Abstract:
A vessel and shelter assembly system that quickly converts a low profile boat into a floating teepee/tent that is capable of multiple functions and can enable a boater/passenger to spend multiple days/nights out on protected waters, marsh, or swamp without limiting the functions of the boat.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/037,792 filed on Aug. 15, 2014. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates, in general to a vessel and shelter assembly system that can convert a vessel with a low profile hull into a floating teepee/tent or blind or vessel and shelter assembly capable of multiple configurations and functions. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Currently, it is very difficult and uncomfortable for individuals to explore marshland, swamps, and other areas via boat/watercraft for extended time periods. Generally, these areas can be explored during daylight hours, but not for extended periods of time, such as overnight and multi-day trips. While watercraft/boats do exists that allow individuals to explore marshland and swamps, the watercraft does not provide for overnight or multi-day trips whereby individuals can explore and/or stay out in the marshland and/or swamps and still be comfortable and safe from the environment. 
     While various types of portable umbrellas and shade structures made of various types of fabric do exist that provide passengers of boats/watercraft temporary protections from heat and the effects of the sun, such shade structures and umbrellas are not configured to provide protection and shelter and the protection needed for an individual/passenger of a boat to stay on a boat for extended periods of time, such as multi-day and overnight trips. In addition, the various portable shade structures and umbrellas that currently exists are not adaptable and configurable such that said structures can be configured and utilized to provide complete shelter and cover for an individual to stay on said boats/watercraft on a multi-day trip. 
     Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a shelter assembly on a vessel that is portable, can be easily stored on a vessel, and can be easily assembled to convert a vessel into a floating tent capable of providing shelter to multiple individuals on a boat and enable said individuals to stay on the vessel for multi-day and overnight trips and have shelter from the environment and withstand various weather conditions, such as high wind and heavy rain. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a vessel and shelter assembly apparatus that enables users to spend multiple days/nights out on protected water, marsh or swamp yet, does not materially limit the functions of said vessel. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the functions of the vessel and shelter assembly apparatus of the present invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: provides easily stowed and pitched shelter assembly on the water; allows ventilation for indoor cooking in any weather conditions; provides protection from insects or other animals, including in marshes and swamps; comfortably allows for multiple people to sleep on a single vessel; includes a trampoline deck that provides comfortable, easily cleaned and dried sleeping area (shelter assembly can also work with a rigid boat deck); can be modified to work on multiple different size hulls; can be quickly and easily be pitched from inside by a single person; and can withstand strong winds. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shelter assembly apparatus includes a zippers and a tension based web tent that allows a user to access entry to said tent from any side of a vessel, top or bottom, and with multiple configurations and is camouflaged to assist with various activities such as hunting, wildlife observation/photography, including an unobstructed 360 degree viewing area. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include an umbrella-like canopy that functions independently from the other shelter components and provides shade protection whereby the canopy may have a single pole design to provide for a 360 degree unobstructed movement when in use. The canopy may also include a series of slots providing a flow through design whereby wind is able to flow through the canopy and prevents the canopy from catching wind so that the canopy may stay up while the vessel is moving through the water and/or marshland. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the invention. It should be appreciated that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the invention. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figure(s) is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing(s), in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a side view of the vessel of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a front end view of the vessel of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a top view of the vessel of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a close up view of a portion of the trampoline of present invention; 
         FIG. 3C  depicts another close up view of a portion of the trampoline of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3D  depicts a close up view of the vessel of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3E  depicts an overhead view of a vessel of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a side view of the vessel of the present invention with an umbrella-type canopy installed and in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a close up view of one style of connection of the umbrella-type canopy to the vessel of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a close up view of the lower portion of the pole and connection point of the umbrella-type canopy of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4D  depicts a close up view of a second style of connection of the umbrella-type canopy to the vessel of the present invention 
         FIG. 5A  depicts an end view of the vessel of the present invention with an umbrella-type canopy installed and in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a front perspective view of an umbrella-type canopy of the present invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 5C  depicts a perspective view of the underside of an umbrella-type canopy of the present invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 5D  depicts a close up perspective view of a portion of the underside of an umbrella-type canopy of the present invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 6  depicts an overhead view of the vessel of the present invention with an umbrella-type canopy installed and in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a side view of the vessel of the present invention with an umbrella-type canopy installed and in an open configuration, and a tent-like shelter in place; 
         FIG. 8  depicts an end perspective view of the vessel of the present invention with an umbrella-type canopy installed and in an open configuration, and a tent-like shelter in place; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of the sleeping configuration/layout in the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a flat layout of the tent-like shelter of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a flay layout of one portion of the tent-like shelter of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side view of the vessel of the present invention with the tent-like shelter in place with a rope securing the tent-like shelter to the vessel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts a side view of a vessel and  FIG. 2  depicts a front end view of the vessel of  FIG. 1  of the present invention. Vessel  10  is preferably a vessel having a low profile hull such that the vessel may be utilized to travel under various obstructions such as low hanging branches and other low hanging obstructions normally found in areas with shallow water, such as marshland or the swamp. In a preferred embodiment vessel  10  is a shallow draft vessel that can easily navigate into shallow waters, such as swamp lands and marshes while still being able to accommodate all of the various components discussed herein. Vessel  10  is also preferably configured with rail  12  that is utilized to assist with tying down and securing various components of the present invention to vessel  10 . Rail  12  may be made of any number of materials, including stainless steel and aluminum. Vessel  10  also includes a steering mechanism  13 , such as a steering wheel, and a motor  14  that is utilized to power the vessel  10  when in use. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of vessel  10  of the present invention. The vessel and components illustrated in  FIG. 3  are various components that make-up portions of one embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 3  illustrates vessel  10  and other components making up the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , vessel  10  is configured to include trampoline tensioning frame  15  and trampoline  16 . Frame  15  may be configured of many different sizes but in one embodiment, frame  15  is sized 1½″ by 1½″ by ¼″ and is preferably comprised of aluminum. Frame  15  operates to provide a means in which trampoline  16  can be stretched out and secured between frame  15 . Trampoline  16  is preferably comprised of some type of waterproof material, such as marine canvas, Sunforger canvass, an industrial vinyl, a polyethylene based fabric or other similar material with strength to support certain weights, such as the weight of an individual sitting or lying on trampoline  16 . In addition, trampoline  16  may also be configured with a number of grommets spaced evenly around the exterior of trampoline  16  to enable trampoline  16  to be secured to frame  15  with some type of rope or similar product. Trampoline  16  is advantageous as it is a light material which assists in reducing the weight on vessel  10 . In addition, trampoline  16  is easy to clean, maintain, and easy to remove to gain access to items underneath trampoline  16 . 
     The present invention may also be configured with space  200  illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Space  200  is an open space where passengers sitting on seats  60  and  61  may position their legs and rest their feet when sitting on seats  60  and  61 . Space  200  may also be used as storage to store gear utilized when the present invention is in use. Space  200  is also important as it provides passengers with the room and space to stand up completely under tent  600 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A , trampoline  16  does not extend past frame  15  and into space  200 . The size of placement of trampoline  16  is not a limitation on the present invention as trampoline  16  may be configured differently in different embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a close up view of trampoline  16  and its connection to vessel  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , in one embodiment of the present invention, trampoline  16  is stretched out and connected to vessel  10  with the use of rope  17 . Rope  17  is preferably some type of double braided polyester rope, but in alternative embodiments, rope  17  may consist of some type of tight cord or other material that may be used to secure trampoline  16  to vessel  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . Rope  17  is preferably positioned through the trampoline grommets  18  that are located at the edges of trampoline  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , rope  17  is routed through grommets  18  and around rail  12  and around trampoline tensioning frame  15  for the purpose of securing and stretching trampoline  16  between frame  15  and rail  12 . In an embodiment of the present invention, rail  12  also includes posts  19  located throughout the rail  12  which acts to secure rail  12  to vessel  10  and provide a gap between vessel  10  and rail  12 . Posts  19  also provide strength and support to rail  12 . 
     Frame  15  may also be configured in some embodiments to include an additional strengthening member  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . In one embodiment, strengthening member  20  is permanently attached to frame  15  and acts to provide support to frame  15 . Member  20  preferably extends a majority of the length of frame  15  and provides rigidity, support to and strengthens frame  15  so that frame  15  can withstand greater weights, such as the weight of an individual standing, sitting, or laying on frame  15 . In some embodiments, member  20  may be screwed, bolted, or welded to frame  15  or attached to frame  15  through any other means that will securely attach member  20  to frame  15 . In one embodiment, member  20  may be in the form of an angle as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , but the present invention is not limited by the angle configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3B . In one embodiment, trampoline  16  is secured between frame  15  and rail  12  so that there is a gap  21  that exists between frame  15  and trampoline  16 . In a preferred embodiment, gap  21  is at least 5 inches so that users of the present invention are able to access any items stored below and underneath trampoline  16 . While 5 inches is a preferred size of gap  21 , the present invention is not limited to this configuration and may be different in alternative embodiments. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates another close up view of trampoline  16  and its connection between frame  15  and boat rail  12 . In a preferred embodiment, rope  17  is inserted through grommets  18  and weaved around frame  15  and rail  12 . When securing trampoline  16 , one side of rope  17  is secured to either frame  15  or rail  12  with a knot  22  as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . Knot  22  may be any type of knot that will secure rope  17  to rail  12  or frame  15 . Once one end of rope  17  is secured with knot  22 , rope  17  is preferably weaved through grommets  18  and around frame  15  and rail  12 . After rope  17  has been weaved and positioned through grommets  18  of trampoline  16  to stretch trampoline  16  out as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , then the end of rope  17  opposite knot  22  is secured with the use of cleat  23 . Cleat  23  is useful in that is allows a user to quickly secure and unsecure rope  17  at cleat  23  which allows a user to easily move trampoline  16  should the user need to move trampoline  16  for any reason, such as accessing items stored underneath trampoline  16 . While cleat  23  is preferred, in alternative embodiments, a user may choose to use a second knot instead of cleat  23  to finish securing trampoline  16 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 3D , a support member  40  is located between the members of frame  15  and positioned beneath trampoline  16 . While trampoline  16  is not illustrated in  FIG. 3D , support member  40  is preferably located about 3 inches below trampoline  16 . The 3 inches is not a limitation of the present invention as in other embodiments, the support member  40  may be located closer to or further from trampoline  16 . Support member  40  is located beneath trampoline  16  so that when a user is sitting, standing, or laying on trampoline  16 , the individual will not have any discomfort from support member  40  protruding into trampoline  16  and into a user that is sitting, standing, or laying on trampoline  16 . Support member  40  is preferably connected to and attached to vessel  10 . Support member  40  may be attached to vessel  10  in any number of ways, such as a welded connection, screwed connection, bolted connection or other similar connection. In addition, the present invention is also configured with a seat bracket  46  mounted to support member  40 . Bracket  46  provides a mounting location for a seat to be used in the present invention, such as a seat routinely used with boats for fishing. Support member  40  also functions to provide support when heavier items are rested upon or are placed on trampoline  16 . The present invention is also configured so that a user may easily access and use any seats that are to be connected to seat bracket  46 . In a preferred embodiment, trampoline  16  is configured with a hole near bracket  46  so that a seat may be easily connected to bracket  46  through a hole in trampoline  16 . In addition, bracket  46  is preferably a quick connection bracket, so that users may quickly and easily connect and remove any seat used with bracket  46 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, trampoline  16  may be configured so that it can be quickly and easily extended to increase in length so that it may be used as a resting place for a portion of bodies of passengers who sleep in the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 3E , in such an embodiment, trampoline  16  includes additional portion  16 A that is illustrated hanging down in  FIG. 3E . This additional portion  16 A is extra trampoline material that hangs down past frame  15  when trampoline  16  is not extended beyond frame  15  illustrated in  FIG. 3E . However, in this embodiment, when users are ready to extend the size of trampoline  16 , users may take additional portion  16 A and extend it out to extended frame member  15 A. In such an embodiment, trampoline  16  will preferably not extend over and past seats  60  and  61  but will extend to seats  60  and  61  and at the same height as seats  60  and  61 . In other embodiments, additional portion  16 A may extend past seats and will connect to extra frame member  15  through the use of rope  17  which will be inserted through grommets  18  and weaved around extra frame member  15 A and rail  12 . A cleat  23 A may also be mounted to the back of seats  60  and  61  so that rope  17  can be easily secured to assist in quickly extending the length of trampoline  16  and taking down the extended portion of trampoline  16 . 
     The present invention may also be configured so that trampoline  16  is replaced with a deck that may be configured with hatches configured in the deck for storage. The hatches preferably contain brackets that allow users to raise and lower any such hatches to access any items in such hatches. In such an embodiment, the deck will be configured to withstand heavier weights than trampoline  16  such that support member  40  will not be necessary. Thus, in using a deck, the present invention may not have support member  40 . However, if using a deck instead of trampoline  16 , seat bracket  46  will still be used and will be mounted directly to the deck so that a user may use a seat on the deck. In such an embodiment, bracket  46  will be arranged so that bracket  46  may be quickly removed and placed into a storage area so that bracket  46  will not interfere with a user&#39;s sleeping area on a deck. In such an embodiment, the deck will preferably be made of aluminum or other reduced weight metal to assist in reducing the overall weight of the present invention. 
     The present invention may also be configured with many storage locations and cushions to increase the comfort level of individuals utilizing the present invention for over-night and multi-day expeditions.  FIG. 3D  illustrates a close up view of a section of vessel  10 . Particularly,  FIG. 3D  illustrates the bow or front portion of vessel  10  with trampoline  16  removed. In the present invention, storage is provided for underneath trampoline  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3D , underneath trampoline  16 , storage area  30  is preferably located in the front of the boat underneath trampoline  16  and capable of storing any number of items or gear used by a user when the present invention is in use. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of front storage  30  located in front of support member  40  is configured to store any number of items, such as water and in the bow of vessel  10  below trampoline  16  there is also room to store anchor rope  31  associated with an anchor for vessel  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3D , vessel  10  is also configured with anchor  35  and with an anchor storage location  36  in the bow of vessel  10  so that anchor  35  may be stored in the front of vessel  10  so as not to interfere with trampoline  16  and to not limit or reduce any storage capacity underneath trampoline  16 . 
     While water may be stored in bladders or in other containers underneath trampoline  16 , in one embodiment, the area underneath trampoline  16  behind support member  40  is preferably used to store a user&#39;s gear in dry bags, such as sleeping bags, material that will make up the tent discussed herein, pillows, extra clothes, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the storage space underneath trampoline  16  that is behind support member  40  is larger than the area in front of support member  40 . However, this configuration is not a limitation as the present invention may be arranged so that the storage space is equal on both sides of support member  40 . In addition, the present invention is configured as a self-contained camping vessel with water from said bladders, a toiled preferably stored underneath seats  300 ,  310 , or  320  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . In such an embodiment, said water bladders are connected to a pump for circulating water throughout the vessel so that as a user needs water, they may have instant access to fresh water with the use of such a pump. The pump also increases the convenience of the present invention when used as a self-contained camping vessel. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the present invention may be configured with a bow cushion  50  to provide cushion for anyone sitting on the bow of vessel  10  and to also provide cushion when users are sleeping on vessel  10  as will be illustrated herein. The present invention is also preferably configured with storage location under seat  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3D , anchor  35  is stored in the bow of vessel  10  beneath seat  50 . Vessel  10  may also be configured so that any number of other items may be stored underneath seat  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , vessel  10  may be configured so that any supports in the bow of vessel  10  are configured in a manner that allows for free space  51  to be used as storage of various items in the bow to provide for additional storage space for users of the present invention. Free space  51  illustrated in  FIG. 3A  may be used to store various items, such as a water bladder, that can be stored in the bow of vessel  10  beneath seat  50  in free space  51 . The storage of a water bladder in space  51  is advantageous as it assists in balancing vessel  10 . Storage under seat  50  is not limited to a water bladder as other items may also be stored under seat  50  in the bow of vessel  10 . 
     The present invention is also configured with seats  60  and  61  located near the middle of vessel  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Seats  60  and  61  are preferably flotation seats that can be used by passengers in the event that flotation devices are needed. In one embodiment, seats  60  and  61  are configured with storage space underneath the seats and are attached to vessel  10  in a manner that allows a user to easily raise seats  60  and  61  to access any items stored underneath seats  60  and  61 . In one embodiment, batteries are stored underneath seats  60  and  61  along with any electrical peripheral devices that run off of the batteries such as lights, water pumps, and other electrical devices. The storage location under seats  60  and  61  may also be configured such that these storage locations are isolated and water-proof to keep any batteries or items stored dry. 
     Seats  60  and  61  are preferably mounted on a support structure mounted to vessel  10  so that seats  60  and  61  are stationary. In addition, the present invention is preferably configured with a canopy hole  70  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Canopy hole  70  provides a space for canopy  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A  to be secured to vessel  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , canopy  110  includes pole  90  and umbrella  100 . Umbrella  100  is illustrated in an open position in  FIG. 4A . Canopy  110  functions to provide shelter from the environment when the present invention is in use, such as shelter from the sun, rain, wind, and the like. 
     Hole  70  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A  provides a location for pole  90  of canopy  110  to slide into and mount to a support system in vessel  10  below seats  60  and  61 . In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is configured with truss members  86  that are inserted underneath seats  60  and  61  and between storage areas  88  and  89 . Truss members  86  act to provide support to base bracket  80  where pole  90  will be mounted. Truss members  86  may be comprised of wood, metal, plastic fiberglass or other materials. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , pole  90  of canopy  110  will slide through hole  70  and eventually mount to a base bracket  80 . Base bracket  80  preferably includes female member  81  and mounting screw  82 . In a preferred embodiment, pole  90  of canopy  110  will slide into female member  81  of base bracket  80 . After pole  90  has been positioned into female member  81 , then mounting screw  82  is tightened to secure pole  90  to base bracket  80 . While base bracket  80  illustrates one mounting screw  82 , in alternative embodiments, base bracket  80  may be configured with multiple screws to assist in securing pole  90  to base bracket  80 . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , base bracket  80  is secured to vessel  10  with mounting screws/bolts  83  that function to mount base bracket  80  to sleeve member  84 . Sleeve member  84  is preferably a piece of metal that mounts to truss members  86  and sits on top of blocking member  85 . Blocking member  85  is a piece of material that adds support to sleeve member  84  which will in turn provide support to base bracket  80  which will in turn provide support to and strengthen canopy  110  when it is in the open position. In other embodiments, sleeve member  84  may be wood, plastic, fiberglass, or other type of material. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that sleeve member  84  mounts directly to vessel  10 , or may be configured to mount to both vessel  10 , blocking member  85 , and truss members  86 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4C , female member  81  of base bracket  80  will extend down to the floor of vessel  10 . Female member  81  may be configured with an inside diameter of 2⅛″ with pole  90  configured with an outside diameter of 2″ so that pole  90  will easily fit into female member  81 . Such measurements are merely examples and are not limitations on the present invention. Bracket  80  may also be configured with hole  81 A for drainage purposes so that in the event any water accumulates in pole  90  or female member  81 , then said water can drain out of hole  81 A. The present invention may also be configured with pressure plate  82 A that adds pressure and resistance to female member  81  and pole  90  when pole  90  is inserted into female member  81  to assist in securing pole  90  when it is installed into female member  81 . In addition, the present invention may be configured with a ground wire bolt  87  for the purpose of grounding female member  81  and providing some protection from shock that may arise from pole  90  or female member  81  or that may arise from lightning that strikes pole  90  or other areas. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 4D , bracket  80  will be secured in place with the use of pipe members  91  that are secured to female member  81  at one end and the opposite end of pipe members  91  are secured to vessel  10 . Pipe members  91  are preferably secured to female member  81  and vessel  10  through some type of fastening means such as a permanent weld, screws, or bolts. As illustrated in  FIG. 4D , pipe members  91  are positioned so that one pipe member  91  extends down towards the front/bow of vessel  10  and the other pipe member  91  extends down towards the back/stern of vessel  10 .  FIG. 4D  is merely an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention as the present invention may also be configured with additional pipe members that connect to female member  81  at one end and then extend down to the right and left side of vessel  10  to provide additional support to female member  81  which will provide support to canopy  110  and enable vessel  10  to navigate through waters while canopy  110  is open. 
     The manner in which canopy  110  is mounted to vessel  10  increases the strength and durability of canopy  110  to accommodate added weight. The present invention may also be configured so that canopy  110  can withstand the added weight of solar panels to provide power to users of the present invention. The present invention may also be configured with solar panels to provide electricity as needed by its users. Additionally, the single pole canopy of the present invention provides greater visibility to a captain and all passengers. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an end view of the vessel  10  of the present invention with canopy  110  installed and in an open configuration. While not illustrated in  FIG. 5A , canopy  110  is inserted into and connected to base bracket  80  through hole  70  illustrated in  FIG. 3A . In a preferred embodiment, canopy  110  is configured so that umbrella  100  sized to provide shade and shelter across the width of vessel  10 . In a preferred embodiment, canopy  110  may also be configured so that umbrella  100  is sized to provide shade and shelter across a majority of the length of vessel  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Canopy  110  is further configured so that it does not obstruct the view of a captain navigating vessel  10  so that canopy  110  may be in the open position while a captain is navigating vessel  10  through the water, preferably marshlands or shallow swampy waters. This configuration also provides clear unobstructed 360 degree view so that passengers can easily fish, take photographs, or partake in numerous other activities without being obstructed by canopy  110 . 
       FIG. 5B  depicts a bottom perspective view of canopy  110  with umbrella  100  in an open position. As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , umbrella  100  is preferably a multi-vent umbrella with multiple layers that allow for improved air flow. In one embodiment, umbrella  100  includes multiple layers illustrated by layers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , and  104  in  FIG. 5A . These layers making up umbrella  100  are preferably comprised of a weather resistant fabric/material, such as olefin, Teflon based fabric, polyester, marine canvas, Sunforger canvass, Sunbrella Marine fabric, an industrial vinyl, a polyethylene based fabric or other similar material. Umbrella  100  is also configured with spacing  105  between layers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , and  104 . Umbrella  100  is configured with spacing  105  present in 360 degrees between each layer of umbrella  100 . Spacing  105  allows air to pass through in all directions preventing canopy  110  from becoming a sail in high wind conditions and also acts to reduce drag when a captain is operating vessel  10  at full speed with umbrella  100  of canopy  110  in an open position. A user can navigate vessel  10  with umbrella  100  in an open position as the spacing  105  of umbrella  100  allows wind encounter from navigating vessel  10  to flow through the spacing  105 . Spacing  105  also provides ventilation when the present invention is configured with the tent in an open configuration as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates a close up view of the underside of umbrella  100  and layer  101 . As illustrated, umbrella  100  is preferably configured with multiple spacer blocks  106  that are located between upper canopy arms  107  and layer  101  of umbrella  100 . Spacer blocks  106  add space between upper canopy arms  107  and layer  101  so that air may flow layer  101  and assist with preventing a sail effect and in reducing any drag effect when a captain is navigating vessel  100  with canopy  110  in an open position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5C , the frame of umbrella  100  is primarily made up of a series of upper canopy arms  107  and inner canopy arms  108 . Upper canopy arms  107  are attached to pole  90  of canopy  110  at connection mechanism  109  at the top of pole  90 . Connection mechanism  109  is configured so that upper canopy arms  107  can move up and down so that umbrella  100  of canopy  110  may be opened and closed. Connection mechanism  109  may be configured to permanently connect to the top of pole  90  with a plurality of members that allow for upper canopy arms to connect to mechanism  109  at illustrated in  FIG. 5D . The opposite end of upper canopy arms  107  is attached to layer  101  and spacer blocks  106  through bolts  111  as illustrated in  FIG. 5C . Bolts  111  may be any type of screw, bolt or fastening means that acts to secure upper canopy arms  107  to spacer block  106  and layer  101 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, bolt  111  is an eye bolt whereby bolt  111  is positioned with the loop portion of the eye bolt on the outer side of layer  101  away from upper canopy arms  107 . With bolt  111  positioned in such a manner, a user is able to attach carabiners and other items to bolt  111  to give greater flexibility as to the use of canopy  110 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, inner canopy arms  108  are positioned in a manner such that one end of each inner canopy arm  108  is attached to an upper canopy arm  107  and the opposite end of each inner canopy arm  108  is attached to slide sleeve mechanism  112 . Inner canopy arm  108  may be attached to an upper canopy arm through any number of fastening means, such as a screw, bolt, or similar means. Slide sleeve mechanism  112  operates in a manner that will enable umbrella  100  to open and close when force is applied to slide sleeve mechanism  112  when it is pushed up and pulled down. When slide sleeve mechanism  112  is pushed or pulled down it will ultimately pull inner canopy arms  108  down that will ultimately pull down on upper canopy arms  107  and ultimately close umbrella  100 . And when slide sleeve mechanism  112  is pushed upward when umbrella  100  is closed, inner canopy arms  108  will be pushed from its downward position to an upward position that will ultimately push upper canopy arms  107  upward which will ultimately open umbrella  100 . 
     The present invention may also be configured with various eye bolts  113  secured to inner canopy arms  108  with the loop portion of eye bolts  113  located on the underside of umbrella  100  so that users may attach items to eye bolts  113 , such as carabiners or any number of items preferably when the umbrella  100  of canopy  110  is in an open position. In a preferred embodiment, carabiners are connected to bolts  113  and used to secure tent  600  to canopy  110 . 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates a close up view of slide sleeve mechanism  112  and the various upper canopy arms  107  and inner canopy arms  108 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5D , an embodiment of the present invention may also be configured to include turnbuckle  114  to control the tension between the interconnections of upper canopy arms  107 , inner canopy arms  108 , and slide sleeve mechanism  112 . Turnbuckle  114  may include a loop on one end and a hook on the other end as illustrated in  FIG. 5D . However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 5D , turnbuckle  114  is positioned so that one end is connected to slide sleeve mechanism  112  at connection point  115  and the other side is connected to connection mechanism  109  at connection point  116 . Turnbuckle  114  operates to control the tension between the various upper and inner canopy arms and assists in maintaining tension to maintain the structure of umbrella  100  when it is in an open position while a captain is navigating vessel  10 . Turnbuckle  114  may also be adjusted as needed to control and maintain structure of umbrella  100 . Thus, turnbuckle any effects that the wind may have on umbrella  100  may be controlled with turnbuckle  114  by adjusting turnbuckle  114  to maintain the needed tension between upper arms  107 , inner arms  108 , slide sleeve mechanism  112 , and connection mechanism  109 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an overhead view of the present invention with canopy  110  in the open position. As illustrated, canopy  110  may be configured in an embodiment of the present invention to provide shade and shelter to the entire width of vessel  10  and to a majority of the length of vessel  10 . An embodiment of the present invention is also configured so that the back section of vessel  10  illustrated as section  10 B is not covered by canopy  110  so that a user has some uncovered space to get from under canopy  110  for a number of reasons, such as using the restroom, smoking, getting some “fresh air” not covered by canopy  110 , and any other number of reasons. 
     The present invention is also preferably configured with an open area  210  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Open area  210  is preferably located behind seats  60  and  61  and in front of seats  300 ,  310 , and  320 . In a preferred embodiment, open area  210  is configured to hold an ice-chest with a cushion to provide additional cold storage in the ice-chest and to also provide part of a sleeping area as illustrated by sleeping position  703  in  FIG. 10  as discussed herein. 
     The present invention is also configured with seats  300 ,  310 , and  320  located near the rear of vessel  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Seats  300 ,  310 , and  320  are preferably made such that the seat and/or seat cushion may be removed and used as a flotation device. The present invention is also configured so that seats  300 ,  310 , and  320  are configured with storage area underneath the seats. An embodiment of the present invention may also be configured so that the storage areas underneath seats  300 ,  310 , and  320  are isolated and separated from one another so that different types of items may be stored in the different areas and the different stored items will not cross-contaminate into the other storage areas. For instance, kitchen related items may be stored under seat  300  with bathroom related items stored under seat  310 . With these two storage areas isolated, there is no worry of the bathroom related items, such as a toilet and other bathroom items, being cross-contaminated or mixed with the kitchen related items. In one embodiment, a live-well may be located in one of the storage areas under seats  300 ,  310 , or  320 . In one embodiment, the storage area under seat  320  may be reserved for the captain&#39;s gear including any items that a captain may need to successfully pilot vessel  10  with passengers on board, such as GPS devices, safety equipment, and any other related gear. This configuration of the storage area under seats  300 ,  310 , and  320  is just an example and not a limitation of the present invention. In some embodiments, the storage area under seats  300 ,  310 , and  320  may be configured as one big storage area arranged to store any type of passenger gear or other gear that a user may need. 
     In addition, the present invention may be configured with additional storage areas illustrated as storage areas  330 ,  340 ,  350 , and  360  located in the rear of vessel  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . In one embodiment, storage areas  340  and  350  may be configured with covers and hinges so that a user may simply lift the cover to access any items located in the storage areas. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the present invention is configured so that some storage areas  340  and  350  are located in the rear of the vessel  10  and outside of tent  600 . In such a configuration, any flammable materials such as gas and similar items can be stored in storage areas  340  and  350  so that such chemicals are not stored in the tent areas where users will sleep. 
     While  FIG. 3A  illustrates storage areas  330 - 360  as four separate storage areas, this configuration is not a limitation of the present invention as this area of vessel  10  may be configured with more or less storage areas. For example, the present invention may be configured so that there are only two large storage areas located behind seats  300 ,  310 , and  320  as illustrated by storage areas  340  and  350  in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with tent  600  installed and connected to vessel  10 . Tent  600  is configured to connect to umbrella  100  of canopy  110  and flow down to and connect to vessel  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In one embodiment, tent  600  is configured to cover the bow of vessel  10  and run to the back of the boat as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Tent  600  provides additional shelter to users of the present invention and specifically provides a user protection from rain and moisture to enable a user to explore shallow marshy and swampy waters for extended periods of time, such as overnight and multi-day trips with the protection provided by tent  600  and canopy  110 . Tent  600  may be comprise of any number of water-proof fabric such as marine canvas, Sunforger canvass, an industrial vinyl, a polyethylene based fabric or other similar material. 
     In a preferred embodiment, tent  600  is configured to provide shelter from insects and animals and tent  600  is connected to canopy  110  so that the tent may function as a teepee in that ventilation is provided for through the top of tent  600 . In such a configuration, cooking may be performed inside of tent  600  and any fumes or smoke from cooking may ventilate out of the tope of tent  600 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, any holes provided at the top of tent  600  for ventilation will not allow water to enter tent  600  as any such holes are protected from precipitation and covered by umbrella  100  of canopy  110 . In one embodiment, a rope-tensioned web is utilized to attach tent  600  to canopy  110  through the use of carabiners attached to eye bolts  113  that are attached to the inside of umbrella  100  of canopy  110 . In one embodiment, rope, such as a double braided polyester rope, runs through tent  600  and attaches to the carabiners that are connected to eye bolts  113  and another portion of the rope will be attached to various hardware clips that are attached to rail  12  of vessel  10 . Such configuration creates a tension web of rope that strengthens the tent to withstand strong winds. The tension web also acts to remove tension from the fabric of tent  600  so as to decrease any stress on tent  600 . 
     In one embodiment, tent  600  is configured so that it may be easily stowed away and can be easily set-up/pitched by one person. In addition, the rope-web is configured such that tent  600  may be modified to work with vessels having different size hulls. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another back-view of the present invention with tent  600  installed. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in a preferred embodiment, tent  600  does not extend to and cover the entire length of the vessel, but stops just before the back of vessel  10  so that there is some open and uncovered deck of vessel  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , storage areas  340  and  350  and open and tent  600  does not cover the entirety of vessel  10 . This open deck portion of vessel  10  is advantageous as it allows a user to get out of tent  600  and still be on vessel  10  without having to get off of vessel  10  to get from underneath tent  600 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a sleeping layout under tent  600  for three passengers on vessel  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the three sleeping layouts/positions are illustrated by positions  701 ,  702 , and  703 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , additional portion  16 A of trampoline  16  has been temporarily extended and attached frame members  15 A to provide a rest area for individuals sleeping on positions  701 ,  702  and  703 . In the illustrated positions, position  702  will lay on trampoline  16  and partly on seat  60 . Position  701  will lay on trampoline  16  and partly on seat  61 . Position  703  will lay on seats  300  and  301 , partly on an ice chest placed in position  210 , and partly on seat  61  that is shared with position  701 . For position  703 , a cushion is preferably taken from an empty seat and placed on top of the ice chest placed in space  210  to add comfort to sleeping position  703 . 
     The present invention is configured so that tent  600  may be “pitched” with the natural movement of canopy  110 . In such an embodiment, tent  600  can be connected to canopy  110  so that when canopy  110  is moved to an open position tent  600  is “pitched” and placed into a fully “pitched” configuration as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is configured so that tent  600  is configured without the use of poles or rigid structures but is configured with the use of a tension web of rope or other similar material.  FIG. 10A  illustrates flat layout of tent  600  whereby tent  600  is not in an enclosed configuration. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , tent  600  may be comprised of a plurality of lower pattern sections  601  and a plurality of upper pattern sections  602 . While  FIG. 10A  illustrates 16 sections, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of pattern sections and in different embodiments, tent  600  may be comprised of more or less than 16 sections. The upper pattern sections  602  are preferably configured with zippers  603  that function to connect the upper sections  602  to one another and also allow a user the ability to disconnect sections  602  from one another so that a user may fold sections  602  inward or outward. The use of zippers  603  on the upper sections is key in that it allows users to configure tent  600  to act as a teepee where the top of the tent  600  can be configured in an open configuration so that tent  600  acts as a teepee with an opening in the top of tent  600  to allow for ventilation out of tent  600 . 
     Lower pattern sections  601  are also configured with grommets  615  located throughout various sections of lower sections  601  that are utilized in securing the lower portion of tent  600  to vessel  10  as further discussed and illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Lower pattern sections  601  may also be configured with loops  604  that may be used to hold tie downs, such as Velcro straps, to further assist in securing tent  600  to vessel  10 . While  FIG. 10A  illustrates the use of loops  604 , the use of loops  604  is not a limitation as the present invention may be configured without the use of loops  604 . 
     End sections  605  of tent  600  as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , indicate where the various sections of tent  600  can be connected to one another to convert the tent in the flat configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 10A  to a tent in a closed configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 10B  illustrates a section of tent  600  with both a lower pattern section  601  and upper pattern section  602 . In addition, the individual section illustrated in  FIG. 10B  illustrates loops  604  and grommets  615 . In a preferred embodiment, the sections of tent  600 , such as lower pattern sections  601  and upper pattern sections  602 , are configured with various tubes  606  located on the outside of the pattern sections  601  and  602  as illustrated in  FIG. 10B . Tubes  606  provide a location through which a tension-web rope  611  can pass through as illustrated in  FIG. 10B . Tension web-rope  611  is preferably a double braided polyester rope where the ends of each piece of tension-web rope  611  are configured with rope crimps, such as a copper or stainless steel crimp, to form a loop at the end so that the ends of each piece of tension-web rope  611  may be connected to fasteners of other components, such as carabiners, so that the rope  611  may ultimately be attached at the top and bottom of tent  600  and hold the tent  600  in a pitched configuration. 
     The present invention is configured so that tension-web rope  611  is routed through the various tubes  606  that are located on the pattern sections  601  and  602 . In a preferred embodiment, tension-web rope  611  is configured to run through all tubes on each side of the pattern sections  601  and  602  toward the top of tent  600  so that when tension-web rope  611  is at the top of tent  600  that end of tension-web rope  611  can connect to the loop portion of eye bolts  113  located on the underside of umbrella  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5D , with the use of carabiners or other securing means. In one embodiment, the tension-web rope  611  may be tied directly to eye bolts  113 . The present invention may be configured with tension-web rope  611  configured into multiple pieces that run through all of the tubes  606  at the location where the various sections  601  and  602  connect to form a complete tent as illustrated in  FIG. 10A . Thus, as the various pieces of tension-web rope  611  are routed through tubes  606  at the points of connection of the various sections  601  and  602  of tent  600 , the pieces of tension-web rope  611  will connect to the eye bolts  113  so that the tent  600  will be connected to umbrella  100  all the way 360 degrees around tent  600 . The opposite ends of tension-web rope  611  may connect to the rail  12  of vessel  10  to help secure the bottom end of tent  600  to vessel  10 . Thus, tension-web rope  611  will act to secure the top of tent  600  to umbrella  100  at eye bolts  113  and the bottom of tent  600  to vessel  10 . In one embodiment, the end of tension-web rope  611  near the bottom of tent  600  may be configured to connect to both rail  12  of vessel  10  and a lower tension rope system  610  illustrated in  FIG. 11  that also secures the bottom of tent  600  to vessel  10  as discussed herein. 
     With the use of tension-web rope  611 , a user can easily pitch tent  600  by simply moving umbrella  100  to an open configuration. In a preferred embodiment, a user will route tension-web rope  611  through tubes  606  and connect the pieces of tension-web rope  611  to eye bolts  113  which will effectively connect tent  600  to umbrella  100 . After these connections are made, a user can simply lift umbrella to an open position which will cause eye bolts  113  to raise which in-turn will pull up on tension-web rope  611  that will “pitch” tent  600  when umbrella  100  is in an open position. 
     The present invention is also configured so that tent  600  is secured to vessel  10  through the use of a lower tension rope system that secures the bottom of tent  600  to vessel  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , lower tension rope system  610 , which includes some type of rope, such as a sail rope, runs through the bottom of tent  600 . In a preferred embodiment, tent  600  is configured with grommets  615  located in the bottom of tent  600  and tension rope system  610  will be weaved throughout the various grommets located in the bottom of tent  600 . The location and illustration of grommets  615  in  FIG. 11  is not a limitation of the present invention as grommets  615  may be located in other locations of tent  600 . At various locations along vessel  10 , a fastening mechanism will be used to hook onto rope system  610  and to hook onto rail  12  of vessel  10 . In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism may be a carabiner that will hook onto the grommets of tent  600 , hook onto rope system  610 , and then hook onto rail  12  of vessel  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , rope system  610  runs through both sides of tent  600  towards the back of vessel  10  as illustrated by rope system  610  such that two ends of rope system  610  meet towards the back of vessel  10 . In addition, the present invention may also be configured with a second fastening mechanism  620  that will secure the two ends of rope system  610  that meet at the back of vessel  10 . In one embodiment, second fastening mechanism  620  may be some type of strap or ratchet system that acts to add tension to and secure the two ends of rope system  610  to one another which ultimately will securely hold rope system  610  and tent  600  to the bottom of vessel  10 . The present invention is also configured in one embodiment so that rope system  610  will run under the gunwale of vessel  10  so that when rope system  610  is tightened with second fastening mechanism  620 , rope system  610  will secure tent  600  to vessel  10  as the rope system  610  cannot roll over gunwale of vessel  10  due to the tight tension from  620 . 
     In addition to second fastening mechanism  620 , the present invention may also include a third fastening mechanism  630  that is located at the back of tent  600  where tent  600  stops just before storage areas  340  and  350  as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 11 . The third fastening mechanism  630  acts to secure the back end of tent  600  to vessel  10 . In a preferred embodiment, third fastening mechanism may be some type of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, whereby one end of the hook and loop fasteners is securely fastened to the bottom of tent  600  and the other end is securely fastened to vessel  10 . Thus, when users are ready to enter tent  600 , third fastening mechanism  630  can be secured so that there is a tight seal between tent  600  and vessel  10  to further protect users in tent  600  from the outside environment. This embodiment of the present invention including the tension rope system  610 , second fastening mechanism  620 , and the third fastening mechanism  630  to jointly secure tent  600  to vessel  10  is advantageous as it tightly secures tent  600  to vessel  10  so that users are protected from outside nuances in the surrounding environment. For instance, if the present invention were used in a swamp rom marshy environment, with tent  600  securely fastened to rail  12  of vessel  10 , a user is protected from mosquitos, snakes, and other nuances that could possibly interfere with a user&#39;s peaceful occupation of and resting inside of tent  600 . 
     The use of tension-web rope  611  provides strength to tent  600  in that this configuration allows tent  600  to withstand high speed winds that a user may encounter when the present invention is in use. In addition, the present invention may be configured so that tent  600  has multiple entry ways/openings, such as side entry way/opening  640  illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The present invention may also have an entry/way opening at the back of vessel  10  and an entry way/opening opposite of opening  640 . In addition to said entry ways, the present invention may be configured with mesh style windows such a user view is not obstructed so that when a user is under tent  600 , the user may still see outside of tent  600 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, canopy  110  may be easily and quickly lowered as needed when a user is traveling in swampy or marshy waters. For instance, as the present invention is in use and a user encounters low hanging tree limbs or bridges, canopy  110  may be quickly and easily slid down to a closed position and the pole  90  may be easily removed if need be in order for vessel  10  to keep navigating in areas that require a low profile. 
     Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the invention. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized.