Lifting device for bimini top frames

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lifting device for bimini top frames and, more particularly, to a lifting device for bimini top frames that includes a plurality of rectangular elements which can be attached to the bimini top frame so it can rest separated from the frame of the boat.

2. Description of the Related Art

Several designs for lifting devices have been designed in the past. None of them, however, include rectangular plastic elements which include apertures suitable to receive tubes of the frame of the bimini top so they can be separated from the top of the boat.

Applicant believes that a related reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,511 issued for a method and apparatus for mounting a bimini top on a watercraft. Applicant believes that another related reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 7,162,698 issued for a hook assembly that is used to secure a bimini top frame to a boat. None of these references, however, teach of a lifting device for bimini top frames that is comprised of a rectangular plastic spacer that is installed at various locations along a boat where a folding bimini top would normally rest, such that the frame of the bimini top is support a few inches above the boat, providing access to the boat cleats and preventing damage from the frame from rubbing against the boat.

Other documents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a lifting device for bimini top frames that includes a bottom layer made of a soft material for preventing damage of the boat when the lifting member supports the bimini top.

It is another object of this invention to provide a lifting device for bimini top frames that eases the access to the boat cleats.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a lifting device for bimini top frames capable of keeping the bimini top from rubbing and wearing the boot or sock on the top out.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to implement and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents an isometric operational view of the present invention 10.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the present invention 10 in an operative environment.

FIG. 2A depicts a rear side view of the present invention 10 attached to a tube of the bimini top frame 103 being in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the present invention 10. The present invention includes a lifting assembly 20 and a support assembly 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral 10, it can be observed that it basically includes a lifting assembly 20 and a support assembly 40. It should be understood there are modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

Referring to FIG. 3 it can be observed that the lifting assembly 20 includes a spacer 22, holders 25 and an opening 24. The spacer 22 may substantially have an irregular hexagonal elongated shape. It also may be suitable for the spacer 22 to have a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a triangular shape, or any other suitable shape. In a preferred embodiment the spacer 22 is made of rubber plastic. It also may be suitable for the spacer 22 to be made of polyurethane, fabric, or any other suitable material.

The opening 24 may extend about a length of the spacer 22. The opening 24 may extend from a front wall thereof to a rear wall thereof. The opening 24 may extend from a top of the spacer 22 to a middle portion thereof. The opening 24 may be defined by a first cutout extending diagonally downwards from the top of the spacer 22 connecting with a second cutout on a central portion of the spacer 22 having a circular shape. It also may be suitable for the opening 24 to have an oval shape, a semicircular shape or any other suitable shape.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2A the spacer 22 may be attached to the bimini top frame 103 by inserting the rods of the bimini top frame 103 into the opening 24. The spacer 22 may be fixed to the spacer 22 through the holders 25. In one embodiment holders 25 are security zip ties. It also may be suitable for the holders 25 to be hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable holder.

The holders 25 may extend from a top portion of a right wall of the spacer 22 to a left wall of the spacer 22 over said opening. In a preferred embodiment the holders 25 are two holders equidistantly spaced therebetween. The holders 25 may be made of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or any other suitable material.

Referring now to FIG. 2A it can be observed that the supporting assembly 40 may include layer 42. The layer 42 may extend about a rear wall of the spacer 22. The layer 42 may preferably be made of felt. It also may be suitable for the layer 42 to be made of silicone, neoprene, cotton, or any other suitable material. The layer 42 may include adherent means. In a preferred embodiment the layer 42 may be integrally formed in a bottom portion of the spacer 22.

The spacer 22 may include a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, sidewalls and a partially open top wall. The bottom wall, the front wall, the rear wall and the sidewalls may be planar. It should be understood that the spacer 22 may have such dimensions that cooperate placing the present invention 10 over the edges of a boat.

It should be understood that a plurality of spacers 22 are to be attached to the bimini top frame 103 in order to provide a predetermined separation between the edges of a boat and the bimini top frame 103. In a preferred embodiment the present invention 10 may provide such separation in a retracted configuration of the bimini top 103 best illustrated in FIG. 1 and keep attached in an expanded configuration of the bimini top frame 103 best illustrated in FIG. 2A.

The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.