assembly for forcing the engagement of the teeth of the one of the first and second body member and the other body member having the tooth.

6. The bimini top assembly of claim 4 wherein the plurality of adjustment assemblies further comprises a bias assembly for forcing the engagement of the plurality of teeth of the one of the first and second body member with the plurality of teeth of the first side of the third body member and the tooth of the other body member with the plurality of teeth of the second side of the third body member.

7. The bimini top assembly of claim 1 wherein the eye-end's cross-sectional shape is selected from the group consisting of circular, polygonal, quadrilateral, and ellipsoidal.

8. The bimini top assembly of claim 1 wherein the tower is positioned above the vehicle.

9. The bimini top assembly of claim 1 wherein the connector assembly comprises a first clamping member and a second clamping member, the first clamping member attachable to the second clamping member for attaching the connector assembly to the tower.

10. A method of making a bimini top assembly on a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

providing a vehicle having a tower;

attaching a plurality of adjustment assemblies to the tower, each of the adjustment assemblies having a connector assembly and an eye-end;

attaching at least one support member to the eye-ends of at least two of the plurality of adjustment assemblies; and

attaching a bimini top to the at least one support member.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the plurality of adjustment assemblies further comprise a lockable tension control assembly for adjusting the eye-end relative to the connector assembly.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the lockable tension control assembly comprises a first body member and a second body member, one of the first and second body members having a plurality of teeth and the other body member having at least one tooth engaged with the teeth of the one of the first and second body member, the first body member supporting the eye-end and the second body member supported by the connector assembly.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the plurality of adjustment assemblies further comprises a bias assembly for forcing the engagement of the teeth of the one of the first and second body member and the other body member having the tooth.

14. A bimini top assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a tower connectable to the vehicle;

a plurality of adjustment assemblies, each of the adjustment assemblies having a connector assembly, an eye-end, and a lockable tension control assembly, the connector assembly having a first clamping member and a second clamping member, the eye-end having a cylindrical cross-section, and the lockable tension control assembly having a first crown gear, a second crown gear, a flange member, and a body member, the first clamping member of the connector assembly attachable to the second clamping member such that the plurality of adjustment assemblies can be connected to the tower, the circular cross-section of the eye-end of the connector assembly supported by the flange of the lockable tension control assembly, the first crown gear supported by the body member of the first clamping member, and the second crown gear supported by the flange of the lockable tension control assembly, the first crown gear engagable with the second crown gear so that the eye-end of the connector assembly is adjustable relative to the position of the connector assembly;

at least one support member supported by the eye-ends of the plurality of adjustment assemblies;

a bias assembly positioned through an opening in the flange supporting the second crown gear, positioned within the first crown gear supported by the first clamping member of the connector assembly, and threadably engaged within an inner portion of the first clamping member of the adjustable connector assembly whereby the second crown gear supported by the flange forcibly engages the first crown gear supported by the first clamping member of the connector assembly; and

a bimini top supported by the at least one support member.