Abstract:
Disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said tower section, wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said. area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/920,589 filed on Dec. 24, 2013, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference, 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates generally to a foldable covering device, and more particularly to a foldable covering device for transportation devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Conventional covering devices used for transportation devices may have limited coverage and rigidity. Such limited coverage and rigidity may cause undesirable performance and require the use of additional support structures. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, a covering device that is capable of effectively increasing coverage and rigidity would be desirable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said. tower section, wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg. 
         [0006]    Further disclosed is a foldable covering device configurable to be attached to a tower for a transportation device, the tower including a first tower leg side and a second tower leg side, the foldable covering device including a center frame including wing portions disposed at laterally opposed sides of said center frame and rotatably affixed thereto, wherein said. wing portions extend laterally beyond extents of the tower at both the first tower leg side and the second tower leg side in an open position. 
         [0007]    Further disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower; and a frame including at least one mount configured to rotatably mounting said frame to said tower, about a rotation point. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotating about the attachment mount; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotated fully into a lowered position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a perspective of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotated into a fully lowered position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The following disclosure will detail particular embodiments according to the present invention, which provides a foldable covering device, particularly a foldable covering device for transportation devices. Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout the disclosure. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , a foldable covering device  2 , also known as a bi-fold bimimi top is illustrated. The device  2  is configured to be selectively attached to a tower  22  via attachment mounts  10  to provide cover for occupants of a boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device when in use. As will be discussed below, the foldable covering device  2  includes left wing  12  and right wing  14  configured to be foldably attached to a center frame  4 . Via such foldable attachment, it is possible for the left wing  12  and right wing  14  to provide wider coverage than conventional devices while allowing for various stowage configurations. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , tower  22  may be a portion of, or affixed to a boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device. Tower  22  may have first and second tower legs  23 , connected by a center tower section  33 . First and second tower legs  23  may be attached to center tower section  33  at a respective first end, and attached to the boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device at a respective second end. Tower  22  generally, and center tower section  33  specifically, may have affixing points where attachment mounts  10  attach to tower  22 . It may be appreciated that the affixing points where attachment mounts  10  attach to tower  22  may be inboard and away of where first and second tower legs  23  are attached to center tower section  33 . 
         [0022]    Center frame  4  includes frame beams  5  which are attached to tower  22  via attachment mounts  10  and project forward a desired length to connect laterally along the beam width at a center bow  6  and to delimit center frame  4 . Center frame  4  is further supported by trusses  8 . In an exemplary embodiment, the center frame  4  has a generally tubular construction formed into a generally “U” shape. 
         [0023]    The frame beams  5  converge generally to attach to center bow  6 . In an exemplary embodiment and as best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the frame beams  5  are attached to tower  22  via attachment mounts  10  that are inboard of the outermost points of coverage provided by foldable covering device  2 , specifically wings  12 , 14 . As a result of these inboard attachment mounts  10 , the rigidity of center frame  4  and foldable covering device  2  may generally be increased. 
         [0024]    The trusses  8  further increase the rigidity of center frame  4  and foldable covering device  2  generally. As best shown in  FIG. 2 , trusses  8  support frame beams  5  at a truss attachment mount  9  to support the weight of center frame  4 , distribute the stresses experienced, and enhance rigidity. The opposite ends of trusses  8  are attached to attachment mount  10 , specifically attachment mount subframe  25 . 
         [0025]    The center bow  6  further enhances rigidity of the center frame  4  while connecting frame beams  5  of center frame  4 . Due to the inboard attachment mounts  10 , the converging shape of frame beams  5 , and the trusses  8 , the center frame  4  experiences enhanced rigidity compared to conventional devices without the use of additional support structures. As a result, the use of a single center bow  6  is sufficient to allow for the desired rigidity. Accordingly, the enhanced rigidity allowed by the design allows for higher vehicle operation speeds while withstanding the stresses of the enhanced extension provided by the center frame  4 . 
         [0026]    Since wings  12 , 14  allow for suitably wide coverage along the beam width of the boat or vehicle, the center frame  4  does not need to provide complete coverage in the beam width direction. The unique shape of center frame  4  allows for foldable covering device  2  to project forward further compared to conventional devices. This unique shape is particularly beneficial when foldable covering device  2  is attached to a rear swoop tower  22 , since a rear swoop tower has a longer distance from the front surface of the tower  22  to the top edge of the windshield compared to a tower  22  that may provide less distance between the windshield and the top of the tower  22 . The enhanced projection of center frame  4  and consequently foldable covering device  2  allows for enhanced coverage performance that may project to the windshield or at least further than conventional covering devices, which may not provide adequate coverage. In at least one embodiment, the furthest point of center frame  4  may project forward from the tower  22  at a length of at least 30 inches, at least 40 inches, or at least 50 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the furthest point of center frame  4  may project forward from the tower  22  at a length of 53 inches. 
         [0027]    Left wing  12  and right wing  14  are rotatably and foldably attached to center frame  4 . Wings  12 , 14  may be disposed at laterally opposed sides of center frame  4 . Wings  12 , 14  may be attached to center frame  4  via attachment mounts  16 . Wings  12 , 14  are shaped and configured to provide suitable coverage in a beam width direction along the projection length of center frame  4 . Particularly, wings  12 , 14  allow for greater coverage width outboard of attachment mounts  10 . Further, wings  12 , 14  allow for greater coverage width than convectional devices. In an exemplary embodiment, wings  12 , 14  are of a generally tubular construction with a “D” shaped configuration. 
         [0028]    Wings  12 ,  14  may be stowed or closed as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , or deployed or open as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . When folded or closed, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , wings  12 ,  14  may minimize the footprint of foldable covering device  2  by being confined in a width less than the beam width of center frame  4  by being foldable onto center frame  4 . Further, when wings  12 , 14  are stowed, the boat or vehicle on which foldable covering device  2  is employed may travel at a higher speed, suitable for high speed travel, transport, or towing. Further, stowed wings  12 , 14  may allow for easier handling during temporary stowage, removal, and attachment. Foldable covering device  2  may be retained and protected with an external cover (not shown) when wings  12 , 14  are stowed. 
         [0029]    When full coverage of foldable covering device  2  is desired, wings  12 ,  14  may be deployed or opened. When deployed or opened, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , wings  12 ,  14  extend laterally beyond center frame  4  to provide maximum coverage. Wings  12 , 14  may extend laterally beyond the perimetric extents of tower  22 , particularly first and second tower leg  23 , allowing for extension beyond the beam width of tower  22  and the first and second tower leg  23  sides. In order to maintain the position of deployed wings  12 ,  14 , and prevent any fluttering motion, the wings  12 , 14  may be attached to tower  22  via support legs  18 . Support legs  18  maintain wings  12 ,  14  in a deployed position, by attaching or associating wings  12 ,  14  to tower  22  via support leg mount points  20 . Support legs  18  may mount or associate to support leg mount points  20  using ball and socket type connectors or ACON type connectors. 
         [0030]    Wings  12 ,  14  may rotate freely on rotation points  16  between a stowed position and a deployed position. The range of motion of wings  12 , 14  may be limited in both an inboard direction and an outboard direction when wings  12 , 14  contact tower  22 , stopping their rotation beyond a stowed position or a deployed position. 
         [0031]    In order to attach foldable covering device  2 , center frame  4  is associable or attached to tower  22  via attachment mounts  10  at a center tower section  33  Attachment mounts  10  are generally of billet construction. Attachment mounts  10  as previously discussed are disposed inboard of the widest points of deployed wings  12 , 14 , and are generally attached to the frame beams  5  of center frame  4 . Trusses  8  may further attach to attachment mounts  10  via attachment mount subframe  25 . The position of attachment mounts  10  provides rigidity as previously discussed. 
         [0032]    Attachment mounts  10  may be configured to attach to tower  22  by clamping tubular sections of tower  22  at a center tower section  33 . In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment mounts  10  may have a tower connection section  11 , wherein the tubular sections of tower  22  are retained by clamping tubular sections of tower  22 . Attachment mount  10  also retains center frame  4  at multiple areas, particularly frame beams  5  in rotation retention point  26  (via hand knob  24  and attachment mount subframe  25 ) and rotation/release point  28 . 
         [0033]    Center frame  4  may be selectively released from tower connection section  11  to allow rotation of center frame  4  or to quickly disconnect center frame  4  (along with wings  12 , 14 ) from tower connection section  11  and tower  22 . 
         [0034]    In order to free center frame  4  to freely rotate about rotation/release paint  28 , attachment mount subframe  25  must be released. Hand knob  24  threadedly couples the tower connection section  11  to attachment mount subframe  25  to act as a retainer to prevent rotation about rotation/release point  28 . When hand knob  24  is removed, center frame  4  and attachment mount subframe  25  are allowed to rotate freely about rotation/release point  28 , which rotatably retains frame beams  5  of center frame  4 . In at least one embodiment, center tower section  33  may be the axis of center frame  4  rotation. 
         [0035]    Tower  22  may also rotate along tower rotation paint  30 . Tower  22  may be selectively rotationally and removably retained by any suitable mechanism to retain tower  22  to the boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device. Referring to  FIG. 6 , such rotation allows center frame  4  to rotate in a generally upward direction  27  to allow tower  22  to rotate in a generally forward direction  31  along tower rotation point  30 . Such opposite rotation of center frame  4  compared to tower  22  may allow the tower  22  to rotate forward to allow the boat or vehicle to pass under low clearance areas, for storage, or for transport. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the tower  22  may rotate to a fully lowered position and foldable covering device  2  may rotate forward/upwardly to allow the rotation of the tower  22 . When in such a stowed position, the lowered foldable covering device  2  may be supported by a device support  32 . Device support  32  may attach to foldable covering device  2  at attachment mount  34  of center frame  4 . Conventional covering devices may need to be removed in order to allow the tower  22  to rotate forward. 
         [0037]    Alternatively instead of rotating center frame  4 , after attachment mount subframe  25  is released, the center frame  4  (along with wings  12 , 14 ) may be quickly disconnected from tower connection section  11  and tower  22 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , rotation/release point  28  includes a pin  29  that allows for rotation that further may be removed to allow foldable covering device  2  to be removed, leaving the tower connection section  11  of attachment mount  10  attached to tower  22 . The pins  29  may be retained with a clip or any other suitable method to prevent undesired removal. 
         [0038]    Similarly, center frame  4  (along with wings  12 , 14 ) may be quickly reattached by aligning frame beams  5  with rotation/release points  28  and inserting pins  29 . Similarly, rotation and removal of center frame  4  may be constrained by replacing hand knob  24  as a retainer to couple attachment mount subframe  25  to tower connection section  11  to prevent removal of foldable covering device  2  and rotation of foldable covering device  2 . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , foldable covering device  2  may be configured to be covered with any suitable material to allow for suitable coverage and protection for occupants of the boat or other vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the covering material  36  may be canvas. The covering material  36  may move and conform to the shape of the underlying frame, such as with wings  12 , 14  (not shown) stowed as shown in  FIG. 8 , wings  12 , 14  (not shown) deployed as shown in  FIG. 9 , and with wings  12 ,  14  (not shown) stowed and foldable covering device  2  in a lowered position as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0040]    All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
         [0041]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0042]    Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.