Stowable Boat Top System

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

illustrate the boat top systemin a stowed configuration on a boat. The boatincludes a deckwith a consolelocated at the approximate center of the deck. The deck includes a front deck, that is located forward of the console, and an aft deck, that is located behind the console. In the example of, the boat top systemis stowed on the front deck. However, in other embodiments, the boat top systemcan be stowed on the aft deck. In contrast to,illustrates the boat top systemin a deployed configuration wherein the boat top systemis in an upright orientation so that it can provide shelter for the boat deck. In, the boatis omitted in order to elucidate the details of the boat top system. As can be gathered from, when the boat top systemis deployed into the upright orientation illustrated in, it will cover the consolethereby providing shelter for passengers near the console. Referring now to, the features and advantages of the example boat top systemwill be described in further detail.

As illustrated in, the example boat top systemincludes a top platethat is supported by a frame assembly. The top platehas a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the frame assemblyis attached to the bottom surface of the top plate. The region of the top plate's bottom surface where the frame assemblyattaches includes a recess. When the boat top systemis in the stowed configuration, upper portions of the frame assembly legs fold into the recessto allow the boat top assembly to lay flat on a deck the boat. In, the top platehas been removed from the boat top systemto illustrate the upper portions of the frame assembly legs folded in a generally horizontal orientation. When the upper portions of the frame assembly legs are in this generally horizontal orientation illustrated in, they are received in the recessin the top plate's bottom surface thereby allowing the top plateto rest in a generally horizontal position on a front deckof the boat. The generally horizontal position of the top plateand the upper portions of the frame assembly legs is advantageous when compared to prior art boat top systems in that the example boat top systemwill not protrude upward and obstruct the view of people on the boat.

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

also illustrate that the four legs of the frame assemblycomprise subcomponents that facilitate stowing and deploying the boat top system. Specifically, the port front leg comprises a port front leg topthat is joined at a port connectorto a port front leg base. The port connectorcan be any of a variety of connectors, such as a cam lock connector, that allows the port front leg topto be disconnected from the port front leg baseas illustrated in. Similarly, the starboard front leg comprises a starboard front leg topthat is joined at a starboard connectorto a starboard front leg base. The starboard connectorcan be any of a variety of connectors, such as a cam lock connector, that allows the starboard front leg topto be disconnected from the starboard front leg baseas illustrated in. When moving the boat top systemfrom the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration, a user can disconnect the port and starboard connectors,thereby allowing the top portions of the starboard and port front legs to fold upward into the recesson the bottom surface of the top plate.

The port rear legcomprises a top portion and a base portion that are joined by a port pivot joint. The top portion of the port rear legis joined to the top plateby the second joint. As illustrated in the example of, the top portion of the port rear legcan include an S-shaped bend that assists in allowing the top plateto lay flat on the front deckas illustrated in. When in the stowed configuration, the top portion of the port rear legfolds into the recess. Similarly, the starboard rear legcomprises a top portion and a base portion that are joined by a starboard pivot joint. The top portion of the starboard rear legis joined to the top plateby the fourth joint. As illustrated in the example of, the top portion of the starboard rear legcan include an S-shaped bend that assists in allowing the top plateto lay flat on the front deckas illustrated in. When in the stowed configuration, the top portion of the starboard rear legfolds into the recess. The rotational motion enabled by the port pivot jointand second jointfor the port rear legand the rotational motion enabled by the starboard pivot jointand the fourth jointallows the rear legs to fold and the top plate to be stowed flat on the front deck.

In the example of, the frame assemblyincludes a port mounting plateto which the port front leg baseand the bottom portion of the port rear legare attached. Similarly, the frame assemblyalso includes a starboard mounting plateto which the starboard front leg baseand the bottom portion of the starboard rear legare attached. While not required in all embodiments, the port mounting plateand the starboard mounting platecan attach to the deckon opposite sides of the consoleand can enhance the stability of the frame assembly. Alternatively, the bottom portions of the four legs of the frame assemblycan attach directly to the deckwithout the mounting plates. In another alternative, some or all of the four legs of the frame assemblycan attach to opposite sides of the console. As one example, the port pivot jointand the starboard pivot jointcan be replaced by rotary joints that attach to the respective port and starboard sides of the console. As explained above, prior boat tops that attach to the port and starboard gunnels of the boat interfere with fishing and other activities requiring unobstructed access to the gunnels. In contrast, the boat top systems of the present disclosure that attach the frame assembly legs to the deck or the console provide an advantage in that they do not obstruct the gunnels of the boat.

The example ofalso illustrates in broken lines additional optional features that can be implemented with the boat top system. Specifically, a port gas shockcan connect the top portion of the port rear legand the port front leg top. Similarly, a starboard gas shockcan connect the top portion of the starboard rear legand the starboard front leg top. The gas shocks,can facilitate the rotational motion of the legs so that less force is required from a person to move the boat top systembetween the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration. Another option feature illustrated in broken lines is a motor. The motorcan supply mechanical power to rotate one or more of the legs of the frame assemblyto assist a person in moving the boat top system between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

The following steps are an example method for moving the boat top system from a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration. First, a user can unlock the port and starboard front legs by unlocking the port connectorand the starboard connector, for example, by turning a cam on each respective connector. Second, the user can unlock the port pivot jointand the starboard pivot joint, for example, by retracting or removing a pin at each pivot joint. Third, with the port connectorand the starboard connectorunlocked, the user can lift the starboard front leg topand the port front leg topto disconnect each top portion from its respective starboard front leg baseand port front leg base. Fourth, the user can push or pull the top plateforward and toward the front deck. As the top platemoves forward, the starboard front leg topand the port front leg topwill swivel backward at respective jointsandwith the front leg top portions folding up into the recesson the underside of the top plate. Similarly, as the top platemoves forward, the starboard rear legand the port rear legwill pivot at respective pivot jointsandand the top portions of the rear legs will swivel backward at respective jointsandwith the top portions of the rear legs folding into the recesson the underside of the top plate. The forward motion of the top platecontinues until the top platecomes to rest in a stowed configuration on the front deck. With the boat top systemin the stowed configuration, a person it the boathas an unobstructed view.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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