Protective Cover Or Shield Patents (Class 114/361)
  • Publication number: 20100037811
    Abstract: A boat cover support for elevating a boat cover that includes a telescoping pole having a first end and a second end, a cap at the first end of the telescoping pole, and an adjustable tripod base at the second end of the telescoping pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Tim Grant
  • Publication number: 20100031865
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Ameritex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Bryant, Brent Lee Bucks, Stuart Allan Tyson, Dennis J. Parniske
  • Publication number: 20100024711
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: COBURN J. MIKACICH
  • Patent number: 7654216
    Abstract: A boat roof on a boat deck is provided, including a roof element. The roof element can be raised via a pivoting mechanism with a lifting unit, by pivoting about a pivoting axis in order to produce an opening gap between the roof element and the remaining deck area. A boat having such a boat roof is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Aguti Produktentwicklung & Design GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Grieger
  • Patent number: 7650724
    Abstract: A tube with an external channel of a complex geometry. The channel does not distort or collapse when the tube is bent 90 degrees with a 4-inch radius. Fabric may be inserted into and securely held in the external channel. The tube is suitable for constructing frames of fabric structures, such as dodgers and biminis for boats, tents, chairs, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hallett Canvas & Sails, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Hallett, Richard Anthony Dowzall
  • Patent number: 7647879
    Abstract: A support assembly for a boat cover includes a first support member having a first end disposed adjacent to the boat cover and a second end having an opening, a second support member having a first end telescopically received within the opening, and a biasing element disposed between the first end of the second support member and the first end of the first support member. The biasing element biases the first support member away from the second support member and into engagement with the boat cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Facundo del Valle Bravo, Jose L. Correa
  • Publication number: 20100006018
    Abstract: A device for protecting a hull of a marine vessel includes a cover of water-impermeable material dimensioned to conform to at least a water-contacting portion of a hull of a marine vessel. The cover is removably affixable to the hull, a top edge of the cover extending about the hull in spaced relation above a water line. A drain is positioned so as to lie adjacent a bottom of the hull when the cover is in place on the hull. In use, fresh water is transported into a space between the cover and the hull so as to displace ambient water therefrom. The ambient water can exit the space via the drain, leaving the fresh water within the space as a protective “jacket.” The fresh water serves to prevent galvanic corrosion, pollutant damage, and barnacle encrustation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Lathem
  • Patent number: 7640882
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a boat cover to a boat is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated member defining a first leg and a second leg. A plurality of notches are defined in the first leg of the elongated member. A flexible cover is affixed to the second leg of the elongated member along at least one edge. A guide is affixable to a deck of a boat. The guide defines at least one securement groove therein. The securement groove accepts the second leg of the elongated member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis J. Parniske
  • Publication number: 20090293797
    Abstract: A boat cover for a suspended cover system that is configured to fit a boat in a manner that prevents relative movement therebetween minimizing wear. The cover has at least one fitting seam that follows part of the top of the boat. An integral cover cinching arrangement enables tightening the bottom of the cover against the hull hugging it. Vents overlying a passenger section minimize wind force by reducing cover pressure differential. The cover can be equipped with a second fitting seam that extends along the gunwale of the boat and can have a downwardly extending fitting seam section that extends below the gunwale toward the bow to help fit the cover to the front portion of the hull of the boat. Stretchable straps used to hang the cover from a track of the boat cover system can be used to minimize force on the cover caused by wave action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Randy Kent
  • Publication number: 20090267381
    Abstract: A trailer assembly includes a cover assembly having a cover and a frame assembly engaged with the cover assembly. The frame assembly includes a frame and a lifting arm having a first end engaged to the frame and a second end engaged to the cover. The lifting arm is selectively laterally extendable from the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Genmar Minnesota, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Huddleston, Ronald Sahr
  • Patent number: 7591231
    Abstract: A multi-piece bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a boat windshield on a surface such as a boat hull. The trim member includes a base member securable to the surface and including a supporting leg, and an upper member including a base member receiving channel that is shaped to receive the supporting leg of the base member. The upper member is positionable relative to the base member to accommodate varying angles of the curved sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Shearer, Edward J. Erskine
  • Publication number: 20090229508
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy R. James
  • Publication number: 20090217860
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Seizou Tomatsu
  • Publication number: 20090211512
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Ameritex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Mason, Sherman E. Whited, II
  • Patent number: 7571691
    Abstract: A retractable bimini top device is disclosed for automated operation and mounted attachment to an existing rooftop member set over the deck of a boat. The inventive device includes a U-shaped support frame having respective side legs adapted to travel longitudinally through a pair of housing tube members disposed in parallel and mounted beneath the rooftop member. The side legs of the U-shaped frame are coaxially fitted within the housing tube members and made to travel together in unison through the respective tube members, each upon a lead screw that is driven by a reversible motor electrically powered and mounted at the end of each tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald K. Russikoff
  • Publication number: 20090194016
    Abstract: A boat trim strip attached to the perimeter of a boat which has a chrome laminate bonded to one or more exposed surfaces and embedded in a clear plastic cover layer to be resistant to bumps and abrasions. The trip strip can also be used in a boat cover attachment system having a retainer clip attached to the boat cover and mateable with a slot in the trim strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Mark J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20090188420
    Abstract: A combined holder-bag for small boats, to storage and holds the anchor, rope and others light items like trash that could fly away with the wind causing water pollution. The invention particularly provides a holder-bag in a safe and convenient place at the boat's bow rail or the boat's bow it self in a horizontal V shaped position, with very little wind resistance, made of mesh material at the bottom for ventilation and drainage and the larger top cover (for water and other elements protection) keeping storage items dry and ventilated, free of mildew and humidity. It has two side zippers closing toward the front, ending where there is an overlap small top cover with Velcro fastener for ease opening and closing access and next to the boat's anchor cleat. In between the two-bottom mesh layers have a half-inch “dry fast” cushioning foam to minimize rattle noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Tomas Crespo, SR.
  • Patent number: 7565878
    Abstract: A bottom trim member attaches a curved sheet to a surface. The bottom trim member includes a connecting part having a sheet receiving component that is configured to receive a bottom portion of the curved sheet, and a connecting leg extending in a downward direction relative to the curved sheet. A seal and cover member is attachable between the connecting leg and the surface and surrounding the connecting leg. With this construction, the seal and cover member serves to provide a moisture seal between the bottom trim member and the surface on which the trim member is mounted and serves to cover an area through which a fastening member can be placed to fix the trim member to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Shearer, Edward J. Erskine
  • Publication number: 20090178605
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
  • Patent number: 7555994
    Abstract: A pontoon boat's cover system has includes a rib-cage structure to support a fabric cover formed by hollow poles flexed into low arches and anchored into opposite brackets on the left and right top (hand or side) rails of the pontoon boat. Each bracket has a zig-zag pin and a U-base. Each zig-zag link originates as a bottom axle changing into a central column changing into a cantilevered stake. Each U-based cups a top rail of the boat with a bottom axle inserted through holes in the U-base across and over the top rail it cups. The central column seats in a saddle of one of the U-base's arms to stabilize the zig-zag pin the front to back direction. A locking collar slides over the saddle with the central column seated therein in order to retain the zig-zag pin from unseating from the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Randall E. Arnall
  • Patent number: 7536971
    Abstract: A water craft includes a tow tower including a tower loop raised and lowered by two linear actuators. The tower loop is firmly supported in the raised position by the linear actuators to provide a proper attachment for towing enthusiasts, and is lowered to allow the water craft to be stored in a normal height garage structure. The linear actuators are unique designs with large shaft diameter, short stroke, and high overlap between the shaft and actuator body, and in particular include novel compressible bumpers to create a compressive jam-lock counterforce at full extension to effectively jam-lock the linear actuator and prevent back creep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: John Fry
  • Patent number: 7533627
    Abstract: A boat hull shield is disclosed including a hull perimeter bracket adapted to attach to a boat hull, the bracket extending along a port and a starboard chine of the boat hull. The hull shield further includes a convex panel, with a low-friction hard surface, for covering a bottom surface of the boat hull, having an outer edge retained by the bracket, extending from the port chine to the starboard chine of the boat hull, the convex panel forming a hollow space between the convex panel and the boat hull. A trim component is included in the hull shield which is attached to the aft end of the boat for adjusting an angle of a surface of the convex panel. The hull shield also includes a suspension component for absorbing impact force on the low-friction hard surface of the convex panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Glen R. Wooldridge
  • Patent number: 7527014
    Abstract: A self-adjusting watercraft canopy/cover assembly having a protective cover and a floating watercraft lift. The lift includes a watercraft lifting support and a float attached to the watercraft lifting support for supporting the watercraft lifting support on a body of water. The float is movable to selectively lift and lower the watercraft lifting support relative to the body of water along a first path of movement. The lift further includes an assembly which causes the protective cover to move along a second path of movement different from the first path in response to movement of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hey, Bryce M. Kloster
  • Publication number: 20090107389
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a boat cover to a boat is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated member defining a first leg and a second leg. A plurality of notches are defined in the first leg of the elongated member. A flexible cover is affixed to the second leg of the elongated member along at least one edge. A guide is affixable to a deck of a boat. The guide defines at least one securement groove therein. The securement groove accepts the second leg of the elongated member therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: AmeriTex Technologies
    Inventor: Dennis J. Parniske
  • Patent number: 7524387
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a metal panel or pipe of an existing structure comprising the steps of attaching a reinforcing metal layer to said metal panel or pipe in spaced apart relation to thereby form at least one cavity between inner surfaces of said metal panel and said reinforcing metal layer, injecting an intermediate layer comprised of an uncured plastics material into said at least one cavity, and curing said plastics material so that it adheres to said inner surfaces of said metal panel or pipe and said reinforcing metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Intelligent Engineering ( Bahamas ) Limited
    Inventor: Stephen J. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20090101058
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Ameritex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Daniels, Stuart A. Tyson, Michael J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7520240
    Abstract: A boat cover system that can provide some level of protection to the interior of the boat when the boat is not in use, and can also provide some level of protection to the occupants of the boat when the boat is in use. The cover system may include a cover assembly that includes a support frame and a cover, where the support frame supports the cover. One or more cover supports may be provided for supporting the cover assembly. The one or more cover supports may be adapted to allow the cover assembly to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
  • Patent number: 7506605
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Marshall Duffield
  • Patent number: 7506604
    Abstract: An apparatus including: a vehicle; a console attached to the vehicle; and an integrally formed, internally supported, molded canopy attached to the vehicle. In various embodiments, the apparatus further includes a frame attached to the vehicle for supporting the canopy and the canopy may include an internal electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Design, LLC
    Inventors: William Daniel Cooper, Luther Thomas Smith, Edward Ernest Forbes
  • Patent number: 7503275
    Abstract: An attachment system for attaching a flexible enclosure to a boat windshield frame includes a frame trim piece with a longitudinally and transversely extending groove retaining a resilient insert. The insert has a pair of legs extending from one end of a shank and touching to conceal the groove. A screw snap stud can be inserted at any selected position along the groove to self-tap into the walls of the groove and releasably retain a cooperating fastener on the flexible enclosure. If the stud is removed, the insert legs return to the original position. Alternatively, the insert is not used or the insert does not include the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ameritex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Daniels, Stuart A. Tyson
  • Patent number: 7497184
    Abstract: An application for a boat tower load relief system includes a boat tower support post connected to a receptacle for the boat tower support post by a hinge. The boat tower load relief system includes a torsion spring with a first end, a first winding, a central bend, a second winding and a second end. The central bend pushes on a boat tower support post section of the hinge and the first end and the second end of the torsion spring push on a support plate which is attached to the receptacle for the boat tower post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Lucas James Chaffin, Jeffrey David Bush
  • Patent number: 7490574
    Abstract: A convertible boat top provides a covered area to protect the occupants from environmental concerns such as sun, rain, etc. The convertible top is easily deployed and can be unobtrusively tucked away into a storage area. The top can be provided as original equipment or may be embodied as a kit to adapt an existing boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Shearer, Kevin Stancil
  • Publication number: 20090038528
    Abstract: Frame for carrying a cover for a boat. The frame consists of a number of longitudinal beams which are hingeably coupled to one another to follow the shape of the boat. Transverse beam structures extend between opposing longitudinal beams and each transverse beam structure consists of a number of transverse beams which are hingeably connected to one another. At a hinge location not adjoining the longitudinal beams, ridge beams extend for carrying the cover. Preferably, at least some of the hinges are configured in such a way that, in the desired hinge position, this hinge position can be fixed or prestress can be applied thereto. A carrier structure is present to support the transverse beam structure and more particularly an upright thereof. A cover structure according to the invention comprises the frame and an associated cover and also a tarpaulin cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: C.E. VAN BERKEL H.O.D.N. SIMPLE SCREEN
    Inventor: Cornelis Everardus VAN BERKEL
  • Publication number: 20090031942
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald K. Russikoff
  • Patent number: 7484472
    Abstract: A cover system for a pontoon boat having an expanding frame. The cover system includes framework for receiving a flexible material thereon. The framework has a plurality of U shaped supports that have the ability to traverse on a track apparatus for the purpose of quick and easy placement and removal. The cover system also includes a stowing compartment for the specific purpose of storage of framework and cover components therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: John Highfield
  • Patent number: 7481177
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air scoop device for installation on a windshield header member of an open top vehicle, for example, convertible cars, water boats, water crafts and the like. The air scoop device has a scoop body configuring a hollow interior space capable of receiving air through a first area into the hollow interior space and directing the air out of the hollow interior space through a second area towards a foot-well area of the open top vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce Hearne
  • Publication number: 20090020147
    Abstract: A Support frame for tarpaulin for use over boats in storage uses easy to assemble tube elements that are easily attached together without the use of tools in order to create a structure that allows for the laying of a tarpaulin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Richard, Pierre Beaudoin
  • Patent number: 7472666
    Abstract: A Support frame for tarpaulin for use over boats in storage uses easy to assemble tube elements that are easily attached together without the use of tools in order to create a structure that allows for the laying of a tarpaulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Richard, Pierre Beaudoin
  • Patent number: 7464660
    Abstract: A windshield assembly for a covered vessel includes a door section forming part of the windshield. The door section includes a door section securable to the vessel and being substantially contiguous with the windshield. The door section includes a door frame pivotable between a closed position and an open position, and a door panel mounted in the door frame. The door panel includes a selectively vented opening. The windshield assembly including the door section provides access to a bow area on a front side of the windshield and also improves air circulation, cooling and ventilation through the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J Erskine
  • Patent number: 7464900
    Abstract: A folding, retractable dome for protecting a feature, such as a docking mechanism, a hatch or other equipment at an exterior surface of a space vehicle, includes a plurality of arcuate ribs, each having opposite ends respectively pinioned at opposite sides of the feature at the surface of the vehicle for rotational movement about an axis of rotation extending through the opposite ends and through an arcuate path of revolution extending over the feature, and a flexible cover attached to each of the ribs such that, in a deployed configuration of the dome, in which adjacent ribs are rotated apart from each other at a maximum relative angle therebetween, the cover is stretched generally tangentially between the adjacent ribs to form a generally arcuate shield over the feature, and in a retracted position of the dome, in which adjacent ribs are rotated together at a minimum relative angle therebetween, the cover is collapsed to define folded pleats between the adjacent ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Clark, Ross H. Messinger
  • Patent number: 7461853
    Abstract: A boat hull shield device comprising a bracket member attached to the tongue of a trailer. An adjustable shield-support assembly is fastened to the bracket member and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of planar shield members is adjustably attached to the shield support assembly, with the shield members each positioned to one side of the bracket member in an open V configuration. A pair of linear brace members further stabilizes the shield members. Each brace member is secured at a first end to one shield member and at a second end to the upright support fastened to the tongue of the trailer. The planar shield members are rotationally adjustable relative to a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the trailer tongue and pivotally adjustable relative to a vertical axis, that is perpendicular to the trailer tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne A. Larson
  • Patent number: 7458333
    Abstract: A covering and securing structure for a covering body, which includes a covering that can be laid over an object, and a hem located on a circumferential edge of the covering enables a tether to be threaded therethrough. A plurality of recesses are defined in the hem, and each of the recesses enables the tether to be joined to externally located ropes. When the covering body is laid over the external portion of an object to be covered and bound tight, then the plurality of ropes on the circumferential edge of the covering body are joined to the tether and a tugging action is collectively applied to the ropes, thereby achieving covering and securing protective effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Formosa Saint Jose Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Shun Yang
  • Patent number: 7455027
    Abstract: A convertible cover for pontoon boats comprises a fabric or cloth cover attached to a set of runners. The invention utilizes a track system on both sides of the boat with round runners. Sliding supports with three glide wheels each ride along these runners and match with an equal runner on the opposite side of the boat. The runners glide along a track guide system mounted onto the handrails of the pontoon boat. The cover glides along the track when manipulated by the user and enables the user to effectively and quickly cover the pontoon boat during storage or other times of inactivity. To remove the cover, it is simply pushed backwards where all supports and the tarp are stored at the rear. To deploy, it is simply pulled by a strap to completely and automatically cover the whole boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Dickerson
  • Patent number: 7441510
    Abstract: A marine windshield frame for curved or straight windshield glass having a top frame rail mounted inward of the windshield glass and substantially flush with frontal surface of the windshield glass. The top frame rail is mounted onto the windshield glass edge by adhesive. The windshield frame may also include a pair of vertically oriented corner posts. The corner posts are preferably manufactured by die-cast molding. An alternate manufacturing method is to stretch-form an aluminum alloy extrusion, matching vent holes therein, and machined a taper thereon an edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Darren Ashley Bach
  • Patent number: 7438015
    Abstract: A powered bimini top is raised and lowered via a remote control. A power actuator operating the top includes a bi-directional reversible pump turned in one direction to lower the top to a fully retracted position and turned in the other direction to raise the top via hydraulic actuators. The top may alternatively be raised and lowered by a spring or a screw actuator. A rigid link is provided on either the watercraft or one of the main struts of the top. The pump, spring or screw actuator causes the main strut to be held against the rigid link (or the rigid link against the watercraft) with sufficient force to prevent substantial relative movement during transport. Secondary struts are biased toward corresponding main struts by elongated elastic cords. A pressure-responsive switch is provided on one of the struts to reverse direction of the top if the strut encounters an obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Michael A. Schwindaman
  • Patent number: 7434873
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheeled frame and sidewalls with a cockpit therein. A top is provided having a perimeter contoured for engaging a sidewall perimeter in a closed position and providing a canopy for the cargo/living space in an open position. Linear actuators are provided for moving the top between the open and closed positions along with a motor mechanism for operating the linear actuation. A panel moveably attached to the top enables operator entry and exit from the vehicle with the top in the closed position through an access provided by the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Wesley Terran Baylor
  • Patent number: 7434533
    Abstract: A self-sealing gasket is suitable for sealing a curved object to a surface. The gasket includes a pair of side rails and a support panel between the side rails. Respective top portions of the side rails extend above the support panel to define an object receiving channel on an upper side of the gasket. Respective bottom portions of the side rails extend below the support panel to define a deflection cavity on a lower side of the gasket. The gasket is formed of a flexible material such that when the curved object is received in the object receiving channel and the curved object and gasket are fixed to the surface, the top portions of the side rails deflect inward to seal the curved object. By virtue of material deflection, a dense material may be used for the gasket while maintaining flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Erskine, David R. Irwin
  • Patent number: 7434534
    Abstract: A trim assembly for a windshield includes a trim piece extendable along an edge of the windshield and a gasket secured within the trim piece and including a first channel for receiving the edge of the windshield and a second channel separate from the first channel. A fastener clip is secured in the second channel of the gasket and includes one part of a releasable fastener. By providing a dedicated channel for receiving the fastener clip, a more secure connection can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Erskine, Eric S. Butler, Douglas D. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20080245288
    Abstract: A marine windshield frame for curved or straight windshield glass having a top frame rail mounted inward of the windshield glass and substantially flush with frontal surface of the windshield glass. The top frame rail is mounted onto the windshield glass edge by adhesive. The windshield frame may also include a pair of vertically oriented corner posts. The corner posts are preferably manufactured by die-cast molding. An alternate manufacturing method is to stretch-form an aluminum alloy extrusion, machining vent holes therein, and machined a taper thereon an edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Darren Ashley Bach
  • Patent number: 7430981
    Abstract: A hardtop for a boat including a windshield with an movable portion and a roof with a movable cover. The windshield includes an opening when the movable portion is in an open position and the roof includes a opening extending rearward from a front edge when the cover is in an open position. The opening in the windshield and the roof are generally aligned to define a pass-through. The forward edge of the opening portion of the roof is displaced rearward from the front edge of the roof when open and may be generally aligned with the front edge of the roof when closed. A boat including a hardtop with an opening windshield and roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: KCS International
    Inventors: Terry G. Malcore, Curt Fifield, Jeff Green