Abstract
This hard top boat cover is designed for panels to fit the bow, middle, and stern section of different width and length size boats of similar design through using a “mix and match” system. This means that each section will have more than one panel that can be chosen from for a proper fit. The result is a hard-shell boat cover that can be created for different width and length boats solving the problem of having just one size cover that fits one size boat. The cover's overlap design allows it to fit several boats without interference from gunnel attachments or interior boat obstructions. The cover's design works with an adjustable bracket brace that holds the panel covers up over the boat while being held down by straps that connect it to the boat trailer. The bracket brace design can be placed on a range of gunnel widths and at locations on the gunnel that adjust to the width of the beam of the boat for a snug fit without scarring the gunnel.
Claims
1. A boat cover system comprising a hard shell boat cover comprising of a plurality of pre-formed rigid sections that together cover the deck of a boat from bow to stern; a plurality of adjustable brace brackets which are connected to brace rods with an adjustment brace knob; and alternating pull down tension straps configured to secure each cover section in a resting position on respective brace brackets attached to opposing boat gunnels such that each cover section extends beyond the periphery of each boat gunnel.
2. The boat cover system of claim 1 wherein said sections are constructed of rigid material for stiffening the shaped section.
3. The boat cover system of claim 1 wherein said adjustable brace knobs are adjustable to fit a plurality of boat beam widths to anchor each brace bracket to a boat gunnel.
4. The boat cover system of claim 1 wherein each brace bracket has a rubber lining in order to prevent damage to said gunnel when attached.
5. The boat cover system of claim 1 further comprising 3.5 inch gunnel brace lips to allow for a total of 7 inch variance for a plurality of boat cover sectional widths to cover various boat widths.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals but different alphabetic suffixes.
(2) FIG. 1A shows the three-panel hard shell cover with a one-foot insert panel.
(3) FIG. 1B shows the boat cover panels held down by straps to the boat trailer.
(4) FIG. 2 shows three basic style covers that would fit three type boat widths and lengths in a “mix and match” system application.
(5) FIG. 3 shows how the boat cover would mount or be installed on the boat.
(6) FIG. 4A shows a 3D drawing of the boat bracket brace that sits on the gunnel.
(7) FIG. 4B shows the dimensions and construction of the boat bracket brace.
(8) FIG. 4C shows how the boat bracket brace attaches to the gunnel.
(9) FIG. 5A shows the adjustment knob on the boat bracket rod that expands or contracts to fit the boat beam in securing the boat bracket brace to the gunnel.
(10) FIG. 5B shows the total boat cover bracket and rod as it attaches to both gunnels on the boat.
(11) FIGS. 6A and 6B shows the efficient storage method of the three-panel boat covers through inter-stacking.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(12) Referring to FIG. 1A-6B, the figures and following descriptions are intended to be illustrative or serve as an example and not limiting the application or descriptive herein. Any implementation described herein is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous or preferred over any other implementation herein. Furthermore, specific dimensions, range, or other physical characteristics relating to the described herein are not to be construed as limiting, unless expressly stated herein to the contrary.
(13) One embodiment of the boat cover is illustrated in FIG. 1A unattached to the boat trailer. It illustrates the box shaped nature of the sides of the cover coming straight upward from the gunnel 13 for two feet before turning to make the top of the cover. This is to prevent any interference of the cover from any attachments on the gunnel. Included with the three basic sectional covers 2,3,4 is a one-foot insert panel 5. The insert panel demonstrates how the overall boat cover can be lengthened for longer boats with similar widths.
(14) Another embodiment of the boat cover can be seen in FIG. 1B. This drawing illustrates how the hard top boat cover panels are strapped down to the boat trailer 21 for transport to withstand great wind pressure.
(15) FIG. 2. is another embodiment of the boat cover that demonstrates how the “mix and match” system works. There are three bow covers 7,8,9 and two mid covers 10, 11 and one stern cover 12. These covers will work for various widths and lengths of boats through a “mix and match” system of interchangeable panels. For example, the same bow covers 7,8,9 for a modified V-hull boat would fit most any other modified V-hull boats regardless of the different lengths. A one-foot insert panel 5 can be added to the middle or stern section as necessary to lengthen the boat cover. As for the middle section of the boat there are two sizes. One for narrow boats 10 and another for wider ones 11. As to the stern section, one cover would work for all three type boats. This is how the “mix and match” system of the hard shell boat panels would work and demonstrate the concept's flexibility.
(16) The embodiment of the boat cover in FIG. 3 demonstrates how the boat cover is installed on the boat. Due to the various boat widths and panels, an adjustable brace rod 14 with an adjustment brace knob 15 makes it a tight fit for the brace bracket to sit on the gunnel 13 to hold up the panel cover 4. The adjustable brace rod 14 and gunnel brace brackets 16 can be placed anywhere on the gunnel and across the beam where there is no interference.
(17) FIG. 4A-4C demonstrates the construction, function, strength, dimensions, fit and adjustment of the boat cover brace 16. The brace itself is made of strong aluminum that is designed to hold several hundred pounds of pressure applied by the cover straps 6 that hold the cover to the trailer. The gunnel brace lip 23 allows for a three-and-a-half-inch margin on each side of the boat perimeter for a comfortable cover fit. That part of the bracket brace 16 that sits on the gunnel is adjustable for wide or narrow boat gunnels and secured in place by pressure from the adjustment brace knob 15. To prevent scarring on the gunnel, the brace bracket has rubber lining 25.
(18) Another embodiment of the boat cover in FIG. 5A-5B demonstrates the adjustable nature of the boat brace rod 14 to the gunnel 13. When the adjustment brace knob 15 is turned clockwise it expands to make a tight fit. When the adjustment brace knob 15 is turned counterclockwise the boat brace rod gets shorter relieving the pressure. The adjustment stays in place because it works like a nut on a thread rod 24.
(19) Another embodiment of this invention is its efficient storage and packaging for shipping. The boat panels can be stored inside one another by inter-stacking. Bow cover 4 stacks inside mid cover 3 and mid cover 3 inside stern cover 2.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
(20) 1. Boat 2. Stern cover 3. Mid cover 4. Bow cover 5. 1 ft insert cover 6. Cover straps 7. Narrow-range Bow cover 8. Mid-range Bow cover 9. Wide-range Bow cover 10. Mid-range Mid cover 11. Wide-range Mid cover 12. Wide-range Stern cover 13. Gunnel 14. Brace rod 15. Adjustment brace knob 16. Brace bracket 17. End of the adjustment rod 18. Boat beam 19. Overhang 20. Boat engine 21. Boat trailer 22. Tie-down strap 23. Gunnel brace lip 24. Threaded rod 25. Rubber lining.
