Protective Cover Or Shield Patents (Class 114/361)
  • Patent number: 5685254
    Abstract: A second hull adaptor is provided for use with a jet powered personal water craft. The second hull provides for the craft to be more buoyant and stable even when used by full-sized adults. The second hull has a water induction channel which specifically directs the movement of water through the jet pump thereby increasing speed. It further has angled sides and diverging chines for increased speed and improved handling. An adjustable sleeve surrounds the water exhaust nozzle allowing for further adaption of the craft to water conditions or for specific riding styles. The sleeve may be adjusted so as to be flush with the rear transom to a position fully extend beyond the transom as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Greg Jacques
  • Patent number: 5664519
    Abstract: A boat windshield, and labor saving method of manufacturing the boat windshield, are provided. The conventional components of a generally polygonal configuration frame, a piece of boat windshield sheet material that is transparent, and a mechanism for connecting the frame to a boat so as to construct a boat windshield are utilized. However the flexible gasket material that is provided in an inwardly facing channel of the frame, instead of being a number of discrete pieces which are cut and fit together at the corners, comprises an integral single piece of flexible (preferably elastomeric) material having continuous and integral corners corresponding to and disposed within the channels of the frame, the corners between the frame sides. The integral gasket corners are preferably produced by transfer molding. Only a small amount of caulk is used at the frame corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: N.A. Taylor Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Erskine
  • Patent number: 5662978
    Abstract: There is provided herein a protective cover made from conjugate fiber nonwoven fabric having a basis weight between about 1 and 8 osy laminated with a film. The conjugate fibers may be in a configuration such as sheath/core, side-by-side and islands in the sea and may be formed from polyolefins and polyamides. The preferred fiber embodiments are a side-by-side polypropylene-polyethylene fiber and a sheath/core polyethylene/nylon 6 fiber. The fabric is preferably extrusion coated with a polyethylene film to form the protective cover. The cover is light weight, waterproof and provides sufficient burst and tensile strength so that the cover may be used during transportation of, for example, a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Page Brown, Ty J. Stokes
  • Patent number: 5662062
    Abstract: A crew shell fairing removably mountable to a crew shell includes an aerodynamic shell and a mounting member for mounting the aerodynamic shell on the crew shell. The aerodynamic shell includes an end surface, a bottom surface, a substantially convex outer surface, and a substantially concave inner surface. The end surface is substantially U-shaped and has an end surface inner edge and an end surface outer edge. The bottom surface is substantially U-shaped and has a bottom surface inner edge and a bottom surface outer edge. The substantially convex outer surface extends from the end surface outer edge towards the bottom surface outer edge. The substantially concave inner surface extends from the end surface inner edge towards the bottom surface inner edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Corey J. Veverka
  • Patent number: 5662063
    Abstract: A cockpit canopy seperably coupled to a superstructure of a boat selectively convertible to a flotation device comprising a buoyant member including an inner surface having a ridge extending outwardly therefrom to cooperatively form an auxiliary cockpit with at least one attachment element formed on each side of the buoyant member and a corresponding coupling element movable between a first and second position mounted on opposite sides of the superstructure to engage the corresponding attachment element when in the first position to secure the buoyant member to the superstructure and to disengage the corresponding attachment element when moved from the first position to the second position to release the buoyant member from the superstructure for deployment as a flotation device in a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Ernest J. Seijas
  • Patent number: 5660136
    Abstract: A collapsible cover for the drive unit of an outboard or sterndrive boat is provided. The cover is releasably secured to the drive unit by an adjustable sleeve that fits around an upper part of the unit. Each of the cover's sides includes an impact absorbing pad that functions to protect swimmers or other people in the area of the drive unit from coming into direct contact with the unit. The pads also protect the drive unit from being damaged by tools or other objects accidentally impacting on the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventors: Robert Pignatelli, Audrey Cohn, Nicholas Pignatelli, Joyce M. Pignatelli
  • Patent number: 5660916
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for adhering a flexible sheet (such as a fibrous or resinous sheet) to a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet (such as a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet). In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of contacting an edge surface of a flexible fibrous sheet with a thermosetting resin and allowing the resin to cure to yield a unified surface, applying an adhesive along of an edge surface of the semi-rigid sheet to yield an adhesive surface and contacting the unified surface of the flexible fibrous sheet with the adhesive surface of the semi-rigid sheet to adhere the flexible fibrous sheet to the semi-rigid sheet. The products made by this method are suitable for a variety of applications, including use as boat and dwelling enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Barrett Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Sofie, John A. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5660137
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachable and removable cover to protect the interior and contents of a dinghy, small fishing boats, small jet boats and the like. It is designed to conform to the shape of the dinghy to provide full closure about the dinghy to prevent a safer and more secure fit. The cover is made of a semirigid rubberized injection molded vinyl plastic that resists degradation when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Integrally molded handles and tie-downs provide a one-piece construction that is economical to produce. Positioning of the handles gives the user a well-balanced placement that allows ease of handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Frank C. Manley
  • Patent number: 5640924
    Abstract: An overhang roof of a yacht contains a compartment which stores a flexible canopy. The compartment includes upper and lower clamshell members, the lower clamshell member pivoting with respect to the upper member. When the lower clamshell member is unlatched and pivoted downward, the canopy is exposed, and it can be allowed to drop from the compartment and affixed to suitable parts of the yacht. The lower clamshell member can be closed and latched even when the canopy is hanging down from the compartment. The canopy thus forms a temporary enclosure for the rear deck portion of the yacht. The enclosure can be easily dismantled by returning the canopy to the compartment, and closing and latching the lower clamshell member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Global Yachts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Murrant
  • Patent number: 5636871
    Abstract: A sailing boat storage bag with an opening sized to be suspending in depending relation within an inadvertently undersized opening of a porthole, the bag opening sizing being achieved using a bag-attached strip of a flexible rim with opposite ends configurated into a circle with the opposite ends bounding a clearance therebetween that reduces the oversize in the bag opening to match the undersized porthole opening, after which hook and loop patches hold the bag opening to the size-adjusted diameter which enables the bag to be suspended in the porthole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Jean Field
  • Patent number: 5632223
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective covering system for an object subject to exposure to the elements. The protective cover comprises a body, at least one strap, a drawstring or elastic cord for holding the bottom edge of the body tightly against the object being covered, and at least one universal clip per strap. The strap is connected to the body. The universal clip is attached to the strap. The clip attaches to the object being covered and the strap is tightened over the object. This combination works in concert to secure the protective cover over the object that is being covered in a manner superior to that of existing protective covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventors: Ernest R. Bray, Bradley S. Hustead
  • Patent number: 5628273
    Abstract: A misting apparatus for a boat comprised of a length of tubing secured to a frame supporting a canopy on a boat. A pick up tube is removably secured to a distal end of the length of tubing. A plurality of sprayers are secured to the length of tubing in a position beneath the canopy. A pump is adapted to receive the length of tubing therethrough. The pump will draw sea water through the pick up tube to be sprayed out of the plurality of sprayers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Dale E. Crouse, II
  • Patent number: 5628265
    Abstract: In a sail boat having a hull, an upstanding mast in the hull, a boom articulated on the mast, a sail supported on the mast and controlled by the boom, a crew cockpit disposed below the boom, the cockpit having a front, sides and a rear, and a hoop-like structure straddling the cockpit transversely of the boat in the vicinity of and below the boom to define a safe area within the cockpit into which the boom is positively prevented from encroaching; screen structure is provided which has a front portion arranged to shield the cockpit front and side portions which shield the cockpit sides. A track along which the screen structure is slidable longitudinally of the boat is included. The screen structure is arranged such that in its rearward position the side portions of the screen structure seal against the hoop-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Mission Yachts PLC
    Inventors: Farad Azima, Kieron Dunk
  • Patent number: 5622136
    Abstract: The present invention is a boat canopy mounting system for securing a boat canopy to a boat. The system includes a first member such as a header for attachment to the boat. The first member includes at least one channel having a restricted opening. The second member is adapted to be attached to a boat canopy and has at least one locking flange for insertion into the channel of the first member. The boat canopy can be repeatably connected to and disconnected from the boat by positioning the second member against the channel of the first member and pressing against the second member to force the flanges into the channel. The second member is removable from the channels by pulling the second member away from the channels to disengage the flanges from the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Aldon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan P. Zirkelbach, Albert W. Zirkelbach, Donald A. Zirkelbach
  • Patent number: 5615633
    Abstract: A water craft with a removable duck blind cabin house assembly is described. A circumferential gunwale defines an open passenger compartment with a sole deck surface below and inboard of the gunwale. A duck blind cabin house structure is removably attached to the hull along the perimeter of the gunwale to selectively enclose the passenger compartment. A duck blind camouflage receiver is provided on the cabin house structure for releasably mounting camouflage materials about the craft. Mounting members on the hull and cabin house structure (a) secure the cabin house structure to the hull in a first condition at least partially covering the hull and forming the passenger compartment so the water craft may be utilized as a duck blind, and (b) release the cabin house structure for removal from the hull for use as an open boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: James A. Cripe
  • Patent number: 5601050
    Abstract: Sections for the windshield of a boat are provided with each section having a transparent material with a continuous frame about the section including a bottom rail, a sub-top and verticals along opposite side edges. The sections may be manufactured and shipped in their sectional configuration and assembled on the boat with the verticals joining adjacent sections. To simulate the appearance of a unitary windshield, a top rail overlies aligned sub-tops. Seals are provided along the front and rear portions of the joint between the top rail and the sub-tops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: N.A. Taylor Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Erskine, Andrew Furlong
  • Patent number: 5590616
    Abstract: A surf-boat for travelling or standing on choppy waters, such as may be encountered in gulfs, bays, surfs and beach fronts is provided, typically having three pontoons, three columns and two concentrically aligned decks; an upper deck and a lower deck, wherein the benefits over typical single hull and multi hull and other prior art pontoon configurations, lies in the fact that the pontoons of the present invention are designed to plow-through a wave such as may be encountered in waters described as "choppy" resulting in limited wave response of the entire boat and a much smoother and a less motion-response-to-waves ride by persons on the boat. Other equally important features are that the main surface for people to stand on the boat is flat and the craft may be used as a stable observation or camera platform for observing and recording of watersports and marine life, and as an offshore rest and first aid station for boaters and windsurfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel Vera
  • Patent number: 5579715
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a spray skirt that is adapted to be removably secured to a front portion of a cockpit of a kayak. The spray skirt includes a base triangular in shape and has a front end and a back portion. The back portion includes two distal ends of the triangular shape base. A channel extends from one distal end of the base to the front end and from the front end to the second distal end. An elastic cord having a first end and a second extends through this channel and outwardly from the distal ends of the base. This will provide for the first end of the cord to extend from the first distal end of the base and the second end of the cord to extend from the second distal end of the base. The first and second ends are received within a securing mechanism. This will enable the base to fit on the front area of the cockpit by providing the channel and cord to fit underneath the rim of the cockpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Freida Harrell
  • Patent number: 5573026
    Abstract: The invention is a pre-fabricated boat lift canopy constructed of galvanized steel or aluminum tubing. All joints are crimped to a tight, permanent fit by using a special rolling tool. The canopy frame is mounted on "I" beams of existing boat lifts, docks, or pilings. The canopy frame is then covered with a water tight and sunlight resistant decorative canopy. Wind spoilers, in the form of canvas strips, are fastened to the peak of the canopy, a continuous strip, horizontally across the top, a strip at each end, and a third strip at the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Gary Griffith
  • Patent number: 5564357
    Abstract: A protective cover for an elongated inflatable boat includes a flexible enclosure having a bottom wall of a size and shape to span the floor and underside of the inflatable main chamber of the boat. A top wall extends upwardly and interiorly from the bottom wall to define a peripheral pocket adapted to receive and be substantially filled by the boat main chamber. The top wall has a large elongated opening positioned for registration with the open topped passenger compartment of the boat to enable passenger ingress and egress from the boat. A towing system is secured to the top wall adjacent the front of the protective cover for attaching a tow rope to the covered boat such that towing forces are distributed by the flexible enclosure across a substantial surface area to minimize stress on the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Leroy L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5564358
    Abstract: A protective boat cover for trailered craft which consists of a top cover for secure positioning over the topside of the boat in combination with a cushioning bow cover extending over the forward underside of the boat to deflect and protect against roadway debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Donald R. Newton
  • Patent number: 5560312
    Abstract: Swim platforms extending from relatively larger boats are often used by operators of personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Ski.TM.) for boarding such larger boats. The hard structure of a swim platform, in combination with the relatively unprotected edge or gunwale of the personal watercraft hull, can lead to at least cosmetic damage to the watercraft superstructure as it contacts the swim platform, particularly if the relatively low watercraft is tossed or rolled beneath the swim platform due to wave or wind action. The present fenders for watercraft provide temporarily installable and removable pads or fenders for swim platforms and for personal watercraft, to preclude such damage. The fenders include closed cell foam cores with synthetic fabric covering, and in at least one embodiment, are foldable for compact storage in the watercraft. The attachments ensure that the fenders cannot move relative to the attachment edge, in order that they cannot float up to expose an unprotected edge or surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Sarah A. McPherson
  • Patent number: 5540176
    Abstract: A sprayskirt for a watercraft, such as a kayak, having a cockpit opening formed therein, includes a shell having a first open end sized for accommodating a person's torso therein and a second open end sized so as to facilitate attachment to the cockpit opening of the kayak. A semi-rigid or rigid member defines a peripheral boundary of the sprayskirt shell, wherein the semi-rigid member has an elasticity so that it tends to recover to the first peripheral boundary after having been deformed. An attachment means secures the second open end of the shell to the raised rim of the kayak for creating a substantially watertight seal between the second open end of the sprayskirt shell and the rim of the kayak. The semi-rigid or rigid member comprises a rod attached to the shell, where the rod defines the peripheral boundary. The rod forms a closed loop and is circular in cross-section. An extension member may be permanently attached to the shell, extending away from the peripheral boundary of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: JAG Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Galea
  • Patent number: 5540177
    Abstract: The Inflatable Boat Bra is a mechanism designed to protect inflatable objects from leakage caused by laceration and abrasion. The second purpose is to furnish a way to organize the equipment commonly used in inflatable boats. The Boat Bra is made of a fabric that is highly abrasion resistant to cover the air tubes of an inflatable boat. The fabric is fastened in position by the use of a plurality of grommets on the fabric and a plurality of D rings glued to the inflatable tube of the boat. These are fastened together by the use of shock cords. This method allows the Bra fabric to slide over the inflatable tube fabric without damage to either. On the inside of the boat mesh bags are fastened to the fabric in such a manner as to allow them to hang to the boat floor. This furnishes a method of organizing equipment in a way that it is still visible and accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Lance V. Masters
  • Patent number: 5520139
    Abstract: A boat canopy which can be removeably mounted onto the gunwales of a boat, and which can be adjusted forward and backward into various positions. The canopy comprises a canvas top and a plurality of bows which are assembled as one piece, a plurality of leg supports, a plurality of clamps which clamp onto the gunwales, and a plurality of quick-disconnect pins which allow for easy assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventors: Paul F. King, David A. Huebner
  • Patent number: 5511844
    Abstract: A convertible top comprises a frame having a header and three transverse bows, a fabric cover for the frame, side stay pads, a panel containing a backlite, and an interior headliner. The bows and header are interconnected by articulated side linkages. The header and the #2, #3 and #4 bows have elongated open ended extrusions with transverse channels extending along their surfaces. The #4 bow includes an extra transverse channel. The fabric cover is initially attached to the header. The fabric cover, the headliner, and the stay pads all have transverse resilient attachment strips adjacent the header and/or each bow which are inserted into the bow channels to mount them on the top frame. The upper edge of the backlite also has a mounting strip received in the extra channel of the #4 bow. The attachment strips each has an arrow-shaped cross section including a wide arrowhead that is compressible for insertion through a narrow entry slot into a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Dura Convertible Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Boardman
  • Patent number: 5505156
    Abstract: A windshield for providing protection against wind and water spray for a driver and passengers in open boats of the type having a spaced apart driver's console and passenger's console, the windshield having a first and second panel operably attached to the boat floor situated between the two consoles, rising vertically upward to deflect wind and water spray. The two panels are held together at an angle by a centrally located hinge and secured to the floor of the boat by flexible holding members, the panels further secured by attachment to the consoles through additional flexible holding members attached to the upright sides of the panels. An alternate embodiment provides additional curved windshields attached to the first and second panels which are also attached to and residing above the driver and passenger's consoles respectfully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Joe K. Briggs
  • Patent number: 5487799
    Abstract: A laminated material for preventing fire in the engine room of a ship has a base layer made of a woven or nonwoven fabric of specific fibers, and aluminum foil or the like bonded to at least one side of the base layer. Since aluminum foil or the similar foil having an excellent sealing ability and a property of plastic deformability is bonded to one or both of the opposite surfaces of the base layer having excellent heat resistance, excellent oil resistance and sufficient strength, defects of the fabric and those of aluminum foil are eliminated, and synergistic benefits can be obtained. In a method for preventing fire in the engine room of a ship, the laminated material is cut out to obtain a laminated tape and a laminated sheet, which are used in combination to cover portions having various configurations. According to this method, even unskilled persons can securely cover portions from which oil is likely to spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Tokyo Nisshin Jahara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Tsukada
  • Patent number: 5483915
    Abstract: A method of attaching over the central passenger opening of a boat using interconnecting male and female snaps of a boat side gunnels and a cooperating canvas that typically has shrunk out-of-fit, the supplementing use of attached strips on opposite sides of the shrunken canvas area that extend the reach of snaps that otherwise cannot be interconnected, each strip having at opposite ends a male and female snap for this purpose, so that in attaching the canvas, its central location is maintained to obviate twisting and pulling stresses or the like in the canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Ron Clark
  • Patent number: 5481999
    Abstract: A boat cover device for attachment to the forward end of a boat trailer is provided. The cover has a rigid forward shield to which a flexible cover and support line are attached. The rigid forward shield provides protection from road debris during towing, provides an aerodynamic forward section which reduces flutter of the flexible cover and has a compartment for storage of the flexible cover when it is removed from the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: James F. Clark
  • Patent number: 5479872
    Abstract: A new and improved support apparatus is provided for a flexible sheet boat cover which includes a first resilient support assembly, a telescopic extensible and retractable pole assembly connected to the first resilient support assembly, and a second resilient support assembly connected to the pole assembly. The first resilient support assembly is adapted to be supported by a portion of a boat body when the pole assembly is in an extended condition. The second resilient support assembly is adapted to be supported by a top portion of a boat windshield when the pole assembly is in an extended condition. The pole assembly is adapted to support a flexible sheet boat cover when the pole assembly is in an extended condition and supported by the first resilient support assembly and the second resilient support assembly. The first resilient support assembly and the second resilient support assembly include resilient pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Randall V. Hulett
  • Patent number: 5476560
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an improved hull at new building of and renovating ships and boats having metal hulls for accomplishing high finish, good heat insulation and good acoustic attenuation, according to which sheets or mats of cellular plastic are glued on to the outside of the hull with the use of a glue giving an elastic or viscoelastic glue joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Sven Jonsson
  • Patent number: 5472771
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for adhering a flexible fibrous sheet (such as a canvas) to a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet (such as a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet). The method comprises the steps of contacting an edge surface of the flexible fibrous sheet with a thermosetting resin and allowing the resin to cure to yield a unified surface, applying an adhesive along of an edge surface of the semi-rigid sheet to yield an adhesive surface and contacting the unified surface of the flexible fibrous sheet with the adhesive surface of the semi-rigid sheet to adhere the flexible fibrous sheet to the semi-rigid sheet. The products made by this method are suitable for a variety of applications, including use as boat and dwelling enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Barrett Boating Canvas & Upholstery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Sofie, John A. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5470586
    Abstract: A method of controlling the attachment of organisms to an underwater surface is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the organisms with a compound of Formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkoxy, halogen, or hydroxyl. Antifouling coatings and cementitious compositions containing a compound of Formula I are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventor: Donald J. Gerhart
  • Patent number: 5458079
    Abstract: A collapsible duck blind for attachment to a boat, being fully adjustable for both width and length to accommodate most conventional boats. In a preferred embodiment, the blinds include four hinged support legs, each having a foot securable to a surface of the boat and an upper end attached to a frame having a pair of movable support structures on either side thereof. A cover is provided for concealing the duck blind and the hunter(s) positioned in the boat, a portion of the blind being movable with the support structures between call and shoot positions. With both support structures lowered to their shoot positions, the hunters' unobstructed range of shooting is a full 360.degree.. With both support structures raised, the hunter is adequately concealed but can still visibly track ducks or other water fowl through a central gap in the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Avery Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas B. J. Matthews, M. Tate Wood, Allen H. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5454341
    Abstract: A new and improved protective hull liner comprised of a mat having a generally rectangular configuration. The mat has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface comprises a foam rubber material. The lower surface comprises a puncture-resistant rubber material. The mat has a first edge and a second edge. The upper surface has a hook and loop material strip secured thereto inward of the first edge of the mat. The lower surface has a hook and loop material strip secured thereto inward of the second edge of the mat. The hook and loop material strip of the first edge cooperates with the hook and loop material strip of the second edge in a rolled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventors: Alan B. Bensley, Michael D. Oeser
  • Patent number: 5452678
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a boat having a buoyant lower portion and a plurality of upstanding support members connected to the lower portion. The top for the boat includes two end rails, two side rails respectively connected to the end rails, and a roof extending between and connected to the side rails and end rails. The side rails are comprised of a metal extrusion defining a first channel which is generally U-shaped and opens in a generally downward direction. The upstanding support members are received within the first generally U-shaped channel. In another aspect of the invention, the two side rails comprise an extrusion including a curved intermediate portion having a convex exterior profile. The roof is attached at one edge of the curved intermediate portion. In yet another aspect of the invention, the side rail comprises an extrusion including a recess which receives at least one of the upstanding support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Harris-Kayot, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry J. Simpkins
  • Patent number: 5439256
    Abstract: A bulkhead fitting for draining fluids off the topside of a thin flexible barrier cover (31), comprising: a male threaded member (1), a female threaded member (11), and an o-ring seal (21). The male threaded member (1) has a male threaded spout (4), and a wide flange (2) that extends outward from the top end of the male threaded spout (4). The wide flange (2) rests on the topside of the barrier (31) and the male threaded spout (4) extends through an opening made in the barrier (31). The wide flange (2) distributes the weight of the fitting over the surface of the barrier (31), so that the barrier (31) can support the fitting. The female threaded member (11) has a female threaded spout (15), and a seal supporting flange (12) extending outward from the top end of the female threaded spout (15). The female threaded spout (15) threads onto the male threaded spout (4) from the underside of the barrier (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Paul M. Brainard
  • Patent number: 5435260
    Abstract: A pontoon-type boat comprising a deck having opposite sides, and a modified tunnel hull supporting the deck and including a first outer sponson located adjacent one of the sides of the deck, a second outer sponson located adjacent the other of the sides of the deck, and a center sponson which is located and spaced between the outer sponsons, which extends substantially the entire length of the boat, and which includes a rearward portion having a maximum depth and a maximum width, and a forward portion having a maximum width greater than the maximum width of the rearward portion and having a maximum depth greater than the maximum depth of the rearward portion, the forward and rearward portions defining therebetween a step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Granie, James W. Filiatreault
  • Patent number: 5429065
    Abstract: A quick-release device for a kayak spray skirt. A first end of the device includes a grip loop releasably secured to the exterior of the hull of the kayak. A release strap runs over the cowling, under the spray skirt, and into the interior of the kayak. The second end of the release strap is then affixed to the underside of the hull, in the interior of the kayak. When a user pulls on the grip loop, it separates from the hull, and the release strap is pulled up. The release strap in turn pulls the spray skirt off the cowling, thereby enabling the user to exit the kayak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: James E. McShan
  • Patent number: 5425327
    Abstract: The present invention is a boat canopy mounting system for securing a boat canopy to a boat. The system includes a first member such as a header for attachment to the boat. The first member includes at least one channel having a restricted opening. The second member is adapted to be attached to a boat canopy and has at least one locking flange for insertion into the channel of the first member. The boat canopy can be repeatably connected to and disconnected from the boat by positioning the second member against the channel of the first member and pressing against the second member to force the flanges into the channel. The second member is removable from the channels by pulling the second member away from the channels to disengage the flanges from the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Aldon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan P. Zirkelbach, Albert W. Zirkelbach, Donald A. Zirkelbach
  • Patent number: 5421284
    Abstract: A device for supporting and controlling a retractable windshield of an outdoor vehicle, which comprises a central lever (4) extending overall along a middle longitudinal vertical plane (P) of the vehicle and articulated to the transverse lower edge (5) of the windshield (2) and to the fixed structure (6) of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle (3) comprising such a support and control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Hobbycar
    Inventor: Francois Wardavoir
  • Patent number: 5413063
    Abstract: A rail fitting for marine application comprises first and second rail fitting parts designed to slide together on opposite sides of a rail and thereby interlock. Each rail fitting part is provided with an arcuate concavity designed to fit around a rail, a first end on one side of the concavity designed to interlock with a first end of the other rail fitting part, and a second end on an opposite side of the concavity designed to be fastened to a second end of the other rail fitting part by a fastener. The first end of the first rail fitting part is provided with an arcuate cavity having a degree of wrap of at least 180.degree.. The first end of the second rail fitting part is provided with a hinge arm having an arcuate end formed to fit and rotate within the arcuate cavity in the first end of the first rail fitting part. The concavity provided in each rail fitting part provides a combined arcuate concavity through which a railing may extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: William E. King
  • Patent number: 5402744
    Abstract: A utility bag for use with a personal utility vehicle. The utility bag is formed of a pair of compartments which are used to hold the personal effects of the user. The two compartments are connected by a center portion which is adapted to fit over the personal utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Michael Matamoros
  • Patent number: 5396861
    Abstract: An improved system for attaching boat covers to boats is provided. In the preferred embodiment, a male/female connecting system is employed where one-half of the connecting system is attached to the cover via length-adjustable straps and the other half of the connecting system is attached to the boat via an attachment strip that provides for lateral movement of the connectors. Thus, one-half of the connecting system may be moved farther away or closer to the edge of the boat cover and the other half of the connecting system may be moved laterally along the boat side for easy connections. After all of the connections are made, the straps may be tightened to remove any slack from the boat cover and create a tight fit of the boat cover over the opening of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Acker Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Acker, Stephen A. Heit
  • Patent number: 5394821
    Abstract: A protective covering of a watercraft which is constructed of a thin, stretchable material that completely circumscribes the upper portion of the hull of the craft thereby protecting it from the elements and from damage from other watercraft and fixed objects such as boat docks. The protective covering is formed from a plurality of easily interconnected segments that can be compactly rolled or folded for ease of storage and transport. The covering is sleek and attractive, is light weight, floatable, durable in use, resists tearing and abrasion and effectively protects the craft from scratches, dings and dents when the craft comes into contact with other watercraft or with fixed objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: Stephen R. Ziegler, Mark A. Winans
  • Patent number: 5394822
    Abstract: An umbrella support device. The umbrella support device includes a body having an elongated axis and a flattened configuration. A socket member is secured on the body having an internal bore for receipt of an umbrella handle. An inflation valve and fasteners for removably securing the umbrella support device to a recreational flotation device are also secured on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Eva J. Worland
  • Patent number: 5390621
    Abstract: A hull configuration for a small personal watercraft having a hull configuration that permits the watercraft to be ridden and leaned like a motorcycle and which will preclude excess spray from passing upward beyond the gunnel. A ventilating cover assembly is provided for accessing the engine compartment and a forwardly positioned fuel tank is incorporated having a filler neck that is accessible at one side of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hattori, Fumihiko Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5380058
    Abstract: A barge cover is wound on a roller, mounted on a trolley which may be moved from one end to the other end of a barge hold, deploying or taking up the cover as it moves. The cover may then be sealed around the barge coaming in a weather proof manner. The roller is mounted on trolleys so that two men may deploy or take up the cover with only their muscle power, without requiring either special docking facilities or an independent power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Archer Daniels Midland Company
    Inventors: Rodney A. Short, Daniel T. Dunn, John D. Cook, William O. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5372086
    Abstract: A dodger with a hard fiberglass top shell is disclosed for mounting to a sailboat. A mold utilizing a flexible sheet--such as a 1/4 inch plywood sheet--is warped and held interior of a surrounding frame rectilinear to match the desired profile of the hard top shell of the dodger. Warping occurs to match cabin camber with the port and starboard sides of the hard dodger top turning down to be approximately tangent to the cabin sides from the projected height of the dodger. The hard shell top is mounted above the deck by system of stanchions and upper and lower stanchion supports fastened to the deck and underside of the hard shell top respectively. The addition of front and side curtains completes the dodger assembly, which is easily constructed, easily removed, and easily repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Bradley D. James