US20240101225A1

US20240101225A1 - Power lift assist for bimini

Info

Publication number: US20240101225A1
Application number: US18/472,633
Authority: US
Inventors: David Mazzarelli; Nicholas Ares Strange
Original assignee: Commercial Sewing Inc
Current assignee: Commercial Sewing Inc
Priority date: 2022-09-23
Filing date: 2023-09-22
Publication date: 2024-03-28

Abstract

A bimini top for a watercraft includes a bimini frame having at least one bow and at least one support leg rotatable relative to the at least one bow. The bimini frame is transformable between a retracted position and a stowed position. An actuator is operable to automatically transform the bimini frame between the retracted position and the stowed position. The actuator forms the at least one support leg.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63/409,402, filed Sep. 23, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Stowing a bimini top for a tower structure that is associable with a watercraft can be difficult and inefficient from a standpoint of both a time and storage space. Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a bimini top that can be easily and efficiently stowed.
Watercraft are commonly equipped with adjustable awnings such as, for example, a convertible bimini top. Typically, a bimini top includes a collapsible frame assembly supporting a flexible cover. In many designs, the bimini top can be arranged in multiple positions including a closed position and a fully deployed position. In the closed position, the frame and cover are collapsed and may be held together via a boot that wraps around the collapsed cover. In the fully deployed position, the front support structure is positioned upwardly toward the bow of the boat while the rear support is positioned upwardly toward the stern, thus deploying the cover and providing shelter thereunder. Deployment of these convertible bimini tops is typically performed manually. However, these bimini tops can be large and cumbersome, and therefore difficult to maneuver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to an embodiment, a bimini top for a watercraft includes a bimini frame having at least one bow and at least one support leg rotatable relative to the at least one bow. The bimini frame is transformable between a retracted position and a stowed position. An actuator is operable to automatically transform the bimini frame between the retracted position and the stowed position. The actuator forms the at least one support leg.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in the retracted position, the at least one support leg is extended relative to the rear bow and in the stowed position, the at least one support leg is collapsed relative to the rear bow.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in the stowed position, the at least one support leg is arranged parallel to the rear bow.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one bow further comprises a front bow and a rear bow and the actuator is pivotally coupled to the rear bow.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the actuator further comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion, the stationary portion being pivotally coupled to the rear bow.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments an end of the movable portion is rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the end of the movable portion is rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket via a quick-release connection.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the actuator further comprises a motor for moving the movable portion of the actuator, a sensor operable to monitor a parameter of the actuator and/or of the bimini frame and a controller operably coupled to the motor and to the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to adjust operation of the motor in response to the parameter being monitored by the sensor.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the parameter being monitored by the sensor is a temperature of the motor.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the parameter being monitored is a position of the movable portion of the actuator.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the controller is configured to communicate with an output device to indicate to a user operational data of the actuator including the parameter being monitored by the sensor.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a mount, wherein in the stowed configuration, a portion of the actuator is receivable within the mount.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the portion of the actuator receivable within the mount has a first configuration and an upper surface of the mount has a second configuration, the first configuration being complementary to the second configuration.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the bimini frame is mountable to a deck of the watercraft.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the bimini frame is mountable to a tower structure of the watercraft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bimini top in an extended configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a bimini top in an extended configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bimini top in a retracted configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a bimini top in a retracted configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bimini top in a stowed configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a bimini top in a stowed configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bimini top having an actuator configured as a support leg according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bimini top of FIG. 7 in a retracted configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bimini top of FIG. 7 in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a quick-release connection between an end of the actuator and a connector mounted to the deck according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a control system associated with the actuator according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.
With reference now to FIGS. 1-6 , an example of an adjustable awning 20 for use on a watercraft, such as a bimini top, is illustrated in more detail. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the bimini top 20 includes a bimini frame 22 that is adapted to support a covering or material thereon is illustrated. As shown, the bimini frame 22 may include several pieces that are formed from a strong, durable, corrosion-resistance material, such as a stainless steel or aluminum alloy for example, as will be described in more detail below.
The bimini top may include at least one support component 24 operably coupled to the bimini frame. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the bimini top includes a substantially identical first support component 24 a and second support component 24 b coupled to a structure of a vehicle, such as the deck 12 of a watercraft or boat for example. The first support component 24 a and second support component 24 b may be coupled to the structure 12 directly, or alternatively, may be coupled to the structure 12 of the vehicle indirectly through another component, such as a side plate or bracket for example.
The bimini frame 22 includes at least one bow 26. The at least one bow 26 may be connected to and extend between the first support component 24 a and the second support component 24 b. For example, each bow 26 typically includes a tubular member formed in a substantially U-shaped configuration having a central portion extending between opposite side legs which are connected to the support members. However, a bow having another configuration is also contemplated herein.
In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the bimini frame 22 includes a rear bow 26 r and a front bow 26 f. As shown, both the rear bow 26 r and the front bow 26 f are coupled to the first and second support components 24 a, 24 b. However, in other configurations, the front bow 26 f may be pivotally mounted at its opposing ends 32 directly to a portion of the rear bow 26 r. In an embodiment, the front bow 26 f is pivotally mounted to a centralized portion of the rear bow 26 r, at a location vertically offset from the ends of the rear bow 26 r. However, embodiments where the front bow 26 f is pivotally mounted to the ends of the rear bow 26 r, are also within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that the bimini frame 22 illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only, and that a bimini frame 22 having any suitable configuration is within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the bimini frame 22 may have any number of bows, or alternatively, may have one or more bows 26 coupled to the first and/or second support components 24 a, 24 b individually. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the bimini frame 22 need not include the support components 24. In such embodiments, the at least one bow 26 may be mounted to a tower, arch, or other vertically extending support structure of the watercraft.
The bimini frame 22 may additionally include one or more support bows 28. In an embodiment, the bimini frame 22 includes a generally u-shaped rear support bow 28 r pivotally attached to the rear bow 26 r. Because the height of the rear support bow 28 r is less than the height of the rear bow 26 r, for example less than half the height of the rear bow 26 r, the rear support bow 28 r may be connected to the rear bow 26 r at a location closer to the bend or horizontally oriented portion than the ends of the rear bow. The horizontal portion of the rear support bow 28 r may be arranged generally within the same plane as the horizontal portion of the rear bow (as shown), or alternatively, may be slightly vertically offset therefrom. In embodiments where the horizontal portion of the rear support bow 28 r is elevated relative to the horizontal portion of the rear bow 26 r, the bimini top 20 may have a slightly curved contour.
Alternatively, or in addition, the bimini frame 22 includes a generally u-shaped front support bow 28 f pivotally attached to the front bow 26 f. The height of the front support bow 28 f is less than the height of the front bow 26 f. As noted above, the horizontal portion of the front support bow 28 f may be aligned with, or alternatively, may be vertically offset from the horizontal portion of the front bow 26 f. Further, the pivotal connection between the front support bow 28 f and the front bow 26 f may, but need not be, arranged in the same horizontal plane as the pivotal connection between the rear support bow 28 r and the rear bow 26 r. It should be understood that embodiments including no support bows, a single support bow or more than two support bows are also contemplated herein.
The bimini top 20 may additionally include a permanent or removable cover 30 (see FIG. 2 ), formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to canvas, plastic, etc. for example, which stretches across the upper surface of the bimini frame 22 and is secured thereto via one or more affixing mechanisms. Examples of such affixing mechanisms include Velcro®, ties, snaps, and other suitable fasteners. In an embodiment, best shown in FIG. 2 , the cover 30 includes one or more openings or pockets 32 through which each of the bows 26 of the bimini frame 22 extend to couple the cover 30 to the bimini frame 22. Alternatively, the cover 30 may include flaps (not shown) that are configured to wrap about each of the bows 26 of the bimini frame 22 and secure to another portion of the cover 30.
The bimini top 20 is transformable between a plurality of configurations including a first open or extended configuration, (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a second closed or retracted configuration (FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the rear bow 26 r and the front bow 26 f are movable individually and in unison relative to the structure 12. In the extended configuration, the rear bow 26 r is arranged at an angle relative to the structure 12, such as a 45-degree angle for example. In an embodiment, the rear bow 26 r is arranged between a 30 degree and 75-degree angle relative to the structure 12. Further, the front bow 26 f may be oriented at an angle relative to the rear bow 26 r, such as between a 75-degree angle and a 120-degree angle. In an embodiment, the front bow 26 f is substantially perpendicular to the rear bow 26 r when the bimini top 20 is in the extended configuration. The rear support bow 28 r and the front support bow 28 f are both similarly arranged at an angle relative to the rear bow 26 r and the front bow 26 f, respectively. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the rear support bow 28 r extends towards the front bow 26 f and the front support bow 28 f extends toward the rear bow 26 r such that the rear support bow 28 r and the front support bow 28 f are arranged between the rear bow 26 r and the front bow 26 f. Accordingly, in the extended configuration, the rear support bow 28 r and the front support bow 28 f support a central portion of the cover 30.
In the retracted configuration, the rear support bow 28 r is rotated about its pivot axis to a position substantially parallel to the rear bow 26 r and the front support bow 28 f is pivoted to a position substantially parallel to the front bow 26 f. Further, the front bow 26 f is rotated about its pivot to a position where the front bow 26 f is oriented substantially parallel to the rear bow 26 r.
In an embodiment, the bimini top 20 is also movable to a stowed configuration. To transition the bimini top 20 from a retracted configuration to a stowed configuration, the rear bow 26 r, rear support bow 28 r, front bow 26 f, and front support bow 28 f in the retracted configuration, may be rotated as a single body about the pivot axis defined by the ends 25 of the rear bow 26 r, in the direction indicated by arrow S toward the structure 12.
The bimini top 20 may be configured to transform between one or more of the extended configuration, the retracted configuration, and the stowed configuration manually and/or automatically. In embodiments where the transformation is automatic, one or more actuators or other movement mechanisms may be operably coupled to any suitable portion of the bimini frame 22 for movement in a known manner. For example, at least one actuator (not shown) may be operably coupled to the rear bow 26 r and at least one actuator may be operably coupled to the front bow 26 f to transform the bimini frame 22 between the retracted and extended configurations.
Further, although not shown, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the bimini top 20 may includes a gathering system configured to automatically gather the material of the cover 30 as the bimini top 20 transforms from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Examples of suitable gathering systems, such as including a gathering roller or a hand-pulled roller operably coupled to tension straps affixed to the cover 30 are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/409,414 filed on May 10, 2019, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6 , in an embodiment, the bimini frame 22 additionally includes at least one support leg 34 extending from the rear bow 26 r. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a first support leg 34 a is connected to and extends from a portion of the rear bow 26 r aligned with the first support component 24 a and a second support leg 34 b is connected to and extends from a portion of the rear bow 26 r aligned with the second support component 24 b. The first and second support legs 34 a, 34 b may but need not be substantially identical.
The at least one support leg 34 a, 34 b is pivotally mounted to the rear bow 26 r, such as via pin for example, and is rotatable between an extended position (FIGS. 1-4 ) and a collapsed position (FIGS. 5-6 ). The support leg is in the extended position when the bimini frame 22 is in the extended and retracted configurations and the support leg is in the collapsed position when the bimini frame is in the stowed configuration. In the collapsed position, the support leg 34 a, 34 b may be oriented substantially parallel to the rear bow 26 r, and in the extended position, the at least one support leg 34 a, 34 b extends at an angle to the rear bow 26 r. In the extended configuration, the support leg 34 a, 34 b is configured to support or stabilize the bimini frame 22 at a location offset from the structure 12. Therefore, in an embodiment, the distal end 36 of the at least one support leg 34 a, 34 b is connectable to a mounting bracket or connector 38 to selectively lock the support leg 34 a, 34 b in the extended position.
It should be understood that that bimini top 20 illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only and that a bimini top having any suitable configuration is within the scope of the disclosure. For example, in an embodiment, the bimini frame 22 may have only two bows. In addition, it should be appreciated that although the bimini system 20 is illustrated in each of the FIGS. with the rear bow 26 r being arranged closest to the stern or rear of the watercraft and the front bow 26 f being positioned closest to the bow of the watercraft, embodiments where the entire bimini system 20 is rotated 180 degrees such that the rear bow 26 r is facing the bow and the front bow 26 f is facing the stern are also within the scope of the disclosure
With reference now to FIGS. 7-9 , in an embodiment, all or a portion of the support leg 34 may be formed by an actuator 50 or other automatic movement mechanism. In an embodiment, the actuator 50 includes a first portion 52 pivotally coupled to the deck 12, and a second portion 54 operably coupled to bimini frame 22. In an embodiment, the actuator 50 includes a stationary portion and a piston or other movable component configured to translate linearly relative to the stationary portion. The stationary portion may be the second portion 54 rotatably coupled to the bimini frame 22 and the piston may be the first portion 52 pivotally coupled to the deck 12. However, embodiments where the stationary portion is arranged adjacent to the deck 12 and the piston is coupled to the bimini frame 22 are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that embodiments where the actuator 50 has another configuration, and where the movable component 52 is configured to move in another manner, such as rotate for example, relative to the stationary portion 54 are also contemplated herein.
In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the second portion of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the rear bow 26 r, such as via a pin for example. Further, the first movable portion of the actuator my also be pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket 38 mounted to the deck 12. The distal end 36 of the piston 52 is connectable to the mounting bracket 38 via a quick-release connection. With continued reference to FIGS. 7-9 and further reference to FIG. 10 , in an embodiment, the distal end 36 of the piston 52 includes a shaft 56 having a radially outwardly extending flange 58 and the mounting bracket 38 includes a plate 60 having a slot or other opening 62 formed therein. In such embodiments, the shaft 56 is slidably receivable within the slot 62 such that the flange 58 is arranged adjacent to an underside of the plate 60, thereby limiting axial separation of the first portion 52 of the actuator 50 from the mounting bracket 38. However, in the event of a failure of the actuator 50, the end 36 of the actuator 50 can be easily disconnected from the deck 12 to allow the bimini top 20 to be manually lowered.
The actuator 50 is operable to transform the bimini frame 22 between a retracted configuration and a stowed configuration. When the bimini frame 22 is in the retracted configuration, the piston of the actuator 50 is extended relative to the stationary portion of the actuator. To lower the bimini frame 22 to the stowed configuration, the actuator 50 translates the piston, such as to a position in which all or at least a portion of the piston is received with an interior of the stationary portion of the actuator. As the piston slides into the interior of the stationary portion, the length of the actuator 50 forming the support leg 34 a, 34 b decreases, causing the actuator 50 to pivot relative to both the deck 12 and the bimini frame 22, respectively. Similarly, to raise the bimini frame 22 to the retracted configuration from the stowed configuration, the piston translates out of the stationary portion, thereby increasing the axial length of the actuator 50 forming the support leg 34 a, 34 b. This increase in length similarly causes the actuator 50 to pivot relative to both the deck 12 and the bimini frame 22, respectively.
The stationary portion 54 of the actuator 50 includes a hollow shaft 70 and a housing 72 mounted to the shaft 70, such as formed from a plastic material for example. The housing 72 may contain the motor and in some embodiments, one or more electronic components associated with operation of the actuator 50. Although the housing 72 is illustrated as being at the end 74 of the shaft 70 closest to the bimini frame 22 it should be appreciated that the housing 72 may be located at any suitable position. In an embodiment, when the bimini frame 22 is in the stowed configuration, the housing 72 of the actuator 50 is receivable within a corresponding mount 80 extending from the deck 12. In an embodiment, the portion 76 of the housing 72 facing towards the deck 12 has a first configuration and the upper surface 82 of the mount 80 has a second configuration, complementary to the first configuration. Accordingly, when the bimini frame 22 is in the stowed configuration, the portion 76 of the housing 72 is configured to nest within the upper surface 82 of the mount 80. By applying a preload to the motor of the actuator 50 when the housing 72 is nested within the mount 80, the engagement therebetween may restrict or limit unintended movement of the bimini frame 22.
With reference now to FIG. 11 , operation of the actuator(s) 50 may be controlled by a controller, illustrated schematically at 90. The controller 90 may include one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other form of electronic controller known in the art. In an embodiment, the controller 90 is configured to monitor operation of the actuators 50 configured as the support legs 34 a, 34 b to ensure that the actuators are operating uniformly and in synchronization to raise and lower the bimini frame 22. For example, operation of an input 92, such as a button for example, by a user, may generate and communicate a signal to the controller 90 to operate the actuators 50. In response to receipt of this signal, the controller 90 will communicate a drive signal to the motors of both actuators 50. The controller 90 may be operably coupled to a separate output device 94, such as a computer or other display for example, configured to indicate to a user operational data of the actuators 50.
To ensure coordinated movement of both actuators 50, one or more sensors S may be mounted to each of the support legs 34 a, 34 b or the rear bow 26 r of the bimini frame 22. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors S are position sensors operable to monitor a position of the movable portion 52 of the actuator 50 or the rear bow 26 r. Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor S may be a temperature sensor, for example operable to monitor a temperature of or adjacent to the motor, such as to detect overheating of the motor. Overheating of the motor may indicate a failure of the actuator 50. The controller 90 may be configured to adjust operation of one or both of the actuators 50 based on the information detected by the sensors.
A bimini top 20 as illustrated and described herein provides the benefit of being automatically movable while strategically integrating the actuators 50 for performing the movement of the bimini frame 22 into the bimini frame 22.
The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bimini top for a watercraft comprising:

a bimini frame including at least one bow and at least one support leg rotatable relative to the at least one bow, the bimini frame being transformable between a retracted position and a stowed position; and

an actuator operable to automatically transform the bimini frame between the retracted position and the stowed position, wherein the actuator forms the at least one support leg.

2. The bimini top of claim 1, wherein in the retracted position, the at least one support leg is extended relative to the rear bow and in the stowed position, the at least one support leg is collapsed relative to the rear bow.

3. The bimini top of claim 1, wherein in the stowed position, the at least one support leg is arranged parallel to the rear bow.

4. The bimini system of claim 1, wherein the at least one bow further comprises a front bow and a rear bow and the actuator is pivotally coupled to the rear bow.

5. The bimini system of claim 4, wherein the actuator further comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion, the stationary portion being pivotally coupled to the rear bow.

6. The bimini system of claim 5, wherein an end of the movable portion is rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket.

7. The bimini system of claim 6, wherein the end of the movable portion is rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket via a quick-release connection.

8. The bimini system of claim 4, wherein the actuator further comprises:

a motor for moving the movable portion of the actuator;

a sensor operable to monitor a parameter of the actuator and/or of the bimini frame; and

a controller operably coupled to the motor and to the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to adjust operation of the motor in response to the parameter being monitored by the sensor.

9. The bimini system of claim 8, wherein the parameter being monitored by the sensor is a temperature of the motor.

10. The bimini system of claim 8, wherein the parameter being monitored is a position of the movable portion of the actuator.

11. The bimini system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with an output device to indicate to a user operational data of the actuator including the parameter being monitored by the sensor.

12. The bimini system of claim 1, further comprising a mount, wherein in the stowed configuration, a portion of the actuator is receivable within the mount.

13. The bimini system of claim 8, wherein the portion of the actuator receivable within the mount has a first configuration and an upper surface of the mount has a second configuration, the first configuration being complementary to the second configuration.

14. The bimini system of claim 1, wherein the bimini frame is mountable to a deck of the watercraft.

15. The bimini system of claim 1, wherein the bimini frame is mountable to a tower structure of the watercraft.