Reinforced articulated top

Abstract

An articulating top having a frame, a cover attached to the frame and a mounting bracket to attach the frame to a vehicle can be moved between a deployed position to provide shelter to an area below the top and a stowed position. The frame having main and secondary frame members in addition to one or more struts between a frame member and the vehicle to provide additional support to the frame such that the top can be used while the vehicle is in motion or in windy conditions. The top may also use one or more braces.

Claims

1. A top comprising: a frame further comprising: a mounting bracket; a main frame member attached to the mounting bracket; a secondary frame member attached to the mounting bracket; a first strut rotatably attached at a first end to the mounting bracket and rotatably attached at a second end to the main frame member; a second strut rotatably attached at a first end to the secondary frame member and rotatably attached at a second end to the main frame member; a brace attached at a first end to the main frame member and a second end to the mounting bracket; and a covering attached to the main frame member and the secondary frame member; wherein, the top is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position; wherein, when the top is in the first position, the first strut, second strut and brace are extended, at least a portion of the secondary frame member is remote from the main frame member and the covering is expanded; and wherein, when the top is in the second position, the first strut, second strut and brace are collapsed, the secondary frame member is located above the main frame member and the covering is contracted.

2. The top of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises an auxiliary frame member, the auxiliary frame member attached to the main frame member; and wherein, when the strut is in the second position at least a portion of the auxiliary frame member is remote from the main frame member.

3. The top of claim 2, further comprising a second brace, the second brace attached at a first end to the main frame member and a second end to the auxiliary frame member; wherein, when the top is in the first position, the second brace is extended; and wherein, when the top is in the second position, the second brace is collapsed.

4. The top of claim 2, further comprising a second brace, the second brace attached at a first end to the secondary frame member and a second end to the auxiliary frame member; wherein, when the top is in the first position, the second brace is extended; and wherein, when the top is in the second position, the second brace is collapsed.

5. The top of claim 1, wherein the strut has a hinge and wherein when the strut is in the second position, the strut is folded at the hinge.

6. The top of claim 1, wherein the first position is a deployed position and the second position is a trailering position.

7. A method of deploying a bimini top comprising: extending a first strut, wherein the extension of the first strut moves an aft bow to a deployed position and a forward bow to a radar position: extending a second strut, wherein the extension of the second strut rotates the forward bow away from the aft bow to a deployed position, wherein the rotation of the forward bow away from the aft bow expands the covering, wherein the expansion of the covering causes an auxiliary bow to rotate away from the aft bow and into the deployed position; and wherein movement of the aft bow to a deployed position expands a brace between the aft bow and a mounting bracket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art marine vehicle and top.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a marine vehicle and one embodiment of the top of the invention.

(3) FIG. 3A is a port side elevation view of the top of FIG. 2 in the deployed position.

(4) FIG. 3B is a starboard side elevation view of the top of FIG. 2 in the deployed position.

(5) FIG. 4 is a port side elevation view of the top of FIG. 3A with the top in the stowed position.

(6) FIG. 5 is a port side elevation view of the top of FIG. 3A with the top in a partially raised position.

(7) FIG. 6 is a port side elevation view of the top of FIG. 3A with the top in the radar position.

(8) FIG. 7 is a port side elevation view of the top of FIG. 3A with the top in another partially raised position.

(9) FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the marine vehicle and top with the covering removed.

(10) FIG. 9A is a crosswise cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a frame member.

(11) FIG. 9B is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(12) FIG. 9C is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(13) FIG. 9D is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(14) FIG. 9E is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(15) FIG. 9F is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(16) FIG. 9G is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(17) FIG. 9H is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(18) FIG. 9I is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(19) FIG. 9J is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(20) FIG. 9K is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(21) FIG. 9L is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(22) FIG. 9M is a crosswise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(23) FIG. 10A is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a frame member.

(24) FIG. 10B is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(25) FIG. 10C is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(26) FIG. 11A is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a frame member.

(27) FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a frame member.

(28) FIG. 11C is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a frame member.

(29) FIG. 11D is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a frame member.

(30) FIG. 11E is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a frame member.

(31) FIG. 11F is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a frame member.

(32) FIG. 12 is a starboard side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a top in the deployed position.

(33) FIG. 13 is a port side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a top in the deployed position.

(34) FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a top attached to another type of marine vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(35) As seen in FIG. 2-7, a frame for a structure referred to as a marine top, canopy or bimini 10 is shown. The frame of the top 10 shown in FIG. 2 is generally comprised of frame members that support a cover or covering 12, which can be made from canvas or other suitable material, for providing shade or sheltering from the elements, such as to a vehicle 14. The top 10 is configured to be moved between a stowed or trailering position (as seen in FIG. 4), for use when the vehicle 14 to which it is attached is being transported such as on a trailer or when stored, and a deployed position (as seen in FIG. 3A), for use when shade or shelter from the elements is desired. The top 10 may also be moved to a radar position (as seen in FIG. 6), which is between the stowed position and deployed position, for use when the vehicle is in use, but the top is not needed for shelter or if only a small amount of shelter from the elements is desired.

(36) The top 10 embodiment seen in FIG. 3A includes a main frame member or aft bow 16 that is pivotally connected or attached to a mounting bracket or mount 18. The mounting bracket 18 provides pivotal or rotatable connection between the frame members and the vehicle 14 such that the frame can be moved between a stowed or trailering position and a deployed position. The mounting bracket 18 attaches the frame to the vehicle 14, such as to a wall or rail 20 of the vehicle. While the embodiment shown is of a pontoon-style boat, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the top could be used in a similar fashion on other vehicles, including but not limited to, sport boats, V-hull boats, flat bottom boats, ATVs, UTVs, etc.

(37) The mounting bracket 18 (and/or the railing 20 or mounting surface) is configured to disperse the forces, for example from raising and lowering or from wind when the frame is deployed, along a greater area of the rail 20 of the vehicle 14 as compared to attaching the individual frame members directly to the rail of the vehicle subjecting the rail to greater point loads. The mounting bracket 18 shown in FIG. 2 also avoids inconveniencing or interfering with the gate 21 or the captain's seat or the throttle, controls, windscreen and/or aftermarket accessories often located in the captain's area 23.

(38) A secondary frame member or forward bow 22 is also attached to the mounting bracket 18. Alternatively, the secondary frame member 22 could be attached to the main frame member 16. In the embodiment seen in FIG. 3A, the secondary frame member 22 is pivotally or rotatably attached to the mounting bracket 18. The secondary frame member 22 is attached on a first or forward side of the position where the main frame member is attached to the mounting bracket 18.

(39) The main frame member 16 and the secondary frame member 22 are also attached to the covering 12 such that as the frame members are moved to the deployed position, for example the portion of the main frame member that is attached to the covering is moved away or remote from the portion of the secondary frame member attached to the covering, the covering will be expanded or unfolded. As the frame members 16, 22 are moved to the stowed position, the covering 12 will be folded or contracted. In one embodiment, the frame members 16, 22 are attached to the covering 12 by extending through sleeves formed in the underside of the covering. However, other means of attaching frame members to a covering are known in the industry, for example, the use of straps, snaps, fasteners, etc., the use of which would not defeat the spirit of the invention.

(40) In the embodiment seen in FIG. 3A, the main frame member 16 and the secondary frame member 22 are attached to and support the covering 12 at the rear and front of the covering. One or more auxiliary bows 24 can be connected to the main and/or secondary frame member 16, 22. In the embodiment seen in FIG. 3A, an auxiliary bow 24 is attached to the main frame member 16 to provide additional support to the covering 12. The auxiliary bow 24 could also be attached to the covering 12 as described above with respect to the main and secondary frame members 16, 22. The auxiliary bow 24 can be pivotally or rotatably attached to the main frame member 16 such that as the main frame member 16 and the secondary frame member 22 are moved to the deployed position, the covering 12 will expand and in some embodiments, be pulled taught therebetween. Because the auxiliary bow 24 is connected to the covering 12, as the covering expands, the covering will cause the auxiliary bow to be rotated to its deployed position wherein the portion of the auxiliary bow attached to the covering will be remote from the portion of the main frame member attached to the covering.

(41) As seen in FIG. 3A, the frame includes an aft or rear strut 26 attached to the main frame member 16. When the top 10 is the deployed position, the rear strut 26 is extended and/or in a unfolded position, provides support to the top 10 via the main frame member 16 and prevents the main frame member from bending. In one embodiment, the rear strut 26 is capable of collapsing into a generally flat or folded position in order to permit the top 10 to be collapsed. As seen in FIG. 3A, the rear strut 26 has a hinge 28 that attaches a first portion 26A of the rear strut to a second portion 26B of the rear strut and permits the rear strut to fold in half and be located between the vehicle 14 and the main frame member 16 when the top 10 is in the stowed position.

(42) In the embodiment seen in FIG. 3A, the first portion 26A of the rear strut 26 is pivotally or rotatably attached to the mounting bracket 18 (for example, on a second or aft side of the position where the main frame member is attached to the mounting bracket) and the second portion 26B of the rear strut 26 is pivotally or rotatably attached to the main frame member 16 such that when extended the main frame member and secondary frame member are in a raised position. However, other means of permitting a frame member to move to a generally flat position are known in the art including permitting one end of the frame member to slide, telescoping, etc., the use of which would not defeat the spirit of the invention.

(43) To decrease the amount of point loads on the vehicle 14 from the top 10, the mounting bracket 18 can be extended further towards the rear of the vehicle such that the end of the rear strut 26 is attached to the mounting bracket. Forces transferred to the rear strut 26 from the top 10 can be transferred to the vehicle 14 along a greater surface area of the rail 20 generally in the location of the mounting bracket.

(44) The top 10 could also include a second or forward strut 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the forward strut 30 is located between and attached to the main frame member 16 and the secondary frame member 22. Like the rear strut 26, the forward strut 30 may also include a hinge 32 that attaches a first portion 30A of the rear strut to a second portion 30B of the rear strut and permits the rear strut to fold in half. The first portion 30A of the forward strut 30 is pivotally or rotatably attached to the main frame member 16 and the second portion 30B of the forward strut is pivotally or rotatably attached to the secondary frame member 22. The forward strut 30 can be collapsed into a first or folded position and located between the main frame member 16 and the secondary frame member 22 when the top 10 is in the stowed position or extended into a second or unfolded position such that secondary frame member 22 is in a deployed or second raised position.

(45) In the embodiment seen in FIG. 3A, the forward strut 30 is attached to the main frame member 16 in close proximity or adjacent to the location or position the rear strut 26 is attached to the main frame member. This configuration permits forces acting on the top 10, to be transmitted to the forward strut 30, to the rear strut 26 and ultimately, the vehicle 14. The auxiliary frame member 24 may also be attached to the main frame member 16 in close proximity or adjacent to the location the rear strut 26 is attached to the main frame member to efficiently transfer forces from the auxiliary frame member.

(46) While the forward strut 30 and rear strut 26 help transfer compressive forces from the top 10 to the vehicle 14, for example, a force pushing or pulling the forward end of the top 10 upwards, tensile forces may also act on the top 10, e.g. forces pushing or pulling the forward end of the top downwards. In one embodiment, the top 10 includes braces that resist the tensile forces. In the embodiment seen in FIG. 3A, a rear brace 34 is attached between the vehicle 14 and the main frame member 16. To decrease the amount of point loads on the vehicle 14, from the top 10, the rear brace 34 may be attached to the vehicle by a mounting bracket 18. In one embodiment a pad eye bracket 35 is attached to the mounting bracket 18 or integrally formed therewith. The rear brace 34 extends through the pad eye 35 and is then attached back to itself to attach the rear brace to the vehicle 14. The rear brace 34 may also be attached to the main frame member 16 by a pad eye bracket 35 attached thereto or integrally formed therewith. Tensile forces acting on the main frame member 16 may be transferred to the rear brace 34 and then to the vehicle 14 along a greater surface area of the rail 20 generally in the location of the mounting bracket.

(47) A second or forward brace 36 may be used between and attached to the auxiliary frame member 24 and another frame member, such as, for example, pad eye brackets 35 discussed above. In one embodiment seen in FIG. 3B, the forward brace 36 helps prevent tensile force from causing the auxiliary frame member 24 to be pulled away from the main frame member 16 and possibly tearing the covering 12 therebetween. While the forward brace 36 is located in a position where it is accessible and visible in FIG. 3A it could also be located under, on top of or between layers of the covering 12. While tensile forces may act to pull the secondary frame member 22 away from the auxiliary frame member 24 and/or the main frame member 16, and possibly tearing the covering 12 therebetween, the forward strut 30 can also help relieve such forces. In another embodiment seen in FIG. 13, the forward brace 36 helps prevent tensile force from causing the auxiliary frame member 24 to be pulled away from the secondary frame member 22 and possibly tearing the covering 12 therebetween.

(48) When the top 10 is in the stowed position, the rear brace 34 and forward brace 36 are collapsed as seen in FIG. 4. When the top 10 is in the radar position and deployed position, the rear brace 34 is extended and taught as seen in FIGS. 6, 2. When the top 10 is in the deployed position, the forward brace 36 is extended and taught as seen in FIG. 2.

(49) In one embodiment, the rear brace 34 and the forward brace 36 are capable of being deformed to permit the top 10 to be able to be moved into a stowed position. In the embodiment seen in FIG. 3A, the rear brace 34 and/or forward brace 36 are made from a braided steel cable material such that when the top 10 is moved to the stowed position, the rear brace and/or forward brace can deform to permit the top to collapse. However, other materials, for example a nylon strap, wire rope, chain, composite cord, etc. and/or other means for deforming a brace are known in the industry, for example a hinge as seen in the forward strut 30, sliding one end, telescoping, using a wire of other resilient material, etc., the use of which would not defeat the spirit of the invention. The use of a steel cable or wire, makes the top 10 more cost effective to manufacture, lighter weight, minimizes obstruction and permits the top to collapse into a thinner profile.

(50) As seen in FIG. 8, the top 10 provides shade to the captain's seat and captain's area. However, the frame members do not interfere with or otherwise inconvenience the captain's area 23, the other components in that area or use of the gate 21 because they are located remote from the same.

(51) In one embodiment, a mounting bracket 18, rear strut 26, forward strut 30, rear brace 34, forward brace 36 are located on each side of the top, for example a first mount 18, first aft strut 26, first forward strut 30, port brace 34, and port forward brace 36 on the port side as seen in FIG. 3A and a second mount 18′, second aft strut 26′, second forward strut 30′, starboard brace 34′ and starboard forward brace 36′ on the starboard side seen in FIG. 3B. However, other configurations could be used without defeating the spirit of the invention.

(52) In the embodiment shown above, the frame members such as the main frame member 16, secondary frame member 22 and auxiliary frame member 24 are depicted as a bow, e.g. a structural element having a port leg portion 16A, 22A, 24A and a starboard leg portion 16B, 22B, 24B connected by a generally curved middle portion 16C, 22C, 24C. In one embodiment, the port leg portions 16A, 22A are rotatably attached to the first mount 18 and the starboard leg portions 16B, 22B are rotatably attached to the second mount 18′. Likewise, the port leg portion 24A of the auxiliary frame member 24 is rotatably attached to the port leg portion 16A of the main frame member 16 and the starboard leg portion 24B of the auxiliary frame member is rotatably attached to the starboard leg portion 16B of the main frame member. However, the use of other configurations of frame members, for example, square, triangular, oval, circular, comprised of a number of components, etc., would not defeat the spirit of the invention, some examples of which can be seen in FIGS. 10A-10C. Further, the frame members could include corner bracing or truss configurations, some examples of which can be seen in FIG. 11A-11F.

(53) In the embodiment shown above, the frame members such as the main frame member 16, secondary frame member 22 and auxiliary frame member 24 are depicted as being square or round tubular members. However, the use of other cross-sectional shapes of frame members, for example, oval, being solid, having thicker walls or having internal structures, would not defeat the spirit of the invention, some examples of which are seen in FIGS. 9A-9M.

(54) In some cases, the frame members such as the main frame member 16, secondary frame member 22 and auxiliary frame member 24 will be urged to expand laterally, for example in the direction from starboard side to port side, due to forces acting on the covering 12 and/or frame. Reinforcing the frame members, such as by using different cross-sectional shapes, internal structures and/or corner bracing or truss configurations can help resist such lateral expansion. Further, additional bracing, like that disclosed with respect to the rear braces 34 and forward braces 36 could be used laterally, for example, from the starboard side of the main frame member 16 to the port side of the main frame member.

(55) In an alternative embodiment, the top 10 may be powered such that the top may be moved between the stowed and deployed positions, and alternatively the radar position, entirely on its own or in a partial manner so as to permit the top to be more easily moved by a person. In one embodiment, the main and/or secondary frame members 16, 22 could be powered, such as by a motorized hub with integrated hinges and/or mechanical levers. In one embodiment, the hinges 28, 32 could be powered to be able to open and close. Other means to (un)fold the hinges 28, 32 and/or the rear strut(s) 26 and/or the forward strut(s), 30 can include cables, pullies, winches, motors, actuators, springs, lead screws, levers, gears such as spur, rack and pinion, worm, bevel, pressurized components such as pistons, bladders, balloons, etc., the use of which would not defeat the spirit of the invention.

(56) In one embodiment, upon activation, for example, pressing a button or flipping a switch, with the top 10 in the stowed position, the first hinge 28 will be activated, thereby, opening, extending and/or straightening the rear strut 26 and pushing the remainder of the top to a second or radar position. In this position, the main frame member 16 is in the deployed position as well. Upon some event, for example an amount of time the hinge is activated or a sensor sending a signal such as upon sensing an amount the hinge has rotated, the first hinge 28 is deactivated and held and/or locked in position.

(57) Then, the second hinge 32 is activated pushing the remainder of the top 10 in the deployed position. For example, the secondary frame member 22 is rotated away from the main frame member 16. Upon some event, the second hinge 32 is deactivated and held and/or locked in position to hold the top 10 in the deployed position. The rotation of the secondary frame member 22, causes the covering 12 to expand, and thereby, the auxiliary bow 24 to rotate away from the main frame member and into the deployed position. To move the top 10 from the deployed position to the stowed position the button could be pressed again or the switch flipped in a different direction to cause the top to work in the reverse order.

(58) Alternatively, upon pressing a button or flipping a switch, both hinges 28, 32 could be activated together to cause to the top to be moved in a shorter time period. Another alternative embodiment includes the first activation of the button or switch causing the top to move to the radar position from either the stowed or the deployed position and a second activation of the button or switch causing the top to move to the deployed position or radar position, respectively.

(59) Alternatively, one or more of the struts 26, 30 could be powered by a biasing member such as a gas shock, a mechanical or pneumatic spring, shock and/or damper, as disclosed for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,849,939, 9,815,525, 9,783,266, and 9,604,702, owned by the owner of the present application, and which are hereby incorporated herein for all purposes. Alternatively, or in addition, the frame members could be driven by gears such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,752,498, 7,438,015 and 7,389,737 to Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.

(60) In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the frame members have their own mounting bracket or be individually attached to the rail 20 of the vehicle 14. As seen in FIG. 12, the main frame member 16, secondary frame member 22, rear struts 30, 31′ and rear braces 34, 34′ are attached to individual mounting brackets 40. Some of the frame members may be combined onto the same individual mounting bracket 40, for example the rear struts 30, 31′ and rear braces 34, 34′, respectively.

(61) While the top 10 in some embodiments is shown positioned towards the rear of the vehicle, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the position of the top could be moved anywhere between the front and the rear of the vehicle. Further, while the top 10 in some embodiments shown with the secondary frame is towards the front of the vehicle, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the top could be rotated 180 degrees. The orientation and placement of the top 10 relative to the vehicle can be adjusted due to the layout and purpose, size and configuration of the vehicle.

(62) Although the invention has been herein described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. For example, although the support member is described as being used in a frame for a marine top, the support member could be used in a variety of applications including a pontoon boat (FIG. 3A), V-hull boat (FIG. 14) or even other collapsible structures. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the appended claims and the description of the invention herein. Further, although certain advantages of different embodiments and disadvantages of certain prior art are described, no single claim must realize every or any benefit or overcome every or any disadvantage.