Abstract: A cover fastening system for a boat, the system including a groove formed along a side of the boat. A plurality of expandable anchors is positionable within the groove. Also included are a plurality of fastening members, each fastening member including a threaded portion and a snap portion, the threaded portion of each fastening member being screwed within a respective anchor to expand and fix the anchor at a desired position along the groove, and the snap portion being adapted to engage a corresponding snap structure of a boat cover.

Abstract: A collapsible roof assembly for a boat or other base structure where there is a roof structure mounted by a collapsible frame. The frame has right and left portions, each having front, intermediate and rear strut sections connected between the roof structure and the boat. The front struts can be disconnected and permit the roof structure to be rotated with its rear portion being lowered to a position where it is braced relative to the intermediate struts. Then the roof structure is moved forwardly and downwardly to it's collapsed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and accessing personal floatation devices and/or other articles, wherein the device permits the elevated storage of personal floatation devices and/or other articles aboard an aquatic vessel, thus reducing deck clutter and/or untidiness, and preserving structural and functional integrity of the personal floatation devices via their removal from long-term subjection to undesirably moist, oily and/or dirty deck surface areas and/or corners.

Abstract: A yacht includes a lower area (1), an upper area (2) or deck, a vertically moveable roof (3) forming part of the craft and drive means for covering or uncovering said upper area (2), e.g., hydraulically driven telescopic bars (4). The roof (3) can include solar panels for energy generation and its design keeps the external aesthetic line of the yacht when it is in the closed position.

Abstract: A first strip of a fastener is securable to the vertical rear wall in a horizontal orientation at an elevation above the container and parallel with a horizontal platform. A shading member fabricated of a flexible material is in a rectangular configuration. The shading member has an upper horizontal edge, a parallel lower horizontal edge, and parallel side edges. The shading member has a second strip of a fastener. The second strip of fastener is adapted to separably coact with the first fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a boat tower, including a hinge assembly and a releasable footer. The hinge assembly has two members that pivot about a pivot point. At least one spring loaded bolt, or locking pin, engages a corresponding opening in one member, thereby locking the two members in fixed relation. The releasable footer has a bolt that engages an opening, thereby locking a releasable member to the footer body.

Abstract: A low sun angle shade preferably adapted to be attached to and carried on a rigid side or end margin of a bimini top, T-top and the like for a boat. The sunshade includes an elongated shade panel formed of substantially opaque material and pivotal connectors on one longitudinal margin of the shade panel adapted for attachment to, and selected pivotal movement of, the shade panel with respect to the side or end margin of the bimini top or T-top. The shade panel is thereby selectively pivotally moveable about a pivotal axis passing through the pivotal connectors between a deployed or outstretched downwardly extending position with respect to the bimini top or T-top wherein low-to-the-horizon sun is substantially block from a boat operators or passengers eyes and a stored position doubled over and positioned against a corresponding side or end portion of the bimini top or T-top. Collapsible embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A watercraft is described with a powered hull and deck. The deck includes a forward passenger area and a rearward passenger area connected by a passageway. A windshield extends upwardly from the deck at a position forward of the rearward passenger area. An engine is positioned within the hull behind the rearward passenger area. An engine cover covers the engine and at least one compartment adjacent to the engine. The compartment is separated from the engine by a removable wall. The compartment houses at least a portion of a canopy system that may be erected over at least a portion of the rearward passenger area of the boat. The watercraft includes a rear bench that conceals a storage bucket thereunder. A console sits in front of a passenger seat with a console cover, which is hingedly mounted to the console to conceal a sound system.

Abstract: A boat mounted hunting blind to aid hunters in hunting game, particularly water fowl; wherein, at least two pontoons are connected together, preferably in parallel orientation, by way of a bridging platform. Above the platform there is hingedly attached a collapsible canopy, preferably camouflaged in design, within which the hunter may be concealed in a seated or standing position while scouting and shooting game. Above the canopy there is removably attached a detachable roof, preferably camouflage in design, for providing weather protection for the hunter and further concealment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved watercraft cover, as well as its method of use. In some embodiments, the watercraft cover's support structure is normally irreversibly integrated into or retained by a sheet of the watercraft cover, and the support structure and the sheet are collapsible together for portability without separating the support structure and sheet. The invention also provides for improved retention systems useful for retaining the watercraft cover on the watercraft. Watercraft covers in accordance with the present invention are particularly useful for providing improved portability while preventing water collection.

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. The latching members allow for the boat frame to be quickly orientated in either an open position, providing protection to the occupants of the boat, a closed position, used to store the frame on the boat when not in use, or a travel position, securing the boat cover frame in a manner sufficient to allow movement of the boat on a trailer. In changing the position of the frame, the latching member may be disconnected from the mounting brackets without the use of tools or removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. Additionally, the latching members include a pair of wings including retaining ridges which allow a latching of frame members to one another, securing frame members not in use during various configurations of the collapsible frame.

Abstract: A flexible fabric blanket of plural layers including a bottom insulating layer, a base electrically conductive layer, a medial insulating layer, a medial electrically conductive layer, and a top insulating layer. A first set of electrically conductive stitchings extend between the medial electrically conductive layer, and the top insulating layer and are exposed on an exterior surface of the top insulating layer. A second set of electrically conductive stitchings extend between the base electrically conductive layer, and the top insulating layer and are also exposed on an exterior surface of the top insulating layer, but do not touch the medial electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: Composite-shell pneumatic craft convertible into a closed box, having a rigid hull and an inflatable float fixed to the edge thereof, a removable rigid panel constituting a lid for the hull containing the deflated float; a profile fixed along the outer edge of the hull comprises a supporting flank and a groove with narrow opening which opens into an upper wall close to the flank; the groove holds a bead joined to flexible skirt of the float; the upper wall, in its part adjacent to the groove opposite to the flank, can support a lip of the removable panel; a portion of the flank cooperates with members for fixing the profile to the hull.

Abstract: A protective cover for a boat having a tee-top includes a blank of triangular shaped flexible material having three peripheral edges, an aperture located within the interior of said blank, and a notch located along one of said peripheral edges. The blank contains a releasable fastener extending from the notch to the aperture. A channel is provided along the peripheral edges of said notch with a continuous drawstring disposed within said channel. The blank contains fastening devices along the outer peripheral edges of the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball-and-socket assembly having a ball element including a ball portion and a socket housing including a socket formed by a flexible socket wall for receiving and releasably retaining the ball portion in the socket. The ball-and-socket assembly also includes a sleeve mounted on the socket housing and movable relative to the socket between an engaged position, in which the sleeve reinforces the flexible socket wall such that the socket wall retains the ball portion in the socket, and a disengaged position, in which the socket wall is not reinforced by the sleeve and the ball portion is receivable in the socket and releasable from the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a marine engine comprising; a shield and a device for securing the shield over the engine.

Abstract: An improved glass sheet support system eliminates the use of elastomeric gaskets for mounting glass sheets in metal frames and replaces the gaskets with elastomeric support members that are positioned within a channel of the metal frame to temporarily support the glass sheet. Permanent support of the glass sheet is then provided by utilizing a bonding agent to adhesively bond an edge of the glass to the metal frame. The temporary elastomer support members may be short sections of elastomeric material laid into the channel and having sufficient length and spacing to adequately support the glass sheet in the metal frame until such time as the bonding agent has set. A plastic insert in the form of an elongated strip of material that can be snapped into place between the glass sheet and the upper edges of the channel fills the space between the glass and frame and provides a clean cosmetic edge. In the case of a boat windshield, the invention includes an improved mounting of the windshield to the deck of a boat.

Abstract: A tiltable top is provided for a small boat which allows the boat operator to quickly, manually raise or lower the top as desired. The tiltable top includes a pivotal shade frame and cover which is retained in a normal horizontal position during use or which can be released and allowed to pivot to an acute horizontal angle to lower wind resistence of the boat when the top is lowered.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for a watercraft cover and trailer. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the watercraft cover includes a top cover and a bottom cover, which mate to enclose a watercraft. The top and bottom covers are connected via a gooseneck gas-actuated style hinge for easy opening and closing of the watercraft cover. Adjustable runner boards mounted to the bottom cover allow for easy entry and exit of the watercraft into and out of the watercraft cover. A ring and strap system allow the watercraft to be secured in the watercraft cover, so that transport is possible. Angled flanges on the top and bottom covers provide for easy entry and exit of the watercraft into and out of the watercraft cover and substantially prevent vibration of the watercraft cover. A hole in the bottom cover allows for access to the watercraft even when the watercraft cover is closed and/or locked.

Abstract: A self-supporting boat cover includes a cover member having a plurality of sleeves that extends substantially longitudinally from a bow end of the cover member to a stern end. A corresponding plurality of flexible poles are insertable in the sleeves through either end of the sleeves and are releasably securable in the sleeves. The self-supporting boat cover is easily installed and inexpensive to manufacture. Additionally, the flexible poles can be readily disassembled into a plurality of pole sections into a compact and easily transportable configuration.

Abstract: A boat cover includes a framework shaped to be attached to a plurality of pilings of a boat hoist beneath or above the boat hoist. A fabric boat cover has the framework and the sides thereof are lowered when a boat is hoisted thereunder. A boat cover raising and lowering mechanism raises and lowers the cover sides and has a rotatable shaft operatively rotated by a motor connected thereto and is located beneath the boat cover.

Abstract: A collapsible hunting blind for use with a vehicle such as a boat has a framework and a cover, where the framework has several parts, including tree-shaped frames with several arms and a vertical post, crossbars, and a lid frame. Each tree-shaped frame is mounted to a crossbar coupled to the vehicle. The cover is attached to the framework and extends over the lid frame to form a lid. Persons traveling in the vehicle are thus concealed when the lid is closed. When the blind is collapsed, each arm folds against the vertical post and the entire tree-shaped frame folds to a side of the vehicle.

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. The latching members allow for the boat frame to be quickly orientated in either an open position, providing protection to the occupants of the boat, a closed position, used to store the frame on the boat when not in use, or a travel position, securing the boat cover frame in a manner sufficient to allow movement of the boat on a trailer. In changing the position of the frame, the latching member may be disconnected from the mounting brackets without the use of tools or removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. Additionally, the latching members include a pair of wings including retaining ridges which allow a latching of frame members to one another, securing frame members not in use during various configurations of the collapsible frame.

Abstract: A crustacean barrier system and method incorporating a woven polyolefin and/or polymer mesh covering the hull of a protected vessel above the waterline is disclosed. The present invention permits a woven mesh to be deployed below the waterline on a boat or other seagoing vessel and is secured to the boat via the use of nylon straps and/or cleats. This mesh creates a barrier to crustaceans and prevents their attachment to the vessel hull. An alternative embodiment is disclosed that utilizes floatation cylinders to support the woven mesh at a level necessary to encompass the draft of the boat/vessel hull. These disclosed systems and method prevent crustaceans from attaching to the vessel hull, improves fuel efficiency of the vessel, reduces vessel hull maintenance, and extends the life of the vessel hull.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a rigid T-Top on the surface of a boat deck is disclosed. The structure is easily customizable to almost any boat configuration. A method for mounting the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable cover unit includes a fabric cover supported by a flexible frame. The fabric cover has sleeves that secure members of the flexible frame, which is constructed with primary frame members extending in a first direction and at least one secondary frame member extending in a second substantially perpendicular direction between the primary frame members. A plurality of connectors are attachable to an object to which the portable cover unit is installed, each including an aperture sized to receive the primary frame members. Structure is also provided for securing the fabric cover to the object to which the portable cover unit is installed. The portable cover unit can be mounted to any open portion of a vehicle such as a boat, golf cart or the like or can be used independently. The structure can be readily disassembled and stored in a compact package.

Abstract: An articulating strut capable of assuming an extended in-line and a folded configuration with rigid cylindrical tubing having proximate ends configured to fixably receive an offset hinged insert that provides for folding and unfolding of said strut. When fully unfolded the strut acts as a single rigid structural support member held in the locked position by a bidirectional slidable locking sleeve. The hinged insert has shapes and curved surfaces which together with offset hinge pins tends to expel the sleeve from a pinch possibility at the folding joint. Convex and concave linkage shapes together with rounded surfaces which bear against a rounded sleeve end avoids sleeve pinch.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball-and-socket assembly having a ball element including a ball portion and a socket housing including a socket formed by a flexible socket wall for receiving and releasably retaining the ball portion in the socket. The ball-and-socket assembly also includes a sleeve mounted on the socket housing and movable relative to the socket between an engaged position, in which the sleeve reinforces the flexible socket wall such that the socket wall retains the ball portion in the socket, and a disengaged position, in which the socket wall is not reinforced by the sleeve and the ball portion is receivable in the socket and releasable from the socket.

Abstract: A watercraft has a collapsible privacy compartment that accommodates an adult when the compartment is opened. The privacy compartment includes a cover that is movably connected to the deck and a flexible curtain that is connected to the cover. When the privacy compartment is closed, the cover at least partially conceals the privacy compartment within the deck. When the privacy compartment is opened, the cover at least partially supports the deployed privacy compartment. The cover may simultaneously function as an engine cover.

Abstract: A vehicle having a canopy including a vehicle, a console, and an integrally adjustable frame attached to the console, the frame including a first stand, a second stand, a plurality of lateral support frames, at least one pair of transverse support frames, each of the frames having a connector connecting along the length of each of the lateral support frames, a front brace for attaching to the first and second stands, and a canopy assembly attached to the laterally adjustable frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering a boat that includes a canopy, a plurality of canopy supports, and one or more drivers. The canopy is sized to cover at least a portion of the boat, and includes a bottom edge and a peak. The plurality of canopy supports each have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is movable relative to the second portion. The first portion is attached to the canopy and disposed vertically below the peak. The first portion of each canopy support is selectively extendable a distance between a first position and a second position. The one or more drivers are operable to drive the first portions of the canopy supports between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A combination engine compartment cover and privacy enclosure includes a frame member, which is rotatable about a pivot adjacent to an engine compartment access through a deck of a pontoon boat. The entire enclosure can rotate to a position to access the opening, or the enclosure can be used as a privacy enclosure. A top cover of the unit is also rotatable relative to the frame and has a support bracket attached to a back of the top cover, where the bracket is rotatable to an upright position, where a privacy curtain may be assembled around the enclosure by way of snap members.

Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.

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. The latching members allow for the boat frame to be quickly orientated in either an open position, providing protection to the occupants of the boat, a closed position, used to store the frame on the boat when not in use, or a travel position, securing the boat cover frame in a manner sufficient to allow movement of the boat on a trailer. In changing the position of the frame, the latching member may be disconnected from the mounting brackets without the use of tools or removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. Additionally, the latching members include a pair of wings including retaining ridges which allow a latching of frame members to one another, securing frame members not in use during various configurations of the collapsible frame.

Abstract: A cover element adapted for disposition across a portion of a boat hull. The cover element is formed from a textile fabric having elastomeric stretch and recovery characteristics.

Abstract: This invention includes an adjustable boat top, that can be lowered in order to permit the boat to travel under bridges and other obstructions that might otherwise preclude the passage or movement of the boat. The boat top is lowered as the boat top slides forward to the front to the boat. The top frame of the boat top is supported by a forward frame and a rearward frame, which may be connected to pivots on the deck surface. In lowering the boat top, the pivots are unlocked so that the forward frame and rearward frame can pivot forward. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the raising and lowering of the boat top uses a piston assist, but the raising and lowering of the boat top can also be done manually. Preferably, the area of the boat from the pivots out to the side of the boat are not impeded by the boat top in either raised or lowered positions.

Abstract: A two-piece boat cover for use with open fishing boats as well as boats with a single console or double console is described.

Abstract: An inflatable/deflatable boat fender that is generally V- or U-shaped to protect the hull of a boat from the dock and/or pilings, cushioning any impact between the dock and the hull of a boat. The inflatable boat fender is shaped to prevent the fender from slipping off the piling of a dock.

Abstract: A pneumatic boat top lift having pneumatic telescoping supports anchored to the deck and to the top of the boat. The number of telescoping supports for pontoon boats will typically be four. A single telescoping support will typically be used for knock down boat tops. Pressurized air is supplied to the telescoping supports by a pressurized air distribution system. The air pressure is raised and lowered respectively by a pressurized air control system, thereby raising and lowering the boat top.

Abstract: A windshield edge assembly (31) for stretch forming to fit on the edge (81) of a curved boat windshield. The edge assembly (31) includes an elongated base member (32) having legs defining a windshield receiving channel (34) and a longitudinally extending cap receiving structure (37). An elongated cap member (38) is mounted on the cap receiving structure (37) of the base member (32) and the cap (32) has side edges (51,52) cooperatively formed to interlock with the structure (37) provided on the base member (32) during stretch forming of the combination. A clamping arm (54) is provided on the concaved side (46) of the assembly (31) to clamp against the cap member (38) and capture it in interlocked relation with the base member (32). The cap member (38) is preferably a roll formed stainless steel, while the base member (32) is preferably an extruded aluminum member. A method of stretch forming a curved edge assembly (31) for a boat windshield also is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a free-standing, self-supporting windshield adapted to be secured to the hull of a marine vessel. The windshield has at least one sheet of substantially transparent material having a peripheral edge. A polymeric frame is molded around the peripheral edge of the transparent material. An adhesion promoting primer applied to the peripheral edge of the substantially transparent material assists the polymeric frame to adhere to the transparent material. A lower portion of the frame is adapted to conform with, and be sealingly affixed to, a surface of the hull of the vessel. A top portion of the frame is designed to absorb an impact for safety considerations and it may also function as a handrail.

Abstract: An inflatable towable vehicle including an inflatable bladder and a protective shell having a rigid lower portion and a flexible upper portion. The bladder includes an inflation valve that is positioned to underlie a closeable access opening in the flexible upper portion of the shell, and hand grips and a towing strap are attached to the upper portion of the shell. The rigid lower portion of the shell is made of a durable material that effectively protects the bladder in abrasive environments that are present when the vehicle is used on ice or snow.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for a flexible covering mountable to a frame structure having at least one frame member. The tensioning apparatus includes a sleeve having opposed end bores which are oppositely threaded. First and second stubs are fixedly mountable in opposed portions of the frame member with threaded ends extending axially outward into engagement with the bores in the tubular sleeve. Rotation of the tubular sleeve causes axial adjustment of the portions of the frame member relative to each other. In one aspect, a stabilizer rod is fixed to one of the first and second stubs and extensibily projects through the tubular sleeve and the other of the first and second stubs. A set screw may be optionally mounted in the tubular sleeve for fixed engagement with one of the first and second stubs to lock the tubular sleeve in a fixed position.

Abstract: An adjustable windshield brace for boat windshields has sufficient flexibility to permit utilization on the windshields of many boat manufacturers. The brace is formed of two linearly extending members, one of which is provided with a bell to receive the other member. The belled brace member is formed with internal threading to be engageable with corresponding threads on the other brace member. The threads are finely formed to permit a linear translational movement of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch for each revolution of the brace members. Each brace member is provided with a mounting flange pivotally mounted on the respective opposing ends of the brace members to provide an attitude adjustment of the mounting flanges. Length adjustment and orientation adjustment of one mounting flange relative to the other mounting flange is accomplished by rotating the threads interengaging the two brace members.

Abstract: A boat seat cover for protecting the boat seat from the outside elements. The boat seat cover includes a container having a longitudinal opening being disposed through a side wall thereof; and also includes a spring-loaded spindle being rotatably disposed in the container; and further includes a cover member including a sheet of material being carried about and retractably extended from the spring-loaded spindle and also having an outer edge; and also includes a fastening assembly for fastening the sheet of material to the boat.

Abstract: Inflatable watercraft such as PWCs are disclosed. The watercraft function additionally as cargo holders mountable to roofs of vehicles and towable behind boats. Covers associated with the craft serve partially or completely to enclose cargo placed within the craft, protecting the cargo from wind, rain, and waves.

Abstract: An easily inflated cover protecting occupants of a small vessel, preferably an inflatable dinghy, includes: (a) a flexible canopy comprised of a central canopy portion having side edges for contacting opposite sides of the vessel, a forward canopy portion having a lower edge for contacting a bow of the vessel, the forward canopy portion extending from one side of the central canopy portion, and an aft entrance portion connected to an opposite side of the central canopy portion; the aft entrance portion including an opening to an interior of the vessel; (b) a system of spaced-apart, flexible straps attachable across a bottom of the vessel for affixing the cover to the vessel, the strap system including a connector strap, the connector strap being detachably or permanently attached at its ends to two, opposite, lower edges of the canopy; and (c) at least one inflatable central support for supporting the canopy over the vessel interior, the inflatable support including an enclosed, inflatable support tube and

Abstract: A windshield washing apparatus for marine craft includes a reservoir container having a bracket pivotally connected thereto. The bracket can be connected to vertical, horizontal or sloping surfaces on the marine craft while the container remains level. There is a pump mounted on the reservoir. A filler fitting has a connector for mounting the fitting on the surface of the marine craft remote from the reservoir. A first conduit connects the reservoir to the filler fitting. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle and a second conduit for connecting the pump to the spray nozzle. Preferably the reservoir has positions thereon for a plurality of pumps.

Abstract: A connector facilitates securing a boat canvas to a boat frame. One portion of a conventional snap is attached to a boat surface in a known manner. The complementary portion of the snap forms part of a two-sided connector, including a surrounding component with one half of a repositionable fastener facing away from the boat surface. In this manner, a boat canvas including the other half of the repositionable fastener can be readily secured to the boat. Preferably, a connecting force between the first and second halves of the repositionable fastener is greater than a connecting force of the first and second halves of the snap connector so that the two-sided connectors remain attached to the canvas when the canvas is removed. With this structure, the boat company can install the snaps in the windshield earlier in the boat assembly process, and the connector allows for adjustment in the field to compensate for shrinkage, stretching, etc. of the boat canvas.

Abstract: A connector facilitates securing a boat canvas to a boat frame. One portion of a conventional snap is attached to a boat surface in a known manner. The complementary portion of the snap forms part of a two-sided connector, including a surrounding component with one half of a repositionable fastener facing away from the boat surface. In this manner, a boat canvas including the other half of the repositionable fastener can be readily secured to the boat. Preferably, a connecting force between the first and second halves of the repositionable fastener is greater than a connecting force of the first and second halves of the snap connector so that the two-sided connectors remain attached to the canvas when the canvas is removed. With this structure, the boat company can install the snaps in the windshield earlier in the boat assembly process, and the connector allows for adjustment in the field to compensate for shrinkage, stretching, etc. of the boat canvas.