Automatic bimini top

An adjustable watercraft awning includes a first base, a second base, a first frame member, a second frame member, an actuator, and a flexible cover. The first base is adapted to mount on a first side of a watercraft, and the second base is adapted to mount on a second side of the watercraft. The first frame member is pivotally coupled to a rear region of each of the first and second bases, and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The second frame member is pivotally coupled to a front region of each of the first and second bases, and is continuously movable between a lowered position and a first raised position and also between the first raised position and a second raised position. The actuator is coupled to transmit mechanical power to the second frame member only.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to vehicle awnings, and more particularly to adjustable awnings for watercraft.

2. Description of the Background Art

Watercraft are commonly equipped with adjustable awnings such as, for example, convertible bimini tops. Typically, a convertible bimini top includes a collapsible frame assembly supporting a flexible cover (e.g., canvas). The frame assembly includes a rigid front support structure and a rear support structure coupled to the front and rear, respectively, of the flexible protective cover. Furthermore, the front and rear support structures are typically U-shape wherein each open end is hingably coupled to an opposite side-rail of the watercraft.

In many designs, the bimini top can be arranged into three different positions including a downward folded position, a radar position, and a fully deployed position. In the downward folded position, both the front and rear support structures are folded completely back to a substantially horizontal position such that the frame assembly and protective cover are collapsed near the stern of the watercraft. In the radar position, both support structures are arranged parallel and/or directly adjacent to one another in a fixed, partially raised position. When in arranged in either the downward folded position or the radar position, the tops of the support structures are held together via a boot that wraps around the collapsed cover. In the fully deployed position, the front support structure is positioned upwardly toward the bow of the boat while the rear support is positioned upwardly toward the stern, thus deploying the cover and providing shelter thereunder.

There are disadvantages associated with conventional watercraft awning designs. For example, awnings typically only operate in a limited number of deployed positions and, therefore, do not provide optional user configurations to accommodate for different situations (e.g., location/intensity of the sun, direction/intensity of wind, etc.). As another example, adjustable awnings are not very robust because their frames are typically not very sturdy. As yet another example, many adjustable awning designs (especially automatic devices) require a high number of moving parts thus making them expensive to manufacture and generally less reliable.

What is needed, therefore, is an adjustable awning that can be configured to operate in more positions than prior art awnings. What is also needed is an adjustable awning that is more robust. What is also needed is an adjustable awning that requires fewer parts than adjustable awnings of the prior art.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing an adjustable watercraft awning that can be configured in a variety of deployed positions.

The adjustable watercraft awning includes a first base, a second base, a first frame member, a second frame member, an actuator, and a flexible cover. The first base includes a rear region and a front region, and is adapted to mount on a first side of a watercraft. The second base includes a rear region and a front region, and is adapted to mount on a second side of the watercraft. The first frame member includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate region. The first end of the first frame member is pivotally coupled to the rear region of the first base, the second end of the first frame member is pivotally coupled to the rear region of the second base, and the first frame member is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The second frame member includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate region. The first end of the second frame member is pivotally coupled to the front region of the first base and the second end of the second frame member is pivotally coupled to the front region of the second base. Additionally, the second frame member is movable between a lowered position and a first raised position and is also between the first raised position and a second raised position. The actuator is coupled to transmit mechanical power to the second frame member. The flexible cover includes a rear region coupled to the intermediate region of the first frame member and a front region coupled to the intermediate region of the second frame member. The flexible cover is operative to unfold to a deployed position in response to moving the second frame member from the lowered position to the first raised position. Furthermore, the flexible cover is operative to pull the first frame member from the lowered position to the raised position in response to moving the second frame member from the first raised position to the second raised position.

In an example embodiment, the adjustable awing additionally includes a rotation limiting feature operative to prevent the first frame member from rotating beyond the raised position. For example, the rotation limiting feature includes a first mitered surface formed on the first end of the first frame member and a second mitered surface formed on the second end of the first frame member. The first mitered surface is adapted to abut the first base when the first frame member is in the raised position, and the second mitered surface is adapted to abut the second base when the first frame member is in the raised position. The actuator is operative to exert a force on the second frame member when the second frame member is in the second raised position and the first frame member is in the raised position. The force exerted on the second frame member is sufficient to elastically deflect the second frame member.

In the example embodiment, the first frame member defines a first side region and an opposite second side region. The first end of the first frame member is formed on the first side region of the first frame member and the second end of the first frame member is formed on the second side region of the first frame member. The adjustable watercraft awning additionally includes a third frame member that has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate region. The first end of the third frame member is pivotally coupled to the first side region of the first frame member between the first end of the first frame member and the intermediate region of the first frame member. The second end of the third frame member is pivotally coupled to the second side region of the first frame member between the second end of the first frame member and the intermediate region of the first frame member. The intermediate region of the third frame member is couple to the intermediate region of the flexible cover. In an even more particular embodiment, the third frame member is disposed to move toward the intermediate region of the first frame member as the second frame member is moved from the first raised position to the down position. In yet an even more particular embodiment, the third frame member includes a first side region and a second side region. The first end of the third frame member is formed on the first side region. The second end of the third frame member is formed on the second side region of the third frame member. The first side region of the third frame member is positioned at an acute angle with respect to a first section of the first side region of the first frame member. The first section of the first side region of the first frame member is disposed between the intermediate region of the first frame member and the first end of the third frame member.

In another more particular embodiment, the adjustable watercraft awning includes a fastener mechanism operative to fasten the intermediate region of the first frame member to the intermediate region of the second frame member. The first frame member is held in the raised position by the fastener mechanism while the second frame member is arranged in the first raised position. In an example, the actuator is operative to exert a force on the second frame member when the second frame member is in the first raised position and the first frame member is in the raised position. The force exerted on the second frame member is sufficient to elastically deflect the second frame member.

In an example embodiment, the actuator includes a first gear rack and a first gear. The first gear rack is disposed in the first base and is movable in a linear direction. Furthermore, the actuator includes a first biasing mechanism that displaces the first gear rack in the linear direction. The first gear is adapted to mate with the first gear rack and is also mounted in the first base, and the first gear is adapted to rotate in response to the first gear rack being displaced by the biasing mechanism. The second frame member is fixably coupled to the first gear. In the example embodiment, the biasing mechanism includes a power screw having a thread set formed thereon. The biasing mechanism also includes a complementary thread engaging feature coupled to the gear rack. The complementary thread engaging feature is adapted to slidably engage the thread set of the power screw, and the biasing mechanism is self-locking. In one example, the thread engaging feature is a power screw nut, the gear rack defines a channel adapted to receive the power screw nut, and the power screw nut is seated in the channel. The actuator includes an electric motor within the first base that drives the power screw.

Optionally, the actuator includes a second gear rack disposed in the second base. The second gear rack is movable in the linear direction. The actuator also includes a second biasing mechanism operative to displace the second gear rack in the linear direction, and the actuator includes a second gear adapted to mate with the second gear rack. The second gear is mounted in the second base and adapted to rotate in response to the second gear rack being displaced by the second biasing mechanism. The second frame member is fixably coupled to the second gear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing an adjustable watercraft awning that can be deployed in a wide range of configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., material types, electrical switches, electrical controls, etc.) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well-known marine assembly practices (e.g., mounting, wire routing, etc.) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the explanation of the present invention.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an adjustable watercraft awning100mounted on a watercraft102, which is depicted by way of example as a pontoon boat. Boat102includes a deck104, a set of pontoons106, a motor108, a console110, a driver seat112, and rails114. Deck104provides standing area for passengers on boat100and is supported by pontoons106. As shown, each of pontoons106is mounted on a respective one of a first side116and opposite, second side118of boat102. Motor108is mounted at the rear end120of boat100. Console110is supported on deck104and includes control components (e.g., steering wheel, throttle control, etc.) that facilitate the operation of boat102. Driver seat112is mounted on deck104on second side118of boat102. Rails114are mounted on deck104so as to enclose a passenger area of boat102. As shown, rails114include a gate122located on second side118of boat102. Awning100includes a frame124that supports a flexible cover126. Frame124is mounted to rails114on first side116and second side118of boat102. Flexible cover126is, for example, a canvas canopy that provides shelter over part of deck104.

FIG. 2shows a perspective view of frame124according to one embodiment of the present invention. Frame124includes a first base200, a second base202, a first frame member204, a second frame member206, a third frame member208, a set of support legs210, and an actuator212(not visible inFIG. 2, but shown in detail inFIG. 3).

First base200and second base202are adapted to mount to rails114on first side116and second side118, respectively, of boat102. Each of bases200and202include a rear region214and a front region216.

First frame member204includes a first side218, a second side220, and an intermediate region222. First side218and second side220include a first end224and a second end226, respectively. First end224and second end226are pivotally coupled to rear regions214of bases200and202, respectively. In the example embodiment, first end224and second226are pivotally coupled to bases200and202via hinge pins. Intermediate region222supports cover126.

Second frame member206includes a first side228, a second side230, and an intermediate region232. First side228and second side230include a first end234and a second end236, respectively. First end234and second end236are pivotally coupled to front regions216of bases200and202, respectively. Intermediate region232supports cover126.

Third frame member208includes a first side238, a second side240, and an intermediate region242. First side238and second side240define a first end244and a second end246, respectively. First end244and second end246are pivotally coupled to first side218and second side220of first frame member204, respectively, via a set of hinge brackets248. Intermediate region242facilitates the support of cover126.

Support legs210are fixably mounted to sides218and220of first frame member204via a set of brackets250. Support legs210are operative to abut rails114of boat100and to support frame126thereon, when frame126is in a collapsed position.

FIG. 3is a cross-sectional, side view of base200showing the various features and components of actuator212. In this particular example embodiment, actuator212includes a biasing mechanism300, a gear rack302, and a gear304. Biasing mechanism300is coupled to gear rack302and is operative to linearly displace rack302along an axis306. Gear rack302is further coupled to gear304such that the linear displacement of rack302along axis306causes gear304to rotate about a pin308.

Biasing mechanism300includes an electric motor310, a gear box312, bearing assembly314, a power screw316(e.g., acme screw), and a power screw nut318. Motor310is fixably mounted in base200and includes a set of electrical terminals320adapted to connect with a DC power source (e.g., a marine battery). Motor310is coupled to transfer mechanical power to gear box312in the form of high speed and low torque rotation. Gear box312converts the high-speed, low-torque power into low-speed, high-torque rotation. Furthermore, gear box312includes an output shaft322that is coupled to transfer low-speed, high-torque rotational power directly to power screw316. Bearing assembly314provides horizontal support for power screw316and facilitates its rotation with minimal friction.

Power screw316and power screw nut318, together, convert rotational motion into linear motion. In other words, the rotation of power screw316causes nut318, which is coupled to gear rack302, to move linearly along axis306. Of course, the direction in which nut318and gear rack302are displaced depends on which direction power screw316is rotated. Nut318includes an interior that is threaded to receive screw316and a substantially square exterior.

Gear rack302defines a channel324, a bore326, a set of gear teeth328, and includes a set of low-friction slide elements330. Channel324is adapted to receive nut318such that nut318is loosely seated in channel324, but cannot rotate therein. Loosely seating nut318in channel324prevents the binding of biasing mechanism300during operation. Bore326is formed completely through gear rack302and has a diameter sufficient to allow power screw316to rotate freely therein. Gear teeth328are adapted to mesh with a complementary set of gear teeth332of gear304. Slide elements330are fixed to the bottom of gear rack302so as to minimize friction between gear rack302and the bottom inside surface334of base200as gear rack302translates back and forth along axis306.

Gear304is pivotally mounted to base200by pin308and includes teeth332and a frame mounting feature336. Teeth332are adapted to mesh with teeth328such that when gear rack302is displaced along axis306, frame mounting feature336is rotated about pin308. Frame mounting feature336is adapted to mount to end234of frame member206(FIG. 2).

As shown, base200also includes a set of mounting holes338, an end cap340, a set of safety guards342, a hinge pin344, and a cutaway346. Mounting holes338facilitate the mounting of base200to rails114via threaded fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), which are not shown. End cap340is, for example, a plastic cap adapted to compression fit into base200so as to protect and cover biasing mechanism300. Safety guards342prevent unwanted objects (i.e., fingers, debris, etc.) from getting caught between gear teeth328and332. Hinge pin344pivotally mounts end224of frame member204to base200. Frame member204freely pivots within a predetermined angle about pin344. Cutaway346is formed on an upper inside surface348of base200and is adapted to abut frame member204, so as to limit the degree to which frame member204can be rotated.

Actuator212is self-locking. That is, gear304can only be rotated by rotating power screw316. For example, even if torque is applied to frame mounting feature336without turning on motor310, gear304and gear rack302will remain in a fixed position.

FIG. 4is a bottom view (underside) of flexible cover126removed from frame124. In the example embodiment, cover126is formed from conventional canvas material commonly used in the manufacturing of boat canvases. Flexible cover126includes a rear region400, an intermediate region402, and a front region404. Rear region400includes a zipper406that facilitates the attaching and removal of rear region400from intermediate region222of frame member204. Intermediate region402includes a zipper408(and an extra flap of canvas) that facilitates the attaching and removal of intermediate region402of cover126from intermediate region242of third frame member208. Front region404includes a zipper410that facilitates the attaching and removal of front region404from intermediate region232of second frame member206.

FIG. 5is a side view of awning100in a collapsed position, wherein first frame member204is in a lowered position, second frame member206is in a lowered position, and third frame member208is in a lowered position. As shown, first frame member204is supported at an angle with respect to rails114via support legs210. Accordingly, second frame member206and third frame member208are parallel to first frame member204and, therefore, also at an angle with respect to rails114. Frame member204includes a rotation limiting feature500which, in the example embodiment, is a miter cut formed at ends224and226.

FIG. 6is a side view of awning100in a first deployed position, wherein first frame member204is in the lowered position, second frame member206is in a first raised position, and third frame member208is in a first raised position. As shown, third frame member208is held in the first raised position via tension from cover126. It should be understood that when second frame member206rotates back toward the lowered position, this tension is reduced thus allowing third frame208to also rotate back toward the lowered position. Accordingly, third frame member208is positioned such that in the absence of this tension, it has the tendency to return to the lowered position under the influence of gravity. It should be understood that the self-locking feature of actuator212enables awning100to maintain any semi-deployed position wherein first frame member204is in the lowered position, second frame member206is at any position between the lowered position and the first raised position, and third frame member208is at any position between the lowered position and the raised position. Of course, the position of third frame member208depends upon the position of second frame member206.

FIG. 7is a side view of awning100in a second deployed position, wherein first frame member204is in a raised position, second frame member206is in a second raised position, and third frame member208is in the raised position.

The following example describes awning100during a typical deployment operation. Initially, first frame member204is in the lowered position, second frame member206is in the lowered position, and third frame member208is in the lowered position. Second frame member206begins to rotate towards the first raised position causing cover126to pull third frame member208into the raised position. First frame member204remains supported by legs210in the lowered position while second frame member is between the lowered position and the first raised position. As second frame member206rotates beyond the first raised position and toward the second raised position, cover126begins to pull first frame member204from the lowered position towards the raised position. First frame member204continues to rotate until it is stopped in the raised position via rotation limiting feature500. That is, the mitered surface of end224engages bottom inside surface334of base200and the top surface of end224engages cutaway346of base200. With first frame member204in the raised position and second frame member206in the second raised position, actuator212continues to rotate second frame member until first frame member204and second frame member206elastically deflect toward one another at deflection angles θ1and θ2, respectively. It is important to understand that the stored spring force caused by the elastic deflection of frame member204and frame member206substantially increases the stability of awning100. Once first frame member204and second frame member206are sufficiently deflected, power to actuator212is cutoff and the deflection is maintained, because biasing mechanism300is self-locking. Indeed, rotating second frame member206from the second raised position back to the first raised position requires driving actuator212in the reverse direction.

It is also important to understand that awning is not limited to a fixed number of deployed configurations. Rather, the number of deployed positions at which awning100can be configured is continuous between a range of positions. For example, power to actuator212can be cutoff when second frame member206is at any desired position between the first raised position and the second raised position. Of course, the position of first frame member204between the lowered position and the raised position will depend on the particular position of frame member206between the first raised position and the second raised position.

FIG. 8shows awning100in a lowered position wherein first frame member204, second frame member206, and third frame member208are fastened together via a fastening device800which, in the example embodiment, is a conventional boot known to those skilled in the art. Boot800is essentially a section of material which has some suitable fastening means (e.g., zipper, snaps, hook and loop, etc.) such that it can be wrapped and fastened around cover126, intermediate region222of first frame member204, intermediate region232of second frame member206, and intermediate region242of third frame member208. Optionally, fastening means (e.g., straps, bands, clips, etc.) that do not fully encase cover126can be used instead of boot800.

FIG. 9shows awning100in a radar position wherein first frame member204, second frame member206, and third frame member208are fastened to one another via boot800.

The following example describes an example process of putting awning100in the radar position. Initially, first frame member204is in the lowered position, second frame member206is in the lowered position, and third frame member208is in the lowered position. Then, boot800is securely fastened around cover126, intermediate region222, intermediate region232, and intermediate region242. Power is supplied to actuator212causing second frame member206to move toward the first raised position and, because they are attached by boot800, causing first frame member204to also move toward the raised position. First frame member204will move until it is stopped in the raised position by rotation limiting feature500. That is, the mitered surface of end224engages bottom inside surface334of base200, and the top surface of end224engages cutaway346of base200. With first frame member204in the raised position and second frame member206in the first raised position, actuator212continues to rotate second frame member206until first frame member204and second frame member206elastically deflect toward one another at deflection angles φ1and φ2, respectively. The stored spring force caused by the elastic deflection of first frame member204and second frame member206substantially increases the stability of awning100. Once first frame member204and second frame member206are sufficiently deflected, power to actuator212is cutoff and the deflection is maintained because biasing mechanism300is self-locking. Indeed, rotating second frame member206from the first raised position back to the lowered position requires driving actuator212in the reverse direction.

FIG. 10shows a schematic of a driving circuit1000of awning100according to one embodiment of the present invention. Circuit1000includes a radio frequency (RF) control module1002, a reversing toggle switch1004, a short stop breaker1006, motor310of base200, motor310of base202, and a battery1008of boat102.

RF module1002is adapted to receive wireless signals from a user controlled finger-operated button (FOB)1010, such that the user can control the actuation of awning100remotely. RF module1002includes a plurality of terminals1012electrically connected to reversing toggle switch1004, short stop breaker1006, motor310of base200, motor310of base202, and battery1008. Terminals1012include a first terminal1014, a second terminal1016, a third terminal1018, a fourth terminal1020, a fifth terminal1022, and a sixth terminal1024. First terminal1014of module1002is electrically connected to a first terminal1026of reversing toggle switch1004via a wire1028. Second terminal1016of module1002is electrically connected to a second terminal1030of reversing toggle switch1004via a wire1032. Third terminal1018of module1002is electrically connected to a first terminals1034of terminals320of motors310via a wire1036. Likewise, fourth terminal1020of module1002is electrically connected to a second terminal1038of terminals320of motors310via a wire1040. Accordingly, motor310of base200is wired in parallel to motor310of base202. Fifth terminal1022of module1002is electrically connected to a first terminal1042of breaker1006via a wire1044. Breaker1006also includes a second terminal1046that is electrically connected to a positive terminal1048of battery1008via a wire1050. Sixth terminal of module1002is electrically connected to a third terminal1052of switch1004and a negative terminal1054of battery1008via a wire1056.

Reverse toggle switch1004is located at a helm switch control1026of console110so as to facilitate local control of awning100. Reverse toggle switch1004is, for example, a three-position switch that operates in a forward position, a middle position, and a back position. When switch1004is in the forward position, module1002actuates motors310in the forward direction. When switch1004is in the middle position, module1002does not assert a voltage across motors310. When switch1004is in the back position, module1002actuates motors310in the reverse direction via a reverse polarity voltage.

Short stop breaker1006provides a means for stopping motors310when one or both rotors of motors310are locked. When a motor's rotor is “locked”, the motor draws substantially more current. When this current reaches the predetermined current rating of breaker1006, the power supplied to motors310is interrupted. In this manner, breaker1006cuts off the power to motors310when frame members204and206are sufficiently deflected as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 9. Indeed, breaker1006allows current to flow as frame member206is driven between positions. However, when motors310are driven after rotation limiting feature500has engaged surface334, frame members204and206become increasingly more deflected. The deflection continues to increase until finally the rotors of motors310become locked, and the locked-rotor current is sufficient to trip breaker1006, thus shutting down motors310. As previously mentioned, the self-locking feature of biasing mechanism300ensures frame members204and206remain in this deflected state when motors310are off. Not only does breaker1006provide a means for shutting down motors310when frame members204and206are sufficiently deflected, but also when awning100is properly lowered. For example, as motors310are reversed to lower frame member206, the current drawn by motors310remains under the rated current of breaker1006. Once frame member206cannot be lowered any further, the rotors of motors310become locked causing the current draw to increase, thus tripping breaker1006. Yet another function of breaker1006is that it shuts off motors310when awning100encounters an obstruction. For example, if an individual's body is between frame member204and206when frame member206is being lowered, the obstruction will cause a locked rotor scenario that trips breaker1006.

Breaker1006also serves to align the left and right sides of awning100each time awning100is fully raised or lowered. In particular, breaker1006opens in response to the combined current drawn by both motors310when their rotors are locked. If the rotor of only one motor310is locked (a first side of awning100is in the fully raised or lowered position), power will continue to be provided until the second, opposite side of awning100is also in the fully raised or lowered position. Then, the rotor on the second, opposite side of awning100also becomes locked, and the combined current from both motors opens breaker1006.

FIG. 11shows a schematic of a circuit1100of awning100according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Circuit1100includes a reversing toggle switch1102, breaker1006, motor310of base200, motor310of base202, and battery1008of boat102.

Reversing toggle switch1102includes a first terminal1104, a second terminal1106, a third terminal1108, and a fourth terminal1110. First terminal1104of switch1102is electrically connected to first terminals1034of terminals320of motors310via a wire1112. Likewise, second terminal1106of switch1102is electrically connected to second terminal1038of terminals320of motors310via a wire1114. Accordingly, motor310of base200is wired in parallel to motor310of base202. Third terminal1108of switch1102is electrically connected to negative terminal1054of battery1008via a wire1116. Fourth terminal1110of switch1102is electrically connected to first terminal1042of breaker1006via a wire1118. Second terminal1046of breaker1006is electrically connected to positive terminal1048of battery1008via a wire1120. Reversing toggle switch1102is, for example, a three-position switch that operates in a forward position, a middle position, and a back position. When switch1102is in the forward position, forward polarity voltage from battery1008is supplied to motors310thus frame member206toward the raised position. When switch1102is in the middle position, it open thus not supplying motors310with power. When switch1102is in the back position, reverse polarity voltage from battery1008is supplied to motors310thus driving frame member206toward the lowered position. Note that the functionality of breaker1006is identical for both circuit1000and circuit1100. Accordingly, the description of breaker1006with reference to circuit1100is withheld so as to avoid redundancy.

The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate mechanical drive systems (e.g., manual power screw), may be substituted for motors310. As another example, cover126could be fabricated from any type of material that produces some desirable sheltering effect such as mesh that only partially blocks sunlight. As yet another example, the bases that pivotally support the frame members could each be formed from two or more separate pieces that are mounted spaced apart from one another. In addition, it is not necessary for both frame members to be coupled to the bases. For example, one frame member can be pivotally connected to a portion of the other frame member. As yet another example, one or more alternate coupling members (e.g., straps, cords, slotted bars, etc.) can be used to couple the frame members to transfer movement from the second frame member to the first frame member. As another example, alternate features (e.g., stop pins, tracks, straps, anchors, etc.) can be used to limit the movement of the first frame member. In addition, although the present invention is described by way of example with reference to a watercraft awning, it should be understood that the invention can also be used in combination with other vehicles (e.g., golf carts, etc.) and/or structures (e.g., decks, hot tubs, etc.). These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.