Stowable Boat Top System

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the technology relate generally to a stowable boat top system for a boat.

BACKGROUND

Boat top systems can be attached to a boat to provide protection from the sun and weather. A variety of boat top systems exist today, but they all suffer from various shortcomings. One type of boat top system is known as the Bimini top. FIG. 1 illustrates Bimini top 15 in a deployed configuration on a boat 10. Bimini tops typically comprise a metal pipe frame with a fabric cover. The fabric cover is typically sewed onto the metal pipe frame or fastened to the metal pipe frame with straps. The components and assembly of Bimini tops generally prevents them from being easily stowed or removed from the boat when not in use. The lack of strength in Bimini tops also generally precludes leaving them deployed when transporting the boat on a trailer because strong gusts of wind can damage the Bimini top. Bimini tops typically are mounted to the gunnels of the boat which can interfere with activities such as fishing.

FIG. 2 illustrates another type of boat top known as a T top 25 in a deployed configuration on a boat 20. T tops are characterized by a metal pipe frame and a rectangular top section. Cloth is stretched across the top section and secured with straps or fasteners. T tops typically are permanently attached to the boat deck. Removal of a T top from the boat deck requires tools and is time consuming. T tops cannot be easily stowed on the boat when not needed. The lack of strength in T tops also generally precludes leaving them deployed when transporting the boat on a trailer because strong gusts of wind can damage the T top.

FIG. 3 illustrates yet another type of boat top system, known as an upper station 35, in a deployed configuration on a boat 30. An upper station allows remote operation of the boat from an elevation. As illustrated in FIG. 3, upper stations typically are mounted to a top surface of an existing hard top. Upper stations include a metal pipe frame and are permanently fixed to the hard top. Upper stations are heavy structures and cannot be easily stowed when they are not needed.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another type of boat top system, known as a top drive 45, in a deployed configuration on a boat 40. Similar to an upper station, a top drive allows remote operation of the boat from an elevation. Top drives include a metal pipe frame and are permanently fixed to the boat deck. Top drives are heavy structures and cannot be easily stowed when they are not needed.

In view of the shortcomings in existing boat top systems, an improved boat top system would be beneficial.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally directed to a boat top system for a boat, wherein the boat top system can be easily moved from a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration and from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. The boat top system is advantageous in that the boat top system can lie flat on the deck of the boat when in the stowed configuration. Optionally, the boat top system can include a removable insert in a top plate of the boat top system, wherein the removable insert provides several options for inserting different types of panels into the top plate.

In one example embodiment, the boat top system may comprise: a top plate having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a frame assembly comprising four legs. The four legs may comprise: (a) a port front leg attached at a first joint to a frontward portion of the bottom surface of the top plate; (b) a port rear leg attached at a second joint to a rearward portion of the bottom surface of the top plate; (c) a starboard front leg attached at a third joint to the frontward portion of the bottom surface of the top plate; and (d) a starboard rear leg attached at a fourth joint to the rearward portion of the bottom surface of the top plate. At least two of the four legs may each have a detachable connection and at least two of the four legs may each have a joint connection configured for moving the boat top assembly between a deployed state and a stowed state.

The foregoing embodiments are non-limiting examples and other aspects and embodiments will be described herein. The foregoing summary is provided to introduce various concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify required or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is the summary intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate only example embodiments of a boat top system and therefore are not to be considered limiting of the scope of this disclosure. The principles illustrated in the example embodiments of the drawings can be applied to alternate methods and apparatus. Additionally, the elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different embodiments designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a Bimini top in a deployed configuration on a boat as is known in the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a T-top in a deployed configuration on a boat as is known in the prior art.

FIG. 3 illustrates an upper station in a deployed configuration on a boat as is known in the prior art.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top drive in a deployed configuration on a boat as is known in the prior art.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a boat top system attached to

a boat in a stowed configuration in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a boat top system attached to a boat in a stowed configuration and with the top plate removed in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of a boat top system attached to a boat in a stowed configuration in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a boat top system in a deployed configuration in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to a boat top system that allows for easily stowing the boat top when it is not in use. In particular, the embodiments described herein provide for a flexible boat top system that can be folded down onto a deck of the boat for stowing the boat top system when it is not needed. When the boat top system is needed, the flexibility of the system allows it to be easily deployed in an upright position to provide shade and protection from the sun and weather. The example embodiments of the boat top system described herein are distinct from conventional boat tops in that they employ a top plate connected by joints to a frame assembly that allows for easily moving the boat top system between deployed and stowed configurations. The boat top system described herein is also advantageous in that when stowed the top plate can lay flat on the boat deck so that it is not an obstruction to the passengers on the boat.

Another advantage of the boat top systems described herein is that the top plate can accommodate an insert that may be removable. The insert can be one of a variety of materials or structures. As examples, the insert may be a cloth material and/or a translucent material. As another example, the insert may be a rigid material that supports an upper helm assembly that may be placed on top of the boat top system. As yet another example, the insert may be a solar panel that can supply electrical power to the boat. The details and advantages of the boat top system will be described and illustrated further below with reference to the attached drawings.

The example embodiments of boat top systems described herein can be used with a variety of boats. Typically, such boats are used for recreational purposes such as fishing, watersports, and other leisure activities. The boats in which the example boat top systems are used generally have a hull length in the range of 10 to 50 feet.

In the following paragraphs, particular embodiments will be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the drawings. In the description, well-known components, methods, and/or techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the embodiments is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate the boat top system 120 in a stowed configuration on a boat 105. The boat 105 includes a deck 106 with a console 110 located at the approximate center of the deck 106. The deck includes a front deck 132, that is located forward of the console 110, and an aft deck 107, that is located behind the console 110. In the example of FIGS. 5-7, the boat top system 120 is stowed on the front deck 132. However, in other embodiments, the boat top system 120 can be stowed on the aft deck 107. In contrast to FIGS. 5-7, FIG. 8 illustrates the boat top system 120 in a deployed configuration wherein the boat top system 120 is in an upright orientation so that it can provide shelter for the boat deck 106. In FIG. 8, the boat 105 is omitted in order to elucidate the details of the boat top system 120. As can be gathered from FIGS. 5-8, when the boat top system 120 is deployed into the upright orientation illustrated in FIG. 8, it will cover the console 110 thereby providing shelter for passengers near the console 110. Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, the features and advantages of the example boat top system 120 will be described in further detail.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the example boat top system 120 includes a top plate 140 that is supported by a frame assembly 121. The top plate 140 has a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the frame assembly 121 is attached to the bottom surface of the top plate 140. The region of the top plate's bottom surface where the frame assembly 121 attaches includes a recess 170. When the boat top system 120 is in the stowed configuration, upper portions of the frame assembly legs fold into the recess 170 to allow the boat top assembly to lay flat on a deck the boat 105. In FIG. 6, the top plate 140 has been removed from the boat top system 120 to illustrate the upper portions of the frame assembly legs folded in a generally horizontal orientation. When the upper portions of the frame assembly legs are in this generally horizontal orientation illustrated in FIG. 6, they are received in the recess 170 in the top plate's bottom surface thereby allowing the top plate 140 to rest in a generally horizontal position on a front deck 132 of the boat. The generally horizontal position of the top plate 140 and the upper portions of the frame assembly legs is advantageous when compared to prior art boat top systems in that the example boat top system 120 will not protrude upward and obstruct the view of people on the boat 105.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8, the example frame assembly 121 can include a port front leg attached at a first joint 122 to the top plate 140, a port rear leg attached at a second joint 124 to the top plate 140, a starboard front leg attached at a third joint 126 to the top plate 140, and a starboard rear leg attached at a fourth joint 128 to the top plate 140. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 8, the first, second, third, and fourth joints can be swivel joints. The swivel joints can rotate approximately 90 degrees between the deployed configuration illustrated in FIG. 8 and the stowed configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7. In the deployed configuration of FIG. 8, the legs of the frame assembly are generally vertical having a longitudinal axis that is generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the bottom surface of the top plate 140. When stowing the boat top system, the first, second, third, and fourth joints allow the top portions of the legs to fold backward approximately 90 degrees to a generally horizontal position as illustrated in FIG. 6. As such, the first, second, third, and fourth joints facilitate stowing the boat top system 120 so that the top plate lays in a generally horizontal position on the front deck 132. In other embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth joints may rotate more or less than 90 degrees. Moreover, in other embodiments, rotating joints other than a swivel type of joint can be implemented for the first, second, third, and fourth joints.

FIGS. 5 through 8 also illustrate that the four legs of the frame assembly 121 comprise subcomponents that facilitate stowing and deploying the boat top system 120. Specifically, the port front leg comprises a port front leg top 156 that is joined at a port connector 155 to a port front leg base 154. The port connector 155 can be any of a variety of connectors, such as a cam lock connector, that allows the port front leg top 156 to be disconnected from the port front leg base 154 as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. Similarly, the starboard front leg comprises a starboard front leg top 152 that is joined at a starboard connector 151 to a starboard front leg base 150. The starboard connector 151 can be any of a variety of connectors, such as a cam lock connector, that allows the starboard front leg top 152 to be disconnected from the starboard front leg base 150 as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. When moving the boat top system 120 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration, a user can disconnect the port and starboard connectors 155, 151 thereby allowing the top portions of the starboard and port front legs to fold upward into the recess 170 on the bottom surface of the top plate 140.

The port rear leg 166 comprises a top portion and a base portion that are joined by a port pivot joint 167. The top portion of the port rear leg 166 is joined to the top plate 140 by the second joint 124. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 8, the top portion of the port rear leg 166 can include an S-shaped bend that assists in allowing the top plate 140 to lay flat on the front deck 132 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. When in the stowed configuration, the top portion of the port rear leg 166 folds into the recess 170. Similarly, the starboard rear leg 160 comprises a top portion and a base portion that are joined by a starboard pivot joint 161. The top portion of the starboard rear leg 160 is joined to the top plate 140 by the fourth joint 128. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 8, the top portion of the starboard rear leg 160 can include an S-shaped bend that assists in allowing the top plate 140 to lay flat on the front deck 132 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. When in the stowed configuration, the top portion of the starboard rear leg 160 folds into the recess 170. The rotational motion enabled by the port pivot joint 167 and second joint 124 for the port rear leg 166 and the rotational motion enabled by the starboard pivot joint 161 and the fourth joint 128 allows the rear legs to fold and the top plate to be stowed flat on the front deck 132.

In the example of FIGS. 5-8, the frame assembly 121 includes a port mounting plate 181 to which the port front leg base 154 and the bottom portion of the port rear leg 166 are attached. Similarly, the frame assembly 121 also includes a starboard mounting plate 180 to which the starboard front leg base 150 and the bottom portion of the starboard rear leg 160 are attached. While not required in all embodiments, the port mounting plate 181 and the starboard mounting plate 180 can attach to the deck 106 on opposite sides of the console 110 and can enhance the stability of the frame assembly 121. Alternatively, the bottom portions of the four legs of the frame assembly 121 can attach directly to the deck 106 without the mounting plates. In another alternative, some or all of the four legs of the frame assembly 121 can attach to opposite sides of the console 110. As one example, the port pivot joint 167 and the starboard pivot joint 161 can be replaced by rotary joints that attach to the respective port and starboard sides of the console 110. As explained above, prior boat tops that attach to the port and starboard gunnels of the boat interfere with fishing and other activities requiring unobstructed access to the gunnels. In contrast, the boat top systems of the present disclosure that attach the frame assembly legs to the deck or the console provide an advantage in that they do not obstruct the gunnels of the boat.

The example of FIG. 8 also illustrates in broken lines additional optional features that can be implemented with the boat top system 120. Specifically, a port gas shock 184 can connect the top portion of the port rear leg 166 and the port front leg top 156. Similarly, a starboard gas shock 183 can connect the top portion of the starboard rear leg 160 and the starboard front leg top 152. The gas shocks 183, 184 can facilitate the rotational motion of the legs so that less force is required from a person to move the boat top system 120 between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration. Another option feature illustrated in broken lines is a motor 185. The motor 185 can supply mechanical power to rotate one or more of the legs of the frame assembly 121 to assist a person in moving the boat top system between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

The following steps are an example method for moving the boat top system from a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration. First, a user can unlock the port and starboard front legs by unlocking the port connector 155 and the starboard connector 151, for example, by turning a cam on each respective connector. Second, the user can unlock the port pivot joint 167 and the starboard pivot joint 161, for example, by retracting or removing a pin at each pivot joint. Third, with the port connector 155 and the starboard connector 151 unlocked, the user can lift the starboard front leg top 152 and the port front leg top 156 to disconnect each top portion from its respective starboard front leg base 150 and port front leg base 154. Fourth, the user can push or pull the top plate 140 forward and toward the front deck 132. As the top plate 140 moves forward, the starboard front leg top 152 and the port front leg top 156 will swivel backward at respective joints 126 and 122 with the front leg top portions folding up into the recess 170 on the underside of the top plate 140. Similarly, as the top plate 140 moves forward, the starboard rear leg 160 and the port rear leg 166 will pivot at respective pivot joints 161 and 167 and the top portions of the rear legs will swivel backward at respective joints 128 and 124 with the top portions of the rear legs folding into the recess 170 on the underside of the top plate 140. The forward motion of the top plate 140 continues until the top plate 140 comes to rest in a stowed configuration on the front deck 132. With the boat top system 120 in the stowed configuration, a person it the boat 105 has an unobstructed view.

The foregoing example method can be modified in alternate example embodiments of the boat top system. For example, the first and second steps can be performed in parallel or in reverse order. As another example, one or more of the optional gas shocks or motor described previously can assist with moving the boat top system 120 between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. When a user desires to move the boat top system from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration, the steps of the foregoing example method can be performed in reverse order.

In another example embodiment, the boat top system described herein can be modified for stowing on the aft deck 107 instead of the front deck 132. As one example, the front legs and the rear legs of the frame assembly 121 can be reversed so that the rear legs disconnect and the front legs pivot enabling the boat top system to fold backward and to rest on the aft deck 107.

As referenced previously, another optional feature of the boat top system 120 is the insert 130. The insert 130 is a removable panel that fills the void at the center of the top plate 140. The insert 130 can take several different forms. As one example, the insert can be a cloth material or a translucent material. As another example, the insert can be a rigid structure that can support an upper helm assembly placed on top of the boat top system 120. As yet another example, the insert can be a solar panel that supplies electrical power via wiring to the boat's battery or control systems.

One advantage of the insert 130 is that it can be easily removable from the top plate 140, thereby facilitating swapping in and out different inserts. A variety of attachment mechanisms can be used to permit the insert 130 to be removable from the top plate 140. For example, the attachment mechanisms can be a pin and slot arrangement, a snap fit, or a zipper. As another example, the attachment mechanism can be a rail system that provides a T-slot through which the insert 130 can slide into or out of the top plate 140. As such, the insert 130 offers a variety of advantages for the boat top system 120.

For any figure shown and described herein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted. Additionally, it should be understood that in certain cases components of the example boat top systems can be combined or can be separated into subcomponents. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particular figure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in such figure. Further, if a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding component in another figure.

With respect to the example methods described herein, it should be understood that in alternate embodiments, certain operations of the methods may be performed in a different order, may be performed in parallel, or may be omitted. Moreover, in alternate embodiments additional steps may be added to the example methods described herein. Accordingly, the example methods provided herein should be viewed as illustrative and not limiting of the disclosure.

References to “horizontal” and “vertical” herein are with respect to the boat oriented as it would be operated in the water. Therefore, “horizontal” means generally parallel to the water's surface and/or the boat deck and “vertical” means generally perpendicular to the water's surface and/or the boat deck.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “distal”, “proximal”, and “within” are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation, and are not meant to limit the embodiments described herein. In the example embodiments described herein, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include plural alternatives, e.g., at least one. The terms “including”, “with”, and “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language), unless specified otherwise.

When Applicant discloses or claims a range of any type, Applicant's intent is to disclose or claim individually each possible number that such a range could reasonably encompass, including end points of the range as well as any sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges encompassed therein, unless otherwise specified. Numerical end points of ranges disclosed herein are approximate, unless excluded by proviso.

Values, ranges, or features may be expressed herein as “about”, from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such values, or ranges are expressed, other embodiments disclosed include the specific value recited, from the one particular value, and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that there are a number of values disclosed therein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. In another aspect, use of the term “about” means ±20% of the stated value, ±15% of the stated value, +15% of the stated value, ±5% of the stated value, ±3% of the stated value, or ±1% of the stated value.

Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.