Abstract: A collapsible frame for a cloth or canvas-like top for a boat, having latching members which retain the collapsible frame to a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the boat frame. An over the center rotating latching member allows the collapsible frame to be quickly connected to the boat when not in use. The rotating latching member does not require the usage of removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. The rotating latching member also couples to an insert including an arcuate surface complementary to the rotating latch member. The insert includes slots that may be used to organize wires connected to the bimini top.

Abstract: A bimini top assembly for providing a partial cover for the operators of a vehicle. The bimini top assembly generally includes a tower connectable to the vehicle. The assembly further provides at least one support member, a plurality of adjustment assemblies having a connector assembly attached to the tower and an eye-end connected to the at least one support member, and a bimini top attached to the at least one support member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first pivot, a second pivot, a first pole, a second pole and a fabric portion. The first pivot may have a first insert and a second insert. The second pivot may have a third insert and a fourth insert. The first pole may have a first end connected to one of the first or second inserts and a second end connected to one of the third or fourth inserts. The second pole may have a first end connected to the other of the first or second inserts and a second end connected to the other of the third or fourth inserts. The poles may be arranged to create a gap between the first and second pivots. The fabric portion may be connected between the poles to cover the gap.

Abstract: A boat has a hull and a deck supported by the hull. The deck has a forward passenger area and a rearward passenger area. A seat is disposed in the rearward passenger area. A passageway allows for communication between the forward passenger area and the rearward passenger area. A door is disposed on the deck for selectively closing the passageway between the forward passenger area and the rearward passenger area. The door has a top, a front, a back, and two sides. A windshield is disposed generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the boat. The windshield is movable between a first position where the windshield extends a first distance vertically above the top of the door and a second position where the windshield extends a second distance vertically above the top of the door. The second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A boat deck cover includes a flexible, generally water impervious, non-elastic central sheet with a peripheral, elastic strip having fasteners along the outside edge thereof for attachment to compatible fasteners on the boat.

Abstract: A boat has a hull and a deck supported by the hull. The deck has a rearward passenger area. A seat is disposed in the rearward passenger area. A first console is disposed on the deck at a front of the rearward passenger area and forwardly of the seat. The first console has a top. A first windshield is disposed generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the boat. The first windshield is movable between a first position where the first windshield extends a first distance vertically above the top of the first console and a second position where at least a portion of the first windshield extends a second distance vertically below the top of the first console. When the first windshield is in the second position the at least one portion of the first windshield is in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A privacy screen for use on a bass boat to cover the cockpit area for use as a toilet.

Abstract: A hidden marine windshield mounting system and method, utilizing a cooperative pair of elongated base members, longitudinally extending around the front of and fastened to a marine vessel deck. The two elongated base members cooperatively interlock with one another to form a single windshield mounting base unit, having a substantially vertically erect windshield receiving area for adhesion of most usually, curved windshield tempered glass. Mounted onto the top of the curved windshield glass is an elongated trim member, which may come into contact at its ends, with the ends of the base member pair. The base member pair can be forcibly separable from one another after stretch forming for assembly, installation and for glass replacement.

Abstract: Foldable boat covers provide various features including a cover portion which is foldable. Other features include hinges allowing the base structure to be folded. By folding the cover portion, the base structure, or both the cover portion and base structure, the boat may be placed in a garage or on a covered boat lift with a lesser likelihood of the boat cover interfering.

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.

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: 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.

Abstract: An assembly including a boat and a cover. The cover covers and protects the boat. The boat is provided with one or more covered portion, and one or more uncovered portion. The cover includes a protective covering, and a boot. The protective covering defines a tolerance cut out adapted to receive a portion of the one or more uncovered portion when the protective covering is covering the object. The tolerance cut out has a length, a width and a perimeter. The boot is provided with an upstanding material flange, and a sealing system. The upstanding material flange extends about the perimeter of the tolerance cut out so as to define an opening aligned with the tolerance cut out, the upstanding material flange extends upwardly from the protective covering. The sealing system is positioned upstream of the tolerance cut out and on the upstanding material flange for sealing the upstanding material flange along the length of the tolerance cut out.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating leisure platform with a heating device (A) for food and a seating facility (14) for one or several people.

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.

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: A boat construction is provided. The boat includes a boat hull and top. The top is provided with a selectively stowable enclosure device that includes a curtain member that may be unfolded after release from a storage chamber for suspension from the top to form a tubular enclosure area for a person to use as a privacy area for activity such as changing clothes. After use, the enclosure device may be restowed in its storage chamber attached to or integral with the top. The top may be a fixed top or a collapsible top.

Abstract: A hard shell cover hunting blind for a boat that may be left on while transporting the boat to the water. The shell has an open back that allows full visibility when moving. A camouflage covering is secured to a hoop in the back that can be quickly dropped down. Two large clamshell doors are placed in the front. The shell has a sliding door that opens up the sides of the blind. This provides easy access into and out of the boat as well as for placing decoys, etc. In addition, there is a curved top that is mounted on slides. This top can be pulled to either side to provide a full 360° filed of vision and a large shooting port. No tools are needed to operate the system of doors or to remove and install the clamshell front pieces.

Abstract: A boat canopy mounting system having a front mounting assembly and a rear mounting assembly. The mounting system is able to secure boat canopies and other tops or sunshades to boat towers. The mounting system is further able to be employed on boat towers of varying configurations without any modifications. To accomplish this feature, the rear mounting assembly may include a plurality of clamp mounting locations such that an installer may selectively choose the clamp mounting locations to accommodate boat towers of varying design.

Abstract: A large recreational powerboat has a forward passenger area, a helm, and a rearward passenger area. A top deck covers the forward passenger area and extends upwardly over the helm. The rearward passenger area is exposed. A large skylight window is formed streamlined with the boat and is imposed into the top deck. The window extends upwardly and forward to the helm, thereby having portions functioning as a windshield for the boat. The windshield and the skylight window transmit abundant natural light to an atrium room that is located between the helm and the forward passenger area cabin rooms. Individuals in the atrium room are shielded from the elements but at the same time can view the outside environment and communicate with people outside of the forward passenger area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable canopy structure adapted to be used in conjunction with the canopy structure on a boat's existing T-top tubular frame near the level of the existing canopy. The canopy frame structure comprises two longitudinally aligned, telescoping members with at least one transverse, telescoping frame member disposed between the two longitudinal members to prevent the canopy from collapsing when under tension. The canopy frame structure is disposed onto the existing T-top frame using a mounting assembly comprising of a grommet adapted to be placed between two frame members and wrapped with an adjustable strap. The canopy and telescoping frame components are designed to be adaptable to various T-top canopy widths, and can be extended to various lengths to increase the amount of available canopy shade area while in the mounted position on the boat's existing T-top.

Abstract: A series of adjustable padded support clamps attach to pontoon boat rectangular rails to support the structural frame members of a boat cover. Each two-part support clamp comprises a first padded square C-shaped channel bracket member having an aperture in a top arm thereof, and a second post and plate member. The post protrudes up through the aperture in the top arm of the C-shaped channel bracket to receive a coupling of a frame member of the boat cover. A bottom padded plate of the second member is adjustably secured against a top of the boat rail by turning one or more adjusting screws to draw the padded bottom arm up securely against a bottom of the boat rail.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. In one form of wake tower assembly, the windshield component and the wake tower component are of a novel unitary construction.

Abstract: A folding top assembly for watercraft of other vehicles includes a pair of struts pivotally mounted on actuator housings on opposite sides of the watercraft. The struts support a canvas covering and are moved by the actuators from a folded position in which the canvas covering and the struts are folded at the rear of the boat to an intermediate radar position in which the struts and canvas top are still folded against one another but are deployed in a raised position. One of the struts is maintained in the intermediate position when the top is moved into the fully deployed position, while the other strut is pivoted relative to the one strut. The actuators include a housing defining a bore therewithin, a piston or shuttle slidable in the bore, and a driving mechanism drivingly connecting the piston of each actuator with the struts so that movement of the piston in the bore pivots said struts relative to the piston.

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: 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: An anchor bra provides an easily removable and replaceable cover over a protruding boat anchor, thereby protecting other boats and people from damage by an exposed anchor. The anchor bra is preferably formed of a buoyant and pliable marine grade plastic that covers a boat's anchor when it is raised. The anchor bra is secured in place by adjustable straps that are fastened to the boat's gunwale or railing. The anchor bra is made in various sizes to accommodate various anchor shapes and sizes.

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. In some cases, more than one cover assembly may be used on a boat.

Abstract: An assistive reading device for visually impaired users comprises a sheet-like member containing a photo-active material. The sheet-like member responds to light patterns representing data from a patterned light source to form tactile shapes on its surface. The visually impaired user obtains information by touching the tactile shapes. Preferably, the photo-active material is a layer of cross linked azobenzene liquid-crystalline polymers. The assistive reading device preferably is an output device for a computer.

Abstract: A retractable top assembly for a vehicle, commonly referred to as a bimini top, includes a covering mounted on a pair of struts which are movable relative to one another to move the covering between a deployed position covering at least a portion of the vehicle and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the covering is wound upon a spindle rotatably mounted within a housing mounted on one of the struts. The housing has a slot through which the covering extends, so that the covering is attached to the other strut. A torsion spring within the housing biases the spindle in a direction winding the covering onto the spindle and thereby maintaining tautness of the covering as it unwinds from the spindle and is moved into the deployed position.

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.

Abstract: A privacy screen for use on a bass boat to cover the cockpit area for use as a toilet.

Abstract: A support frame mounts to a surface and for receives a support tube having a locking button. The support frame includes a cap for affixing the support frame to the surface. A sleeve is attached to the cap for receiving the support tube and for engaging the locking button. A filler sleeve is disposed in the sleeve for abutting an end of the support tube. A spring is disposed in the sleeve for biasing the filler sleeve against the support tube. The filler sleeve has a stop for limiting the travel of the filler sleeve and for retaining the filler sleeve in the sleeve.

Abstract: The cantilever cover is suspended from one side over an article to be protected from the elements. The cover has a canopy frame and flexible, weatherproof canopy or cover secured thereover. A pair of canopy frame support arms extends from corresponding closed sleeves, which ride up and down upon the vertical support columns of a hoist assembly. Each sleeve includes a pair of diagonally opposed rollers, which bear against opposite sides of its respective column. A single winch (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) is mounted centrally upon an upper crossmember extending between the two columns, with opposed equal length cables extending to the two canopy frame support sleeves. A remote control extends down the hoist frame from the winch, for operation of the device. One or more limit switches may be installed to limit the maximum or minimum travel of the canopy frame and cover.

Abstract: A boat cover support has a disc member placed against the cover. A vertical strut is received in a socket extending downward from the disc member. The socket has two opposed, semicircular walls to receive a circular strut. The ends of the socket walls are integral with the recesses. The ends of the socket walls are spaced apart to form a transverse notch through the socket to receive a rectangular strut. The disc member has slots arrayed in groups of three around the periphery. Straps extending from the slots outward are attached to the boat structure to stabilize the cover support. The disc member has four recesses with walls extending downward to reinforce the disc member and the socket. Lines extending from the recesses outward are attached to the boat structure to stabilize the cover support. Each recess has an interior cavity to receive a terminal knot in the line so as not to abrade the boat cover. A step is placed against the boat sole, to prevent the strut from slipping transversely.

Abstract: Foldable boat covers provide various features including a cover portion which is foldable. Other features include hinges allowing the base structure to be folded. By folding the cover portion, the base structure, or both the cover portion and base structure, the boat may be placed in a garage or on a covered boat lift with a lesser likelihood of the boat cover interfering.

Abstract: A coupler for to which a shaft is attachable is provided. includes a base. The base is formed with an upper side and an lower side. The lower side is substantially a flat planar surface. Means are provided for mounting the base on a curved surface. A preferred means is one or more ball washer assemblies. In addition, the present invention includes a tub that is adjustably connectable to the base. A plug is provided that is repositionably attachable to the tub. In addition, a neck is provided. The neck is insertable into the plug. The neck also is formed to support a shaft. The invention includes a clevis mechanism that is slidably and demountably engageable with both the plug and the neck.

Abstract: A windshield assembly includes a windshield frame constructed to support a windshield. A plurality of couplers are secured to the windshield frame, and a tower frame for a wakeboard tow rope or cable attachment, radar arch or the like is connected to the windshield frame via the couplers. In one arrangement, the couplers are connected to the wing sections of the windshield frame, and the tower frame extends between the wing sections and above an area defined between the wing sections. The integrated tower frame and windshield simplifies installation for the boat manufacturer while accommodating many varieties of tower and windshield configurations.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable canopy structure adapted to be used in conjunction with the canopy structure on a boat's existing T-top tubular frame near the level of the existing canopy. The canopy frame structure comprises two longitudinally aligned, telescoping members with at least one transverse, telescoping frame member disposed between the two longitudinal members to prevent the canopy from collapsing when under tension. The canopy frame structure is disposed onto the existing T-top frame using a mounting assembly comprising of a grommet adapted to be placed between two frame members and wrapped with an adjustable strap. The canopy and telescoping frame components are designed to be adaptable to various T-top canopy widths, and can be extended to various lengths to increase the amount of available canopy shade area while in the mounted position on the boat's existing T-top.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus with two configurations: a deployed configuration forming a watercraft that floats in water and a folded configuration that allows for transport of the apparatus. The apparatus includes multiple modules. One module is a planar sheet of corrugated material with a plurality of joints that allow the sheet to assume the shape of a hull when in the deployed configuration and to assume a box-shape when in the folded configuration. Another module is a paddle assembly that is releaseably connected to a pair of sidewalls when the sheet is in the deployed configuration. The paddle assembly is foldable such that it fits within the box-shape when the sheet is in the folded configuration. The planar sheet is foldable around a plurality of joints or hinges that are configured to fold two ways, thereby allowing the sheet to assume the two configurations.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a soft shelter extension for use with a hard shelter where the hard shelter has a perimeter opening defined by a side wall and sealable by a deck rotationally coupled thereto, wherein the deck is prevented from over rotating by a pair of opposing cables linking the side wall to the deck. Such embodiments include a bow assembly having a plurality of bows wherein first ends are linkable to each other and second ends are linkable to each other, either directly or indirectly. These embodiments further include a pair of cable slide interfaces linked to respective first and second ends of the plurality of bows to receive the respective pair of cables. A flexible panel covers the bow assembly, and mates to the side wall and to the deck to form an enclosed space when the deck is rotated to a position wherein the cables are in tension.

Abstract: A marine windshield and cockpit cover attachment system, utilizing a slot longitudinally extending along an elongated windshield frame, and where the windshield frame extends longitudinally around the edge of a windshield glass, where a series of plastic cover snap anchors are mounted within the slot. With the slot having inward facing lips, so that the anchors, having a pair of protruding tabs, are pressured onto the underside of the lips when a metal screw holding a plastic washer and a metal cover snap retainer, is inserted into the anchors so to clamp the anchors and cover snap retainers together on the slot lips, where the cover snap retainers are oriented in a forward and outward direction along the slot, and making no metal contact with the windshield frame. An alternate method included is a flexible anchor for attachment under a windshield lip of a hidden windshield lower frame.

Abstract: A windshield trim assembly for stretch-forming to fit on an edge of a curved windshield is disclosed. The trim assembly has an aesthetically pleasing elongated panel and an elongated base member, which base member includes a windshield-receiving channel, a side-facing longitudinally-extending panel-receiving channel having a bottom and two sides, and a cantilevered lip extending from one side and partially over the bottom of the panel-receiving channel. The cantilever lip plastically deforms to secure the elongated panel within the side facing panel-receiving channel of the base member upon stretch-forming the combination. The elongated panel is preferably roll formed stainless steel, while the base member is preferably an aluminum extrusion. A method of stretch-forming such a curved trim assembly for a boat windshield also is disclosed.

Abstract: A pontoon boat top has a support structure with a shell attached thereto. The shell may comprise a plurality of panels. The support structure may include a plurality of support members. The pontoon boat cover is attachable to a pontoon boat and may be mounted to the pontoon boat and towed behind a vehicle with the pontoon boat at highway towing speeds.

Abstract: The specification discloses a combination cruising top and storage cover for a boat of the kind having a deck disposed between fore and aft ends of the boat, the deck including a passenger area, the combination cruising top and storage cover comprising at least first and second cover portions selectively pivotally moveable towards each other and into a first, raised configuration, wherein the at least first and second cover portions are arranged vertically adjacent each other in generally lapped relation to define a cruising top for a boat, and selectively pivotally moveable away from each other and into a second, lowered configuration, wherein the at least first and second cover portions are each positioned vertically lower than in the first, raised configuration and arranged generally horizontally in substantially end-to-end relation to thereby define a storage cover for covering at least a portion of a boat's deck.