US20170291664A1 - Foldable covering device - Google Patents
Foldable covering device Download PDFInfo
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- US20170291664A1 US20170291664A1 US15/092,983 US201615092983A US2017291664A1 US 20170291664 A1 US20170291664 A1 US 20170291664A1 US 201615092983 A US201615092983 A US 201615092983A US 2017291664 A1 US2017291664 A1 US 2017291664A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tower
- frame
- center
- covering device
- leg
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- Abandoned
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B17/00—Vessels parts, details, or accessories, not otherwise provided for
- B63B17/02—Awnings, including rigid weather protection structures, e.g. sunroofs; Tarpaulins; Accessories for awnings or tarpaulins
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B17/00—Vessels parts, details, or accessories, not otherwise provided for
- B63B17/02—Awnings, including rigid weather protection structures, e.g. sunroofs; Tarpaulins; Accessories for awnings or tarpaulins
- B63B2017/026—Rigid awnings, or sunroofs
Definitions
- the disclosure relates generally to a foldable covering device, and more particularly to a foldable covering device for transportation devices.
- Conventional covering devices used for transportation devices may have limited coverage and rigidity. Such limited coverage and rigidity may cause undesirable performance and require the use of additional support structures.
- a covering device that is capable of effectively increasing coverage and rigidity would be desirable.
- a tower system for a transportation device including a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said. tower section, wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg.
- a foldable covering device configurable to be attached to a tower for a transportation device, the tower including a first tower leg side and a second tower leg side, the foldable covering device including a center frame including wing portions disposed at laterally opposed sides of said center frame and rotatably affixed thereto, wherein said. wing portions extend laterally beyond extents of the tower at both the first tower leg side and the second tower leg side in an open position.
- a tower system for a transportation device including a tower; and a frame including at least one mount configured to rotatably mounting said frame to said tower, about a rotation point.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position;
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position;
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position;
- FIG. 4 is a top view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position;
- FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotating about the attachment mount;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotated fully into a lowered position;
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotated into a fully lowered position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device.
- a foldable covering device 2 also known as a bi-fold bimimi top is illustrated.
- the device 2 is configured to be selectively attached to a tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 to provide cover for occupants of a boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device when in use.
- the foldable covering device 2 includes left wing 12 and right wing 14 configured to be foldably attached to a center frame 4 . Via such foldable attachment, it is possible for the left wing 12 and right wing 14 to provide wider coverage than conventional devices while allowing for various stowage configurations.
- tower 22 may be a portion of, or affixed to a boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device.
- Tower 22 may have first and second tower legs 23 , connected by a center tower section 33 .
- First and second tower legs 23 may be attached to center tower section 33 at a respective first end, and attached to the boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device at a respective second end.
- Tower 22 generally, and center tower section 33 specifically, may have affixing points where attachment mounts 10 attach to tower 22 . It may be appreciated that the affixing points where attachment mounts 10 attach to tower 22 may be inboard and away of where first and second tower legs 23 are attached to center tower section 33 .
- Center frame 4 includes frame beams 5 which are attached to tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 and project forward a desired length to connect laterally along the beam width at a center bow 6 and to delimit center frame 4 .
- Center frame 4 is further supported by trusses 8 .
- the center frame 4 has a generally tubular construction formed into a generally “U” shape.
- the frame beams 5 converge generally to attach to center bow 6 .
- the frame beams 5 are attached to tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 that are inboard of the outermost points of coverage provided by foldable covering device 2 , specifically wings 12 , 14 .
- attachment mounts 10 As a result of these inboard attachment mounts 10 , the rigidity of center frame 4 and foldable covering device 2 may generally be increased.
- the trusses 8 further increase the rigidity of center frame 4 and foldable covering device 2 generally. As best shown in FIG. 2 , trusses 8 support frame beams 5 at a truss attachment mount 9 to support the weight of center frame 4 , distribute the stresses experienced, and enhance rigidity. The opposite ends of trusses 8 are attached to attachment mount 10 , specifically attachment mount subframe 25 .
- the center bow 6 further enhances rigidity of the center frame 4 while connecting frame beams 5 of center frame 4 . Due to the inboard attachment mounts 10 , the converging shape of frame beams 5 , and the trusses 8 , the center frame 4 experiences enhanced rigidity compared to conventional devices without the use of additional support structures. As a result, the use of a single center bow 6 is sufficient to allow for the desired rigidity. Accordingly, the enhanced rigidity allowed by the design allows for higher vehicle operation speeds while withstanding the stresses of the enhanced extension provided by the center frame 4 .
- center frame 4 Since wings 12 , 14 allow for suitably wide coverage along the beam width of the boat or vehicle, the center frame 4 does not need to provide complete coverage in the beam width direction.
- the unique shape of center frame 4 allows for foldable covering device 2 to project forward further compared to conventional devices. This unique shape is particularly beneficial when foldable covering device 2 is attached to a rear swoop tower 22 , since a rear swoop tower has a longer distance from the front surface of the tower 22 to the top edge of the windshield compared to a tower 22 that may provide less distance between the windshield and the top of the tower 22 .
- the enhanced projection of center frame 4 and consequently foldable covering device 2 allows for enhanced coverage performance that may project to the windshield or at least further than conventional covering devices, which may not provide adequate coverage.
- the furthest point of center frame 4 may project forward from the tower 22 at a length of at least 30 inches, at least 40 inches, or at least 50 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the furthest point of center frame 4 may project forward from the tower 22 at a length of 53 inches.
- Wings 12 , 14 are rotatably and foldably attached to center frame 4 .
- Wings 12 , 14 may be disposed at laterally opposed sides of center frame 4 .
- Wings 12 , 14 may be attached to center frame 4 via attachment mounts 16 .
- Wings 12 , 14 are shaped and configured to provide suitable coverage in a beam width direction along the projection length of center frame 4 . Particularly, wings 12 , 14 allow for greater coverage width outboard of attachment mounts 10 . Further, wings 12 , 14 allow for greater coverage width than convectional devices.
- wings 12 , 14 are of a generally tubular construction with a “D” shaped configuration.
- Wings 12 , 14 may be stowed or closed as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , or deployed or open as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- wings 12 , 14 When folded or closed, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , wings 12 , 14 may minimize the footprint of foldable covering device 2 by being confined in a width less than the beam width of center frame 4 by being foldable onto center frame 4 .
- the boat or vehicle on which foldable covering device 2 is employed may travel at a higher speed, suitable for high speed travel, transport, or towing.
- stowed wings 12 , 14 may allow for easier handling during temporary stowage, removal, and attachment. Foldable covering device 2 may be retained and protected with an external cover (not shown) when wings 12 , 14 are stowed.
- wings 12 , 14 When full coverage of foldable covering device 2 is desired, wings 12 , 14 may be deployed or opened. When deployed or opened, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , wings 12 , 14 extend laterally beyond center frame 4 to provide maximum coverage. Wings 12 , 14 may extend laterally beyond the perimetric extents of tower 22 , particularly first and second tower leg 23 , allowing for extension beyond the beam width of tower 22 and the first and second tower leg 23 sides. In order to maintain the position of deployed wings 12 , 14 , and prevent any fluttering motion, the wings 12 , 14 may be attached to tower 22 via support legs 18 . Support legs 18 maintain wings 12 , 14 in a deployed position, by attaching or associating wings 12 , 14 to tower 22 via support leg mount points 20 . Support legs 18 may mount or associate to support leg mount points 20 using ball and socket type connectors or ACON type connectors.
- Wings 12 , 14 may rotate freely on rotation points 16 between a stowed position and a deployed position.
- the range of motion of wings 12 , 14 may be limited in both an inboard direction and an outboard direction when wings 12 , 14 contact tower 22 , stopping their rotation beyond a stowed position or a deployed position.
- center frame 4 is associable or attached to tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 at a center tower section 33
- Attachment mounts 10 are generally of billet construction. Attachment mounts 10 as previously discussed are disposed inboard of the widest points of deployed wings 12 , 14 , and are generally attached to the frame beams 5 of center frame 4 . Trusses 8 may further attach to attachment mounts 10 via attachment mount subframe 25 . The position of attachment mounts 10 provides rigidity as previously discussed.
- Attachment mounts 10 may be configured to attach to tower 22 by clamping tubular sections of tower 22 at a center tower section 33 .
- the attachment mounts 10 may have a tower connection section 11 , wherein the tubular sections of tower 22 are retained by clamping tubular sections of tower 22 .
- Attachment mount 10 also retains center frame 4 at multiple areas, particularly frame beams 5 in rotation retention point 26 (via hand knob 24 and attachment mount subframe 25 ) and rotation/release point 28 .
- Center frame 4 may be selectively released from tower connection section 11 to allow rotation of center frame 4 or to quickly disconnect center frame 4 (along with wings 12 , 14 ) from tower connection section 11 and tower 22 .
- attachment mount subframe 25 In order to free center frame 4 to freely rotate about rotation/release paint 28 , attachment mount subframe 25 must be released. Hand knob 24 threadedly couples the tower connection section 11 to attachment mount subframe 25 to act as a retainer to prevent rotation about rotation/release point 28 . When hand knob 24 is removed, center frame 4 and attachment mount subframe 25 are allowed to rotate freely about rotation/release point 28 , which rotatably retains frame beams 5 of center frame 4 .
- center tower section 33 may be the axis of center frame 4 rotation.
- Tower 22 may also rotate along tower rotation paint 30 .
- Tower 22 may be selectively rotationally and removably retained by any suitable mechanism to retain tower 22 to the boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device. Referring to FIG. 6 , such rotation allows center frame 4 to rotate in a generally upward direction 27 to allow tower 22 to rotate in a generally forward direction 31 along tower rotation point 30 .
- Such opposite rotation of center frame 4 compared to tower 22 may allow the tower 22 to rotate forward to allow the boat or vehicle to pass under low clearance areas, for storage, or for transport.
- the tower 22 may rotate to a fully lowered position and foldable covering device 2 may rotate forward/upwardly to allow the rotation of the tower 22 .
- the lowered foldable covering device 2 may be supported by a device support 32 .
- Device support 32 may attach to foldable covering device 2 at attachment mount 34 of center frame 4 .
- Conventional covering devices may need to be removed in order to allow the tower 22 to rotate forward.
- rotation/release point 28 includes a pin 29 that allows for rotation that further may be removed to allow foldable covering device 2 to be removed, leaving the tower connection section 11 of attachment mount 10 attached to tower 22 .
- the pins 29 may be retained with a clip or any other suitable method to prevent undesired removal.
- center frame 4 (along with wings 12 , 14 ) may be quickly reattached by aligning frame beams 5 with rotation/release points 28 and inserting pins 29 .
- rotation and removal of center frame 4 may be constrained by replacing hand knob 24 as a retainer to couple attachment mount subframe 25 to tower connection section 11 to prevent removal of foldable covering device 2 and rotation of foldable covering device 2 .
- foldable covering device 2 may be configured to be covered with any suitable material to allow for suitable coverage and protection for occupants of the boat or other vehicle.
- the covering material 36 may be canvas.
- the covering material 36 may move and conform to the shape of the underlying frame, such as with wings 12 , 14 (not shown) stowed as shown in FIG. 8 , wings 12 , 14 (not shown) deployed as shown in FIG. 9 , and with wings 12 , 14 (not shown) stowed and foldable covering device 2 in a lowered position as shown in FIG. 10 .
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Abstract
Disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said tower section, wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said. area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg.
Description
- This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/920,589 filed on Dec. 24, 2013, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference,
- The disclosure relates generally to a foldable covering device, and more particularly to a foldable covering device for transportation devices.
- Conventional covering devices used for transportation devices may have limited coverage and rigidity. Such limited coverage and rigidity may cause undesirable performance and require the use of additional support structures.
- Accordingly, a covering device that is capable of effectively increasing coverage and rigidity would be desirable.
- Disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said. tower section, wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg.
- Further disclosed is a foldable covering device configurable to be attached to a tower for a transportation device, the tower including a first tower leg side and a second tower leg side, the foldable covering device including a center frame including wing portions disposed at laterally opposed sides of said center frame and rotatably affixed thereto, wherein said. wing portions extend laterally beyond extents of the tower at both the first tower leg side and the second tower leg side in an open position.
- Further disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower; and a frame including at least one mount configured to rotatably mounting said frame to said tower, about a rotation point.
- The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position; -
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position; -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position; -
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotating about the attachment mount; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotated fully into a lowered position; -
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device; and -
FIG. 10 is a perspective of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotated into a fully lowered position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device. - The following disclosure will detail particular embodiments according to the present invention, which provides a foldable covering device, particularly a foldable covering device for transportation devices. Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout the disclosure.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-5 , a foldable coveringdevice 2, also known as a bi-fold bimimi top is illustrated. Thedevice 2 is configured to be selectively attached to atower 22 viaattachment mounts 10 to provide cover for occupants of a boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device when in use. As will be discussed below, thefoldable covering device 2 includesleft wing 12 andright wing 14 configured to be foldably attached to acenter frame 4. Via such foldable attachment, it is possible for theleft wing 12 andright wing 14 to provide wider coverage than conventional devices while allowing for various stowage configurations. - Referring to
FIG. 1 ,tower 22 may be a portion of, or affixed to a boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device. Tower 22 may have first andsecond tower legs 23, connected by acenter tower section 33. First andsecond tower legs 23 may be attached tocenter tower section 33 at a respective first end, and attached to the boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device at a respective second end.Tower 22 generally, andcenter tower section 33 specifically, may have affixing points where attachment mounts 10 attach totower 22. It may be appreciated that the affixing points where attachment mounts 10 attach totower 22 may be inboard and away of where first andsecond tower legs 23 are attached tocenter tower section 33. -
Center frame 4 includesframe beams 5 which are attached totower 22 viaattachment mounts 10 and project forward a desired length to connect laterally along the beam width at acenter bow 6 and to delimitcenter frame 4.Center frame 4 is further supported by trusses 8. In an exemplary embodiment, thecenter frame 4 has a generally tubular construction formed into a generally “U” shape. - The
frame beams 5 converge generally to attach tocenter bow 6. In an exemplary embodiment and as best shown inFIGS. 1 and 5 , theframe beams 5 are attached totower 22 viaattachment mounts 10 that are inboard of the outermost points of coverage provided byfoldable covering device 2, specificallywings center frame 4 and foldable coveringdevice 2 may generally be increased. - The trusses 8 further increase the rigidity of
center frame 4 andfoldable covering device 2 generally. As best shown inFIG. 2 , trusses 8support frame beams 5 at atruss attachment mount 9 to support the weight ofcenter frame 4, distribute the stresses experienced, and enhance rigidity. The opposite ends of trusses 8 are attached toattachment mount 10, specificallyattachment mount subframe 25. - The
center bow 6 further enhances rigidity of thecenter frame 4 while connectingframe beams 5 ofcenter frame 4. Due to theinboard attachment mounts 10, the converging shape offrame beams 5, and the trusses 8, thecenter frame 4 experiences enhanced rigidity compared to conventional devices without the use of additional support structures. As a result, the use of asingle center bow 6 is sufficient to allow for the desired rigidity. Accordingly, the enhanced rigidity allowed by the design allows for higher vehicle operation speeds while withstanding the stresses of the enhanced extension provided by thecenter frame 4. - Since
wings center frame 4 does not need to provide complete coverage in the beam width direction. The unique shape ofcenter frame 4 allows for foldable coveringdevice 2 to project forward further compared to conventional devices. This unique shape is particularly beneficial whenfoldable covering device 2 is attached to arear swoop tower 22, since a rear swoop tower has a longer distance from the front surface of thetower 22 to the top edge of the windshield compared to atower 22 that may provide less distance between the windshield and the top of thetower 22. The enhanced projection ofcenter frame 4 and consequentlyfoldable covering device 2 allows for enhanced coverage performance that may project to the windshield or at least further than conventional covering devices, which may not provide adequate coverage. In at least one embodiment, the furthest point ofcenter frame 4 may project forward from thetower 22 at a length of at least 30 inches, at least 40 inches, or at least 50 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the furthest point ofcenter frame 4 may project forward from thetower 22 at a length of 53 inches. -
Left wing 12 andright wing 14 are rotatably and foldably attached tocenter frame 4. Wings 12,14 may be disposed at laterally opposed sides ofcenter frame 4.Wings center frame 4 viaattachment mounts 16.Wings center frame 4. Particularly,wings attachment mounts 10. Further,wings wings -
Wings FIGS. 1-3 , or deployed or open as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . When folded or closed, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 ,wings foldable covering device 2 by being confined in a width less than the beam width ofcenter frame 4 by being foldable ontocenter frame 4. Further, whenwings foldable covering device 2 is employed may travel at a higher speed, suitable for high speed travel, transport, or towing. Further, stowedwings device 2 may be retained and protected with an external cover (not shown) whenwings - When full coverage of
foldable covering device 2 is desired,wings FIGS. 4 and 5 ,wings center frame 4 to provide maximum coverage.Wings tower 22, particularly first andsecond tower leg 23, allowing for extension beyond the beam width oftower 22 and the first andsecond tower leg 23 sides. In order to maintain the position of deployedwings wings support legs 18.Support legs 18 maintainwings wings Support legs 18 may mount or associate to support leg mount points 20 using ball and socket type connectors or ACON type connectors. -
Wings wings wings contact tower 22, stopping their rotation beyond a stowed position or a deployed position. - In order to attach
foldable covering device 2,center frame 4 is associable or attached to tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 at acenter tower section 33 Attachment mounts 10 are generally of billet construction. Attachment mounts 10 as previously discussed are disposed inboard of the widest points of deployedwings center frame 4. Trusses 8 may further attach to attachment mounts 10 viaattachment mount subframe 25. The position of attachment mounts 10 provides rigidity as previously discussed. - Attachment mounts 10 may be configured to attach to tower 22 by clamping tubular sections of
tower 22 at acenter tower section 33. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment mounts 10 may have atower connection section 11, wherein the tubular sections oftower 22 are retained by clamping tubular sections oftower 22.Attachment mount 10 also retainscenter frame 4 at multiple areas, particularlyframe beams 5 in rotation retention point 26 (viahand knob 24 and attachment mount subframe 25) and rotation/release point 28. -
Center frame 4 may be selectively released fromtower connection section 11 to allow rotation ofcenter frame 4 or to quickly disconnect center frame 4 (along withwings 12,14) fromtower connection section 11 andtower 22. - In order to free
center frame 4 to freely rotate about rotation/release paint 28, attachment mountsubframe 25 must be released.Hand knob 24 threadedly couples thetower connection section 11 toattachment mount subframe 25 to act as a retainer to prevent rotation about rotation/release point 28. Whenhand knob 24 is removed,center frame 4 and attachment mountsubframe 25 are allowed to rotate freely about rotation/release point 28, which rotatably retainsframe beams 5 ofcenter frame 4. In at least one embodiment,center tower section 33 may be the axis ofcenter frame 4 rotation. -
Tower 22 may also rotate alongtower rotation paint 30.Tower 22 may be selectively rotationally and removably retained by any suitable mechanism to retaintower 22 to the boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device. Referring toFIG. 6 , such rotation allowscenter frame 4 to rotate in a generallyupward direction 27 to allowtower 22 to rotate in a generallyforward direction 31 alongtower rotation point 30. Such opposite rotation ofcenter frame 4 compared to tower 22 may allow thetower 22 to rotate forward to allow the boat or vehicle to pass under low clearance areas, for storage, or for transport. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , thetower 22 may rotate to a fully lowered position andfoldable covering device 2 may rotate forward/upwardly to allow the rotation of thetower 22. When in such a stowed position, the loweredfoldable covering device 2 may be supported by adevice support 32.Device support 32 may attach tofoldable covering device 2 atattachment mount 34 ofcenter frame 4. Conventional covering devices may need to be removed in order to allow thetower 22 to rotate forward. - Alternatively instead of rotating
center frame 4, after attachment mountsubframe 25 is released, the center frame 4 (along withwings 12,14) may be quickly disconnected fromtower connection section 11 andtower 22. As shown inFIG. 1 , rotation/release point 28 includes apin 29 that allows for rotation that further may be removed to allowfoldable covering device 2 to be removed, leaving thetower connection section 11 of attachment mount 10 attached to tower 22. Thepins 29 may be retained with a clip or any other suitable method to prevent undesired removal. - Similarly, center frame 4 (along with
wings 12,14) may be quickly reattached by aligningframe beams 5 with rotation/release points 28 and inserting pins 29. Similarly, rotation and removal ofcenter frame 4 may be constrained by replacinghand knob 24 as a retainer to couple attachment mountsubframe 25 to towerconnection section 11 to prevent removal offoldable covering device 2 and rotation offoldable covering device 2. - As shown in
FIGS. 8-10 ,foldable covering device 2 may be configured to be covered with any suitable material to allow for suitable coverage and protection for occupants of the boat or other vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the coveringmaterial 36 may be canvas. The coveringmaterial 36 may move and conform to the shape of the underlying frame, such as withwings 12,14 (not shown) stowed as shown inFIG. 8 ,wings 12,14 (not shown) deployed as shown inFIG. 9 , and withwings 12, 14 (not shown) stowed andfoldable covering device 2 in a lowered position as shown inFIG. 10 . - All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
- The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
- Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims (22)
1. A tower system for a transportation device, the tower system comprising:
a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and
a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said tower section,
wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg.
2. The tower of claim 1 , wherein said first tower leg and said second tower leg are attached to said center tower section at first ends, and attached to the transportation device at opposing ends.
3. The tower of claim 1 , wherein said at least one mount is two mounts associated with frame beams that delimit a center portion of said frame.
4. The tower of claim 3 , wherein said frame includes wing portions disposed at laterally opposed sides of said center portion and rotatably affixed thereto, said wing portions being foldable onto said center portion when the frame is in a closed position.
5. The tower of claim 4 , wherein said wing portions extend laterally beyond perimetric extents of said tower at both a first tower leg side and a second tower leg side.
6. The tower of claim 3 , wherein a furthest point of said center portion from the tower is projected at least 50 inches from the tower.
7. The tower of claim 3 , wherein said frame beams each include a truss configured to further affix to said two mounts.
8. A foldable covering device configurable to be attached to a tower for a transportation device, the tower including a first tower leg side and a second tower leg side, the foldable covering device comprising:
a center frame including wing portions disposed at laterally opposed sides of said center frame and rotatably affixed thereto,
wherein said wing portions extend laterally beyond extents of the tower at both the first tower leg side and the second tower leg side in an open position.
9. The foldable covering device of claim 8 , said wing portions being foldable onto said center frame when said foldable covering device is in a closed position.
10. The foldable covering device of claim 8 , wherein a furthest point of said center frame from the tower is projected at least 50 inches from the tower.
11. The foldable covering device of claim 8 , wherein said wing portions include a support leg configured to be associable with the tower.
12. The foldable covering device of claim 8 , wherein said foldable covering device is configurable with a cover.
13. A tower system for a transportation device, the tower system comprising:
a tower; and
a frame including at least one mount configured to rotatably mount said frame to said tower, about a rotation point.
15. The tower system of claim 13 , wherein said at least one mount is further configured to rotatably mounting said frame to a center tower section of said tower, wherein said center tower section is an axis of frame rotation.
16. The tower system of claim 13 , wherein said tower is rotatable about a tower rotation point and said frame is rotatable in a frame rotation direction opposite a tower rotation direction.
17. The tower system of claim 16 , wherein said tower is selectively retained to the transportation device to prevent rotation about said tower rotation point.
18. The tower system of claim 13 , wherein a retainer is coupled to said mount to prevent rotation about said rotation point.
19. The tower system of claim 13 , wherein said frame is removably affixed to said tower at said rotation point.
20. The tower system of claim 19 , wherein a rotation pin is coupled to said mount to prevent removal of said frame.
21. The tower system of claim 20 , wherein a retainer is coupled to said mount to prevent removal of said frame.
22. The tower system of claim 13 , said frame configurable with a cover.
23. The tower system of claim 13 , wherein a furthest point of said frame from the tower is projected at least 50 inches from the tower.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/092,983 US20170291664A1 (en) | 2016-04-07 | 2016-04-07 | Foldable covering device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/092,983 US20170291664A1 (en) | 2016-04-07 | 2016-04-07 | Foldable covering device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170291664A1 true US20170291664A1 (en) | 2017-10-12 |
Family
ID=59999522
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/092,983 Abandoned US20170291664A1 (en) | 2016-04-07 | 2016-04-07 | Foldable covering device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20170291664A1 (en) |
-
2016
- 2016-04-07 US US15/092,983 patent/US20170291664A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COMMERCIAL SEWING, INC., CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PEROSINO, GREGORY;HAMILTON, JOSEPH;HAMILTON, TIMOTHY;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20160509 TO 20160513;REEL/FRAME:038583/0453 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |