Patent Publication Number: US-9850679-B2

Title: Marine vessel canopy

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to marine vessel coverings and, more particularly, relates to a covering for a marine vessel that is removable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A significant portion of the public utilizes marine vessels or other vessels to navigate through bodies of water. It is well known that when doing so, users on those vessels become exposed to solar radiation and other environmental elements. To reduce said exposure, various known methods and devices have been developed to cover users and the vessel itself from said exposure. 
     Some known marine vessel coverings are designed to cover the entire boat, i.e., for storing, which make them impossible for users to use and enjoy the boat. Those known coverings that do attempt to permit use of the boat also fail to provide effective and efficiency use of the same. Some known covers are permanently installed on the marine vessel, thereby making it difficult to remove and enjoy the open space of the boat if desirable. Furthermore, many of those permanently installed structures decrease user-visibility and aerodynamic properties, providing an unsafe or inefficient design. 
     Many coverings that are temporary or removable still suffer from many of those disadvantages associated with permanently installed structures, and also require the arduous task of removing the covering from the boat. Specifically, many of these temporary coverings involve unhooking ties of the coverings from various hooks on the boat or unscrewing bolts, screws, or other fasteners from the covering structure and the boat. Further, many of those known removable vessel coverings are substantially rigid and often difficult to both handle and store when they are removed. 
     Some other known removable coverings are designed to only act as a shade when the boat is in a static state, i.e., not moving. These coverings are very impractical due to the set-up and removal time and because it does not solve the environment element exposure to the user when the vessel is moving, i.e., in a dynamic state. Other known temporary coverings are designed to simply snap onto a corresponding fastener installed on the boat structure, and while they may be relatively easy to remove and store, they are not very easily installed and do not provide adequate space for users that desire to be under the covering. Further, coverings that snap also are not designed to resist forces created while the boat is in the dynamic state. Lastly, these coverings that snap into place also leave portions of the snaps or other fastening means exposed to the viewing public and, when the covering is installed, leaves conspicuous tracks/fasteners, which many users find undesirable. 
     Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a marine vessel covering that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that is both efficient in time to install and remove, in addition to providing the user the ability to have enough space under the covering and provide protection from undesired exposure to environmental elements when the vessel is in the dynamic state. 
     With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, and in combination with a marine vessel having a bow with a first side section and a second side section opposing the first side section, a fore section interposing a first and second side sections of the bow, and an upper surface, an improvement that includes a canopy assembly with (1) at least two U-shaped canopy support members each with a first end removably coupled to the first side section of the marine vessel and a second end removably coupled to the second side section of the marine vessel, (2) a cover coupled to the at least two U-shaped canopy support members, with an upper surface providing a water barrier to, and in an overlapping relationship with, the upper surface of the bow of the marine vessel, that spans from the first and second ends of each of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members, and having a cover zipper assembly with a plurality of teeth, and (3) a track zipper assembly mechanically coupled to the first and second side sections and the fore section of the marine vessel, wherein the track zipper assembly having a plurality of teeth removably interlocked with the plurality of teeth of the cover zipper assembly to form a joint that contours a portion of the marine vessel that includes the first and second side sections and the fore section of the marine vessel. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the plurality of teeth of the track zipper assembly are operably configured to be removably interlocked with the plurality of teeth of the cover zipper assembly in single substantially uninterrupted motion. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one canopy strap with a proximal end coupled to the cover of the canopy assembly, the at least one canopy strap having an installed position with a distal end coupled to the marine vessel to place the upper surface in a taut position. 
     In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a plurality of canopy support posts mechanically coupled to the first and second side sections of the marine vessel and sized to at least one of be received by and receive at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the plurality of canopy support posts retaining the at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members without use of fasteners. 
     In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the plurality of canopy support posts are operably configured to restrict lateral movement of the at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members when the plurality of canopy support posts are at least one of received by and receive the at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members. 
     In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the at least two U-shaped canopy support members each having a cross bar removably coupleable to a first leg having the first end and to a second leg having the second end. The cross bar may also be arcuate. 
     In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second ends of each of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members having a canopy support member width, wherein the at least two U-shaped canopy support members are of a flexibly resilient material to increase the canopy support member width, when placed in a flexed state, by 10-25%. 
     In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a flap portion sized and configured to overlap the joint, leaving the joint not visible from an outside ambient environment. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a marine vessel canopy assembly is disclosed that includes (1) at least one U-shaped canopy support members, each having a horizontal cross bar with two opposing ends each with a leg extending substantially perpendicular thereto, the leg including a distal end defining a leg aperture, (2) a cover having a distal end, a proximal end, a substantially watertight upper surface, and a bottom surface with a plurality of loops defining apertures sized to receive at least one of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members, the cover including a cover zipper assembly with a plurality of teeth, (3) a track zipper assembly having a plurality of teeth operably configured to removably interlock with the plurality of teeth of the cover zipper assembly to form a U-shaped joint, (4) a plurality of canopy support posts sized to be received by the leg aperture of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members, and (5) at least one canopy strap with a proximal end coupled to the cover and disposed between the two opposing ends of the horizontal cross bar of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members, the at least one canopy strap extending in a direction away from the distal end of the cover and having a distal end defining an aperture sized to receive a fastener. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the plurality of canopy support posts are operably configured to restrict lateral movement of the distal end of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members. 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the horizontal cross bar of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members is removably coupleable to the legs attached thereto. 
     In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the upper surface of the cover having a flap portion sized and configured to overlap the U-shaped joint, leaving the U-shaped joint not visible from an outside ambient environment. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a marine vessel covering, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. For example, use of the term “marine” does not necessarily limit the use of the present invention to vessels employed to navigate through seas, as its application may be to any vessel used to navigate through any body of water. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
     Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale. 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. 
     As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the marine vessel to which the canopy may be attached. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a fragmentary perspective, right-side, view of a marine vessel with a removable canopy assembly attached thereto in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational rear view of the removable canopy assembly attached to the vessel in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial, close-up, view of a track zipper assembly and a canopy support post in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective, downward-looking, front view of the removable canopy assembly attached to the vessel in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial, close-up, view of a canopy support member coupled to the canopy support post of  FIG. 3  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevational view of a cover zipper assembly on the cover of the canopy assembly coupled to the track zipper assembly of  FIG. 3  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary perspective, left-side, view of the marine vessel and canopy assembly in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective rear view of the removable canopy assembly attached to the vessel in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial, close-up, view of a post shaped to receive an aperture defined by a cylindrical tube in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a process flow diagram depicting a method of installing and removing a marine vessel canopy assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial, close-up, view of a canopy support member coupled to the marine vessel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmentary perspective, right-side, view of a marine vessel with a removable canopy assembly attached thereto and having a wind deflection portion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a close-up view of the wind deflection portion shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmentary perspective, left-side, view of the marine vessel and canopy assembly in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a close-up perspective view of a zipper track assembly configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of an exemplary track for receiving the track zipper assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  depicts a representative schematic view of the various widths in which the canopy assembly may accommodate in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. 
     The present invention provides a novel and effective marine vessel canopy that shields inhabitants or users of a marine vessel from environmental elements that are potentially harmful and can resist uplift and other forces generated by wind when the vessel is in a dynamic state. Further, the canopy is operable to be removed quickly and efficiency with minimal user involvement and in little time. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view and elevational view, respectively.  FIGS. 1-3  show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a marine vessel canopy assembly  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , includes one or more canopy support members  200 , a cover  102 , and a track assembly  300 . Advantageously, the canopy  100  is shown coupled to the bow  106 , or forward part, of the marine vessel  104 . As discussed below, the track assembly  300  beneficially permits the cover  102  and/or the support members  200 , to be removed and installed more efficiently and effectively than those known coverings. 
     As known by those of skill in the art, a vessel  104  may include a first side section  108 , a second side section  110  opposing the first side section  108 , a fore section  112  interposing the first and second side sections  108 ,  110  of the bow  106 , and an upper surface  114 , i.e., the outer surface or “upper deck” of the bow  106  disposed for contact by the user when the user is within the vessel  104 . The fore section  112  section of the bow  106  is the portion where the width (represented by arrow  400  in  FIG. 4 ) of the hull is tapered. 
     To provide sufficient space for the vessel users, the canopy assembly  100  includes one or more canopy support members  200  generally of a “U” shape as shown in  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, there are at least two canopy support members  200  to minimize use of material and ensure there are at least two support points that support the weight of the cover  102  and facilitate in providing structural integrity to the assembly  100  when the vessel is in its dynamic state. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , there are three or more support members  200 , or there may be a single support member with a length that spans a portion of the length of the fore section  112 . The canopy support member  200  may also form a “V” shape without deviating from the general “U” shape depicted in  FIG. 2 . Said differently, the shape of the canopy support member  200  has at least one inflection point. In preferred embodiments, the canopy support member  200  includes a portion that is arcuate to provide minimal resistance to wind and other elements and to facilitate in accommodating various sized widths of hulls. 
     The canopy support members  200  may be of a single unitary piece that is cast or injection molded, or may be formed from a plurality of pieces. In one example, the canopy support member  200  may include a cross-bar section  204  that is removably coupleable to a first leg  206  and a second leg  208  for ease of storage. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the legs  206 ,  208  may have a portion substantially perpendicular, e.g., approximately 75-105°, to two opposing ends  222 ,  224  of the cross bar  204 . The cross-bar section  204  may be removably coupleable to the legs  206 ,  208  through one or more fasteners, one or more spring-loaded notches shaped and sized to be inserted in corresponding apertures, or through particular sized-diameters of the canopy support members  200 . In further embodiments, the height of the canopy  100  (represented with arrow  210  in  FIG. 2 ) may be adjusted through the displacement of the legs  206 ,  208  in relation to the cross bar  204  via, e.g., the one or more spring-loaded notches described above. The height adjustment advantageously provides users the ability to reduce or increase the height of the canopy for comfort of the users within and for vessel operator visibility purposes. 
     In one embodiment, the canopy support members  200  are of a flexibly resilient material to increase the canopy support member width (represented with arrow  402  in  FIG. 4 ), when placed in a flexed state, by 10-25%. Said differently, the material of the canopy support members  200  is capable of bending from its static state, i.e., unexposed to an external force, approximately by 10-25% without breaking, yet be capable of returning to its static state without any plastic deformation. In one embodiment, the canopy support member  200  is a hollowed cylinder or tube of a polyvinyl chloride material, of approximately a schedule 40 diameter. In other embodiments, the canopy support members  200  may be of a thin-walled metallic material such as aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any other metallic, polymeric, or composite material. The flexibility of the support members  200  provides users the ability to accommodate various size widths of a hull. Additionally, the flexibility also provides distributors and resellers the ability to accommodate more vessels without employing the time- and cost-intensive task of creating a template. 
     With reference briefly to  FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 , the canopy support members  200  can be seen having a first end  212  removably coupled to the first side section  108 , e.g., “starboard,” of the marine vessel  104  and a second end  214  removably coupled to the second side section  110 , e.g., “port side,” of the marine vessel  104 . In one embodiment, using the first side section  108  of the vessel  104  as an example in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the canopy assembly  100  includes a plurality of canopy support posts, e.g., post  302 , that are mechanically coupled, e.g., through one or more fasteners or adhesive, to the first and second side sections  108 ,  110  of the marine vessel  104 . The posts  302  may be sized to either be received by either the first or second ends  212 ,  214  of the canopy support members  200  or to receive the same. Said another way, the posts  302  may have one or more apertures (also referred to herein as “leg aperture(s)”), or vice versa with respect to the ends  212 ,  214 , associated therewith to allow the ends  212 ,  214 , or vice versa with respect to the posts  302 , to be received. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 , the first and second ends  212 ,  214  include an aperture sized to receive a male portion  304  of the post  302 . In preferred embodiments, the male portion  304  of one or more posts  302  is sized to be inserted approximately 0.5-3″ inside of the respective ends  212 ,  214  so as to facilitate a quick and effective removal and retention not accomplished with the prior art coverings. As such, the plurality of canopy support posts  302  may be operable to retain either the first or second ends  212 ,  214  of the canopy support member  200  without the use of fasteners, e.g., bolts, screws, adhesives. In said manner, when the track assembly  300  is uncoupled to a track assembly of the cover, both the cover  102  and/or the support members  200  can be removed quickly and easily. The plurality of canopy support posts  302  may also be operable to restrict lateral, i.e., side-to-side, movement of the first and second ends  212 ,  214  when coupled thereto. Therefore, the assembly  100  is operable to resist extreme wind forces generated by the vessel when in a dynamic state. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 , the cover  102  can be seen coupled to one or more canopy support members  200 . The cover  102  can be seen having an upper surface  116  that provides a water barrier to, and is in an overlapping relationship with, the upper surface  114  of the bow  106  of the marine vessel  104 . The cover  102  can also be seen spanning from the first and second ends  212 ,  214  of each of the canopy support members  200 . Said another way, the cover  102  creates a substantially watertight barrier, excluding apertures or slits in the removable window portion  404  (operably to be removably coupled to the cover  102  with Velcro) or the joint  606 , to the volume (represented with numeral  216  in  FIG. 2 ) defined by the cover  102  and the upper surface  114 . The cover  102  may cover the entire upper surface  114  and may span from the first side section  108 , through an ultimate, penultimate, or other distal position at the fore section  112 , and terminate at the second side section  214 . Said even further, the cover  102  can be said to enclose the upper surface  114  until it at least reaches the walls  218 ,  220  defining the first and second side sections  212 ,  214 . The cover  102  may be of a water resistant and durable material such as, for example, a paraffin-coated canvas material, nylon, vinyl, or polyester, among others. The window  404  may be of a transparent/translucent material, or may be formed with a plurality of apertures, to increase overall user visibility while operating the vessel. 
     The cover  102  can be seen coupled to one or more canopy support members  200  through one or more fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and/or adhesives. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the cover  102  may be coupled to the one or more canopy support members  200  using a strap having hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro, or a zipper assembly. This enables users to separate the cover  102  from the support members  200  for cleaning and/or storing. The cover  102  may also include loops, e.g., loop  608 , or other structures defined by a bottom surface  610  of the cover  102  used to guide the support members  200  into a configuration where the cover  102  is retained thereto. In one embodiment, the loop  608  is sized to receive the diameter or width of the canopy support members  200 . 
     With reference specifically to  FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 , the cover  102  can also be seen having a cover zipper assembly  602  that includes a plurality of teeth  604  that is operably configured to removably interlocked with a plurality of teeth  306  on the track zipper assembly  300  to form a joint  606  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). Beneficially, the joint  606  formed by the interlocking of the teeth  306 ,  604  contours a portion of the marine vessel  104  that includes the first and second side sections  108 ,  110  and the fore section  112 . Said another way, the joint  606  follows the form or curve of the bow of the marine vessel, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . The joint  606  may also be formed by two or more zipper sections  300 ,  602  that are not necessarily connected. Said another way, one joint section may be formed by the zipper assemblies  300 ,  602  beginning on the side section  108  and terminates at the fore section  712  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), while another joint section may be formed by the zipper assemblies  300 ,  602  beginning on the side section  108  and also terminates at the fore section  712 . The joint  606  formed by the two zipper assemblies  300 ,  602  may also be described as creating a general “U-shape,” as discussed above. The U-shape of the joint  606  facilitates in ensuring the proper area of the marine vessel  104  is at least partially surrounded. 
     In one embodiment, the joint  606  is located within a range of approximately 1-8″ from the upper surface  114  of the walls  218 ,  220  defining the side sections  108 ,  110  so as to minimize excess material exposure when the cover  102  unzipped from the track zipper assembly  300 . Advantageously, the plurality of teeth  306  of the track zipper assembly  300  is operably configured to be removably interlocked with the plurality of teeth  604  of the cover zipper assembly  602  assembly in single substantially uninterrupted motion by zipping/unzipping the cover  102  thereto. Said another way, the cover  102  may be zipped/coupled to the track zipper assembly  300  in one motion, excluding any pauses by the user to maneuver around the support members  200 . In one embodiment, where the support members  200  may be embedded or encapsulated in the cover  102 , the user would be able to unzip the cover  102  from the track zipper assembly  300  in a single, uninterrupted, motion. 
     With reference specifically to  FIG. 3 , the track zipper assembly  300  can be seen mechanically coupled, e.g., with screws, bolts, adhesive, to the upper surface  114  of the side sections  108 ,  110  and the fore section  112 , so as to ensure the cover  102  at least partially surrounds a portion of the bow  106  of the vessel  104 . The track zipper assembly  300  may include a rail  308  defining a recess  310  shaped to receive a rope  314 , cable, or other material attached to a zipper extension  312  coupled to the teeth  306 . In one embodiment the zipper extension  312  may be made of the same material of the cover  102 , while in other embodiments, it may be made of a different material. The rail  308  may be made with metallic, plastic, composite, or other material sufficient withstand typical uplift forces generated by the wind generate over the cover  102  when in its installed position. The rope  314  may be a fabric, metallic, or other material that may be encapsulated by the zipper extension  312  and fastened within the recess  310 . In other embodiments, the zipper assembly  300  may be formed as one piece of material. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 6-7 , the cover  102  be seen having a flap portion  700  sized and configured to overlap the joint  606 . As such, the flap portion  700  leaves the joint  606  not visible from an outside ambient environment  702 , as depicted in  FIG. 7 . Preferably, the flap portion  700  is an excess portion, of an approximate length of 2″, of the cover  102  material that extends passed the joint  606  and reaches the upper surface  114  of the side walls  218 ,  220 . The flap portion not only reduces air resistance by deflecting oncoming wind, but it also inhibits the influx of water and other fluids into the interior volume  216  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) whether the vessel  104  is in the static or dynamic position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the cover  102  can be seen having one or more canopy straps  704   a - n , wherein “n” represents an amount greater than one. Taking strap  704   a  as an example, the strap(s)  704   a  can be seen having a proximal end  706  coupled to the cover  102  and a distal end  708 . The canopy straps  704  may have an uninstalled position wherein the distal end  708  is not attached to any structure and an installed position with the distal end  708  coupled to the marine vessel  104  to place the upper surface  116  of the cover in a taut position, i.e., stretched or pulled tight in the longitudinal direction of the cover. The canopy straps  704  provide an important and beneficial feature of the present invention in light of the possible high speeds experienced by some marine vessels and the attachment of the canopy assembly  100  to the marine vessel  104 . 
     More specifically, as the ends  212 ,  214  of the support members  200  are not permanently fastened to the posts  302  (as discussed above in reference to  FIGS. 3 and 5 ), the cover  102  is fastened to the marine vessel  104  through the zipper assemblies  300 ,  602 . This attachment provides sufficient resistance to uplift and other forces subject to the cover  102 , both in the traverse and longitudinal orientations of the cover  102 , as the track zipper assembly  300  spans around the side and fore sections of the vessel. To reduce vibration and ensure retention and stability of the cover  102  to the vessel  104  while the vessel is traveling at high speeds, the canopy straps  704   a - n  provide tensional forces on the cover  102 , where the track zipper assembly  300  is not present to place it in a taut position. As such, the distal ends  708  of the canopy straps  704   a - n  should be coupled to a portion of the vessel  104  away from the end  710 , or “distal end” or terminal edge, of the cover  102  to generate that tensional force in a direction away from the fore section  112  of the vessel  104  as exemplified in  FIG. 7 . The “proximal end”  712  of the cover  102 , or the end couplable to the fore section  112  of the marine vessel  104 , can also be seen depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
     The proximal ends  706  of the canopy straps  704   a - n  are preferably coupled to portion of the cover  102  disposed around or located at the cross bar  204  portion of the support members  200 . The canopy straps  704   a - n  can also be seen coupled to each side of the cover  102  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some preferred embodiments, the cover  102  utilizes at least three canopy straps  704   a - n , with one disposed at its proximal end at a location by the cross bar  204 , one disposed at its proximal end at a location by the legs  206 ,  208  of the support members  200 , and one disposed at its proximal end at a location from, or attached to, the track zipper assembly  300  and/or the zipper extension  312  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) to ensure the cover is taut from all principal locations on the cover. 
     The distal ends  708  are then removably coupled to one or more fasteners, such as a pad eye/pin assembly or a hasp. The canopy straps  704   a - n  may be made of the same material of the cover  102 , or may be made of another material sufficient to provide the tensional forces on the cover  102 . The cover  102  may also utilize other portions, e.g., portion  712 , at its end  710  to facilitate in providing tensional forces upon the cover  102 . These portions  712  may also be removably coupled to the marine vessel  104  with one or more fasteners, such as a pad eye/pin assembly or a hasp. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , the cover  102  can be seen at least partially defining an internal volume  216  where users can easily sit or stand in the bow  106 . The cover  102  may also have a privacy screen  800  at its end  710  that is operable to be lowered to the upper surface  114  of the vessel and raised depending on the user&#39;s desire. The privacy screen  800  may be formed with one or more apertures to permit the influx of air. The privacy screen  800  may also be transparent or translucent to facilitate user visibility there-through. The privacy screen  800  may also be completely enclosed to not permit user visibility, or may have a removable window/door, similar to window  404  in  FIG. 4 . The privacy screen  800  may be retained in its raised position by one or more straps  802  having snaps coupled thereto; wherein, the snaps are configured to couple to corresponding snaps on the cover  102 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the cover  102  may also have one or more pockets  812  disposed on the inner surface  610  to provide user storage. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 8-9 , another advantageous feature of the present invention is depicted, or the ability to convert a lounging or sitting area typically found on many marine vessels into an area with a table. Many marine vessels have a sitting area where cushions or other padding, e.g., padding  804 , can be placed. Some marine vessels come with a removable board  226  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) with padding that is placed in the void  810  between the padding  804 . In accordance with one aspect of this additional feature, the upper surface  114  has a post  806  mechanically coupled thereto. The post  806  has a male portion  808  that is shaped to receive an aperture defined by a cylindrical tube  900  as exemplified in  FIG. 9 . Preferably, the size of the aperture in the tube  900  is slightly greater in diameter, e.g., +/−0.001-0.3″ than the male portion  808  of the post  806  to provide a tight fit. The top of the tube  900  includes the board typically used in many marine vessels, except that the board is modified to include the same post/tube configuration described above on the side of the board opposite to side where the cushion is attached. In said manner, the board, with any cushion coupled thereto removed, may be converted into a table for use in the sitting area. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , a process flow diagram depicting one exemplary method of installing the aforementioned cover assembly is shown. The process starts at step  1000  and immediately proceeds to step  1002  of coupling a track zipper assembly to the side and fore sections of the marine vessel. This track zipper assembly will be mechanically attached to the marine vessel so that when the cover is removed the track zipper assembly will remain so that user can effectuate an efficient and effective reattachment when desired. The process continues to step  1004  of coupling a plurality of canopy support posts to the side sections of the marine vessel. As discuss above, the support posts may have the cover already coupled thereto. Next, the process continues to step  1006  of coupling the ends of the support posts with a plurality of canopy support posts. This provides lateral resistance to oncoming wind-related forces. 
     The process continues to step  1008  of removably interlocking, e.g., binding the edges of two pieces of material, the track zipper assembly to a cover zipper assembly disposed on the canopy cover to contour the side sections and the fore section of the marine vessel. This step provides resistance to uplift forces generated by oncoming wind and other elements. Next, step  1010  includes coupling canopy straps of the cover to the marine vessel to place the upper surface of the cover in a taut position. The coupling of the straps protects the cover from forces subjected to it in multiple directions and provides a stable and secure cover when the marine vessel is traveling at high speeds. Lastly, should the user desire to remove the cover, step  1012  includes unzipping the track zipper assembly from the cover zipper assembly to remove the cover and/or the posts from the marine vessel. The user may also have to remove the distal ends of the canopy straps from the marine vessel. As such, the user may then store the cover assembly in an effective and efficient manner. The process then terminates at step  1014 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 11 , and as discussed above, the ends  212 ,  214  of the one or more support members  200  are removably coupled to the upper surface  114  without the use of fasteners, e.g., hasps, pins, adhesives, or bolts, so that they can be removed quickly and effectively in an upwardly direction with respect to upper deck surfaces  114  of the respective first and second side sections  108 ,  110  of the marine vessel when desired. When the canopy  100  is installed, the ends  212 ,  214  can be described as being maintained or kept in a coupling configuration whether it be by, for example, the post  302  (whereby the ends  212 ,  214  are adjacent to the upper deck surfaces  114 ), an aperture formed on the upper deck surfaces  114  of the side sections  108 ,  110  shaped to receive the ends  212 ,  214  of the support members  200  (whereby the ends  212 ,  214  are also adjacent to the upper deck surfaces  114 ), or using the weight of the canopy/cover itself, e.g., like an adjacent and free-standing configuration of the ends  212 ,  214  of the one or more support members  200  with respect to the upper deck surfaces  114  of the side sections  108 ,  110  (as depicted in FIG. 
     Therefore, when desired by the user, the cover  102  can be placed and kept in a coupling configuration, and quickly and effectively removed in accordance with its intended purpose after unzipped from the track. Said another way, the one or more U-shaped canopy support members  200  are removably coupled to the respective upper deck surfaces  114  of the first and second side sections  108 ,  110  of the marine vessel without the use of fasteners, including, e.g., bolts, screws, adhesives, hasps, and/or pins, that would otherwise restrict removal of the first and second terminal ends  212 ,  214  of the canopy support members  200 , when the plurality of teeth  306  of the track zipper assembly  300  are unlocked from the plurality of teeth  604  of the cover zipper assembly  602 , in an upwardly direction with respect to upper deck surfaces  114  of the respective first and second side sections  108 ,  110  of the marine vessel. To increase the resistance to horizontal movement, when in the free-standing configuration, the ends  212 ,  214  of the canopy support members  200  may have a friction-inducting material  1100 , such as rubber, disposed thereon. Said differently, the rubber stopper  1100  has a coefficient of friction sufficient to resist horizontal forces of at least approximately 2 lbf. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 12-14 , an exemplary cover  1200  can be seen having a wind deflection portion  1202  spanning from, when coupled to the marine vessel  104 , the respective upper deck surfaces  114  of the first and second side sections  108 ,  110  of the marine vessel  104  and defining a distal end  710  of the cover  1200 . The wind deflection portion  1202  includes a horizontal segment  1204  flanked on each side, respectively, by two respective canted and generally planar wind deflection segments  1206 ,  1208 ,  1400 ,  1402 . The wind deflection portion  1202  of the cover  1200  beneficially provides users the ability to minimize or eliminate airflow in the area juxtapose to, directly behind, and/or underneath the cover  1200 , thereby providing a more comfortable and safe environment for the vessel users. Said differently, the orientation and configuration of the wind deflection portion  1202  generates a laminar airflow profile desired by many boating users. 
     Specifically, the segments  1206 ,  1400  extend in an upward direction from the upper surface  114  of the side sections  108 ,  110  and may be canted inwardly in a multi-directional axis, i.e., such that the distal end  1300  of the section, e.g., section  1206 , is angled inwardly with respect to the proximal end  1302  of the section  1206  and the lower end  1304  is angled inwardly with respect to the upper end  1306 . Said differently, the segments  1206 ,  1208 ,  1400 ,  1402  may be torsionally oriented to generate the desired airflow profile. Moreover, the second segments  1208 ,  1402  may be substantially planar (also referred to herein as “planar”), in that they aren&#39;t continuously curved (which experiments have demonstrated generates undesired turbulent airflow). The segments  1206 ,  1208 ,  1400 ,  1402  may be sequentially and directly coupled to one another as shown in  FIG. 12 , may be of a woven and/or non-woven fabric, as described above, and/or may also include one or more rigid inserts disposed therein to facilitate in maintaining rigidity. The inserts may be of a plastic, metallic, or other material. In other embodiments, the segments  1206 ,  1208 ,  1400 ,  1402  may be canted in other orientations and/or directional axes. The thickness of the segments  1206 ,  1208 ,  1400 ,  1402 , e.g., spanning from the distal to proximal ends  1300 , 1302 , may range in length from 1-12 inches. Like the other parts of the cover  1200 , the segments  1206 ,  1208 ,  1400 ,  1402  are not directly coupled to the side sections  108 ,  110 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14-15 , the canopy assembly may also include two singular cover straps  1404 ,  1406 . Taking strap  1406  as an example, each of the straps  1404 ,  1406  include a proximal end  1408  coupled to opposing side portions  1410 ,  1412  of the track zipper assembly  1414  (as more fully described above). The straps  1404 ,  1406  also include a distal end  118  coupled to the marine vessel  104  (as best shown in  FIG. 1  and as also more fully described above). In other embodiment, the straps  1404 ,  1406  may be coupled to one or more of the two respective canted and planar wind deflection segments  1206 ,  1208 ,  1400 ,  1402 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 14-15 , the straps  1404 ,  1406  may be described “singular” in that experimentation has demonstrated that only the two straps  1404 ,  1406  are required in order to make the cover taut  102 , regardless the bow-width expansion range of the canopy (as more fully described above). For example, and as described above, the canopy support members  200  may be of a flexibly resilient material to increase the canopy support member width  404 , when placed in a flexed state, by 10-25%. Said differently, the material of the canopy support members  200  is capable of bending from its static state, i.e., unexposed to an external force, approximately by 10-25% without breaking, yet be capable of returning to its static state without any plastic deformation. In turn, the flexibility of the support members  200  provides users the ability to accommodate various size widths of a hull, thereby providing manufacturers and users the ability to more effectively and efficiently fit more vessels without employing the time- and cost-intensive task of creating a template. 
     As those of skill in the art will appreciate, however, the cover  1200  may have loose areas or portions generated from differences in bow widths that the canopy assembly is designed to accommodate. These loose areas or portions can be problematic in that they generate an undesired turbulent airflow, decrease aerodynamic efficiency, decrease the aesthetic appearance, and generate additional uplift forces. Therefore, the straps  1404 ,  1406  enable a user to address or tighten those loose areas or portions caused from differences in bow widths by pulling (and/or adjusting the length of the straps  1404 ,  1406  using, for example, a buckle) the straps  1404 ,  1406 , thereby making those loose areas or portions taut. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 15 , another embodiment of the track zipper assembly  1500  may include an upper surface  114  of the side and fore sections of the marine vessel  104  defining a cylindrical recess  1502  formed at least partially or fully therein, and surrounding said sections. The recess  1502  may be formed as part of the pre-fabrication process of the gunner sections, or may be formed by the user after fabrication. The recess  1502  may be shaped and sized to receive a cylindrical portion  1504  of the track zipper assembly  1500  such that the user inserts the portion  1504  and slides it around the side and fore sections of the marine vessel  104 . In other embodiments, the recess  1502  may be positioned with respect to the upper surface  114  such that, when the track assembly  1500  is installed, it is completely recessed within the upper surface  114 . Beneficially, the configuration of the recess  1502  increases the structural rigidity of the assembly, in addition to the aesthetic nature of the marine vessel  104  when the canopy assembly is not in use. 
     With reference now back to  FIG. 4 , the cover of the canopy assembly also includes a rear portion  406  with three separate panels  408 ,  404 ,  410 . The three-panel configuration also beneficially facilitates in reducing the generation of loose areas caused by the bow-width expansion of the canopy as described above. Specifically, the panels  408 ,  404 ,  410  are longitudinally joined together along joints  412 ,  414 , thereby reducing the collateral bunching of surrounding cover material that ordinarily may have been generated if the rear portion  406  of the cover had been formed in a single-panel configuration. The panels  408 ,  404 ,  410  may be joined together using, for example, stitching that may be elastic. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 15-16 , a track  1600 , recessed or otherwise, can be seen defining an exemplary channel  1602  shaped and sized to receive, for example, the cylindrical portion  1504  of the track zipper assembly  1500 . The track  1600  may also define an upper portion  1604  defining an opening  1606  that permits the fabric or other material of the track zipper assembly  1500  to extend outwardly therefrom. In one embodiment, the diameter of the channel  1602  is slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion  1504  of the track zipper assembly to create a snug fit. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 17  and as discussed above, a representative schematic view of the various widths in which the canopy assembly may accommodate is depicted. Said another way, the flexibility and attachment configuration of the support members  200  permits users the ability to accommodate various size widths of a hull, e.g., a first width  1700  and a second width  1702 , wherein the first width  1700  is greater than the second width  1702 . This accommodation occurs with a single cover and one or more support members  200  having the same length spanning from one end  1704  of the members  200  to another end  1706 . Additionally, the flexibility also provides distributors and resellers the ability to accommodate more vessels without employing the time- and cost-intensive task of creating templates. The member  200  to the left in  FIG. 17  depicts the member  200  and cover in a first covering position, i.e., to span an exemplary width  1700  of a bow that is approximately 85″. The member  200  to the right in  FIG. 17  depicts the member  200  and cover in a second covering position, i.e., to span an exemplary width  1702  of a bow that is approximately 75″. As also discussed above, the bow-width accommodation variance can cause the cover to sag or become loose in certain areas. To firm out the loose areas of the cover, however, the straps  1404 ,  1406  (as shown in  FIG. 14 ) can be pulled, thereby making the cover taut. 
     A marine vessel canopy has been disclosed that provides a novel and effective cover shielding inhabitants or users of the marine vessel from environmental elements that are potentially harmful. The canopy is also configured to resist uplift and other forces generated by wind when the vessel is in a dynamic state. Further, the canopy is operable to be removed quickly and efficiency with minimal user involvement and in little time.