Abstract: A manually-operated canopy deployment system is disclosed for mounted attachment to existing rooftop or bridge structure of recreational boats. The system comprises a pair of spring-loaded tubular actuators telescopically assembled and coupled in parallel alignment to deploy a flexible canvas from a roller member transversely mounted between the actuators with a gear box operatively connected to the roller member to control the canvas deployment. Each actuator assembly includes a rearward outer tube closed at its back end, separate forward and intermediate interior tubes each fitted with inner end caps and coaxially disposed to move longitudinally within the outer tube, and compression springs separately disposed within the respective chambers of the outer tube and intermediate interior tube to apply outbound forces axially upon the inner ends of the respective interior tubes.

Abstract: A device for covering an object which is transported in an air stream, including a cover which at least partially traverses the object, and a differential pressure device disposed on the cover which creates a pressure differential between the air under the cover and the air passing over or around the cover, where the pressure differential causes the air under the cover to exhaust to an exterior of the cover, drawing the cover toward the object, and where the pressure differential device creates the pressure differential when the covered object is transported in a frontward position with respect to a direction of travel and in a rearward position with respect to the direction of transport.

Abstract: A bimini extender fits overlappingly onto and extends forward of a pontoon's primary bimini for extended shade. The bimini extender includes a flexible cover that is at least about one-third of the deck surface area of the pontoon boat, a framework configured for attachment to one or both of the deck and pontoon's perimeter railing, a rear attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to one of the deck, perimeter railing, and primary bimini, and a front attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to the framework. The flexible cover shades an “extra” portion of the deck surface area. The bimini extender is made to be collapsible, removable, and storable, and further is made with robust and lower-cost components including a novel railing clamp, yet is aesthetic, durable and easily installable/removable.

Abstract: A system and method protect a thruster assembly disposed with a pontoon of a semi-submersible drilling vessel during dry tow transport. A cover may be positioned over the thruster assembly and secured with the pontoon. A thruster cover support structure may be disposed with the pontoon. The thruster cover support structure may be a frame positioned around the pontoon for removable attachment with the thruster cover. The thruster cover support structure may be a bracket, ring or flange fixedly attached with the pontoon. The thruster cover may be removably disposed with the bracket, ring or flange, such as by bolting or welding. A spacer barge may be positioned below the pontoon between thruster assemblies for lifting the semi-submersible drilling vessel before placement of the spacer barge and semi-submersible vessel on the dry tow transporting vessel. The thruster assemblies may be elevated and in some embodiments positioned directly over the dry tow transporting vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a rub rail assembly for mounting on a surface of a vessel, the assembly having a coextruded rigid portion and flexible portions with grooves for receiving an insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for creating insulating seals for use in a variety of applications, and to seals created by such compositions and methods. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide multiple contact surfaces. The present invention further provides seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials (such as fabrics, plastics, metals, etc.) to hard surfaces (such as plastics, metals, woods, etc.). The present invention is particularly useful for creating insulating edge seals that provide a means of attachment for removable covers for vehicles (such as tops for automobiles, watercraft, and aircraft), structures, and objects.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for suspending a boat cover from a vertical projection attached to a boat, such that the boat cover is maintained under tension to prevent the formation of pools of water on the cover.

Abstract: A canopy for a small watercraft, such as kayak or canoe. The canopy has a generally rectangular planar frame supported overhead of an individual occupant of the watercraft by a forward leg assembly and an aft leg assembly. The frame is provided with a cover designed for protecting the individual from direct sunlight. The forward leg assembly is releasably connected to brackets mounted on the watercraft and the aft leg assembly is pivotally connected to brackets mounted on the watercraft so that the forward leg assembly may be released from the brackets and the aft leg assembly may pivot about an axis perpendicular to the centerline of the watercraft to support the frame in an upright orientation to catch wind as a downwind sail.

Abstract: A removable console for a boat and a boat including such a removable console are disclosed. The removable console is adapted to be positioned before a passenger seating position in the boat to shield the passenger position from wind. The connection between the deck of the boat and the removable console is fastenerless, so as to facilitate easy installation and replacement. The console itself may be enclosed, with both upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A retractable convertible top for a pleasure craft, including a canvas type fabric and stowable linkage mechanism, is described. This convertible top may be fully deployed and retracted automatically to provide a quick and efficient means of providing shelter for the open cabin of a pleasure craft while still allowing easy entrance and egress from the cabin when the top is fully deployed. The convertible top may be fully stowable within a small volume storage bin with watertight covers. The stowage bin may be integrated into the craft. The craft's existing hydraulic and control systems may be utilized to automatically deploy and retract the convertible top.

Abstract: A boat windshield is described including a transparent pane. A rail is disposed adjacent and secured to one of either the bottom or the top edge of the transparent pane. An opening is defined through the rail. An air intake housing is secured to the front surface of the rail. An air intake opening and passageway are defined in the air intake housing. An air discharge housing is secured to the rear surface of the rail. An air discharge opening and passageway are defined in the rear intake housing. The air intake passageway, the opening through the rail, and the air discharge passageway define an air pathway from the front surface to the rear surface of the rail. The air discharge opening is positioned adjacent to the rear surface of the transparent pane to direct air along the rear surface of the transparent pane upon exiting the air discharge housing.

Abstract: A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area.

Abstract: An automated bimini top device comprises a foldable frame assembly adapted to carry a flexible canvas material thereon and powered to move the canvas selectively between a retracted position and an extended position. The frame assembly includes a rear bow member supported in a fixed raised position, a front bow member adapted to slide along a length of the rear bow and pivot relative thereto, and a middle bow member pivotally connected along the length of the front bow and adapted to move in an opposite rotational direction thereto. Actuator means assembled to the rear bow member are operatively connected to move the front bow member in reversible directions outward and away from the rear bow into the extended position and inward and toward the rear bow into the retracted position.

Abstract: A retractable roof assembly for a boat is provided which can be moved from a deployed position above the deck of the boat to a retracted position closer to the deck of the boat. Pivoting struts support the roof and are caused to move by a motor or pair of motors. Rollers on two of the struts move along a cam surface and the cam surface is designed such that during movement of the roof, the roof remains substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A retractable bimini top movable between stowed and deployed orientations includes a frame including a first bow and a second bow movable relative to the first bow. The retractable bimini top further includes a cover positioned over at least a portion of each of the first and second bows and a first elastic cord having a first end coupled to the first bow and a second end coupled to the second bow such that the first elastic cord is under tension at least when the retractable bimini top is in the deployed orientation. The first elastic cord has an allowable percent elongation of at least 200 percent.

Abstract: A collapsible arch bar for a water craft includes a pair of side arms pivotally attached to the gunnels on the water craft. A cover member is pivotally attached to the upper ends of the side arms allowing the arch bar to be collapsed rearwardly if the craft is approaching an overhead obstruction. An automated lifting means allows the water craft operator to automatically collapse and re-erect the arch bar, if desired.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of being wrapped around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of a propeller and gathered so as to substantially surround the propeller. A fastening member such as a clamp or clip is affixed to the flexible material for maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the fastening member and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is gathered about the propeller and maintained in place with the fastening member, the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is installed about the propeller the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat.

Abstract: A retractable boat top device is disclosed having an arched canopy assembly operatively deployed in mounted attachment upon a conventional radar arch or like elevated structure on the deck of a boat. The arched canopy assembly includes a stationery roof section formed having a curved planar surface transversely mounted within the radar arch, a pair of telescoping extension arms mounted on opposite sides of the roof section, and an arched roller assembled to hold a flexible canopy material thereon and operatively connected between the outer ends of the extension arms so that the flexible canopy material may be extended and retracted relative to the stationery roof section in an arched configuration substantially in the same plane as the roof section.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching a safety device to the hull of a boat. In one embodiment, the safety device is a net that is held tightly in tension against the hull. The net is attached to the boat while it is in the water, and if the weather or sea state is threatening. If the boat capsizes, there will be sufficient tightness of the net against the hull such that the arms of an unconscious person can be placed through the netting, and the person will be kept safely above the water line. In yet other embodiments, a sheathing is attached to the hull that is a substantially continuous cover. The cover is attached to the boat prior to beaching the boat and protects the hull against abrasion by sharp objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of mineral fibres or filaments and E-glass fibres having a SiO2 part of more than 50 wt. % in the form of a textile fabric, as a biocide-free antifouling agent for protecting submerged structures from damage by adhesion and multiplication of aquatic pests in the sea or in industrial water systems. The surface of the antifouling agent predominantly consists of fine basalt fibres and the fabric is woven, knitted or braided, a fabric formed according to multiaxial technology, or a nonwoven.

Abstract: A vent or separation/s between the flexible material (10)(11)(12) which is attached to a bimini frame (12) will provide access for air flow therefore reducing the pressure exerted from air collection. The reduction of pressure will minimize the wear on the material (10)(11)(12) its stitching or adhesive and all related hardware and frame. This vent or separation may have a retraction mechanism (14) to re-align the material to a form that would provide protection from the elements.

Abstract: A towing apparatus comprises a structural assembly extending between opposing first and second bases for pivoting between operating and stored positions. A locking assembly includes a pin in each base and a hook carried at opposing ends of the structural assembly. A cam is pivotally connected to the hook for movement between locked and released positions. In the locked position, the hook is secured to the pin for preventing rotation of the structural assembly. In the released position, the hook is spaced from the pin to permit rotation of the structural assembly. The hook is rotatable with the cam from the released position to adjacent the pin by rotation of a shaft and slidable along the pin into the locking position by a continued shaft rotation. A cable is attached between the base and a spring within the structural assembly for biasing the structural assembly toward the operating position.

Abstract: A removable boat windshield is provided that includes a transparent pane with a top end and a bottom end. At least one male portion is attached to the pane. At least one female portion is attachable to a deck of a boat. The at least one female portion defines a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the at least one male portion therein. The removable boat windshield also includes a securement device, operable with the at least one female portion, to releasably connect the male portion to the female portion.

Abstract: A foil guard for sporting devices having hydrofoils covers the exposed edges of the foils and thereby prevents damage to persons or property from accidental contact with the foils. The guard may include cords or elastics to secure the guard to the foils, and may float in water to prevent loss of the guard.

Abstract: A motorboat, in particular a yacht, with a cabin which merges on a rear side into a cockpit which is delimited laterally by side sections. To improve the wind comfort in the cockpit, a respective side guiding element for guiding the flow is disposed on each side of the boat. The side guiding element extends generally vertically upward and generally in the longitudinal direction of the boat from a rear end section of the respective side section.

Abstract: A system for securing a flexible cover to a boat is described. The system includes a flexible cover defining a peripheral edge and a flexible member attached to the flexible cover adjacent to the peripheral edge. An edge clip is adjustably disposed on the flexible member. The edge clip includes a body defining an inlet and an outlet. The flexible member extends from the inlet to the outlet. A retaining element is disposed within the body to discourage movement of the flexible member with respect to the inlet and the outlet. The system also includes a hook, connectible between the edge clip and the boat for securing the edge clip to the boat, thereby securing the flexible cover to the boat via the flexible member.

Abstract: A removable console for a boat and a boat including such a removable console are disclosed. The removable console is adapted to be positioned before a passenger seating position in the boat to shield the passenger position from wind. The connection between the deck of the boat and the removable console is fastenerless, so as to facilitate easy installation and replacement. The console itself may be enclosed, with both upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: An environmental screen for a boat includes at least one panel extending from a first attachment point on a boat to a second attachment point. A plurality of perforations are disposed through the at least one panel.

Abstract: A boat booty has a closed bottom and an open top for the removable receipt of a boat hull. A rope encompasses the boat booty. Retaining strips secure the rope in operating position adjacent to the open top. A coupling assembly includes a plurality of lines. Each line has a fixed end coupled to the rope. Each line has a free end adapted to be releasably coupled to a cleat. An evacuation assembly includes a flexible tube. The flexible tube is coupled with respect to the boat booty. In this manner water is removed from the space between the boat and the boat booty while a user pulls on the lines to raise the upper edge of the boat booty.

Abstract: A cover system for a boat that can be articulated between a lowered covering position, to provide some level of protection to the interior of the boat when the boat is not in use, and one or more other positions. The one or more other positions may include, for example, a raised covering position, a raised retracted position, a lowered retracted position, and/or any other suitable position, as desired.

Abstract: This invention provides a top for a boat fitted with an aft-mounted, raised poling platform providing protection from the sun for passengers at the vessel's centrally mounted helm, which a) may be easily attached to vessel's existing poling platform, b) allows unencumbered access all around the vessel's gunwales, b) folds up, down or longitudinally for storage, d) may be used at the vessel's intended operating speed, and e) may easily removed. The top shall be constructed of rigid metal, plastic or composite tubing and covered with a flexible or rigid material for protection from the elements. Other options for this type of boat include centrally mounted T-Top designs which interfere with fishing, umbrella designs which cannot be used at speed, and gunwale mounted rigid or folding which interfere with access to the boat's perimeter such as fishing and ingress/egress.

Abstract: A protective cover for a craft and collection and fastening unit thereof to a quay or a jetty that comprises a flexible, opaque, laminar body that is symmetrical about its vertical axis and trunk-conical, having a front side and a rear side that is parallel to and narrower than the front side, and lateral sides formed by a longer inclined portion and a shorter straight portion. The protective cover serves to isolate the parts of interest from a surrounding body of water and to prevent the passage of sunlight. The front side of the cover includes a ballasted area and the rear side thereof a rigidified area. A unit formed by cords fastened to the jetty makes it possible to collect the cover and fasten it thereto.

Abstract: The invention concerns a floating aquatic platform structure including a transparent base, capable of accommodating pieces of furniture and people, and the means to keep it upright within an area of natural or man-made water. The aquatic platform is designed in the form of a rigid set of self-supporting frames (1,17,18) in a geometrically simple shape, grouped together by base modules (2) with a limited number of frames, each frame (1,17,18) supporting a transparent slab (15) inserted into said frame and whereby the means for keeping the aquatic platform on the surface include floats (8,9,10) placed on at least two opposite sides of the platform.

Abstract: In one possible implementation the invention is electrical generating system, having: a wind power assembly having at least two rotatable propulsion systems: said wind power assembly further having an air pump, the air pump being connected to the wind power assembly and creating an air flow when rotatable propulsion systems rotate in response to wind; and an air powered generator connected to the wind power assembly, the air powered generator capable of creating electrical current as a result of the air flow from the wind power assembly.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided and a method of using same is provided. The fastening device includes a male member having a having a projection on a first side and a securing means on a second opposing side. A female member configured to receive the male member detachably secures the female member onto the male member. The securing means on the second opposing side of the male member is configured to mate with a corresponding securing member so as to detachably fasten the male member onto the corresponding securing member. A detachable fastening device for detachably fastening a material onto an object is also provided.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (10) has land propulsion means and marine propulsion means. At least two axles with wheels (12) are spaced apart along the length of the vehicle. At least one intermediate axle with retractable wheel(s) (14) is positioned between the other axles. This additional axle may improve manoeuvrability over rough ground. Wheel(s) (14) may be retracted on water and/or on land. Wheels (12) may also be retractable. One or more axles may be driven, full time or selectively. The vehicle may plane on water, and may have a vee type hull (11). Marine propulsion may be by means of a jet drive. Wheel(s) (14) may retract vertically or through arcs around a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Skid steer may be used. Mudguards, a vehicle roof, and retraction guides for the wheels (slides 16) may be fitted. Pairs of slides may provide roof supports. A forward control driving position may be provided.

Abstract: A removable boat windshield is provided that includes a transparent pane with a top end and a bottom end. At least one male portion is attached to the pane. At least one female portion is attachable to a deck of a boat. The at least one female portion defines a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the at least one male portion therein. The removable boat windshield also includes a securement device, operable with the at least one female portion, to releasably connect the male portion to the female portion.

Abstract: In an awning for a cruiser, the awning including a roof frame longitudinally curved and arranged to be inclined down ahead above an open cabin; a roof cover provided to be put on the roof frame; a transparent window panel that is provided to be inclined to be continuous to the inclination of the roof frame and moves in a space between a front end of the roof frame and a front portion of the open cabin present in front of the roof frame so as to be able to slidably open and close the space; a slide rail arranged below a side frame arranged on each of left and right edges of the roof frame, a distance between the slide rail and the side frame being always constant; and a slider fixed to each of left and right sides of the window panel and slidably attached onto the slide rail, a transfer reciprocating between the front end of the roof frame and a rear portion of the roof frame along a curved shape of the roof frame is provided on the roof frame, and the window panel is connected to the transfer.

Abstract: A retractable convertible top for a pleasure craft, including a canvas type fabric and stowable linkage mechanism, is described. This convertible top may be fully deployed and retracted automatically to provide a quick and efficient means of providing shelter for the open cabin of a pleasure craft while still allowing easy entrance and egress from the cabin when the top is fully deployed. The convertible top may be fully stowable within a small volume storage bin with watertight covers. The stowage bin may be integrated into the craft. The craft's existing hydraulic and control systems may be utilized to automatically deploy and retract the convertible top.

Abstract: A small boat with a sponson for preventing splashing of spray onto the deck of the boat. The small boat is provided with a hull sponson at an outer periphery of the hull in order to fit the deck constituting an upper part of a boat body to the hull constituting a lower part of the boat body. A deck sponson is provided at an outer periphery of the deck, and the deck sponson is overlaid so as to bond with the hull sponson. The extent of projection of one member of the hull sponson and the deck sponson at the front section of the boat body is larger than the extent of projection of a member of the hull sponson and the deck sponson at a second member of the boat body. As a result, when the small boat is gliding and collides with a wave, the sponson prevents spray from the wave from splashing onto the deck.

Abstract: A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area.

Abstract: This invention provides a top (commonly called a T-Top) for a center console boat providing protection form the sun and elements for passengers, which a) may be easily attached to existing metal (typically stainless steel) grab rails on the fiberglass console structures on the center of the vessel, b) may be lowered by rotating forward or rearward for storage or clearance under bridges by rotating forward or rearward about fixed pivot points by removing positioning pins or bolts, c) provides open access completely around the perimeter of the boat without straps or other contrivances attached to the gunwales or perimeter of the boat, d) may utilize optional gas spring assistance for raising and lowering and e) may provide mounting for optional removable windshield, fishing rod holders, gear net storage, sound speakers, navigation equipment, interior lights and spot lighting.

Abstract: An automated bimini top device comprises a foldable frame assembly adapted to carry a flexible canvas material thereon and powered to move the canvas selectively between a retracted position and an extended position. The frame assembly includes a rear bow member supported in a fixed raised position, a front bow member adapted to slide along a length of the rear bow and pivot relative thereto, and a middle bow member pivotally connected along the length of the front bow and adapted to move in an opposite rotational direction thereto. Actuator means assembled to the rear bow member are operatively connected to move the front bow member in reversible directions outward and away from the rear bow into the extended position and inward and toward the rear bow into the retracted position.

Abstract: A shade assembly for a watercraft comprising at least one attachment device and a cover assembly. The attachment device includes at least one mounting assembly structured to be connected to any one of a plurality of predetermined portions of the watercraft. The cover assembly is structured to provide protection of various parts of the watercraft from at least sun exposure by producing a shaded area. At least one adjustment assembly is disposed in interconnecting relation between the mounting assembly and the cover assembly, and is structured to selectively dispose said the cover assembly in any one of a plurality of operative positions relative to the mounting assembly and the various parts of the watercraft.

Abstract: A cover for a hatch lid or similar structure of a boat provides a secure, custom fit but is easily replaceable and maintainable. The cover includes a sheet of material having a periphery sized approximately to fit over a hatch lid of a boat and a securing feature including an elastic band extending along a portion of the periphery of the sheet, configured to securely couple the sheet of material to the hatch lid. The cover also includes a first corner strap and a second corner strap located on an underside of the sheet of material configured to fit over respective corners of the hatch lid.

Abstract: A bimini extender fits overlappingly onto and extends forward of a pontoon's primary bimini for extended shade. The bimini extender includes a flexible cover that is at least about one-third of the deck surface area of the pontoon boat, a framework configured for attachment to one or both of the deck and pontoon's perimeter railing, a rear attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to one of the deck, perimeter railing, and primary bimini, and a front attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to the framework. The flexible cover shades an “extra” portion of the deck surface area. The bimini extender is made to be collapsible, removable, and storable, and further is made with robust and lower-cost components including a novel railing clamp, yet is aesthetic, durable and easily installable/removable.

Abstract: A retractable convertible top for a pleasure craft, including a canvas type fabric and stowable linkage mechanism, is described. This convertible top may be fully deployed and retracted automatically to provide a quick and efficient means of providing shelter for the open cabin of a pleasure craft while still allowing easy entrance and egress from the cabin when the top is fully deployed. The convertible top may be fully stowable within a small volume storage bin with watertight covers. The stowage bin may be integrated into the craft. The craft's existing hydraulic and control systems may be utilized to automatically deploy and retract the convertible top.

Abstract: A hook seat tightening structure for ship covers comprises a body constituted by a seat and a housing, wherein two rollers, one turntable, one wheel, one lock bolt, and one lock member are located therein. A depressing piece and a tenon are located at two sides of the lock bolt respectively. The lock bolt can be rotated and elastically restored by the tenon, which is connected with a spring. The depressing piece is pressed against one-way ratchets on the turntable, and the lock bolt can be rotated subject to a control by a key. A rope enters and is reeved on the turntable and wheel, to constitute a tightening device permitting a one-way gliding of the rope. Accordingly, when the lock member is locked by rotating the key, the tenon on the lock member can be latched on the depressing piece of the lock bolt, thereby achieving a locking function.