Abstract: A spray skirt (A) is disclosed for covering the cockpit opening (14) of a kayak (10). The spray skirt includes a fabric cover (24) for spanning the opening which includes an elastic band (B) secured around the perimeter of the cover for retaining the spray skirt about a rim (16) of the opening. The retaining band includes outer and inner elastic bands (30, 32) joined by a compressible bulbous retention element (34, 40). The inner band 32 is of sufficient width to prevent contact of the interior fabric (24b) of the cover from being abraded by lip contact. The preformed outer band (30) includes a first outer band (30a) extending from the bulbous element upwardly and outwardly terminating at a bend (35), and a second outer band (30b) extending from the bend upwardly and inwardly.

Abstract: A boat canopy is rapidly attached and detached to a windshield with a continuous flexible member having a flat plate joined to the inside surface of the periphery of the canopy, with a lateral riser and first and second locking segments extending from the riser. The locking segments are pushed into a continuous, upwardly and outwardly facing slot arrangement of a corresponding gripping member fixed to the upper extremity of the boat windshield. The sides of the canopy are rapidly attached and detached to a side frame of the windshield through the use of detent pins extending through lateral holes in the side frame extrusion and the ends of the canopy struts.

Abstract: A small watercraft having a generally open passengers area with a cowling portion that is movable between a position closing the forward portion of the passengers area and a forwardly extending deck and a raised position to access the passengers area to provide at least a partial cover over it. In one embodiment the cowling portion also covers a centrally positioned joy stick and in another embodiment the watercraft control is mounted on the cowling portion.

Abstract: A support assembly for use in combination with a boat or like marine craft having an open cockpit or compartment area thereon wherein the support platform is disposed in overlying, covering relation to the open cockpit and is dimensioned, structured and configured to support one or more people thereon in either an upright or reclining position. The material from which the support platform is formed comprises an at least partially flexible, tightly woven polypropylene material which is secured in the aforementioned operative position by anchoring and connection facilities so as to maintain tension on the support platform and thereby provide the support platform with a substantially rigid configuration which will at least minimally yield to the weight of a person's body supported on the support platform over the open cockpit of the boat or marine craft.

Abstract: A fastening device for a canoe cover consists of a set of elongated, interlocking rails that frictionally engage and trap a cover that can be comprised of waterproof "spray skirt" material or nylon "pack" material. The cover, secured over the otherwise open top of a canoe, is a continuous covering, starboard to port and bow to stern, or includes coverings with seat openings, along the length of the hull. A stack of three rails comprise the preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism, with a rail base member fastening to the hull below and along the length of opposite and parallel gunwales; a rail locking member snaps on the base rail; and a rail cover having a plurality of T-node tracks similar to a mortise receives the male nodes or tenons extending outwardly from the locking member. The cover is stretched very tautly and held in a three-way lateral gripping action by the rail. The same rail system is used around the cockpit(s) to receive the spray skirt in a quick-release mechanism.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus for draining water from the top surface of a tarp which has been used to cover an exterior object. The drainage apparatus includes a funnel and a washer which is to abut against the back surface of the funnel with the funnel having a tubular section which is conducted through a hole in the tarp. A clamp nut is tightened against the back surface of the washer. A drain hose is connected to the tubular lower end with the water to be conducted through the funnel into the drain hose and then to a disposing location.

Abstract: A fastener clip is provided for use with a boat windshield assembly which includes at least one trim piece extending along an upper edge of the glass or other transparent material, an elongated gasket secured within the trim piece and enclosing the upper edge of the glass. The fastener clip includes a pair of obliquely angled leg portions, one of which mounts a male snap fastener component, and the other of which is wedged between the glass and the gasket in such a way that the fastener clip does not engage the trim piece.

Abstract: A fastening device for assisting and securing a cover to a boat frame when the boat frame is generally square in cross-section. The fastening device is comprised of a base wall member and a pair of resilient arms that extend outwardly from one side of the base wall member at an angle substantially perpendicular to the base wall member. The resilient arms are adapted to extend substantially along the top and bottom sides of the boat railing toward the back side of the boat railing. The resilient arms have a gripping hook on the distal end thereof depending inwardly toward one another with each hook being adapted to curve around the radial edges of the boat rail. A snap stud is affixed or molded to the fastening device.

Abstract: The invention provides a privacy enclosure and entryway for a boat having a hull and a substantially planar deck mounted on the hull. The privacy enclosure and entryway comprises a first railing extending along at least a portion of the periphery of a first side of the deck with the first railing having an end, a second railing extending along at least a portion of the periphery of a second side of the deck, the second railing being substantially perpendicular to the first railing at the end, a door in the second railing adjacent the end, and a pivotable ledge mounted on the first railing adjacent the end and adapted to allow ingress to and egress from the deck through the door when pivoted in a vertical upright orientation and block ingress to and egress from the deck when pivoted in a horizontal lowered orientation.

Abstract: The invention is a kayak cockpit cover which is complementary to a channel formed in the kayak deck at the cockpit perimeter. The cover has a conventional closure around the kayak paddler's waist and a planar covering section spanning the cockpit opening. An edge assembly at the outer margin of the covering section includes a doubled section of fabric forming an endless sleeve around the cover, an endless resilient inflatable tube carried inside the sleeve, and a valve integral with the tube. A core element within the inflatable tube aids in manipulation of the edge assembly and fixes its length. When the edge assembly is inserted into the channel around the cockpit perimeter and the resilient tube is inflated, a watertight seal is formed as the expansion of the tube presses the skirt edge fabric against the channel interior wall, while the bulk of the inflated tube secures the cover edge to the kayak deck.

Abstract: A one piece-torpedo shaped cleat cover having a body with a flat bottom, a central cavity and two end cavities to receive the base of a cleat and lateral arm cavities for receiving the ends of a cleat. The cover can be hooked over one arm of a cleat and the cover can then be stretched to hang over the other arm of the cleat then relaxed to enclose the cleat in a neat appearing safety directed cover.

Abstract: A window assembly is formed having a receiving member set in contact with one surface of pliant sheet, a holding member set in contact with the other surface of the pliant sheet, with the sheet held fixedly between them. A frame cover is attached to the receiving members, and a rigid transparent pane is secured fixedly between the cover and the holding member.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible hinge for mounting a first panel to a second panel with both the first and second panels having a complex contoured surface. In the disclosed embodiment, the panels are a door panel and the windshield of a boat. The hinge includes brackets mounted to the door panel and the windshield. A flexible pin is inserted into adjoining sockets on the brackets to interconnect them and permit them to pivot with respect to one another. The flexible pin bends as the brackets pivot permitting the brackets to deflect with respect to one another along the longitudinal centerline of the sockets. The preferred flexible pin includes a coil spring and a core pin with the core pin being inserted into the coil spring to increase the shear strength of the coil spring.

Abstract: A camper system and method for extending the length of a boat cover. The camper system includes a link assembly that pivotally mounts to the hull of the boat and extends upward to support a boat camper. A first link is mounted to the boat hull aft of the link assembly. The first link extends away from the boat hull and couples to the link assembly. A second link also extending aft is pivotally coupled to the link assembly to support a camper extension connected to the camper. A strut is pivotally coupled between the second link and the first link to hold the second link in position. The second link slides along the first link to collapse the camper extension.

Abstract: An acoustic buffer has a pair of inflatable cylinders that float in the water against the hull along the waterline around the bow of a boat to dampen noise of the water lapping against the hull when the boat is anchored. The cylinders are joined together by Velcro strips at the forward ends adjacent to the bow, and each cylinder extends toward the stern along the hull. The aft ends of the cylinders are tied to boat cleats in order to hold the cylinders snug against the hull. Each cylinder has a second inflatable internal cylinder. The inner cylinder is filled with water and the outer cylinder is filled with air by means of valves in the aft ends of the cylinders. The flotation levels of the cylinders may be adjusted by varying the amount of water in the internal cylinders. The buffer may be thereby adjusted to optimally dampen the noise from water lapping against the hull for various different hull designs and shapes.

Abstract: A flexible hood structure is arranged for securement about a bow portion of a boat, wherein the hood includes a top wall including a top wall slot extending from the rear edge of the hood, with a side wall slot directed into the side wall below the top wall slot. The top wall slot and the side wall slot accommodate boats of various sizes, wherein elastomeric tether lines extend from a rear edge of the hood for securement to an associated trailer of the boat structure. An opening directed through the side wall in adjacency to the top wall nose portion is arranged to receive the boat securement loop therethrough, as well as permitting imposing of the cradle block structure of the trailer against the associated bow of the boat.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of preventing detrimental adherence to and buildup of living marine organisms on exposed surface areas of a preselected component which is subjected to contact with a fluid medium that contains certain marine organisms. The methodology comprises the steps of preparing that portion of the component's exposed surface which contacts the fluid medium in a manner which will enable the adherence of a preselected anti-fouling agent to at least a portion of that exposed surface. After preparation, the preselected anti-fouling agent is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a curved panel to a landing. The apparatus includes an elongated extrusion having in cross section a side portion coupled to a base portion. The extrusion is shaped along a curve, and the base portion angles away from the side portion to lie flat against the landing. The extrusion is secured through the base portion to the landing. The curved panel is secured to the side portion.

Abstract: A tubular storage container is adapted for storage and deployment a flexible protective sheet for covering an object. The protective sheet is stowed within an inner chamber of the storage container in a collapsed state. The stowed protective sheet is deployed through an open end of the storage container. An attachment bracket mounted on one end of the storage container secures the storage container to a selected supporting base. A supporting line is connected to the sheet for retracting the sheet from the deployed position and pulling the sheet into the inner chamber of the storage container for storage.

Abstract: A hard, semi-rigid cover for protecting vehicle surfaces from damage by esure to the elements or chemical warfare agents is disclosed. A typical surface to be protected by a cover of the invention is a helicopter transparent canopy. Key features of the invention are a seal that forms around the cover perimeter where it fits snugly against the vehicle's outer surface and an air gap that exists between the inside surface of the cover and the vehicle's exterior surface. The cover is made of a moldable polymer material.

Abstract: A boat cover assembly includes a boat cover (12) mounted to a plurality of posts assemblies (28), (30), and (32). Each post assembly has a foot section (34) or (80), a post member (48), and a upper section (50). The upper section (50) has a batten member (64) mounted in a channel (56) and extending laterally into sleeves (65) sewn into the cover (12). The cover also has a chord (90) in the hem line (18) to tighten the cover about the boat hull (11) below its rub line (88). Straps (20) and (21) are secured to cover (12) and mounted about the underside (85) of the hull (11) and fastened together to secure the cover to the boat.

Abstract: A recreational boat having an engine housing for covering an inboard engine, and an arm pivotally mounted on the engine housing for movement between a lower position in which the arm is stored in an elongated recessed opening in the housing, and a raised position in which a portion of the arm is disposed above the engine housing, and a flexible fabric boat cover which overlies the boat and is supported by the arm in its raised position.

Abstract: A convertible powerboat is provided which consists of a hull having a bow and a stern, a power source at the stern of the hull and a mechanism for altering the power source, so that it can be changed from an outboard motor boat to an air powered boat and vice versa. A hull module can also be installed to the underside of the hull to change the configuration of the hull.

Abstract: A seating arrangement for a small watercraft that will accommodate either an operator alone or with one, two or three passengers while maintaining side by side stability. The seating arrangement provides an operator's seat on the longitudinal center line of the watercraft, a passenger seat adapted to receive a single passenger to the rear of the operator's seat and seated in straddle fashion and a further pair of passengers seats spaced from the longitudinal center line and to the rear of the single passenger seat.

Abstract: A flexible member is attached continuously to an inside surface of a boat canopy along its peripheral edge, and has a portion extending lateral to the plane of the canopy with a second portion attached to the first portion and extending lateral to that first portion. A gripping member is fixed to the upper extremity of a boat windshield and has a continuous, outwardly-facing slot extending generally parallel with the upper extremity of the windshield and dimensioned to receive the first portion of the flexible member into an internal recess also portion of the flexible member into an internal recess also dimensioned to receive the second portion. The canopy is attached to the windshield by continuously pushing the second portion of the flexible member through the slot and into the internal recess.

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.

Abstract: A windshield for use on a boat has a pair of stationary sections with a removable section mounted therebetween. The removable section has a set of open hinges for pivotal association with a hinge pin on one of the stationary sections. A plurality of cam sets on the removable section are releasibly engaged with the hinge pin to releasibly retain the open hinges against displacement from their pivotal associations with the hinge pin.

Abstract: A companionway enclosure assembly is provided for enclosing the companionway of a boat. The companionway enclosure assembly comprises a flexible cover, a support rod, a weight member, and a plurality of fastening assemblies. The flexible cover is extendible over the companionway and is supported and maintained in a stretched out condition over a companionway by the support rod which traverses the width of the flexible cover and by the weight member. The fastening assemblies secure the companionway enclosure to the boat and further maintain the flexible cover in a stretched out condition.

Abstract: A rounded top header extrusion for boat windshields being constructed as a unitary extruded member for rigidly engaging a boat windshield. The extrusion provides a curved upper surface for supporting a boat canopy, and a recessed channel extending inwardly into the extrusion for receiving a fastener or similar article for attachment of a boat canopy. The extrusion is defined in cross-section by a pair of generally parallel arms forming a windshield engaging channel, and a generally semi-circular rail portion extending across the channel between the arms.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the device is provided for constructing a temporary screen for openings of a boat, comprising a central section of conventional screening material, an edging of a color-dyeable strong support material having an inner edge sewn about the perimeter of said central section of screening material and an outer edge, said edging being formed of a strong lightweight material, said outer edge of said edging having a sewn hem therealong into which a weighted chain is attached whereby said weighted chain resides in full pressure contact about an opening to be screened of said boat in an operating mode of said device, and said edging is positioned in abutting broad contact with framing means of said opening to better withstand any frictional abuse generated by frequency of contact therebetween. Method steps related to use and manufacture are also recited.

Abstract: A corner safety boot for a windshield on a bowrider boat is provided and consists of a resilient triangular shaped pocket member to fit over a sharp corner of the windshield after an opening center section of the windshield is pivoted to one side. The pocket member will protect a passenger walking therethrough. A retainer strap connects the pocket member to the bowrider boat to prevent loss when not in use.

Abstract: A protective cover for a surfboard or the like has a cushioned end with protective pockets to enclose the fin(s), and also can cover an end of the surfboard. The fin-receiving pockets are formed between air-filled plenums or bodies of shock-absorbing material such as foam. A closure strap can encircle the surfboard for holding the protective cover in place, or a zipper closure can be provided. Preferably a carrying strap is included, and/or a strap to hold the cover to a car-top carrier.

Abstract: A drainage system for draining water from a top surface of a tarpaulin to prevent accumulation of water thereon, having a drain fitting including a top plate having a central aperture extending therethrough and a rigid tube integrally formed about the central aperture and extending downwardly therefrom. An open bottom end of the tube has a cutting edge formed thereabout terminating at a sharpened distal point structured and configured for puncturing and passage through the tarpaulin. A bottom keeper plate and locking element are removably fitted about the rigid tube being removably positionable into engagement with a lower surface of the tarpaulin in clamping relation to the top plate on the top surface of the tarpaulin so as to maintain the drain fitting in fixed attachment thereto. A flexible conduit is removably connected at one end to the open end of the rigid tube with an opposite end positioned in a drain hole or bilge of the boat so that water will drain thereto from the top surface of the tarpaulin.

Abstract: The invention comprises a center console for a boat having a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side, each of the sides having a generally vertical wall on at least the lower portion thereof and defining a space therein, said back side having a horizontally inclined shelf above the vertical wall and first and second generally parallel vertically inclined walls extending upwardly from the shelf, the second vertically inclined wall being stepped forwardly from the first vertically inclined wall and having an opening, and a door filling the opening when in a closed position and being in the space directly behind the first vertically inclined wall when in an open position. The invention also comprises a modular storage enclosure for a boat adapted to hold a fire extinguisher, a flare gun kit and navigational charts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clear view hard curtain which is comprised of a plurality of separable frames, each frame including at least one semi-rigid clear, flat panel, and a flexible frame surrounding the panel. Each of a plurality of frames may be attachable to a vehicle to thereby form an enclosure protecting the interior of the vehicle from external natural elements. Finally, the enclosure may be maintained during operation of the vehicle with the flexible framing member absorbing shock to the semi-rigid panels which may be caused by the movement of the vehicle. Preferably, the clear view hard curtain may be utilized as a protective enclosure for the bridge of a boat.

Abstract: The personal motorcraft trailer has a lower shell which is capable of flotation and planing on a body of water. An upper shell has a lip which fits over the edge of the lower shell forming a sealed pod in which gear and supplies may be stored. At least a portion of the upper shell is openably attached by a hinge. The upper shell has two recessed areas in its upper surface, the rear recessed area being deep enough for holding fuel containers and the forward recessed area being relatively shallow and concave to accept gear such as surfboards or skis which are held in place by elastic cords stretched across the gear from hooks on the sides of the upper shell. The trailer is towed behind the motorcraft by a tongue the prongs of which attach at two clips, one on either side of the lower shell. Each prong of the tongue catches under the lip at the front of the trailer to prevent the trailer from digging into the water, causing it to flip.

Abstract: A protective liner for jet skis which includes a bow, bottom, and side wall portions which are secured in relatively spaced and covering relationship to the existing hull in such a manner as to allow fluid to pass therebetween.

Abstract: A fabric cover is disclosed which is adapted to removably engage and protect the wooden rail of a powerboat or sailboat. The cover comprises a sheet of fabric material having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart pockets on one side of the fabric sheet, and a resilient ring of generally C-shaped cross sectional configuration positioned in each of the pockets. The rings cause the fabric sheet to assume a conforming C-shaped outline, and they may be manually expanded to permit the pockets to be disposed about the wooden rail, so that they then collapse and encircle the rail upon the release of the expanding force.

Abstract: A small jet propelled watercraft having a partially open rider's area covered at least in part by a roof. The construction and orientation of the roof is such to insure that the watercraft cannot be inverted in the water.

Abstract: A mast boot includes a flexible cover for encircling a mast mounted in a mast collar in a deck opening on a sailboat having a lower edge to be positioned around the mast collar and an upper edge to be positioned around the mast above the mast collar and opposing side edges provided with fastener strips therealong for continuously securing the side edges together to position the upper and lower edges tightly against the mast and the mast collar, respectively. Upper and lower clamps for sealing the upper and lower edges include bands to be tightened around the mast to compress the upper and lower edges, respectively, against the mast and the mast collar. Upper and lower edge seals positionable to encircle the mast include strips having fasteners thereon permitting the strips to be positioned to cover the upper and lower clamps, respectively.

Abstract: A fabric cover marking device is for marking the location on a fabric cover for a female fastener portion engageable with a complementary male fastener portion mounted on a structure to be covered, for example a boat. The device comprises a socket portion and a pin portion. The socket portion is releasably engageable with the male fastener portion. The pin portion is mounted on the socket portion and is capable of piercing the fabric cover when the socket portion is engaged with the male fastener portion. Embodiments for releasable engagement with snap studs, lift-a-dot fastener studs, and turnbuckles are disclosed.

Abstract: A flat, single piece windshield (140) which extends across the front edge of an exposed bridge (142) and is rotatably connected thereto. The windshield (140) includes two elongated support poles (157, 159) which extend, respectively, from the top edge of the windshield (140) downwardly to connecting points along the side edges of the bridge (142). The lower ends of the support poles (157,159) are movable between a series of connecting points on a track, thereby providing a capability for the windshield (140) to be raised and lowered through a large angle relative to the bridge. A canopy (160), which includes lateral (186-189) four side support assemblies (172,174), a top cover and side covers. The canopy (160) may be nested in a stowed position at the rear of the bridge when desired.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent singeing of flexible plastic windows in contact with hot supporting framework members includes connecting structure adapted to engage the framework members. An insulator is fixed to the connecting structure so as to be interposed between the flexible plastic window and the framework members. The insulator will prevent contact between the flexible plastic window and the hot framework members to prevent singeing of the flexible plastic window.

Abstract: The invention comprises a boat tarp cover for covering the forward portion of the boat. The boat tarp has a pair of side portions connected together at their upper edges for engaging about the nose of the forward end of the boat. The one side portion of the tarp has elastic strips mounted at their one ends to the lower edge portions of the one side portion with adhesive mounted at their other ends. Similar adhesive members are mounted to the other side portion at its lower edge whereby the elastic strips may be drawn around the forward keel portion of the boat and the velcro of the elastic strips attached to the velcro of the other side portion to attach the lower forward portions of the side portions of the tarp together about the keel of the boat.

Abstract: A kayak or similar watercraft includes a releasable deck section that allows the operator to easily evacuate the craft during an emergency. A flange on the removable deck section interlocks with a flange on the hull of the watercraft. Forward pressure exerted by the operator on the releasable deck section causes the deck section to slide forward until it is no longer interlocked with the hull flange, thereby releasing the deck section from the watercraft. The purpose of the invention is to facilitate entry into and emergency exits from the watercraft.

Abstract: This invention is a lightweight, potentially expendable, temporary canopy sembly for small open type watercraft. The thin resilient battens are interconnected in the form of a bowed longitudinal ridge member having a plurality of shorter length, transversely disposed, longitudinally spaced, bowed rib members connected therewith, with the free ends of the battens, inserted through D-ring type attachment means provided on the inner periphery of the watercraft, while exerting frictional tension against the craft's gunwales areas. A flexible Nylon type cover comprised of selectively joinable half sections is used as the protective canopy. It uses preferably complementally mateable hooks and loops type manual fastener means, such as Velcro.RTM. complemental fastener strips, to provide the selective attachment and detachment of the two halves over the bowed center ridge member, and also to detachably secure the canopy perimeter portions to the gunwale areas.

Abstract: A surf board support and protector made of semirigid to rigid material which is a poor conductor of heat, e.g. plastic, fiberglass or the like. The support has an internal cavity generally shaped to the nose end of a surf board. The support may be buried or forced into sand in a position to support a surf board in an upright position.

Abstract: A hinged cover is provided for mounting on a trailer including a front end, a back end and opposite sides. The cover includes a body with a front end, a back end and opposite sides. A hinged assembly hingedly interconnects the trailer and the cover body at the front ends. The cover is movable between raised and lowered positions by a pair of jack assemblies interconnecting the trailer and the cover at their sides. The hinged assembly includes a lost motion linkage comprising a generally vertical slot into which a hinge pin is slidably received. The hinge pin slides upward in the slot as the cover is raised and downward as the cover is lowered. The cover also includes a pair of supports onto which the cover may be seated when in the raised position thereof. A pair of supports are mounted on the trailer and each includes a bifurcated upper end. The cover has a lower rim which is received in the support upper ends with the cover in its lowered position.

Abstract: A boat comprising a deck having thereon a helm, and a canopy operable in a first mode wherein the canopy is spaced a first distance above the deck and a second mode wherein the canopy is spaced a second distance less than the first distance above the deck and wherein the canopy permits an operator to be positioned at the helm.