Cover for Personal Watercraft

A cover for a personal watercraft, the cover comprising a shield member that attaches to a dock; and a cover member that is moveable relative to the shield member between a retracted position and an extended position. The shield member has an open back end for receiving a front of the personal watercraft when the personal water craft is positioned on the dock. The shield member also has a right side wall and a left side wall, and a storage space that is located between the right side wall and the left side wall. The cover member is substantially received within the storage space when the cover member is in the retracted position, and is configured to be moveable from the retracted position to the extended position while the personal watercraft is positioned on the dock. When in the extended position, the cover member substantially covers the personal watercraft.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cover for personal watercraft, and more particularly to a retractable cover that attaches to a dock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal watercraft, also called water scooters or jet skis, are popular recreational vehicles that are designed to hold a small number of occupants. When not in use, personal watercraft are typically stored on or beside a dock. Some docks are designed to allow a personal watercraft to be driven directly onto the dock for easy storage.

To protect personal watercraft from the elements, including damage that can be caused by extended exposure to sunlight, it is known to place a flexible cover over the personal watercraft when the watercraft is not in use. Existing personal watercraft covers are typically very tight fitting and can be difficult to secure over the watercraft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To at least partially overcome some of the disadvantages of previously known devices and methods, in one aspect the present invention provides a cover for a personal watercraft, the cover comprising a shield member that attaches to a dock; and a cover member that is moveable relative to the shield member between a retracted position and an extended position. The shield member has an open back end for receiving a front of the personal watercraft when the personal water craft is positioned on the dock. The shield member also has a right side wall and a left side wall, and a storage space that is located between the right side wall and the left side wall. The cover member is substantially received within the storage space when the cover member is in the retracted position, and is configured to be moveable from the retracted position to the extended position while the personal watercraft is positioned on the dock. When in the extended position, the cover member substantially covers the personal watercraft. Preferably, the cover member is completely received within the storage space when the cover member is in the retracted position, and completely covers the personal watercraft when in the extended position.

The applicant has appreciated that the cover in accordance with the invention can provide a number of advantages. For example, the shield member provides a useful storage space for the cover member, and can help to protect the cover member when not in use. The shield member also conceals the cover member when the cover member is retracted, which preferably gives the cover an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, the shield member provides a useful visual marker, which can assist a watercraft operator in correctly positioning the watercraft when docking.

Preferably, the shield member is substantially rigid. This preferably allows the shield member to maintain its shape, even in windy or stormy weather. The shield member also preferably helps to protect the cover member when the cover member is retracted and stored in the storage space. The shield member also preferably helps to protect the front of the personal watercraft when the personal watercraft is stored on the dock.

In preferred embodiments, the shield member has an open top. This preferably helps to prevent the watercraft from colliding with the shield member, and allows the cover to accommodate a variety of different watercraft types, including watercraft having different heights. The open top can also provide a passageway to accommodate movement of the cover member into and out of the storage space.

Preferably, the cover member includes a collapsible frame that supports a flexible covering material. The frame preferably helps to give the cover member a structured and aesthetically pleasing appearance when in the extended position. The flexible covering material protects the personal watercraft from the elements, including sunlight. The frame preferably provides additional strength, and can help to protect the watercraft from physical impacts. The collapsible frame preferably includes a folding mechanism that allows the cover member to be easily folded into the retracted position and unfolded into the extended position. The frame also elevates the flexible covering material, which may be wet, away from the watercraft. This preferably allows for better circulation of air, and reduces the opportunity for mold to form on the seats and other surfaces of the watercraft.

Further aspects of the invention include:

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, the cover comprising: a shield member that attaches to a dock; and a cover member that is moveable relative to the shield member between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the shield member has an open back end for receiving a front of the personal watercraft when the personal water craft is positioned on the dock; wherein the shield member has a right side wall that at least partially shields a right side of the front of the personal watercraft when the personal water craft is positioned on the dock; wherein the shield member has a left side wall that at least partially shields a left side of the front of the personal watercraft when the personal water craft is positioned on the dock; wherein the shield member has a storage space located between the right side wall and the left side wall; wherein the cover member is substantially received within the storage space when the cover member is in the retracted position; wherein the cover member is configured to be moveable from the retracted position to the extended position while the personal watercraft is positioned on the dock; and wherein the cover member is configured to substantially cover the personal watercraft when personal watercraft is positioned on the dock and the cover member is in the extended position.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the shield member is substantially rigid.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the shield member has an open top.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the right side wall has a generally triangular shape when viewed from a right side, and wherein the left side wall has a generally triangular shape when viewed from a left side.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the right side wall and the left side wall each have a bottom edge for attachment to the dock, a rear edge that slopes upwardly and forwardly from a rear of the bottom edge up to an apex point, and a front edge that slopes downwardly and forwardly from the apex point.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the front edge of the right side wall and the front edge of the left side wall curve towards each other and connect at a front connecting portion.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the shield member has an arch-like shape when viewed from above.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the shield member defines the storage space for receiving the cover member when the cover member is in the retracted position, and a watercraft receiving space for receiving the front of the personal watercraft when the personal water craft is positioned on the dock; wherein the storage space is located around an inner periphery of the shield member; and wherein the watercraft receiving space is located at a central position spaced from the right side wall and the left side wall.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the cover member comprises a collapsible frame that supports a flexible covering material.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the collapsible frame comprises an arcuate rib that is pivotable relative to the shield member between a raised position, in which the rib extends upwardly from the dock, and a lowered position, in which the rib extends forwardly towards a front of the shield member.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the arcuate rib is a front arcuate rib, the collapsible frame further comprising a rear rib member; wherein the rear rib member comprises a left rear foot, a right rear foot, and a rear arcuate rib; wherein the left rear foot and the right rear foot each extend from a rear pivot attachment point to a rear rib attachment point; wherein the rear arcuate rib extends between the rear rib attachment point of the left rear foot and the rear rib attachment point of the right rear foot; wherein the left rear foot and the right rear foot are pivotable relative to the shield member between an expanded position and a collapsed position; wherein, when in the expanded position, the left rear foot and the right rear foot extend rearwardly along the dock, with the rear rib attachment points positioned adjacent to the dock and the rear arcuate rib extending upwardly from the dock; wherein, when moving from the expanded position to the collapsed position, the rear rib attachment points move upwardly and forwardly relative to the dock; and wherein, when in the collapsed position, the left rear foot and the right rear foot extend upwardly from the dock, with the rear rib attachment points spaced upwardly from the dock and the rear arcuate rib extending forwardly towards the front of the shield member.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the collapsible frame further comprises a middle rib member; wherein the middle rib member comprises a left middle foot, a right middle foot, and a middle arcuate rib; wherein the left middle foot and the right middle foot each extend from a middle pivot attachment point to a middle rib attachment point; wherein the middle arcuate rib extends between the middle rib attachment point of the left middle foot and the middle rib attachment point of the right middle foot; wherein the left middle foot and the right middle foot are pivotable relative to the shield member between a first position and a second position; wherein, when in the first position, the left middle foot and the right middle foot extend rearwardly along the dock, with the middle rib attachment points positioned adjacent to the dock and the middle arcuate rib extending upwardly from the dock; wherein, when moving from the first position to the second position, the middle rib attachment points move upwardly and forwardly relative to the dock; and wherein, when in the second position, the left middle foot and the right middle foot extend upwardly from the dock, with the middle rib attachment points spaced upwardly from the dock and the middle arcuate rib extending forwardly towards the front of the shield member.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein, when the cover member is in the extended position, the front arcuate rib is in the raised position, the left rear foot and the right rear foot are in the expanded position, and the left middle foot and the right middle foot are in the first position; wherein, when the cover member is in the retracted position, the front arcuate rib is in the lowered position, the left rear foot and the right rear foot are in the collapsed position, and the left middle foot and the right middle foot are in the second position; and wherein, when the cover member is in the retracted position, the collapsible frame is entirely positioned forwardly of a rearmost point of the shield member.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein, when the cover member is in the retracted position, the collapsible frame is entirely positioned below of an uppermost point of the shield member, and rearwardly of a forwardmost point of the shield member.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the rear rib member further comprises a terminal arcuate rib that is pivotally connected to the rear arcuate rib; wherein, when the cover member is in the extended position, the terminal arcuate rib extends rearwardly from the rear arcuate rib; and wherein, when the cover member is in the retracted position, the terminal arcuate rib extends forwardly towards the front of the shield member.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the rear arcuate rib is pivotally connected to the left rear foot and the right rear foot; and wherein the middle arcuate rib is pivotally connected to the left middle foot and the right middle foot.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the collapsible frame further comprises a static support member for supporting a front of the flexible covering material.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the flexible covering material substantially blocks UV light.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, wherein the flexible covering material comprises acrylic fibers; and wherein the shield member comprises carbon fiber.

A cover for a personal watercraft, which optionally incorporates one or more features of any one or more of the preceding and/or following aspects, further comprising a lock mechanism for locking the cover member in the extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cover 10 for a personal watercraft in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The cover 10 includes a shield member 12 and a cover member 14. The shield member 12 is preferably rigid, and attaches to a dock 16. The dock 16 may also be referred to as a floating dock, a drive-on dock, or a jet ski dock.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the shield member 12 has a right side wall 18 and a left side wall 20 that extend upwardly from the dock 16. The shield member 12 has an open back end 22, and is preferably positioned on the dock 16 with the open back end 22 located at the front end of a central docking channel 24 of the dock 16.

The right side wall 18 and the left side wall 20 preferably have a generally triangular shape when viewed from the side, as can be seen in FIG. 3. The right side wall 18 and the left side wall 20 each have a bottom edge 26 for attachment to the dock 16, a rear edge 28 that slopes upwardly and forwardly from the rear of the bottom edge 26 up to an apex point 30, and a front edge 32 that slopes downwardly and forwardly from the apex point 30. The front edges 32 of the two side walls 18, 20 curve towards each other and connect at a front connecting portion 34 of the shield member 12. In addition to the open back end 22, the shield member 12 also has an open top 36, and a front end 38 that is substantially open other than at the connecting portion 34.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the shield member 12 has an arch-like shape when viewed from above. The shield member 12 defines a storage space 52 for receiving the cover member 14, and a watercraft receiving space 118 for receiving the front of a personal watercraft. The storage space 52 is located around an inner periphery of the shield member 12, and the watercraft receiving space 118 is located at a central position, spaced from the right side wall 18 and the left side wall 20 of the shield member 12.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the cover member 14 extends rearwardly from the shield member 12 for covering a personal watercraft, not shown, that is positioned on the dock 16. The cover member 14 helps to protect the personal watercraft from the elements, including damage that can be caused by extended exposure to sunlight. The cover member 14 preferably has an angular design with interesting and aesthetically pleasing features, such as a concave saddle portion 40 and a downwardly tapered rear portion 42.

The cover member 14 has a collapsible frame 44 that supports a flexible covering material 46. The collapsible frame is best shown in FIG. 6.

The collapsible frame 44 is moveable between an extended position, as shown in FIG. 6, and a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 10. When in the extended position, the collapsible frame 44 extends rearwardly from the shield member 12 to the rear of the dock 16, and defines an internal chamber 48 for receiving a personal watercraft. When in the retracted position, the collapsible frame 44 folds forwardly into a stowed position, and is received in the storage space 52 defined between the right and left side walls 18, 20 of the shield member 12.

Referring to FIG. 6, the collapsible frame 44 includes a front rib 54, a middle rib 56, a rear rib 58, and a terminal rib 60. The front rib 54 has an arcuate shape, with a left front rib end 62 that is pivotally connected to a left pivot attachment 64, and a right front rib end 66 that is pivotally connected to a right pivot attachment 68. The left pivot attachment 64 is positioned laterally inwardly from the bottom edge 26 of the left side wall 20, and the right pivot attachment 68 is positioned laterally inwardly from the bottom edge 26 of the right side wall 18. The left pivot attachment 64 and the right pivot attachment 68 are optionally attached to the shield member 12 and/or are attached directly to the dock 16. The left pivot attachment 64 and the right pivot attachment 68 may, for example, be in the form of a hinge.

The middle rib 56 has an arcuate shape, with a left middle rib end 70 that is pivotally connected to a left middle foot 72 at a left middle pivot point 74, and a right middle rib end 76 that is pivotally connected to a right middle foot 78 at a right middle pivot point 80. The left middle foot 72 is pivotally connected to the left pivot attachment 64, and the right middle foot 78 is pivotally connected to the right pivot attachment 68.

The rear rib 58 has an arcuate shape, with a left rear rib end 82 that is pivotally connected to a left rear foot 84 at a left rear pivot point 86, and a right rear rib end 88 that is pivotally connected to a right rear foot 90 at a right rear pivot point 92. The left rear foot 84 is pivotally connected to a left rear pivot attachment 112, and the right rear foot 90 is pivotally connected to a right rear pivot attachment 116. The left rear pivot attachment 114 is positioned laterally inwardly from the bottom edge 26 of the left side wall 20, and rearwardly from the left pivot attachment 64, and the right rear pivot attachment 116 is positioned laterally inwardly from the bottom edge 26 of the right side wall 18, and rearwardly from the right pivot attachment 68. The left rear pivot attachment 114 and the right rear pivot attachment 116 are optionally attached to the shield member 12 and/or are attached directly to the dock 16.

The terminal rib 60 also has an arcuate shape, and is pivotally connected to the rear rib 58 near the rear rib ends 82, 88.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the collapsible frame 44 also includes a static support member 120, which is positioned at the front of the storage space 52. The static support member 120 provides support for the front of the flexible covering material 46.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, when the collapsible frame 44 is in the extended position, the front rib 54 extends upwardly from the dock 16; the left and right middle feet 72, 78 sit horizontally on the dock 16, and the middle rib 56 extends upwardly from the dock 16; the left and right rear feet 84, 90 sit horizontally on the dock 16, and the rear rib 58 extends upwardly from the dock 16 with a rear slant; and the terminal rib 60 extends rearwardly from the rear rib 58.

The front rib 54, the middle rib 56, the rear rib 58, and the terminal rib 60 are each attached to the flexible covering material 46, such that the flexible covering material 46 forms an outer shell of the internal chamber 48 to protect the personal watercraft from the elements. The attachment of the flexible covering material 46 to the ribs 54, 56, 58, 60 limits the movement of the ribs 54, 56, 58, 60 at the various pivot points, and helps to maintain the collapsible frame 44 in the extended position.

To move the collapsible frame 44 from the extended position to the retracted position, the terminal rib 60 is lifted away from the dock 16; the rear rib 58, the left rear foot 84, and the right rear foot 90 are pivoted forwardly; the middle rib 56, the left middle foot 72, and the right middle foot 78 are pivoted forwardly; and the front rib 54 is pivoted forwardly, so that the collapsible frame 44 is contained within the storage space 52. When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the left middle rib end 70, the right middle rib end 76, the left rear rib end 82, and the right rear rib end 88 move upwardly and forwardly relative to the dock 16. When in the retracted position, the left middle foot 72, the right middle foot 78, the left rear foot 84, and the right rear foot 90 extend upwardly from the dock 16, with the left middle rib end 70, the right middle rib end 76, the left rear rib end 82, and the right rear rib end 88 spaced upwardly from the dock 16; and the front rib 54, the middle rib 56, the rear rib 58, and the terminal rib 60 each extending forwardly towards the front of the shield member 12. The static support member 120 does not change its position when the collapsible frame 44 moves between the extended and retracted configurations.

When in the retracted position, the collapsible frame 44 is substantially received within the storage space 52 around the inner periphery of the shield member 12, as shown in FIG. 10 (the static support member 120 is omitted from FIG. 10). This leaves the watercraft receiving space 118 open and available for receiving the front of a personal watercraft. Preferably, when the collapsible frame 44 is in the retracted position, the collapsible frame 44 is entirely positioned forwardly of a rearmost point of the shield member 12; below of an uppermost point of the shield member 12; and rearwardly of a forwardmost point of the shield member 12.

The collapsible frame 44 can be returned to the extended position by reversing the process described above.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, the flexible covering material 46 comprises four panels 108 of material, which are joined together at seams 110. Each panel 108 preferably has a form that is selected to give the flexible covering material 46 an angular and aesthetically pleasing appearance when in the extended position. Preferably, the panels 108 are formed to define a saddle portion 40 and a tapered rear portion 42. The panels 108 are also preferably formed to provide clean fold lines.

A method of using the cover 10 will now be described with reference to the Figures. When the cover 10 is not in use, the cover member 14 is stored in the retracted position in the storage space 52 of the shield member 12. The shield member 12 remains exposed and visible on the dock 16, which provides a visual marker to assist in docking the personal watercraft.

To dock the personal watercraft, the personal watercraft is positioned at the rear of the dock 16, facing towards the open back end 22 of the shield member 12. The left and right side walls 18, 20 provide a visual cue that assists the operator of the personal watercraft in aligning the watercraft with the center of the dock 16. Once the personal watercraft is in alignment, the watercraft is driven directly onto the dock 16, with the front of the personal watercraft extending into the open back end 22 of the shield member 12. The open top 36 of the shield member 12 preferably helps the operator to visualize the position of the watercraft relative to the shield member 12, so that the watercraft can be stopped before colliding with the shield member 12. Optionally, a visual and/or mechanical stop feature such as a raised band or ridge could be installed on the dock 16 to provide a further signal to the operator as to where the watercraft should be stopped when docking.

Once the personal watercraft is positioned on the dock 16, the operator can step off of the watercraft and onto the dock 16. The operator can then reach into the storage space 52 of the shield member 12 and unfold the cover member 14 from the retracted position to the extended position. When in the extended position, the cover member 14 completely covers the personal watercraft, protecting the watercraft from the elements. Optionally, the cover member 14 has a locking mechanism 112 that connects to the rear of the dock 16 and/or the rear of the watercraft, locking the cover member 14 in place in the extended position. The locking mechanism 112 may, for example, be in the form of a locking carabineer 112 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 7). Once the cover member 14 is in the extended position and/or locked in place, the operator can step off of the dock 16 and leave the personal watercraft safely stored in the cover 10.

To access the watercraft, the operator again steps onto the dock 16 and, if locked in place, unlocks the cover member 14 from the dock 16 and/or watercraft. The operator then lifts the terminal rib 60 up and away from the dock 16, and folds the rear rib 58, the middle rib 56, and the front rib 54 forwardly into the storage space 52. The personal watercraft can then be pushed off of the dock 16 and back into the water for use.

It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein.

The cover 10 is not limited to the particular structure as shown in the preferred embodiments. Rather, any suitable structure and/or design, including changes to the size, shape, and/or materials of the cover 10, could be used.

The cover 10 is optionally sold separately from the dock 16. Alternatively, the cover 10 could be sold together with the dock 16 and/or could be pre-installed on the dock 16. Any suitable dock 16 could be used, including preferably a drive-on dock. Preferably, the cover 10 is attached to the dock 16 using an adhesive, but any other suitable method of attaching the cover 10 to the dock 16 could be used.

The shield member 12 is preferably made from a strong, lightweight, and rigid material, such as carbon fiber. Any other suitable materials could also be used, such as plastic, metal, stainless steel, fiberglass, or any other suitable composite. The shield member 12 could optionally be 3D printed. The shield member 12 may also be referred to as a blade. Although the shield member 12 has been described in the preferred embodiments as having a generally triangular shape when viewed from the side, and an arcuate shape when viewed from above, any suitable alternative shapes could be used. For example, the shield member 12 could have a rectangular or trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side, and/or a rectangular shape with two front points when viewed from above.

The flexible covering material 46 may be made from any suitable material that is flexible and provides the desired protection from the elements, including woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, organic materials and/or synthetic materials. The flexible covering material 46 may, for example, comprise acrylic fibers. The flexible covering material 46 is preferably configured to substantially block UV light.

In some embodiments of the invention, the cover 10 could be adapted to accommodate vehicles other than personal watercraft, such as larger watercraft and boats. Although the cover has been described primarily as being attached to a floating dock, it could also be used with other structures.

The term “storage space” as used herein refers to the space where the cover member 14 is located when in the retracted position. The term is intended to refer broadly to any suitable space that is defined by the shield member 12 for receiving the retracted cover member 14. In preferred embodiments, the shield member 12 provides at least some protection to the cover member 14 when the cover member 14 is in the retracted position, such as by protecting the cover member 14 from damage caused by the wind and/or the sun. Tucking the cover member 14 down behind the shield member 12 also preferably helps to give the cover 10 a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The point where the left middle rib end 70 attaches to the left middle pivot point 74 and the point where the right middle rib end 76 attaches to the right middle pivot point 80 are also referred to herein as the middle rib attachment points. The point where the left rear rib end 82 attaches to the left rear pivot point 86 and the point where the right rear rib end 88 attaches to the right rear pivot point 92 are also referred to herein as the rear rib attachment points.

Although the ribs 54, 56, 58, 60 have been shown in the preferred embodiments as having an arcuate shape, this is not strictly necessary. For example, the ribs 54, 56, 58, 60 could have a rectangular shape with a flat top instead of an arc. The cover 10 could also incorporate a greater number of ribs 54, 56, 58, 60 or a smaller number of ribs 54, 56, 58, 60 than is shown in the preferred embodiments.

Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.