BOAT COVER EXTENSION STRAP

Abstract

A boat cover extension is provided. The boat cover extension includes a plurality of straps. Each strap includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The strap may be made of an elastic and stretchable material, such as a bungee cord material. A male connector is secured to the first end of the front surface and a female connector is secured to the second end of the rear surface so that the female connector is on opposite sides and is facing away from the male connector.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to boat covers and, more particularly, to a boat cover extension strap.

The term boat cover refers to any covering that is placed over a boat to protect it and its content from the elements, typically during storage or transport. This differs from a Boat Top that usually refers to a cover or enclosure that is used to protect the boat, passengers or cargo while the boat is in operation. Boat covers tend to shrink overtime. When a boat cover has shrunk it is either difficult or impossible to secure to a boat.

As can be seen, there is a need for an extension that secures boat covers to boats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a boat cover extension comprises: a strap having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a male connector secured to the first end of the front surface; and a female connector secured to the second end of the rear surface so that the female connector is facing away from the male connector.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of securing a boat cover to a boat comprises: providing a plurality of straps each comprising a male connector on a front surface and a female connector on a rear surface; securing the female connector of each of the straps to a different male connector attached to a boat; and securing the male connector of each of the straps to a different female connector attached to a boat cover.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view demonstrating an embodiment of the present invention being applied;

FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a section detail view of the present invention along line 6-6 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The present invention includes a bungee type extension used to secure covers on boats and other vehicles with snap type covers. The present invention may be used when the cover has shrunk. The extensions may secure the shrunken covers over boats or other vehicles in order to protect the interior or cargo from the elements.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the present invention includes a boat cover extension 10. The boat cover extension 10 includes a plurality of straps 12. Each strap includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The strap 12 may be made of an elastic and stretchable material, such as a bungee cord material. A male connector 20 is secured to the first end of the front surface and a female connector 14 is secured to the second end of the rear surface so that the female connector 14 is on opposite sides and is facing away from the male connector 20.

The male connector 20 and the female connector 14 may be part of a snap button. In such embodiments, the strap 12 includes a first opening and a second opening. A first snap button may include a cap 16 secured to the male connector 20 by a mid portion. The mid portion may be secured within the first opening such that the male connector 20 is exposed on the front surface. A second snap button may include a cap 16 secured to the female connector 14 by a mid portion. The mid portion may be secured within the second opening such that the female connector 14 is exposed on the rear surface. As illustrated in the Figures, the male connecter 14 may include a protruding ridge and the female connector 20 may include a receiving channel or socket.

A method of securing a boat cover 22 to a boat 26 may include the following. A plurality of straps 12 is provided. The female connector 14 of each of the straps 12 is secured to a different male connector 28 attached to a boat 26. The male connector 20 of each of the straps 12 is secured to a different female connector 24 attached to the cover 22. Alternatively, the female connector 14 of each of the straps 12 is secured to a different male connector 28 attached to the cover 22 and the male connector 20 of each of the straps 12 is secured to a different female connector 24 attached to the boat 26. Since the straps 12 are made of a bungee cord material, the boat cover 22 is held taught against the boat 26, thereby properly protecting the boat.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A boat cover extension comprising:

a strap having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a male connector secured to the first end of the front surface; and

a female connector secured to the second end of the rear surface so that the female connector is facing away from the male connector.

2. The boat cover extension of claim 1, further comprising a cap secured to the male connector and disposed on the rear surface.

3. The boat cover extension of claim 1, further comprising a cap secured to the female connector and disposed on the rear surface.

4. The boat cover extension of claim 1, wherein the male connector is a ridge and the female connector is a channel operable to receive the ridge and releasably secure the ridge within.

5. The boat cover extension of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a stretchable elastic material.

6. A method of securing a boat cover to a boat comprising:

providing a plurality of straps each comprising a male connector on a front surface and a female connector on a rear surface;

securing the female connector of each of the straps to a different male connector attached to a boat; and

securing the male connector of each of the straps to a different female connector attached to a boat cover.

7. The method claim 6, wherein the male connector is a ridge and the female connector is a channel.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the strap comprises a stretchable elastic material.