Patent Publication Number: US-9409628-B2

Title: Suspended boat cover

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/426,241, filed Apr. 18, 2009, which issued on Dec. 10, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,601.971, and which also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Appln. No. 61/046,159, filed Apr.18, 2008, the entirety of each of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an improved boat cover and more particularly to a boat cover carried by a support frame or the like that is better able to resist wind and wave action. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional boat covers, including those that are custom made, must be manually taken completely off, placed on the dock or ground nearby, and thereafter put back each time a boat is used, which is extremely time consuming and tedious. In addition, placing the cover on the dock or ground while the boat is being used can result in the cover collecting dirt and other debris, which can be deposited on and into the boat when the cover is put back on after use. 
     In the past, others have tried to make covering and uncovering a boat faster and more convenient by mounting the cover to overhead structure typically used to support a roof of a dock. An example of such a boat cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,105. In other known boat cover arrangements, the cover is vertically movable by a user from a position where it covers the boat to another position where the boat is uncovered enabling it to be used. Examples of such boat covers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,019,212; 5,086,799 and 5,709,501. 
     One known boat cover arrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,194,976 employs a boat cover that is horizontally movable along a track attached to beams that support a roof of a dock between a covered position where the cover overlies a boat in the water underlying the roof and an uncovered position where the cover is moved away from the boat uncovering the boat enabling the boat to be used. There is a zipper assembly that enables the rear edges of the panels that make up the cover to be joined together along the back of the boat. While this boat cover arrangement has enjoyed considerable commercial success, improvements nonetheless remain desirable. 
     For example, when in the covered position, the boat cover loosely hangs downwardly over the boat enabling bugs, pollen and other matter to get between the boat hull and the cover. Relative movement between the boat and cover due to wave and wind action can mash and grind this material such that it coats the hull, defeating the very purpose the cover is supposed to fulfill. In addition to requiring more frequent cleaning of the outer surface of the boat hull in areas typically covered by the cover, this relative movement can accelerate wear and tear on the cover, necessitating more frequent and costly replacement. 
     As a result, improvements to this boat cover arrangement are desired that overcomes these disadvantages. In addition, it is desired to provide a cover that is more versatile and convenient to use. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a boat cover for a suspended boat cover system for covering a boat in a slip of a dock. The cover is configured to be form fitting and to accommodate movement in a manner that minimizes relative movement between the cover and boat to which it is attached thereby preventing wear and tear on both. In addition, an arrangement for tightening the bottom of the cover against the hull not only helps prevent relative motion between the cover and boat but it also helps keep insects and other debris from getting in between the cover and the boat. The cover can also be configured with an integral solar powered trickle charging marine battery charging arrangement. 
     The cover is made of a pair of cover panels of a durable, weather resistant fabric or other material. The panels can be formed of a single panel having a fold line disposed at the front of the boat or a pair of segments joined together by a seam or the like. Fitting seams help conform the cover to the shape of the boat making it more difficult for relative movement to occur between the cover and boat. A cinching arrangement is employed to constrict or urge a bottom portion of the cover against the hull about the periphery of the hull thereby helping to ensure the cover and boat move as one while keeping insects and other debris out. Elastic or elastomeric hanger straps can be used to hang the cover from a track of the suspended cover system, where a track is employed. 
     The cover can have shirring or the like that tends to pull the cover against the hull of the boat, at least along the front or bow section of the boat. Such shirring can be of elastic or elastomeric construction and be sewn onto or along the boat cover, including along an interior surface thereof. The cinching arrangement can be used in addition to or in lieu of such shirring. The cinching arrangement includes a line, such as a rope, that is slidably received in a sleeve of the cover that extends about a bottom portion of the cover. The cinching arrangement includes a ratchet that engages the line to releasably tighten the line, and hence the bottom of the cover, against the hull about the bottom periphery of the cover. Because the cover panels are joined together along their rear edges at the stern of the boat by a releasable fastener arrangement, a clip or buckle is provided that releasably joins one section of the cinching line to another section of the cinching line. 
     At least one fitting scam joins the cover panels together and follows a contour along a top surface of the boat, such as the foredeck section, windshield and cabin, where so equipped. Such a fitting seam extends downwardly from a reinforced section that extends the length of the panels along the top of the cover. The fitting seam extends downwardly at an angle to track or follow the contour of at least a portion of the top of the boat along a portion of the front of the boat. Together, with the cinching arrangement, a fit is achieved that tightly or snugly fits the boat being covered thereby minimizing and substantially preventing relative movement between the cover and the boat. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cover includes a fitting seam that extends along a gunwale of the boat and which does not join one cover panel to the other cover panel. The fitting seam extends along the stern and passenger or cabin section of the boat and has a downwardly angled section that extends downwardly toward the bow of the boat. The downwardly angled section includes a pair of divergent seams that each extend from a fore section of the boat that is downstream of the bow but adjacent the windshield or cabin of the boat. Each divergent fitting seam of one cover panel converges toward and meets or connects to the corresponding divergent fitting seam of the other cover panel. The divergent or angled fitting seams help form fit the cover for the shape of bow of the particular boat to which the cover is designed to attach. This too helps prevent relative movement between the cover and boat. 
     Each cover panel also has at least one vent attached to it that enables venting the interior of the cover. This not only prevents mold and mildew but also advantageously reduces the pressure differential caused by wind blowing over the boat. Reducing pressure differential reduces the magnitude of the wind force acting on the cover, which also reduces relative movement between the cover and boat. Such a vent can be equipped with a plurality of louvers that help scoop or direct wind through a plurality of apertures arranged in a plurality of rows. A screen overlies the vent apertures along the interior of the cover to help prevent bugs and other debris from getting inside the cover. In a preferred embodiment, each cover panel has a plurality of vents spaced apart along a longitudinal direction relative to the boat and disposed over a cabin or passenger area where the cover tends to hang down and not be in direct contact with the boat. 
     The cover can be equipped with a generally triangular section above the foredeck and/or windshield that interconnects a main portion of the cover and a reinforced section that extends adjacent to and along the track. In one preferred embodiment, the generally triangular section is imperforate and serves to help deflect wind impinging against the boat and cover. In another preferred embodiment, the section that extends above the foredeck has a plurality of windows in it that allow wind to pass through thereby reducing the force of the wind tending to try to move the cover and/or boat. Such a perforate or windowed construction advantageously helps maximize stability by minimize the impact of the force of the wind exerted against that portion of the cover. 
     In use, the cover is grasped at its rear end and walked to extend it substantially along the full length of the boat. The rear edges of the cover can be fastened together using the releasable fastener arrangement. The buckle or clip is engaged to connect one cinching line to the other. A ratchet or other tightening arrangement of the cinching arrangement is manipulated to tighten the line around the bottom of the hull. Thereafter, wave action that causes the boat to drop relative to the track stretches the elastic or elastomeric hanger straps thereby minimizing the upwards force applied by the straps that tend to want to cause the cover to move upwardly relative to the boat. This advantageously minimizes relative cover movement. Where the boat and cover are experiencing applied force due to high or heavy winds, the vents reduce such applied forces by advantageously reducing the differential between pressure inside the cover and outside the cover. Where the boat and cover are experiencing applied force due to high or heavy windows, windows in the cover section above the foredeck minimize applied force by allowing at least some of the wind to pass through the windows. 
    
    
     
       DRAWING DESCRIPTION 
       Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a boat in a slip with a boat cover system that includes a track upon which a boat cover constructed in accordance with the present invention is movably hung and in an open position; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the boat cover system with the cover in a closed position covering the boat; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a front perspective view of the boat and cover with the cover covering a front or fore section of the boat with a fitting seam tracking a foredeck or top-front portion of the boat; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a front perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a boat cover constructed in accordance with the present invention that includes windows in a section of the boat cover overlying the foredeck and/or windshield that interconnects the cover with a reinforced track-attached boat cover section. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the boat with the cover attached; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of the boat with the cover attached and a releasable fastener arrangement closed, joining together a pair of panels that form the cover along the rear panel edges; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective fragmentary view of a top portion of the cover illustrating a reinforced top segment of the cover hanging by hanger straps from carrier tabs hanging from rollers that engage an overhead track; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation view of an access pocket in the cover in which a cinching arrangement is disposed; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation view of the cinching arrangement access pocket with a flap overlying the access pocket; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a rear portion of the cover that is disposed along the stern of the boat illustrating a releasable fastening arrangement used to join the rear edges of the cover panels in an open position; 
         FIG. 10  is the enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the rear portion of the cover of  FIG. 9  with the fastening arrangement beginning to join the cover panels together along their rear edges; 
         FIG. 11  is the enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the rear portion of the cover of  FIG. 9  with the fastening arrangement closed; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the cinching arrangement and line that extends about the bottom periphery of the boat cover enabling the cover to be snugly tightened against the hull about its bottom periphery; 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary front elevation view of a portion of the rear cover fastening arrangement illustrating a preferred embodiment of a security arrangement for securing the cover to a boat; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective front outside view of a wind-pressure differential reducing vent attached to one of the cover panels; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevation view of the vent of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the vent shown in  FIG. 14  taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a boat cover constructed in accordance with the present invention with an integrated solar power boat battery charger formed as part of the cover. 
     
    
    
     Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description and illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-16  illustrate a boat cover system  20  that includes a track  22  along which rides a boat cover  24  constructed in accordance with the present invention so it relatively snugly fits a boat  26  being covered in a manner that better protects the boat  26 , that prevents insects and other debris from getting under the cover  24  onto a hull  28  of the boat  26 , and that maximizes the life of the cover  24 . A boat cover  24  constructed in accordance with the present invention fits the boat  26  in a manner where the cover  24  and boat  26  move substantially in unison despite being subjected to wind and waves while the cover  24  is attached to the track  22 . In at least one embodiment, the boat cover  24  is detachable from the track  22  so it can remain covering the boat  26  during transport or storage at a location away from the water. 
     The boat  26  is shown in a slip  30  of a dock  32  that has a roof  34  overlying the dock  32  and the boat  26 , when in the slip  30 . The boat cover system  20  employs a plurality of spaced apart track hangar assemblies  36  that are attached to or otherwise carried by part of an existing framework  38  of or for the dock roof  34 . For example, in the drawing figures, each track hangar assembly  36  is attached to spaced apart beams  40  that underlie and support the roof  34 . The roof support beams  40  extend generally horizontally and are attached to vertically extending posts  42  that extend upwardly from the dock  32  on either side of the boat  26 . As is shown in the drawing figures, each track hanger assembly  36  includes a clamp  44  that attaches to a leg  46  of one of the roof support beams  40  from which a connecting rod  48 , such as a tie rod or the like, extends. The connecting rod  48  attaches to a track-coupling collar  52  into which opposed ends of sections  50  of track  22  are telescopically received. If desired, other types and configurations of track hanger assemblies can be used. 
     While a dock roof  34  is shown in the drawing figures, it is contemplated that a boat cover  24  constructed in accordance with the present invention can be used with boat docks lacking a roof. For example, it is contemplated that the boat cover  24  can be used as part of a boat cover system that includes track-supporting framework (not shown) that is installed at the time of installation of the rest of system. Such track-supporting framework can include vertically extending posts and horizontally extending beams similar to the framework  38  used to support the dock roof  34  shown in the drawing figures. Of course, it is contemplated that other track-supporting framework arrangements, including dedicated track-supporting framework arrangements, can be used. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the track  22  extends the length of the boat  26 . The track  22  extends forwardly of the bow of the boat  26  a sufficient length thereby enabling the cover  24  to be moved to an out-of-the-way cover storage position, such as is shown in  FIG. 1 . The track  22  extends at least to the stern of the boat  26  thereby enabling the cover  24  to be moved from the storage position shown in  FIG. 1  to a covered position where the cover  24  encompasses the entire boat  26 , such as is shown in  FIG. 2 . As is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the track  22  can extend outwardly beyond the stern of the boat  26 . 
     The cover  24  is attached by a suspension arrangement  54  that includes a plurality of pairs of hanger straps  56  that each have one end connected to a top reinforced section  58  of the cover  24  and each have an opposite end attached to rollers  60  ( FIG. 6 ) that engage the track  22 . The rollers  60  can be fixed to a line or cord (not shown) that extends around a driven pulley  62  that is driven by a manipulable operating cord  64  that extends around a drive pulley  66  carried by a yoke  68  anchored to the dock  32  that can be of a construction similar to a traverse-rod type curtain drive system. Such a track and roller arrangement can be constructed the same as or similar to the track and roller arrangement shown and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,194,976, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein. If desired, no cords or lines need be used as the cover  24  can be pulled by a user with the hanger straps  56  pulling rollers along the track  22  between the storage and covered positions as the user walks along the boat  26  from the bow to the stern. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , each roller  60  includes a pair of wheels  70  between which downwardly extends a hanger tab  72  to which an upper hook  74 , such as the S-shaped hook shown, is engaged. The upper hook  74  is attached to the hanger strap  56 , which is attached by a lower hook  76 , such as another S-shaped hook, to a shackle or link  78  that is attached to the reinforced track attachment enabling section  58  of the cover  24 . Shackle or link  78  extends through a reinforcing grommet  80  in the reinforced cover section  58 . 
     The strap  56  is constructed and arranged to be able to elongate when placed under tension, e.g. stretched, to accommodate boat displacement due to the force of wind acting on the boat cover  24  and/or boat  26  as well as displacement of the boat  24  and cover due to wave action or the like. As such, each strap  56  is preferably made of an elastic or elastomeric material. As a result, displacement of the boat  26  outwardly away from the track  22  to the point where the strap  56  is in tension causes the strap  56  to stretch to keep the cover  24  moving downwardly in unison with the boat  26 . This advantageously prevents boat cover wear and tear as well as helping to ensure that a tight fit between the cover  24  and the boat  26  is maintained in a wide variety of wind and wave conditions. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawing figures, the strap  56  is composed of rubber, such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) or another suitable elastic or elastomeric material. In one preferred embodiment, the strap  56  is an elastic or elastomeric bungee cord. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the cover  24  extended to the covered position and attached to the boat  26  in a relatively, tight fitting, snug manner such that the boat  26  and cover  24  move substantially in unison when the boat  26  is moved side to side and up-and-down due to wave and wind action. As a result of a cover  24  constructed in accordance with the present invention be configured to snugly fit the boat  26  to which is attached when covered, insects and other debris cannot get between the cover  24  and hull of the boat  26  thereby keeping the boat  26  cleaner. In addition, by minimizing and preferably substantially preventing relative movement, e.g. rubbing, between the cover  24  and the boat  26  from occurring, boat cover life is maximized and damage to the hull of the boat  26  is minimized. 
     To help achieve such a desirably snug fit, the cover  24  is tailored based upon the shape of the hull  28  of the boat  26 . For example, in the preferred cover embodiment shown in the drawing figures, the cover  24  is cut, configured and sewn to conform the shape of the boat hull  28 . In this regard, the cover  24  is custom fitted to the hull  28  based upon the boat type and/or hull type. Examples of hulls suitable to which a cover  24  constructed in accordance with the present invention can be adapted to cover include planing and displacement hulls, such as flat bottom boats, round bottom boats, deep-V hull boats, tri-hull or cathedral hull boats, tunnel hull boats, tunnel vee hull boats, vee hull boats, and pontoon boats. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5 , the cover  24  has a pair of sides or panels  25 ,  27  that go around corresponding port and starboard sides  29 ,  31  of the boat  26  when the cover  24  is being maneuvered to cover the boat  26 . The panels  25 ,  27  can be formed of two pieces of material joined together along the front of the cover  24  to form a fold line that is located at the bow of the boat  26  when put on the boat  26 . In another cover embodiment, the panels  25 ,  27  can be formed of a single piece of fabric or material that has a fold line or is folded or bent about the bow of the boat  26 . The cover  24  is made of a durable, weather resistant fabric or material, like polyester or woven acrylic. If desired, depending on the climate and other factors, the cover  24  can less preferably be made of canvas, such as cotton canvas or polyester canvas, a polyester-cotton blend, or vinyl with a denim backing. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 5 , rear edges  33 ,  35  of each side  29 ,  31  engage to secure the cover  24  around a stern  37  of the boat  26 . The combination of being able to tighten a bottom skirt  39  of the cover  24  around the hull  28  along with strategically located hemming and seams enable the cover  24 , as discussed in more detail below, to be form fitted to the hull  28  of the specific type of boat for which the cover  24  is designed to cover. 
     As is best shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the cover  24  includes a bottom hem region  80  that includes a hem  82  that extends along a bottom edge or margin of the cover  24 . The cover  24  is configured so the bottom edge of the cover  24  is disposed above the water in the slip  30  so that water will not be drawn between the cover  24  and boat hull  28 . The bottom hem region  80  can be composed of an elastic material that can be disposed within an interior surface of a layer of fabric or material from which the cover  24  can be constructed. This can be or can include an elastic gathering or shirring that extends along or about the bottom edge of the cover  24 . For example, one or more strips of elastic gathering or shirring can be sewn into an interior surface of the cover  24 . In one embodiment, elastic gathering or shirring material extends at least along the bottom edge of the cover  24  along at least the bow  84  of the boat hull  28  and can extend along a portion of each side of the hull  28  as well. In one embodiment, such elastic gathering or shirring material extends substantially about the entire bottom periphery of the cover along the front and both sides of the boat hull  28 . Elastic gathering or shirring material can also be attached to the cover  24  above the bottom hem region  80  in addition to or in lieu of elastic gathering or shirring material in or along the bottom hem region  80 . 
     The use of such elastic gathering or shirring advantageously helps pull the bottom portion of the cover  24  against the hull  28  thereby preventing debris, insects and other objects from getting between the cover  24  and hull  28  along the bottom edge of the cover  24 . In addition, this helps frictionally retain the cover  24  on the hull  28  in a manner that helps ensure that the cover  24  will move substantially in unison with the boat  26  as the boat  26  bobs up and down and rocks back and forth due to wave action. Such frictional retention also minimizes relative movement between the cover  24  and boat  26  thereby minimizing wear and tear of the cover  24  and/or boat  26  that occurs with prior art covers. 
     As is best shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the bottom hem region  80  is defined by a pair of elongate side-by-side seams  86 ,  88  that extend at least along the bow  84  of the hull and along at least a portion of each side of the hull  28  as in the manner discussed above. The upper seam  86  helps constrain material of the cover  24  so it bounds the hull along its bottom edge in a manner that facilitates a tailored, snug fit. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 7-12 , the lower seam  88  defines or helps define an elongate sleeve  90  in the form of a hem in which a cinching rope  92  of a cover cinching harness arrangement  93  ( FIG. 12 ) is threaded about the entire lower periphery of the cover  24 . The rope  92  is slidably, telescopically threaded within the sleeve  90 . With reference to  FIG. 7 , a pair of ends  94 ,  96  of the cinching rope  92  are shown coupled to a cinching arrangement  98  used to tighten the rope  92  and thereby cinch the bottom of the cover  24  tightly against the outer surface of the hull  28  to cause the cover  24  to at least snugly fit along the lower periphery of the cover  24 . To tighten or cinch the rope  92 , a user pulls on a handle  100 , formed by one end  96  of the rope  92  causing the cinching arrangement  98  to releasably retain the rope  92  in a tightened or cinched condition. The cinching arrangement  98  can be equipped with a release (not shown) that facilitates loosening of the rope  92 , such as when it is desired to remove the cover  24  from the boat  26 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cinching arrangement  98  is a ratchet  102 , such as a ROPE RATCHET made or distributed by Carolina North Manufacturing of 1325 South Park Drive, Kernesville, N.C. Such a ratchet is shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,368,281 and 5,722,640, the disclosures of each of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Such a ratchet  102  can be configured to enable release of the cinching arrangement  98 . If desired, another type of cinching arrangement can be used. For example, such as where the rope  92  is replaced by a strap, cable or a different type of line, a different type of cinching arrangement can be used. Though a strap, cable or different type of line can be used, rope, such as nylon rope, is preferred because it is inexpensive, easy to use and manipulate, strong, durable, weather resistant, and resistant to the adverse affects of being in a lake, river or ocean environment. 
     As is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the cinching arrangement  98  is accessible via an access pocket  104  that is formed by a cutout  106  in the sleeve  90  that is covered by a flap  108  when not in use. The flap  108  is releasably attachable to part of the cover  24  along at least the top of the cutout  106 . If desired, it can also be releasably attachable along one or both sides. An attachment arrangement  110  enables the flap  108  to be opened and closed as desired. As is shown in  FIG. 7 , the opened flap  108  has at least one strip  112  of a hook and loop fastener that engages with a strip  114  of hook and loop fastener that extends above the cutout  106 . When the flap  108  is closed, such as is shown in  FIG. 8 , the cinching arrangement  98  and rope  92  are covered and thereby advantageously protected from the environment. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9-11 , the rope  92  has a pair of ends along the stern  37  of the boat  26  that are each fixed to a strap segment  116 ,  118  that each is attached to a portion of a releasable latching arrangement  120  that enables the cover cinching harness arrangement  93  to be of releasable construction facilitating removal of the cover  24  from the boat  26 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the releasable latching arrangement  120  is a buckle of side release construction having a buckle socket  122  that releasably receives a pronged tongue  124  of a male buckle plug  126 . It is contemplated that in at least some instances, the strap segments  116 ,  118  may not be needed such as where the releasably latching arrangement  120  is constructed and arranged to accept one end of the rope  92 . 
     The boat cover cinching harness arrangement  93  is shown in  FIG. 12  isolated from the rest of the boat cover  24 . The cinching harness arrangement  93  includes a plurality of rope segments  92   a  and  92   b  that attach to the releasable latching arrangement  120  when the cover  24  is covering the boat  26  thereby enabling the cinching arrangement  98  to tighten the rope segments  92   a  and  92   b . As the rope segments  92   a  and  92   b  are tightened, they pull the bottom edge of the skirt  39  of the cover  24  tightly against the hull  28  of the boat  26 . 
     To enable the boat cover panels  25 ,  27  to be secured to one another along their rear edges  33 ,  35  when securing the cover  24  around the stern of  37  of the boat  26 , there is a releasable fastener arrangement  128 , such as a zipper. In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the zipper  128  is a nylon zipper, such as a nylon zipper of double-pull construction. Although not shown, a line can be attached to a tab  130  of the zipper  128  to facilitate movement of a zipper slide  132  along the teeth  134 ,  136  of the zipper  128  along the length of the cover edges  33 ,  35 . For example, a loop of line (not shown) with a portion of the line attached to the zipper tab  130  can be manipulated by a user to zip the zipper closing the cover edges together or to unzip the zipper separating the cover edges allowing the cover  24  to be removed. 
     When closed, one of the edges can overlap the other one of the edges such as in the manner shown in  FIG. 11 . Although not shown, an edge fastener arrangement can be used to releasably secure the edges  33 ,  35  together on top of the zipper  128  along where they overlap. One preferred edge fastener arrangement is a strip of a hook and loop fastener (not shown) attached to an inner surface of one cover edge  33  that is capable of engaging another strip of a hook and loop fastener arrangement (not shown) attached to an outer surface of the other cover edge  35 . 
     The cover  24  has a middle seam region  138  along each cover panel that extends along and above the gunwale  140  of the boat  26  that is formed of a plurality of seams  142 ,  144  that each extend downwardly and diverge along the side of the boat  26  at a fore section  146  of the bow  84  forming a lower fore fitting seam section  148 . In one preferred embodiment, only one of the fitting seams  142  or  144  is used. Fitting seams  142 ,  144  continue to diverge from one another in the lower fitting seam section  148  until they reach the bow  84  such that the upper seam  142  of one cover panel  25  in fitting seam section  148  meets or connects with the upper seam  142  of the other cover panel  27  in fitting seam section  148  and the lower seam  144  of the one cover panel  25  in fitting seam section  148  meets or connects with the lower seam  144  of the other cover panel  27  in fitting seam section  148 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , the fitting seam section  148 ′ can also include one or more generally vertically extending fitting seams  143  and  145 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , there are a plurality of spaced apart vertical fitting seams  143  and  145  on each side. The lower fitting seam section  148  or  148 ′ helps gather the boat cover material and tailor so it helps to custom form fit each cover panel  25 ,  27  about the hull  28  of the boat  26 , particularly along its fore section  146  and bow  84 , when the cinching arrangement  98  has been tightened and the zipper  128  zipped up. As a result of at least the lower fitting seam section  148  or  148 ′ helping to make the cover  24  more form fitting, the cover  24  fits tighter on the boat  26  which helps minimize and prevent movement of the cover  24  relative to the boat  26 . 
     Above the middle seam region  138  is an upper fitting seam  150  that extends from at or adjacent the reinforced cover region  58  near the middle of the boat  26  downwardly at an angle so it tracks at least a portion of the foredeck  152  and windshield  154  ( FIG. 1 ) of the boat  26  thereby helping to further more tightly custom fit the cover  24  onto the boat  26  as well as to minimize the amount of cover material overlying the foredeck  152 , cab  156  ( FIG. 1 ) and interior  158  ( FIG. 1 ) of the boat  26  that can billow or undulate in response to wind blowing over the cover  24  and boat  26 . With reference to  FIGS. 1-3A and 3B , the upper fitting seam  150  extends substantially linearly from adjacent the top of the windshield  154  to adjacent where the foredeck  152  and bow  84  converge at the very front of the boat  26 . A boat cover constructed in accordance with the present invention can be configured to cover a boat with a cabin (not shown) by configuring the fitting scam  150  so it extends from the front of the cabin to adjacent the front of the boat. 
     These fitting seams  148  and  150 , combined with the fact that the panels  25  and  27  are interconnected along the front of the cover  24 , produce a cover  24  that fits the front of the boat  26  like a “glove.” The addition of the cinching arrangement and cinching bottom hem region  80  produces a cover  24  enables the cover  24  to advantageously fit like a “glove” about the prow of the hull  28  of the boat  26 . By producing a boat cover  24  that fits the boat  26  it is covering like a “glove,” relative movement of the cover  24  relative to the boat  26  is minimized and preferably substantially prevented when the boat  24  is in the slip  30 . This prevents cover wear and rubbing of the cover on the boat hull. 
     The seam  160  that defines the reinforced track attachment enabling region  58  and the upper fitting seam  142  define a triangular section  162  of the cover  24  where the two cover panels  25 ,  27  are joined together forming a generally triangular deflector region  162  of unitary construction that helps deflect upwardly wind impinging against the upper half of the cover  24 . The cover  24  can also include a cover panel joining seam  164  that is generally parallel to the reinforced region seam  160  and which is located between the reinforced region seam  160  and the upper fitting seam  150 . The cover panel joining scam  164  joins the two cover panels  25  and  27  together up to where they adjoin at the front of the cover  24  thereby preventing the panels  25 ,  27  from billowing in the deflector region  162  when wind impinges against the deflector region  162  of the cover  24 . The net result is a substantially unitary deflector region  162  that resiliently deflects wind impinging against the cover  24  and boat  26  while not billowing or otherwise flapping around. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates another preferred boat cover embodiment where the triangular section  162 ′ that extends above the foredeck  152  and/or windshield  154  is of perforate construction. The triangular section  162 ′ connects that portion of the cover extending along the foredeck  152  and/or windshield  154  to the reinforced track attachment enabling section  58  thereby supporting the cover therealong. The triangular section  162 ′ has at least a plurality of pairs of wind-passage windows  163   a ,  163   b ,  163   c , and  163   d  that extend therethrough and which are spaced along substantially the entire length of the triangular section  162 ′ allowing at least some of the wind impinging against the cover to pass through. Each window  163   a ,  163   b ,  163   c , and  163   d  is separated by an elongate strip of flexible material  165   a ,  165   b  and  165   c , such as the boat cover material disclosed above. There is also an end strip of material  167  framing a portion of the outermost window  163   a . There can also be top and bottom margins  169  and  171  framing a respective portion of each window  163   a ,  163   b ,  163   c , and  163   d . These strips  165   a ,  165   b  and  165   c , segment  167 , and margins  169  and  171  help deflect at least some of the wind while the windows  163   a ,  163   b ,  163   c , and  163   d  permit wind to pass through thereby reducing the amount of force the wind exerts on the triangular section  162 ′. Each window  163   a ,  163   b ,  163   c , and  163   d  can have the shape of a quadrilateral as shown in  FIG. 3B . Reducing the force of the wind acting upon the cover helps improve stability of the boat in the dock as well as prevents the wind from damaging or ripping off the cover. In addition, these windows  163   a ,  163   b ,  163   c , and  163   d  also advantageously prevent wind passing over the boat and boat cover and along the triangular region  162 ′ from exciting the cover into any kind of resonant condition that could cause the force being exerted by the wind on the cover to greatly oscillate or otherwise dramatically surge. In one preferred embodiment, such a windowed section  162 ′ enables the cover to withstand strong gale force winds while remaining attached to the boat. In another preferred embodiment, such a windowed section  162 ′ enables the cover to withstand hurricane force winds while remaining attached to the boat. 
     In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3B , there are three windows  163   a ,  163   b  and  136   c . If desired, the triangular section  162 ′ can have more than three windows. For example, a boat cover constructed in accordance with the present invention will include a triangular section  162 ′ typically having between three and eight such windows. In the preferred embodiment shown, the surface area of all of the windows  163   a ,  163   b  and  136   c  is at least sixty percent of the surface area of the section  162 ′ extending between the foredeck  152  and/or windshield  154 . In another preferred embodiment, the surface area of all of the windows  163   a ,  163   b  and  136   c  is between seventy percent and ninety percent of the surface area of the section  162 ′. 
     As is also shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the front  166  of the cover  24  has an aperture  168  through which a cleat or bow eye  170  extends. This enables a security arrangement, such as a lock  172  ( FIG. 3A ) or cable arrangement (not shown) to be attached to the bow eye  170  thereby securing the cover  24  to the boat  26  in the bow region. In one embodiment, the lock  172  secures a cable arrangement (not shown) that is looped through loops, slots or apertures along each side of the cover to help secure the cover  24  to the boat  26 . Such a cable arrangement can extend through the zipper tab  130  or loops, slots or apertures in the overlapping rear cover edges  33 ,  35  to help secure the cover  24  along the stern  37  of the boat  26 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , in another embodiment, a lock  179 , such as a padlock or the like, is releasably attached to a ring  173  that is attached to the zipper tab  130  and to a pair of D-rings  175 ,  177  that each are connected to a respective one of the strap segments  116 ,  118  adjacent buckle socket and plug  122 ,  126  of buckle  120  to prevent the zipper  128  from being unzipped thereby preventing unauthorized cover removal. By securely attaching the cover  24  to the boat  26  in this manner, the cover  24  advantageously acts as a security device that prevents access to the interior of the boat  26 . This can also advantageously prevent removal of the boat  26  from the slip  30 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14-16 , the cover  24  also has a plurality of spaced apart vents  174  spaced apart along an upper half of each boat cover panel  25  and  27 . Each vent  174  has a plurality of pairs of spaced apart and angled louvers  176  that each define a plurality of vent through holes  178  through which some of the wind flowing over and around the cover  24  is directed underneath the cover  24  within the space that lies underneath the cover  24  and above the interior, e.g. above the cab or cabin, of the boat  26 . Each vent  174  helps equalize the pressure inside the cover  24  with the pressure outside the cover  24 . Each vent  174  has a flange  180  about its periphery to which the cover  24  is sewn. To prevent insect and debris from getting inside the cover  24 , there is a section of screen  182  underneath each vent  174  that covers the vent  174  that is sewn to the cover  24  about or adjacent the periphery of the vent  174 . 
     Each of the vents  174  are oriented at acute angle relative to horizontal so as to direct wind flowing along and upward over the cover  24  into the interior space underneath the cover. This not only ventilates the interior, which prevents mold and mildew formation, it also reduces the lift associated with wind blowing along and over the cover. Without such vents  174 , wind blowing along and across the cover  24  would create a significant pressure differential between the pressure inside the cover  24  versus outside which would exhibit a force tending to want to move the cover  24  relative to the boat  26 . By providing vents  174  in the upper half of each cover panel  25  and  27  and spaced apart along the length of the corresponding cover panel, such wind-driven lift is reduced in the very region(s) of the cover  24  most susceptible to flapping or billowing as well as minimizing wind-driven excitation, e.g. resonance, that can also lead to flapping or billowing. By minimizing and preferably preventing such flapping and billowing, relative movement between the cover  24  and boat  26  is advantageously reduced and preferably prevented thereby minimizing wear on both the cover  24  and boat  26 . 
     As is best shown in  FIG. 2 , each cover panel  25 ,  27  has a pair of spaced apart vents  174  with one of the vents  174  overlying a rear portion of the boat  26  interior and the other one of the vents  174  overlying a front portion of the boat  26  interior adjacent the windshield  154 . In the preferred cover embodiment shown in the drawing figures, the vents  174  are spaced apart so as to reduce the pressure differential along the entire surface of the cover  24  that overlies the interior of the boat  26  where the cover  24  is neither taut nor fitted directly over part of the boat  26 , such as the boat hull  28 . These areas of the cover  24  that are not fitted or supported directly on pant of the boat  26  are most susceptible to wind-driven flapping or billowing, which are the locations where the vents  174  are located. While a pair of vents  174  is shown on each cover panel  25 ,  27 , more than two vents can be used. For smaller boats, a single vent on each cover panel may suffice. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a boat cover  24  with an integrated boat battery charger arrangement  190  integrally mounted thereto. The boat battery charger arrangement  190  includes at least one solar panel  192  connected by a power line  194  to at least one marine battery  196 . Such a cover  24  equipped with an integrated charger  190  can be configured with a pair of seams  198 ,  200  that define an elongate channel  202  in the cover  24  in which the power line  194  extends. In the preferred embodiment shown  FIG. 17 , at least one solar panel  192  is mounted on one side of the cover  24  to a portion of the cover  24  disposed at an acute generally horizontal angle and at least one other solar panel (not shown) is mounted on the opposite side of the cover  24  to another portion of the cover that is also disposed at an acute generally horizontal angle. By such a mounting arrangement, charging time is optimized because one solar panel supplies electric current to the battery  196  during a substantial portion of the first half of the day and the other solar panel supplies electric current to the battery  196  during a substantial portion of the second half of the day. Such a trickle charging arrangement  190  advantageously helps keep the battery or batteries onboard the boat  26  charged. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , in use, a user pulls the cover  24  over the boat  26  extending it so it covers the boat  26  from bow to stern such as shown in  FIG. 2 . The cover  24  is pulled over the boat  26  until the fitting seams  142 ,  144  and  150  fit the front of the boat  26  snugly like a “glove,” such as is depicted in  FIG. 2 . Thereafter, the user goes to the stern of the boat  26 , seats the zipper teeth  136  in the zipper slide  132  and pulls the tab  130  upwardly closing the zipper  128  thereby joining the panels  25 ,  27  together. The user then lifts up the flap  108  to expose the cinching arrangement  98 , enabling the user to grasp the ratchet  102  and tighten the cinching rope  92  causing the bottom of the cover  24  to tightly cling to the hull  28  of the boat  26 . 
     In operation, as wind blows over, along and across the cover  24  and boat  26 , the tight-fitting tailoring provided via fitting seams  142 ,  144  and  150 , the cinching rope  92 , the rear zipper arrangement  128  all work in concert to produce a relatively tightly fitting boat cover  24  that is suspended by hanger assembly  36  that stays on the boat without sliding or otherwise moving relative to the boat  26 . In this same regard, the use of elastic or elastomeric straps  56  in the hanger assembly  36  in combination with the aforementioned tight fitting cover construction enables the track suspended cover  24  to withstand applied force due to wind and wave action to be able to displace the boat  26  a sufficient distance that the straps  56  can be tensioned, even elastically elongated or stretched, without exerting enough force on the cover  24  to cause relative movement between the cover  24  and boat  26 . Finally, in additional to all of these features that help prevent the cover  24  tightly fitted on the boat  26  in a manner that prevents relative movement and seals out insects and debris, the upper portion of each cover panel  25 ,  27  is equipped with vents  174  that reduce the force of wind on the top portion of each cover panel  25 ,  27  when the wind is blowing by reducing the pressure differential. 
     It is understood that the various preferred embodiments are shown and described above to illustrate different possible features of the invention and the varying ways in which these features may be combined. Apart from combining the different features of the above one or more embodiments in varying ways, other modifications are also considered to be within the scope of the invention.