Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus for wakeboard boats. The inventive apparatus enables the adjustability of the height of the cargo rack/bimini which is accomplished by lowering or raising the lower tower legs with an actuator after releasing a locking mechanism. The apparatus also includes a displacement mechanism which allows the cargo rack to be simultaneously translated and rotated. The benefit to the user is the ability to control the amount of shade/sun for the people in the general cockpit area. It also allows a user to achieve a higher walk-through height for ease of maneuvering in the boat and provides easy access to items stored on top of the cargo rack.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/711,282, filed Feb. 27, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,194, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/777,060, filed Feb. 27, 2006 wherein both applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. Further, this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/323,005, filed Apr. 12, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Still further this application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/180,542, filed Jul. 11, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,297,484 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Yet further, this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/214, 149, filed Aug. 19, 2011 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to boating equipment and accessories, and more particularly to an improved height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus for wakeboard boats and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is a truism among boating enthusiasts that there is never enough storage room on a boat. This is particularly true in wakeboarding and related water sports, where the boater may need a place to store wakeboards, surfboards, wakesurf boards, tubes, inflatables, kayaks, accessories, and/or other sport cargo. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,819 to Larson, et al. discloses a water sport towing apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,638 to Meeks describes a combination water ski and wake board rack. United States Patent Application 60060053313 by Murphy, et al. teaches a shade cover assembly adapted to be carried on a tower above the cockpit area of a pleasure boat. 
         [0005]    The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventor is aware. Reference to, and discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging Applicant&#39;s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosure of Invention 
       [0006]    The present invention provides an improved height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus for wakeboard boats and the like. The inventive apparatus enables the adjustability of the height of the cargo rack/bimini which is accomplished by lowering or raising the lower tower section with an actuator, gas spring, or tensioner cable after releasing a locking mechanism. The range in height would be approximately 20″, adjustable from 50″ to 70″ as measured at the front of the rack to the floor of the boat. The benefit to the user is the ability to control the amount of shade/sun for the people in the general cockpit area. It also allows a user to achieve a higher walk-through height for ease of maneuvering in the boat. Generally there is a trade off between the amount of sun coverage and height of the bimini portion of the rack. This feature allows the user to easily adjust the height to his/her liking. 
         [0007]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus for wakeboard boats and the like. 
         [0008]    Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention resides not in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. 
         [0009]    There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0010]    Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the national patent office(s) and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 
         [0011]    The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0012]    Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0013]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus at the upper limit position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1   a  is a side view of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus with strut extending from the wake board tower aft vertical support edge. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1   b  is a side view of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus with strut positioned adjacent the wake board tower forward vertical support edge. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus tilted. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus at the mid-height position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus at the stowed position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the cargo rack. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6   a  is a bottom view of the cargo rack 
           [0023]      FIG. 6   b  is a side view of the cargo rack displacement mechanism. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6   c  is a bottom view of the cargo rack displacement mechanism. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6   d  is a partial view of an alternate link shape connecting the tower to the cargo rack. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6   e  is top view of an alternate link shape. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6   f  is top view of an alternate link shape. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6   g  is top view of an alternate link shape. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6   h  is rear view of a mounting adapter connecting the tower to the cargo rack. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6   i  is side view of a mounting adapter connecting the tower to the cargo rack. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is the base actuator control diagram. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of the base locking mechanism. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  shows an upper side wireframe view of the base locking mechanism. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  shows an upper side wireframe view of the inboard support housing of the base locking mechanism. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  shows a wireframe view of some of the components of the base locking mechanism. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  shows a wireframe view of some of the components of the base locking mechanism. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  shows a side view of some of the components of the base locking mechanism. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  shows a wireframe view of some of the components of the base locking mechanism. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  shows a lower side wireframe view of the base locking mechanism spline. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  shows an isometric view of the base locking mechanism spline adjuster knob. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  shows an isometric view of the base locking mechanism spline adjuster shaft. 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  shows an isometric view of the base locking mechanism spline adjuster bolt. 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  shows an isometric rear view of the base locking mechanism clamp plate with a plurality of indentations. 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  shows an isometric front view of the base locking mechanism clamp plate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0045]    As disclosed herein, essential elements of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus include, but are not limited to: a tower base rigidly attached to a boat gunwale, the tower base having an actuator or gas spring; vertical supports extending from the tower base and pivotally operated by the actuator or gas spring; and a pivotally adjustable cargo rack apparatus supported by the vertical supports. As described below, the multiplicity of adjustable and pivotal features work in conjunction with each other to maximize the unique functionality of the instant apparatus. 
         [0046]    While the preferred cargo rack apparatus is presented herein, it is understood alternate embodiments may encompass cargo racks differently configured or bimini tops (such as collapsible or welded frame bimini tops) as generally used within the industry. While these alternate cargo rack apparatus embodiments may present elements of the instant invention, it is understood that they are not necessarily the equivalent to the cargo rack of the preferred embodiment of the instant invention or of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus of the instant invention. 
         [0047]    Height Adjustable Tower 
         [0048]    As shown at least in  FIG. 1-20 , the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus  500  includes at least one wakeboard tower  514  and integrated tower mount  590  wherein the integrated tower mount  590  is pivotally connected to a tower base  595 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a wakeboard tower  514  connected to a integrated tower mount  590  which is connected to a tower base  595   a  which itself is connected to a boat  512  gunwale at the port side of the boat and a wakeboard tower  514  connected to a integrated tower mount  590  which is connected to a tower base  595   b  which itself is connected to a boat  512  gunwale at the starboard side of the boat. 
         [0050]    As shown at least in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  5 , the wakeboard tower  514  includes an interconnecting upper end horizontal support  515  which extends from the wakeboard tower  514  portion adjacent the port side gunnel (aka gunwale) to wakeboard tower  514  portion adjacent the starboard side gunnel (aka gunwale). 
         [0051]    Whereas tower bases  595   a,    595   b,  integrated tower mounts  590   a,    590   b,  and towers  514   a ,  514   b  are respectively symmetrical with the exception that they are designed for their specific port or starboard location on the boat, within the present application they are respectively designated tower base  595 , integrated tower mount  590 , and tower  514  unless noted otherwise. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , each wakeboard tower  514  includes a forward vertical support edge  516  pivotally connected to the integrated tower mount  590  at pivot joint  516   a,  and an aft vertical support edge  518  which is pivotally connected to both the upper rear of the housing of tower base  595  and to integrated tower mount  590  at aft pivot joint  518   a.    
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the tower base  595  further includes a base actuator  592  extendably and retractably attached at a base actuator first end at pivot joint  516   a  positioned at the fore portion of the lower portion of integrated tower mount  590  and at a base actuator second end to the tower base aft lower portion  597 . Tower base  595  further includes a tower base support,  597   a  extending from the tower base lower portion to the tower base upper portion. 
         [0054]      FIG. 1  shows the base actuator  592  in a fully extended position (cargo rack at the upper height limit) and  FIG. 4  shows the base actuator  592  in a fully retracted position (cargo rack stowed position) with the wakeboard tower  514  respectively shown positioned in correspondence with the position of the base actuator  592 . 
         [0055]    The base actuator  592  of the preferred embodiment is an electromechanical actuator however it is understood the actuator may, for alternative embodiments, be of an alternative type such as a hydraulic actuator, a electro-hydraulic, a pneumatic actuator, a electro-pneumatic actuator, or gas spring, compressed spring, or similar displacement producing component. 
         [0056]    The tower base  595  also includes a base locking mechanism  594 , as shown at least in  FIGS. 7-20 . The base locking mechanism  594  includes a base locking mechanism inboard support housing  600  attached to the integrated tower mount  590  at the aft pivot joint  518   a  which therefore allows the integrated tower mount  590  to rotate with respect to the tower base  595 ; a base locking mechanism cam lever  605 ; a base locking mechanism clamp threaded adjuster knob  610 ; a base locking mechanism spline  615  having a plurality of spline teeth  615   a  and a plurality of base locking mechanism pin holes  615   b;  a plurality of base locking mechanism pins  620 ; a base locking mechanism main shaft  630 ; a base locking mechanism adjuster bolt  640 ; a base locking mechanism clamp plate  650  having a plurality of base locking mechanism clamp plate indentions  650   a;  a plurality of base locking mechanism bearings  665 ; a plurality of base locking mechanism springs  670 ; a plurality of base locking mechanism washers  685 ; a base locking mechanism fastener  687 , a base locking mechanism cam lever pin  689 , and a base locking mechanism outboard support housing  690  for attachment to the tower base  595 , the base locking mechanism outboard support housing  690  including a plurality of housing teeth  690   a.  The junction of the base locking mechanism inboard support housing  600  and the base locking mechanism outboard support housing  690  establish the aforementioned aft pivot joint  518   a.    
         [0057]    A unique feature of the base locking mechanism  594  is that it can be unlocked to allow the tower  514  to be tilted about aft pivot joint  518   a  and re-locked once the tower  514  is in the desired position. 
         [0058]    With the base locking mechanism  594  assembled as shown in  FIGS. 7-20 , in the unlocked base position the base locking mechanism cam lever  605  is positioned to allow the free rotation of the base locking mechanism inboard support housing  600  with respect to the base locking mechanism outboard support housing  690 . 
         [0059]    In the unlocked position, within the base locking mechanism  594  the base locking mechanism spline teeth  615   a  are held apart from the base locking mechanism outboard support housing teeth  690   a  thereby allowing the rotation of the tower  514  through out a range of positions including fully extended to fully retracted or stowed. The interacting surface areas provided by the base locking mechanism outboard support housing teeth  690   a  and the base locking mechanism spline teeth  615   a  imbue the instant invention with the ability to withstand extreme loading conditions such as when the boat is towing a wakeboarder. Further, the spline teeth configuration, in conjunction with the base locking mechanism bearings  665  and unique base locking mechanism  594  assemblage as shown in  FIG. 8  provides the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus  500  with robust and distinctive wakeboader towing capacity. 
         [0060]    In the locked base position the locking mechanism cam lever  605  is positioned to prohibit the free rotation of the locking mechanism inboard support housing  600  with respect to the base locking mechanism outboard support housing  690 . 
         [0061]    In the locked position, within the base locking mechanism  594  the locking mechanism spline teeth  615   a  are held against the outboard support housing teeth  690   a  thereby preventing rotation of the locking mechanism inboard support housing  600  with respect to the base locking mechanism outboard support housing  690  and thereby preventing rotation of the tower  514 . 
         [0062]    Tower Height Adjustment Operation 
         [0063]      FIGS. 1  thru  4  show the operation of the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus  500  from the fully extended position ( FIG. 1 ) to the retracted and stowed position ( FIG. 4 ). When the wakeboard towers  514  are in the maximum upright position (fully extended position), the upper ends of the wakeboard towers  514  are at their furthest distance from the gunwale of the boat  512 . The base locking mechanism  594  of the tower base  590  is locked to hold the wakeboard towers  514  in the maximum upright position. 
         [0064]    With the release of the base locking mechanism  594  on each of the two tower bases  595  the lower section of each tower  514  can be pivoted about aft pivot joints  518   a  to allow each tower  514  to tilt forward and downward towards the gunwale of the boat  512 . 
         [0065]    The movement of the lower section of each tower  514  is determined by operation of the base actuator  592  which is controlled via a base actuator control switch  592   a.  The base actuator control switch  592   a  includes operating functions which allow the bi-directional unison incremental tilting of the towers  514  as well as the bi-directional unison tilting of the towers  514  to preset height positions. Where non-powered base actuators (such as gas springs or compressed springs) are used, the weight of the load (cargo rack and vertical supports plus anything stored on the cargo rack) will determine the movement of the lower section of the towers  514 . 
         [0066]    The base actuator control switch  592   a  switch is provided either on the tower base  595 , a dashboard control panel  592   c  of the boat  512 , or at a location most suitable for boat users. 
         [0067]    The base actuator  592  is connected to a base actuator safety stop switch  592   b  which cuts power to the base actuator  592  in the event that there is a person or persons in the area that the towers  514  moves. The base actuator safety stop switch  592   b  is provided either on the tower base  595 , the dashboard control panel  592   c  of the boat  512 , or at a location most suitable for boat users. The base actuator safety stop switch  592   b  may be one or more simple “kill” switches or one or more proximity switches which electrically sense the presence of a person or object. 
         [0068]    The placement of the aft pivot point  518   a  at the upper rear of the tower base  595 , as shown in at least in  FIGS. 15 , is an essential element in the pivotal movement of the tower  514 . This optimized location of aft pivot joint  518   a  allows the vertical support edge  516  to pivot down with minimal forward movement of the overall cargo rack apparatus  500 . The bottom portion of the lower section of each tower  514  lowers into the housing of the respective tower base  595  when the tower  514  is folded down. 
         [0069]    Height Adjustable Cargo Rack 
         [0070]    As shown at least in  FIGS. 1-6  of the preferred embodiment the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus of the instant invention further includes a cargo rack apparatus  500  supported by the upper ends of both the forward vertical support edge  516  near pivot joint  519  of each tower  514  upper end. 
         [0071]    Note pivot joint  519  may be positioned in a variety of selected locations at the tower  514  upper end. As shown in  FIGS. 1-4  the pivot joint  519  is provided at the aft portion of each tower  514  upper end. 
         [0072]    As shown at least in  FIGS. 1-4 , the cargo rack apparatus  500  is pivotally and adjustably attached to each tower upper end pivot joint  519  (a releasable pivot joint) and at least one strut  568  as further described herein. The strut  568  may be a rigid link, an adjustable link, or an actuator similar to base actuator  592 . 
         [0073]    In the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 , the at least one strut  568  is positioned adjacent the wake board tower aft vertical support edge  518 . 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIG. 1   a , the at least one strut  568  can be positioned to extend from the wake board tower aft vertical support edge  518 . 
         [0075]    Alternatively as shown in  FIG. 1   b , the strut  568  can be positioned adjacent the wake board tower forward vertical support edge  516 . 
         [0076]    Further, strut  568  can be positioned directly on either edge ( 516 ,  518 ) or at any location in between the edges ( 516 ,  518 ). 
         [0077]    Also, it is understood the shape of strut  568  may be modified such that its shape allows the appropriate cargo rack displacement and pivoting as further described herein. For example link  568  may take the form of an “S” shape,  568   a,  as shown in  FIGS. 6   d  and  6   e , “C” shape,  568   b,  as shown in  FIG. 6   f , “Z” shape,  568   c,  as shown in  FIG. 6   g  or as needed to provide the cargo rack  510  with pivotal attachment to the wake board tower  514  while also allowing translation of the cargo rack  510 . 
         [0078]    As shown at least in  FIGS. 6 ,  6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c , the cargo rack apparatus  500  includes a cargo rack apparatus interior volume  532 , and one or more connected peripheral rails  522  including a cargo rack fore interconnecting rail  523   a,  a cargo rack aft interconnecting rail  523   b,  a cargo rack apparatus front rail  524 , a cargo rack apparatus port side rail  525 , a cargo rack apparatus back rail  526 , a cargo rack apparatus starboard side rail  527 . Cargo rack apparatus  500  further includes port wall support  528  and starboard wall support  530 . 
         [0079]    Cargo rack apparatus  500  further includes wherein the fore interconnecting rail  523   a  and the aft interconnecting rail  523   b  interconnect opposing wall supports  528 ,  530  and also cooperate to provide a support surface for stored items. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6   a  the cargo rack  510  may be of varying width. In the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 5 , the cargo rack  510  width can exceed the port gunnel to starboard gunnel width at the junction where the tower bases  595  meet the boat gunnel  512 . 
         [0081]    Alternatively the cargo rack  510  width may equal the approximate centerline of the port gunnel to starboard gunnel width at the junction where the tower bases  595  meet the boat gunnel  512 . 
         [0082]    Further the cargo rack  510  width can be less than the port gunnel to starboard gunnel width at the junction where the tower bases  595  meet the boat gunnel  512  such that the cargo rack  510 , if unobstructed, could swing within the wakeboard tower  514 . Importantly, the cargo rack  510  width of this configuration is not required to swing within the wakeboard tower but rather the cargo rack  510  is dimensioned such that it would fit within the port gunnel to starboard gunnel width at the junction where the tower bases  595  meet the boat gunnel  512 . 
         [0083]    A ski tow  520  is provided on the cargo rack apparatus back rail  526 . 
         [0084]    Cargo Rack Displacement and Pivoting 
         [0085]    Positioned on each of the support walls  528 ,  530  is a first cargo rack displacement mechanism  700  and a second cargo rack displacement mechanism  800 . 
         [0086]    Note all elements of the first cargo rack displacement mechanism  700  and a second cargo rack displacement mechanism  800  are the same and the numbering of the elements are intended to be the same except the first cargo rack displacement mechanism has  700  series element numbering and second cargo rack displacement mechanism has  800  series element numbering. For example element  714   a  of the first cargo rack displacement mechanism  700  is understood to be of the same construction as element  814   a  of the second cargo rack displacement mechanism  800 . 
         [0087]    The first displacement mechanism  700  includes a first worm drive system  710  and a locking system  720 . 
         [0088]    As shown in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c , the first worm drive system  710  includes a first worm  711  positioned within first mounting tracks  712  which are positioned along the wall supports  528 ,  530 . The first mounting tracks  712  include holes  712   a  extending along the length of the tracks  712 . 
         [0089]    The first worm drive system  710  further includes first worm gearing  714   a  positioned on a first rack connector  714 . 
         [0090]    The first rack connector worm gearing  714   a  includes teeth which interface with the first worm  711  to transmit force. 
         [0091]    The first rack connector  714  further includes an attachment point  714   b  for connecting the first displacement mechanism  700  to strut  568  as shown at least in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 6   c , the first rack connector  714  also includes multi-position holes  714   c  for securing a displacement mechanism locking pin  717 . 
         [0093]    The second displacement mechanism  800  includes a second worm drive system  810  and may include a locking system  820 . 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c , the second worm drive system  810  includes a second worm  811  positioned within second mounting tracks  812  which are positioned along the wall supports  528 ,  530 . The second mounting tracks  812  may include holes  812   a  extending along the length of the second mounting tracks  812 . 
         [0095]    The second worm drive system  810  further includes second worm gearing  814   a  positioned on a second rack connector  814 . 
         [0096]    The second rack connector worm gearing  814   a  includes teeth which interface with the second worm  811  to transmit force. 
         [0097]    The second rack connector  814  further includes an attachment point  814   b  for connecting the second displacement mechanism  800  to the tower upper end pivot joint  519  as shown at least in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0098]    As shown in  FIG. 6   c , the second rack connector  814  also may include multi-position holes  814   c  for securing a displacement mechanism locking pin  817 . 
         [0099]    Alternatively the first worm  711  and second worm  811  may be formed integral (not shown) and positioned within single a mounting track (not shown) formed by combining the first mounting tracks  712  with the second mounting tracks  812 . If needed the applicable rack connector worm gear teeth  714   a,    814   a  may be modified to ensure appropriate synchronized operation of the rack connectors  714 ,  814  to allow the cargo rack  510  to displace, translate, and pivot as desired. 
         [0100]    Further it is understood the first and second displacement mechanisms  700 ,  800  may be comprised of alternate mechanisms which provide a means for translating, pivoting, and locking the cargo rack with respect to the tower. The alternate mechanisms include but are not limited to rack and pinion drive mechanisms, bevel gear arrangements, wire guided arrangement, sliding track arrangement, etc. 
         [0101]    Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 6   h  and  6   i  a mounting adapter  569  may be provided as an interface between the tower  514  and the second cargo rack displacement mechanism  800 . In this configuration the second rack connector  814  is pivotally attached to the mounting adapter  569  which is rigidly attached to the tower  514 . 
         [0102]    Importantly, as the cargo rack  510  width is varied (as previously discussed) the angular alignment of the mounting tracks  712 ,  812  must be adjusted to allow proper translation and pivoting of the cargo rack  510 . Further the shape of the tower  514  (such as the “A” shape of  FIG. 5 ) may require the mounting tracks be positioned at an angle which minimizes binding of the displacement mechanisms  700 ,  800 . 
         [0103]    The use of mounting adapter  569  also aids in aligning the second mounting tracks  812  (which houses the second rack connector  814 ) to minimize binding of the displacement mechanisms  800  and allow proper translation and pivoting of the cargo rack  510 . 
         [0104]    Operation of the Displacement Mechanism 
         [0105]    In the preferred embodiment, the first worm  711 , as mounted within the first mounting tracks  712 , is free to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise. As the first rack connector worm gear teeth  714   a  are pushed against first worm  711  it rotates allowing the first rack connector  714  to translate along the length of the applicable first mounting track  712 . The first worm  711  may also be powered by a drive unit (not shown) which provides a means for rotating the first worm  711 . 
         [0106]    The second worm  811 , as mounted within the second mounting tracks  812 , is free to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise. As the second rack connector worm gear teeth  814   a  are pushed against second worm  811 , the second worm  811  rotates allowing the second rack connector  814  to translate along the length of the applicable second mounting track  812 . The second worm  811  may also be powered by a drive unit (not shown) which provides a means for rotating the second worm  811 . 
         [0107]    As the first rack connectors  714  translate along the first mounting track  712  the cargo rack  510  pivots about the strut  568 , tilting the cargo rack  510  down and up while the second rack connectors  814  translate along the mounting track  812 , lowering and raising the cargo rack  510  while in the tilted position, and the cargo rack  510  pivots about the tower upper end pivot joint  519 . 
         [0108]    Once the cargo rack  510  is properly positioned locking pins  717  are inserted through both the mounting rack holes  712   a  and the rack connector multi-position holes  714   c  to hold the cargo rack  510  in the desired position. 
         [0109]    Cargo Rack Height Adjustment Operation 
         [0110]    The cargo rack apparatus  500  adjustably pivots upward and downward about the strut  568  and the tower upper end pivot joint  519  thereby providing a variation in the height of the cargo rack apparatus&#39; front wall  524  and back wall  526  as well as the height and position of the ski tow  520 . 
         [0111]    The fore and aft as well as upward and downward rake motion range of the cargo rack apparatus  500  provides the ability to adjust the effective height of the cargo rack apparatus  500  which allows user to control the amount of coverage from the harmful rays of the sun which can cause skin cancer or to protect boaters from wind and rain. Further, this unique range of movement of the cargo rack apparatus  500  allows users to adjust the bow-to-stern walk-through height as desired, as well as provides for lowering the cargo rack into the tilted position for easy access to stored equipment. 
         [0112]    The tilting of the lower section of each tower  514  controls the height of the cargo rack apparatus  500 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-4  the tilting of the cargo rack apparatus  500  can be adjusted in coordination with the tilting of the tower  514  or the cargo rack apparatus  500  can be tilted independently of the tilting of the tower  514 . 
         [0113]    Further Operation Using the Struts 
         [0114]    The struts  568  adjustably allow for the adjustment of the rake or angle of the cargo rack apparatus  500  and its interconnected peripheral rails. 
         [0115]    This adjustability allows, for example, the boater to position the tow point ( 520 ) at the maximum height position so that wake boarders get higher in the air when doing maneuvers while also positioning the cargo rack apparatus  500  in the lowest position with the front wall  524  closest to the boat deck to simultaneously provide boat passengers maximum coverage from the sun, wind, and rain thereby enhancing the boating experience for all participants. 
         [0116]      FIGS. 1-4  presents the height adjustable tower with integrated cargo rack apparatus  500  of the instant invention as it transitions from the fully extended position shown in  FIG. 1  to the fully retracted position (stowed) as shown in  FIG. 4 . This allows users to vary the tower height (and thereby the cargo rack apparatus  500  height) and/or vary the cargo rack apparatus  500  rake or pitch angle and thereby adjust the ski tow attachment point). 
         [0117]    The foregoing disclosure is sufficient to enable one having skill in the art to practice the invention without undue experimentation, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. 
         [0118]    Accordingly, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.