Method and system for shading cover and support

Methods and systems for providing coverings and related support structures are provided. In various embodiments, methods and systems of the disclosure are suitable for and well adapted for use with small watercraft such as rafts. Methods and systems of the present disclosure provide a means for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of shadings and coverings as well as convenient storage.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to coverings and shading devices. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods and systems for providing a canopy and shading device on rafts and small boats.

BACKGROUND

Umbrellas and sunshades provide the often-appreciated function of protecting rafters and boaters from the elements. Whether that protection is from the sun or rain, the use of an umbrella or sunshade can be the difference between enjoying a day on the water and suffering through adverse conditions.

Such umbrellas and sunshades take many forms. One such iteration is the common awning known as a bimini top, which can provide a large area of protection, but involves storage that is often cumbersome. Another iteration is the centrally supported umbrella, which is also awkward, difficult to stow, unstable in wind, and does not provide a large area of protection. Another iteration is the umbrella supported from above by cables, locks, and hinges, which provides a large area of protection and can be stowed in a small area but requires a complex erection process.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there has been a long-felt and unmet need to provide a covering and/or sunshade that has a large area of protection, can be erected and stowed easily, and can be stowed without interfering with large portions or operations of a raft, boat, or other area to be covered.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems for a removable and storable shading device suitable for use on rafts and small boats. Although various embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated for use with boats and watercraft, it will be recognized that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use with such objects and may be provided in combination with various objects including, but not limited to, ground surfaces, furniture and tables, automobiles (truck beds, for example), decks and patios, and any object or environment for which shade and covering is desired.

In various embodiments, systems of the present disclosure comprise a frame member with at least one knuckle that is selectively securable to an object (e.g. coupled to the metal frame of a raft or boat) to secure a covering system to the object. Knuckles of the present disclosure are selectively connected to one or more uprights or vertical supports. A shade member (e.g. a fabric shade member) is provided that comprises holes and grommets operable to secure the shade member to the frame member.

In various embodiments, methods and systems for a removable and storable shading device are provided. Methods and systems of the present disclosure are suitable for use with rafts and small boats, but no limitation with respect to the intended use of embodiments of the present disclosure is provided herewith. In certain embodiments, devices of the present disclosure comprise at least one telescoping upright that detachably couples to a pre-existing object, such as the frame of a raft or boat. In preferred embodiments, a covering or shade member is provided. The covering is contemplated as comprising, but is not limited to, a fabric covering suitable for use as a barrier from the elements (sun, rain, wind, etc.).

The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure have significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a portion of a shade and covering system2according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system2is provided in combination with a watercraft4which is depicted as a raft inFIG.1. It will be recognized, however, that systems of the present disclosure can be provided with various objects and devices including different watercraft, fixed objects, semi-fixed objects (e.g. tables). Accordingly, the raft4ofFIG.1is shown for illustrative purposes and no limitation is provided herewith with respect to the intended use of the system2.

As shown inFIG.1, the system2comprises a plurality of upright supports6a,6b,6c,6d. The upright supports6are contemplated as being selectively connected to a pre-existing frame8of a watercraft4(for example) or other pre-existing component. The connection between the upright supports6and the frame of the watercraft is not detailed inFIG.1and will be described later. The upright supports6ofFIG.1are contemplated as comprising telescoping members wherein a first portion10and a second portion12of each of the upright members are selectively translatable relative to one another and can be secured in a plurality of different relative positions. The first portion10and second portion12are selectively securable via pins14operable to extend through at least a portion of the first members and the second members. The upright members6are contemplated as comprising supports that extend vertically above a device4. The distal ends16of the supports6are contemplated as comprising connection points for a covering (for example). It is also contemplated, however, that frame components including upright supports and related connection members are suitable for supporting various objects including, for example, fishing rods, flags, lights, storage accessories, speakers, drink holders, and sails.

FIG.2is a perspective view of the system2and watercraft4according to the embodiment ofFIG.1. As shown inFIG.2, a cover member20is provided. The cover member20extends between and is connected to at least some of the plurality of upright supports6to span an area over the watercraft4and provide covering and shade thereto. Although four upright supports6and a generally rectangular cover20are shown inFIG.2, the present disclosure is not limited to such arrangements. Greater or fewer than four upright supports are contemplated, as are different shaped coverings20. The covering20is contemplated as comprising various materials. For example, the covering20may comprise a lightweight porous member that is suitable for providing shade and sun protection. The covering20is also contemplated as comprising a water resistant or waterproof covering to repel sun and water.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide supports structures and connection members that facilitate the support of a shade or cover member20in various positions. As shown and described herein, various components of the present disclosure allow for positioning and repositioning of a cover by allowing selective rotation of upright support members6as well as selective expansion and contraction of the supports6.

FIG.3is a side elevation view of an attachment member30according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the attachment member30comprises a central hub portion32and is securable to various objects including, for example, round frame members. Specifically, the hub portion32comprises a clamp34. The clamp34comprises a curved member that is tightened and secured by at least one fastener36. The clamp34provides a female receiving area37at least when secured and allows the member30to be secured to an object or pre-existing component. The attachment member30further comprises a first male extension38and a second male extension40. The male extensions38,40are operable to receive one or more support members including, for example, the upright support members6ofFIG.1. The first and second male extensions38,40comprise apertures42to receive a pin, for example, and secure the support members. The first and second male extensions38,40are each operable to receive and secure an additional member. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the second male extension40is operable to support an upright6in a position of use wherein the support extends above an object, while the second male extension38is operable to receive a support6in a storage position when the system is to be stowed.

FIG.4is a perspective view of a system2according one embodiment of the present disclosure and wherein attachment members30are shown relative to additional components including a frame member50and members6a,6b. The frame member50is contemplated as comprising but is not limited to an internal frame member of a raft. The system ofFIG.4comprises at least one attachment member30acomprising first and second male extensions38a,40a. A support6ais provided that is operable to be secured to a first male extension38a. A second male extension40ais provided and is contemplated as being useful for or operable to secure the support6ain a storage position when the support is not needed or desired. The support6is securable to the attachment member30aby providing a fastener (e.g. a threaded fastener) through an aperture52in the support6and an aperture54in the attachment member30a. The first male extension38ais illustrated as comprising a solid or substantially solid extension, while the second male extension40acomprises a hollow or at least partially hollow extension. Alternatives are contemplated. In some embodiments, both extensions comprise solid or hollow extensions.

A second attachment member30bis provided. The second attachment member30bis secured or clamped to the frame member50. The second attachment member30bis contemplated as comprising as few as one male extensions to which a support6bis secured. The support6bcan be secured to the attachment member30bto stow the support6band/or to provide a structural member (e.g. a cross-bar for supporting the frame generally).

FIG.5is a perspective view of a portion of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Various components shown and described with respect toFIGS.1-4are labeled inFIG.5, and the discussion fromFIGS.1-4is incorporated by reference. As shown inFIG.5, a first support6comprises a first portion10and a second portion12extending from an attachment member30a. The attachment member is secured to a frame member50. The first portion10is translatable relative to at least the second portion12. The first portion10is secured at a desired relative position by a pin60that extends through apertures in the first portion10and the second portion12. As shown inFIG.5, a plurality of apertures62are provided to allow a user to position and secure the first portion10in various different positions relative to the second portion12. The pin60is shown as comprising a tether64. The tether64is operable to extend between a first end and a second end of the pin60and secure the pin in place. The tether64is contemplated as comprising various materials. In some embodiments, the tether64comprises a rubber or elastic securing member that is selectively securable to at least one end of the pin such that the pin60may be inserted through the first portion and second portion and secured by the tether64once the components are assembled. When not provided with a pin60, apertures62of the system are operable to receive and support other objects such as shade coverings, carabiners, etc.

FIG.6is a perspective view of components of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.6, an attachment member30ais shown with a support6asecured to the attachment member30ain a storage position. The first support6aextends substantially parallel to a second support member6band both supports6extend substantially coplanar with the frame member50as opposed to the upwardly extending support position shown inFIG.1, for example.

FIG.7is a perspective view of components of a covering system attached to a frame member50. As shown, an attachment member70is provided and is secured to the frame member50. The attachment member70ofFIG.7comprises a C-shaped clamp portion72and a fastener74for securing the attachment member70to a tubular frame member (for example). The attachment member70may be provided in various positions but is shown as extending outboard of the frame70inFIG.7. The attachment member70comprises an at least partially hollow main body portion76with a female aperture. A support member80is secured to the attachment member70and the frame50. The support member80of the embodiment ofFIG.7comprises a male extension82and first and second attachment portions84,86extending therefrom. The attachment portions84,86, which are shown and described in more detail herein, are operable to support various objects at various angles and are rotatable relative to the frame50by rotating the support member80about a longitudinal axis of the male extension82. Although the extensions of various embodiments are contemplated as comprising male extensions that are operable to extend into additional components, the present disclosure is not limited to such “male” extensions. Indeed, it is contemplated that attaching portions84,86(for example) comprise extensions with a female aperture for receiving additional components including, for example, upright members for supporting a canopy or cover.

FIG.8is a perspective view of the attachment member70and support member80according to the embodiment ofFIG.7. As shown, the support member80is secured to the frame50via the attachment member70. A male extension82of the support member80extends into the attachment member70and the male extension is secured by a pin90or clevis. The male extension82of the support member80is contemplated as comprising a plurality of apertures for selectively securing the support member80to the attachment member70at a plurality of rotational positions or orientations.

FIG.9is a plan view of a support member80. As shown, the support member80comprises a male extension82and first and second attachment portions84,86. As shown, the first attachment portion84extends at an angle relative to the male extension82that is approximately a right angle. The second attachment portion86extends at a second angle to the male extension82, and wherein the second angle comprises an oblique angle that is greater than ninety degrees and wherein the second attachment portion86is provided at an angle with the first attachment portion. In preferred embodiments, the first and second attachment portions84,86comprise fixed angles wherein the angle of the attachment portion relative to the male extension82is fixed. However, the position of the first and second attachment portions84,86are adjustable by rotation of the support member80relative to a frame. More specifically, the male extension82can be rotated about its longitudinal axis relative to the attachment member70and frame, thereby changing the position and angle of the first and second attachment portions84,86relative to a remainder of the system. The first attachment member84is contemplated as but is not limited to being provided as a horizontal support member for storing articles. The second attachment member86is contemplated as but is not limited to being provided as an upright support for supporting a shade element or similar article. It will be recognized, however, that no limitation with respect to these intended uses is provided. For example, the first attachment member84can be provided in an upright position to provide a support for a shade that extends substantially perpendicular to a frame member.

FIG.10is a perspective view of a system2according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system2comprises a shading system with a plurality of upright supports6extending from a frame member50. The supports6are secured to the frame50by support members80as shown inFIGS.7and8(for example). The support members80are provided and positioned to extend outboard of the frame member50. The second attachment portions86are provided in an upright position, and wherein the second attachment portions86extend at an upward and outward angle such that the supports6extend upward and outboard from a center of the frame member.

Although not shown inFIG.10, the support members80are operable to be provided in a second position. The second position comprises a storage position wherein the attachment member70is rotated approximately ninety degrees such that the first attachment member84extends substantially parallel to the lateral frame members. Additionally, the attachment members70can be rotated and/or repositioned such that that they extend inboard of the frame member (or extend in another direction) based on user preference.

FIGS.11-12are detailed perspective views of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a frame member50is provided. An attachment member70is provided and is shown in more detail inFIG.7. A support member80is secured to the attachment member70, and the support member80comprises first and second attachment portions84,86. The support member6is contemplated as comprising a support member for a shading cover or various other articles. A pin60is provided to secure the support6to the second attachment portion86. In various embodiments, it is contemplated that a system is provided comprising four attachment members70and four support members80. However, alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein as few as one attachment member70and one support member80are provided to support a single element (e.g. a light or flagpole). Further embodiments contemplate the provision of more than four supports for larger vessels or where a large amount of weight is to be supported (for example).

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.