Patent Publication Number: US-10309096-B2

Title: Cantilevered watercraft canopy

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/697,584, filed Apr. 27, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/984,394, filed on Apr. 25, 2014, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,969, filed Apr. 26, 2015, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to protective covers and shelters for watercraft and in particular to cantilever covers including canopy frames. Boaters who moor their boats to piers are universally faced with the task of repeatedly covering and then uncovering their watercraft between storage and use configurations. While seemingly simple, this task can be daunting and can greatly diminish enjoyment of the boating experience. 
     Individual covers exist for most watercraft, but have to be manually taken on and off with a combination of zippers, snaps, and center poles. This task can be time consuming and physically demanding, and, for people with dexterity disabilities, virtually impossible. Often times, boaters skip boating altogether because of the difficulty associated with manual covers. As an alternative, complex and costly mechanical boat cover lifts have been proposed, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,284 to Monroe provides a vertically lifting boat cover that may marginally reduce the hassle involved in covering and uncovering, but without, as in the present invention, providing full access to the boat while covered. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,252 to Caravella provides a liftable boat cover, but requires driving supports that span the mooring area. U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,769 to Unrast provides a cantilevered liftable canopy, which addresses the need to span the mooring area, but still requires complex mechanical action to use and does not provide access to the watercraft without lifting the canopy. 
     Another alternative is covered boat lifts, which lift the vehicle up into a stationary canopy. Depending on the means of providing power, this activity can be difficult, such as during power outages or when the pulley mechanism has malfunctioned, leaving the boater to temporarily revert back to individual covers. Additionally, this alternative is relatively expensive, both for the initial investment, as well as the ongoing seasonal installation done most often with barges and cranes. Lastly, the lift stations are a disruption to the natural environment, as while in the water they disturb the lake bed with underwater supports and resting pads, and during the off-season are placed helter-skelter along the shorelines, diminishing the public&#39;s use and enjoyment of the waterfront. 
     The present invention addresses this problem by providing a seasonally installed cantilevered canopy that may be affixed to and easily installed from the pier or dock. The canopy of the present invention is easily installed and removed for seasonal use, and it offers protection without mechanical parts or power to operate. By comparison, existing modular canopies, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,972 to Markiewicz, require either opposing supports spanning the mooring area or obstructive cross-bracing on the pier (see Markiewicz at  FIG. 1 , wherein the posts  14  would either span a mooring area or be in-line with a pier, if the structure shown were used to shelter watercraft). The present invention&#39;s cantilevered design avoids the need to have a spanning support and the need for obstructive cross-bracing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the invention is directed to a cantilevered watercraft canopy. A plurality of vertical supports provides support to a plurality of horizontal supports. First and second main struts are supported by the horizontal supports. First and second pluralities of arch members are affixed at a central attachment point to the first main strut and second main strut, respectively. The outer ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members support first and second outer struts. In the first exemplary embodiment, the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members are affixed to one another, and the main struts are affixed rigidly to the horizontal supports. 
     In the second exemplary embodiment, first and second inner struts are affixed to the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members, and the main struts are affixed rotatably to the horizontal supports. A canopy cover is affixed over the arch members and struts. 
     The canopy cover provides access flaps that may be held back via a closure. The vertical supports may be affixed to a dock or pier via a bracket affixed to the side of a dock or pier. In the case of a floating dock, the vertical supports may be inserted into the guide holes and supported via a stop disc. In the case of an unstable or insufficient dock, the vertical supports may be fitted with an auger pole at the bottom end and driven into the water body bed. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a watercraft canopy that replaces the need to cover watercraft during non-use. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a watercraft canopy that permits usable access to the watercraft during inclement weather. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a watercraft canopy that is easily installed and stricken seasonally. 
     It is an object of the invention, in its second exemplary embodiment, to provide a watercraft canopy that is installable on and entirely from the dock or pier without requiring access from the water or a watercraft, and without spanning the mooring area. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a front right perspective scene view of the first exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the dock  100 , the dock guides  100 A, the dock guide holes  100 B, the floating dock guide poles  101 , the water level  102  (represented by two parallel oblique lines), the shore  103 , the large exemplary watercraft  104 , the small exemplary watercraft  105 , the water body bed  106  (represented by oblique lines located at the base of floating dock guide poles  101 ), the second canopy top element  501 , the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , and the vertical supports  600 . 
         FIG. 2  is a front left perspective scene view of the first exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the dock  100 , the dock guides  100 A, the dock guide holes  100 B, the floating dock guide poles  101 , the water level  102  (represented by two parallel oblique lines), the shore  103 , the large exemplary watercraft  104 , the small exemplary watercraft  105 , the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , and the vertical supports  600 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front right perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the dock  100 , the dock guides  100 A, the dock guide holes  100 B, the floating dock guide poles  101 , the water level  102  (represented by two parallel oblique lines), the shore  103 , the large exemplary watercraft  104 , the small exemplary watercraft  105 , the water body bed  106  (represented by oblique lines located at the base of floating dock guide poles  101 ), the second canopy top element  501 , the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , the horizontal supports  601 , the first main strut  602 , the first arch members  604 , the second arch members  605 , the first outer strut  606 , the assembled canopy frame  6100 , the first inner strut  700 , the second inner strut  701 , the first secondary vertical supports  702 , and the second secondary vertical supports  703 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front left perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the dock  100 , the dock guides  100 A, the dock guide holes  100 B, the floating dock guide poles  101 , the water level  102  (represented by two parallel oblique lines), the shore  103 , the large exemplary watercraft  104 , the small exemplary watercraft  105 , the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , the horizontal supports  601 , the second main strut  603 , the first arch members  604 , the second arch members  605 , the second outer strut  607 , the assembled canopy frame  6100 , the first inner strut  700 , the second inner strut  701 , the first secondary vertical supports  702 , and the second secondary vertical supports  703 . 
         FIG. 5  is an elevated front right perspective view of the first or second exemplary embodiment with the canopy cover installed, displaying the dock  100 , the dock guides  100 A, the dock guide holes  100 B, the floating dock guide poles  101 , the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the door closing fastener  507 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , the vertical support socket  2300 , the vertical support socket fastener  2301 , the stop disc  2302 , and the insertion member  2303 , and further displaying the plane of the sectional view of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 6  is an elevated front right perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment with the canopy cover not installed, displaying the vertical supports  600 , the vertical support bottom ends  600 A, the vertical support top ends  600 B, the horizontal supports  601 , the horizontal support first ends  601 A, the horizontal support second ends  601 B, the first main strut  602 , the second main strut  603 , the first arch members  604 , the first arch member inner ends  604 A, the first arch member central attachment points  604 B, the first arch member outer ends  604 C, the second arch members  605 , the second arch member inner ends  605 A, the second arch member central attachment points  605 B, the second arch member outer ends  605 C, the first outer strut  606 , the second outer strut  607 , the central arch connections  608 , the assembled canopy frame  6100 , the vertical support socket  2300 , the vertical support socket fastener  2301 , the stop disc  2302 , and the insertion member  2303 . 
         FIG. 7  is an elevated front right perspective scene of the second exemplary embodiment with the canopy cover not installed and the arch members in the use configuration, displaying the vertical supports  600 , the vertical support bottom ends  600 A, the vertical support top ends  600 B, the horizontal supports  601 , the horizontal support first ends  601 A, the horizontal support second ends  601 B, the first main strut  602 , the second main strut  603 , the first arch members  604 , the first arch member inner ends  604 A, the first arch member central attachment points  604 B, the first arch member outer ends  604 C, the second arch members  605 , the second arch member inner ends  605 A, the second arch member central attachment points  605 B, the second arch member outer ends  605 C, the first outer strut  606 , the second outer strut  607 , the assembled canopy frame  6100 , the first inner strut  700 , the second inner strut  701 , the first secondary vertical supports  702 , the first secondary vertical support bottom ends  702 A, the first secondary vertical support top ends  702 B, the second secondary vertical supports  703 , the second secondary vertical support bottom ends  703 A, the second secondary vertical support top ends  703 B, the vertical support socket  2300 , the vertical support socket fastener  2301 , the stop disc  2302 , and the insertion member  2303 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with the canopy cover not installed and the arch members in the installation configuration, displaying the vertical supports  600 , the vertical support bottom ends  600 A, the vertical support top ends  600 B, the horizontal supports  601 , the horizontal support first ends  601 A, the horizontal support second ends  601 B, the first main strut  602 , the second main strut  603 , the first arch members  604 , the first arch member inner ends  604 A, the first arch member central attachment points  604 B, the first arch member outer ends  604 C, the second arch members  605 , the second arch member inner ends  605 A, the second arch member central attachment points  605 B, the second arch member outer ends  605 C, the first outer strut  606 , the second outer strut  607 , the assembled canopy frame  6100 , the first inner strut  700 , the second inner strut  701 , the vertical support socket  2300 , the vertical support socket fastener  2301 , the stop disc  2302 , and the insertion member  2303 . 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of the components of the canopy cover of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the arch member access notches  900 , the canopy cover fasteners  901 , the first top element inner edge  902 , the second top element inner edge  903 , the first top element outer edge  904 , the second top element outer edge  905 , the first top element side edges  906 , the second top element side edges  907 , the first side element inner edges  908 , the second side element inner edges  909 , the first side element bottom edges  910 , the second side element bottom edges  911 , the first side element curved top edges  912 , and the second side element curved top edges  913 . 
         FIG. 10  is an elevated front right perspective view of the canopy cover of the first or second exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the door closing fastener  507 , the logo placement  508 , and the assembled canopy cover  5100 . 
         FIG. 11  is an elevated front right perspective view of the canopy cover of the first or second exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , and the assembled canopy cover  5100 . 
         FIG. 12  is an elevated front right perspective view of the canopy cover of the first or second exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the first installation configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , and the canopy fold  1200 . 
         FIG. 13  is a rear left perspective view of the inside of the assembled side elements of the canopy cover first or second exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , and the door opening fasteners  506 . 
         FIG. 14  is an elevated front right perspective view of the canopy cover of the second exemplary embodiment in the second installation configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , and the canopy fold  1200 . 
         FIG. 15  is an elevated front right perspective view of the canopy cover of the second exemplary embodiment in the second installation configuration in context with the canopy frame elements, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , the vertical support bottom ends  600 A, the vertical support top ends  600 B, the horizontal supports  601 , the horizontal support first ends  601 A, the first main strut  602 , the first arch members  604 , the first outer strut  606 , the second outer strut  607 , the assembled canopy frame  6100 , the first inner strut  700 , the canopy fold  1200 , the vertical support socket  2300 , the vertical support socket fastener  2301 , the stop disc  2302 , and the insertion member  2303 . 
         FIG. 16  is a detail view of the straight connector of the canopy frame elements of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the straight connector  1600 , the frame elements  1601 , and the frame connector fasteners  1602 . 
         FIG. 17  a detail view of the right angle connector of the canopy frame elements of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the frame elements  1601 , the frame connector fasteners  1602 , and the right angle connector  1700 . 
         FIG. 18  is a detail view of the T-connector of the canopy frame elements of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the frame elements  1601 , the frame connector fasteners  1602 , and the T-connector  1800 . 
         FIG. 19  is a detail view of the reinforcement element of the canopy cover of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the reinforcement element  1900 . 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view, along the plane identified in  FIG. 5 , of the outer struts as the canopy cover is attached thereto of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the horizontal support  601 , the T-connector  1800 , the canopy cover top element  2000 , the canopy cover top fastener  2001 , the arch element  2002 , and the outer strut  2003 . 
         FIG. 21  is a detail view of the storage net element of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the storage net  2100 . 
         FIG. 22  is a detail view of the net element fasteners of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the storage net  2100 , the net cord  2200 , the net cord loop  2202 , the net cord ball  2201 , the double hook  2203 , and the net supporting frame element  2204 . 
         FIG. 23  is a detail view of the guide hole stop disc of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the vertical support socket  2300 , the vertical support socket fastener  2301 , the stop disc  2302 , and the insertion member  2303 . 
         FIG. 24  is a detail view of the bracket of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the bracket vertical support socket  2400 , the bracket vertical support socket fastener  2401 , the bracket vertical support tube  2402 , the bracket flat  2403 , the bracket fasteners  2404 , and the secondary bracket flat  2405 . 
         FIG. 25  is a detail view of the auger pole of the first or second exemplary embodiment, displaying the water body bed  106  (represented by an oblique line) the auger pole vertical support socket  2500 , the auger pole vertical support fastener  2501 , the auger pole  2502 , and the auger  2503 . 
         FIG. 26  is a detail view of the connection between the secondary vertical supports and the horizontal supports of the second exemplary embodiment, displaying the horizontal support  601 , the secondary vertical support element  2600 , secondary vertical support pin  2601 , the horizontal support pinhole  2602 , and the secondary vertical support access hole  2603 . 
         FIG. 27  is a detail view of the pin connection of the secondary vertical supports of the second exemplary embodiment, displaying the secondary vertical support  2600 , the secondary vertical support pin  2601 , and the secondary vertical support pinhole  2700 . 
         FIG. 28  is a front elevated scene view of the first exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , and the assembled canopy cover  5100 . 
         FIG. 29  is a lowered right perspective scene view of the first exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the second canopy top element  501 , the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , and the storage netting  2100 . 
         FIG. 30  a is a front right perspective scene view of the first exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the second canopy top element  501 , the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the door closing fastener  507 , the logo placement  508 , and the assembled canopy cover  5100 . 
         FIG. 31  is a front left perspective scene view of the first exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the door closing fastener  507 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , and the second arch member  605 . 
         FIG. 32  is a front elevated scene view of the first exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A, the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A, the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the door closing fastener  507 , the logo placement  508 , and the assembled canopy cover  5100   
         FIG. 33  is a lowered right perspective scene view of the first exemplary embodiment with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the second canopy top element  501 , the first canopy side elements  502 , the second canopy side elements  503 , the first door flap  504 , the second door flap  505 , the door opening fasteners  506 , the door closing fastener  507 , the logo placement  508 , and the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , and first arch members  604 . 
         FIG. 34  is a front elevated scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A (transparent), the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A (transparent), the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , and the assembled canopy cover  5100 . 
         FIG. 35  is a lowered right perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and the door flaps in the open configuration, displaying the second canopy top element  501 , the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , the horizontal supports  601 , the first main strut  602 , the second main strut  603 , the first arch members  604 , the second arch members  605 , the first outer strut  606 , the assembled canopy frame  6100 , the first inner strut  700 , the second inner strut  701 , the first secondary vertical supports  702 , the second secondary vertical supports  703 , and the storage netting  2100 . 
         FIG. 36  is a front right perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the second canopy top element  501 , the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), the door opening fasteners  506 , the door closing fastener  507 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , the horizontal supports  601 , the first main strut  602 , the first arch members  604 , the first outer strut  606 , the assembled canopy frame  6100 , the first inner strut  700 , the second inner strut  701 , the first secondary vertical supports  702 , and the second secondary vertical supports  703 . 
         FIG. 37  is a front left perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), the door opening fasteners  506 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , the horizontal supports  601 , the second main strut  603 , the second arch members  605 , the second outer strut  607 , the first inner strut  700 , the second inner strut  701 , the first secondary vertical supports  702 , the second secondary vertical supports  703 , and the storage netting  2100 . 
         FIG. 38  is a front elevated scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A (transparent), the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A (transparent), the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), the door closing fasteners  507 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , and the reinforcement element  1900 . 
         FIG. 39  is a lowered right perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the closed configuration, displaying the second canopy top element  501 , the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), the door closing fasteners  507 , the logo placement  508 , the assembled canopy cover  5100 , the vertical supports  600 , the horizontal supports  601 , the first main strut  602 , the first arch members  604 , the second arch members  605 , the first outer strut  606 , the first inner strut  700 , the second inner strut  701 , the first secondary vertical supports  702 , the second secondary vertical supports  703 , the reinforcement element  1900 , and the storage netting  2100 . 
         FIG. 40  is a front right perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the first installation configuration, displaying the first canopy inner top element  500 A (transparent), the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A (transparent), the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), and the canopy fold  1200 . 
         FIG. 41  is a front left perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the first installation configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A (transparent), the second canopy inner top element  501 A (transparent), the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), and the canopy fold  1200 . 
         FIG. 42  is a front elevated scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the first installation configuration, displaying the first canopy top element  500 , the first canopy inner top element  500 A (transparent), the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A (transparent), the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), and the canopy fold  1200 . 
         FIG. 43  is a lowered right perspective scene view of the second exemplary embodiment with transparent canopy elements and with the door flaps in the first installation configuration, displaying the first canopy inner top element  500 A (transparent), the second canopy top element  501 , the second canopy inner top element  501 A (transparent), the first canopy side elements  502  (transparent), the second canopy side elements  503  (transparent), the first door flap  504  (transparent), the second door flap  505  (transparent), and the canopy fold  1200 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a cantilevered watercraft canopy. As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the environment of the preferred environment is installation on a dock  100  or pier such that mooring areas on both sides of the dock  100  are covered by the canopy. As used herein, the term “watercraft mooring area” means an area that is filled with water suitable for the storing of watercraft that are floating in the water. The term “watercraft mooring area” is not contemplated by the Inventor to include an area on land used for storing watercraft. As depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , defined within the environment are the water level  102  (the water level  102  is represented by a pair of parallel oblique lines, which define a plane within the perspective of the figures), the shore  103 , and the water body bed  106  (the water body bed  106  is represented by short oblique line segments located at the base of the guide poles  101 ; the water body bed  106 , of course, extends in all directions under the body of water in the locale of installation). In general the water body bed  106  may refer to the floor of any body of water in which the user wishes to moor watercraft—for example, a lake bed, riverbed, pond bed, seabed, etc., including the bed of an artificial body of water. While an aspect of the preferred embodiment, the presence of a dock  100  or even a body of water are not required to practice the invention, which may be installed over a mooring area having no walking access (for example, using the auger pole support option of  FIG. 25 ), or over a location with no water at all. The invention may provide covered mooring for large exemplary watercraft  104 , for example the pontoon boat shown, small exemplary watercraft  105 , for example canoes, kayaks, or powered personal watercraft, as shown, or for any other type of watercraft moorable at a dock  100 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the dock  100  is a floating dock. Currently commercially available floating docks are characterized by a system of modular configurable dock guides  100 A, which form a bracket attached to the outer edge of the floating dock  100 . Each dock guide  100 A is pierced by a floating dock guide hole  100 B. Some commercially available floating docks dispense with the floating dock guide bracket in favor of piercing the dock with the guide hole directly; in this case, the invention is installed in the provided guide holes. In ordinary operation, floating dock guide poles  101  are augured to the water body bed  106  and configured to pass through the guide holes  100 B just above the water level  102 . The floating dock  100  is thus allowed to move freely up and down as the water level  102  changes over time, but is restricted in its horizontal motion by the guide poles  101 . 
     In all embodiments, the present invention relies upon vertical supports  600 , each having a bottom end  600 A and a top end  600 B. The vertical supports  600  are preferably affixed, at the bottom end  600 A, to a mounting surface, generally either the dock  100  or the water body bed  106 , by any of several provided vertical support mounting means for mounting the vertical supports to the mounting surface. In the preferred embodiment, where a floating dock  100  is present, the mounting surface is provided by adding extra dock guides  100 A to the dock  100 . The bottom end  600 A of each vertical support is inserted into a vertical support socket  2300 , which is secured by a vertical support socket fastener  2301  (for example, an installed Allen bolt, as shown). The vertical support socket  2300  is located at the top end of an insertion member  2303 , which fits inside the guide hole  100 B. Near its top, the insertion member  2303  is surrounded by and rigidly affixed to a rigid top disc  2302 , which is larger in diameter than the guide hole  100 B. Thus, the insertion member  2303  and stop disc  2302  together secure the vertical support  600  with the insertion member  2303  resting within the guide hole  100 B and the stop disc  2302  resting above the guide hole  100 B. 
     An alternative embodiment provides for attaching the vertical supports  600  to a fixed dock  100 . In such a configuration, the bottom end  600 A of each vertical support is inserted into a bracket vertical support socket  2400  and thence into a bracket vertical support tube  2402 , where it is secured by a vertical support socket fastener  2401  (for example, an installed Allen bolt, as shown). The bracket vertical support tube is affixed to a bracket flat  2403 , which is affixed to the side of the dock  100  by fastening through or around the dock edge to a secondary bracket flat  2405 , forming a clamp. The vertical support fasteners  2404  may be hexagonal bolts, as shown, or generally any type of bolt, screw, or the like. Together, the bracket vertical support tube  2402 , bracket vertical support socket  2400 , bracket flat  2403 , and secondary bracket flat  2405  form a bracket, and the vertical support  600  may be understood as being inserted into and affixed within the bracket. 
     Another alternative embodiment provides for attaching the vertical supports  600  to an auger pole  2502  via an auger pole vertical support socket  2500  where it is secured by a vertical support socket fastener  2501  (for example, an installed Allen bolt, as shown). The base of the auger pole  2502  is fitted with an auger  2503 , which is driven into the water body bed  106 . This allows the invention to be practiced in the absence of a suitably stable dock  100  and in the absence of any dock or pier at all, for example in an open water mooring area. 
     Referring now to the canopy frame  6100  of  FIGS. 6-8 , the vertical supports  600  support the canopy frame  6100 . Preferably, the vertical supports  600  support the entire canopy frame  6100  alone—that is, without any non-vertical elements such as cross-bracing that would obstruct access to the walking space on the dock  100  or in watercraft mooring area on the water. Affixed to the top  600 B of the vertical supports  600  are a number of horizontal supports  601 , each having a first end  601 A and a second end  601 B. The horizontal supports  601  are preferably at equal height, parallel with one another, of equal length, and extend an equal distance from the dock  100 . In the preferred embodiment, as shown, the vertical supports  600  form two rows in-line with either side of the dock  100 , and the horizontal supports are oriented across opposing pairs of vertical supports  600 , crosswise with the dock  100 . Generally, each horizontal support is affixed to the top  600 B of at least one vertical support  600 , however, in the embodiment shown, the two opposing pairs of vertical supports  600  are present and two horizontal supports  601  are correspondingly present, though the entire apparatus may be extended over longer docks  100  by adding additional horizontal supports  601  and opposing pairs of vertical supports  600 . Attached to all of the first ends  601 A of the horizontal supports  601  is a first main strut  602 , and attached to all of the second ends  601 B of the horizontal supports  601  is a second main strut  603 . Depending upon the embodiment, the main struts  602  and  603  may be affixed rigidly or rotatably to the horizontal supports  601 . In the preferred embodiment, and as shown, the main struts  602  and  603  are long relative to the distance between the opposing pairs of vertical supports (about the width of the dock  100 ) such that the main struts  602  and  603  are parallel to one another, horizontal, and substantially distal to the vertical supports  600  to a length sufficient to extend over target watercraft such as the large exemplary watercraft  104 , moored width-wise, as shown, or the small exemplary watercraft, moored lengthwise, as shown. 
     Referring still to the canopy frame  6100  of  FIGS. 6-8 , a set of first arch members  604  and a set of second arch members  605  are provided. Each set of arch members  604  and  605  provides sufficient arc to cover about half of the total intended arc of the canopy frame  6100 . For both the first and second exemplary embodiment the canopy frame  6100  may be understood as defining a barrel vault that is open and unobstructed at either end, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 ; the barrel vault thereby provides unobstructed and enclosed access to watercraft moored in the mooring area. The ends of the barrel vault may be understood as defining the longitudinal direction of the barrel vault, with the perpendicular and horizontal direction (i.e., the direction of the horizontal supports  601 ) may be understood as defining the transverse direction of barrel vault, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . As understood from the figure, the total arc of the canopy frame  6100  is intended to be substantially less than 180° of a circle that is oriented in a vertical plane orthogonal to the dock  100  whose radius is substantially larger than the height of the canopy frame  6100 . Accordingly, as used herein, the “end” of a barrel vault is defined as that portion of a vertical plane aligned to the longitudinally most distal pair of arch members  604  and  605  that is enclosed by the longitudinally most distal pair of arch members themselves, a line segment and/or chord connecting their outer ends  604 C and  605 C together, and, for embodiments where the two are not directly connected, a segment of arc connecting their inner ends  604 A and  605 A together. Thus, where, as stated above, the “barrel vault [ . . . ] is open and unobstructed at either end”, the meaning is that the ends, as defined, are not intersected by any support or cross bracing, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . Alternative embodiments, of course, may provide a different roof shape, for example that of a pair of angled awnings or a rectangular or irregular roof shape defined by the arch members  604  and  605  not conforming to sections of arc. In such embodiments, the terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” may be understood relative to the particular roof shape. Each of the first arch members  604  has defined an inner end  604 A, a central attachment point  604 B, and an outer end  604 C. Each of the second arch members  605  has defined an inner end  605 A, a central attachment point  605 B, and an outer end  605 C. The first arch members  604  are affixed, at their central attachment points  604 B, to the first main strut  602 . The second arch members  605  are affixed, at their central attachment points  605 B, to the second main strut  603 . All of the first arch members  604  are of equal length (both linear length and arc length), oriented such that they are parallel to one another, perpendicular (at the point of attachment) to the first main strut  602 , and arched inward or downward with respect to the first main strut  602 . All of the second arch members  605  are oriented such that they are of equal length (both linear length and arc length), parallel to one another, perpendicular (at the point of attachment) to the second main strut  603 , and arched inward or downward with respect to the first main strut  603 . 
     Referring still to the canopy frame  6100  of  FIGS. 6-8 , a first outer strut  606  and a second outer strut  607  are provided. The first outer strut is affixed to all of the outer ends  604 C of the first arch members  604 . The second outer strut  607  is affixed to all of the outer ends  605 C of the second arch members  605 . Thus, in its most generic form, the canopy frame  6100  may be understood as comprising the first arch members  604 , the second arch members  605 , the first main strut  602 , the second main strut  603 , the first outer strut  606 , the second outer strut  606 , and the horizontal supports  601 . Generically, the canopy frame  6100  is substantially covered by a canopy cover  5100  affixed thereto, which may be as described below or may be any fabric covering according to methods and principles well known in the art. The outer struts  606  and  607  hang at a height defining the bottom of the canopy, which is preferably at a level at which the target watercraft, such as the large exemplary watercraft  104  of the figures, can just pass under the canopy without colliding. This permits the user to moor watercraft uncovered beneath the canopy without risking damage to the watercraft from the elements. 
     In the first exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the first main strut  602  and second main strut  603  are rigidly affixed to the horizontal supports  601  such that they do not rotate. Further, each of the first arch members  604  is joined at its inner end  604 A to the inner end  605 A of one of the second arch members  605 , and vice versa such that each of the second arch members  605  is also joined to a first arch member  604  with no extra arch members  604  or  605 . Equivalently, it is understood that there are equal numbers of arch members  604  and  605 , and each is aligned with a corresponding one of the other. In the first exemplary embodiment, the inner ends  604 A and  605 A of the first arch members  604  and second arch members  605  is achieved with a central arch connection  608 , which may be of any joining fastener type but is preferably of the straight connector  1600  type discussed below. 
     In the second exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 7-8 , the first main strut  602  and second main strut  603  are rotatably affixed to the horizontal supports  601  such that they can turn, at least somewhat freely (substantial friction allowing the main struts  602  and  603  to retain their rotational position unless pushed or pulled by hand is preferable) while connected to the horizontal supports  601 . The rotatable connection is minimally required during installation and striking of the canopy frame  6100 , but may persist throughout the use of the canopy frame  6100 . In the second exemplary embodiment, the arch members  604  and  605  are preferably weight-balanced about the main struts  602  and  603  such that they function as their own counterweights, rendering rotation of the main struts  602  and  603  easily done by hand. Further, a first inner strut  700  and a second inner strut  701  are provided. The first inner strut is affixed to all of the inner ends  604 A of the first arch members  604 . The second inner strut is affixed to all of the inner ends  605 A of the second arch members  605 . When placed in the use configuration of  FIG. 7 , the inner struts  700  and  701  are positioned proximate to one another and directly overhead of the dock  100 , as shown. In the use configuration, the first inner strut  700  is secured to each horizontal support  601  by a set of first secondary vertical supports  702 . Each first secondary vertical support  702  is removably affixed at its bottom end  702 A to one of the horizontal supports  601  and at its top end  702 B to the first inner strut  700 . Similarly, in the use configuration, the second inner strut  701  is secured to each horizontal support  601  by a set of second secondary vertical supports  703 . Each second secondary vertical support  703  is removably affixed at its bottom end  703 A to one of the horizontal supports  601  and at its top end  703 B to the second inner strut  701 . The connection between the secondary vertical supports  702  and  703  (either is represented as reference number  2600  in  FIGS. 26-27 ) and the horizontal supports  601  is made by a secondary vertical support pin  2601 , which penetrates a collinear horizontal support pinhole  2602  and a secondary vertical support pinhole  2700 . The joint is achieved by inserting the secondary vertical support element  2600  into the secondary vertical support access hole  2603  in the top surface of the horizontal support  601 . The second exemplary embodiment is thus advantaged because the rotation of the main struts  602  and  603  between the installation configuration of  FIG. 8  and the use configuration of  FIG. 7  permits the invention to be installed from the dock  100  without the need to stand on a watercraft or in the water. 
     In both the first and second exemplary embodiments, connections between the elements of the canopy frame  6100  may be achieved by any known means, and the elements of the canopy frame  6100  may be of any material or shape profile. However, in the preferred embodiment, the structural elements, specifically the vertical supports  600 , the horizontal supports  601 , the first main strut  602 , the second main strut  603 , the first arch members  604 , the second arch members  605 , the first outer strut  606 , the second outer strut  607  and, in the second exemplary embodiment, the first inner strut  700 , second inner strut  701 , first secondary vertical supports  702 , and second secondary vertical supports  703  are all made of galvanized steel pipe or beam, or alternative materials such as aluminum, composite, plastic, or wood. The frame elements may be manufactured to length or, preferably, are assembled from short modular segments having male and female connectors such that the entire frame is easily transported, assembled, and stored. Those frame elements that are hollow are preferably pierced with weep holes providing for the drainage and evaporation of internally accumulated moisture. 
     The connections between the structural components are preferably formed with the pipe or beam connectors of  FIGS. 16-18 . A straight connector  1600  may join two inline frame elements  1601  and secure each with a frame connector fastener  1602 . Similarly, a right-angle connector  1700  may join two frame elements  1601  and secure them via the same frame connector fastener  1602 . Similarly, a T-connector  1800  may join two or three (with a central joint) frame elements  1601  and secure them via the same frame connector fastener  1602 . The frame connector fastener  1602  preferably is formed from a welded nut within the frame connector  1600 ,  1700 , or  1800  that is threaded with an Allen bolt. The same size Allen bolt is preferably used in the vertical support socket fastener  2301 , the bracket vertical support socket fastener  2401 , and the auger pole vertical support socket fastener  2501 , and any other bolt connections such that the entire frame may be assembled and stricken with a single tool: the one Allen wrench of the particular size chosen. Referring still to the frame connectors  1600 ,  1700 , and  1800 , the Applicant has identified and applied commercially available Kee Klamp® brand connectors with success in the context of the present invention. 
     In either the first or second exemplary embodiment, a storage net  2100  may be provided. The storage net  2100  provides sheltered storage intended for boating accessories such as life vests, tubes, flotation toys, and the like. The net  2100  is preferably suspended at least between any two of the horizontal supports  601 , and may optionally be further affixed to the first main strut  602  or second main strut  603 . In the preferred embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , two cargo nets  2100  are provided on either side of the pier. The front and back edges are suspended between the two horizontal supports  601 , and the outer edges are suspended from the main struts  602  and  603 . The inner edges are not directly suspended from any structure and terminate in-line with the vertical supports  600 . This provides a central access space over the dock  100  to the storage volume created by the net  2100 . More generally, the storage net  2100  may be suspended between any two parallel frame elements, including the horizontal supports  601 , main struts  602  and  603 , and the outer struts  606  and  607 .  FIG. 22  provides the detail of the preferred net element fasteners. The net  2100  may be fastened at any number of fastening points by a net cord  2200 , which wraps around the supporting frame element  2204  and secured via a net cord ball  2201  passed through a net cord loop on the opposite end of the net cord  2200 . A double hook  2203  hooks to both the net cord  2200  and the net  2100 , as shown. In alternative configurations, hooks may be installed on the relevant frame members or, equivalently, on the net itself, for a bungee net. Additionally, rope knots or alternative netting fasteners may be employed. Additional storage solutions may be installed, for example a single-attachment mesh bag may store water toys, swimwear, or other small items. Additional storage solutions may include a clothesline or equipment hoist (for example, for overhead storage of a kayak). 
     Referring now to the canopy  5100 , shown in disassembled plan view in  FIG. 9 , the preferred embodiment of the canopy comprises a first canopy top element  500 , a second canopy top element  501 , a pair of first canopy side elements  502 , and a pair of second canopy side elements  503 . As shown, the first canopy top element  500  is approximately rectangular and has an inner edge  902 , an outer edge  904 , and two side edges  906 . Similarly, the second canopy top element  501  is approximately rectangular and has an inner edge  903 , an outer edge  905 , and two side edges  907 . Each of the first canopy side elements  502  is defined to have a first side element inner edge  908 , a first side element bottom edge  910 , and a first side element curved top edge  912 . Similarly, each of the second canopy side elements  503  is defined to have a second side element inner edge  909 , a second side element bottom edge  911 , and a second side element curved top edge  913 . The curved top edges  912  and  913  are shaped to match the arc of the first arch elements  604  and the second arch elements  605 , respectively. The outside surface of the canopy side elements  502  and/or  503  may have affixed thereto a logo placement  508  whereon branding or other indicia may be printed. Additionally, the first and second canopy top elements  500  and  501  as well as the canopy side elements  502  and  503  may have affixed to their lower edges a loosely hanging skirt of additional material, which may provide added protection against the entry of dirt, wind, and moisture. 
     The canopy components are joined by canopy cover fasteners  901 , which are present along the first top element inner edge  902 , the second top element inner edge  903 , the first top element side edges  906 , the second top element side edges  907 , the first side element curved top edges  912 , and the second side element curved top edges  913 . The canopy cover fasteners  901  may take the form of stitching, zippers, hook and loop fastener strips, buttons, snaps, etc. Along the first top element inner edge  902  and the second top element inner edge  903 , the canopy cover fasteners  901  form a top element removable fastening means for removably fastening the first top element  500 , along the first top element inner edge  902 , to the second top element  501 , along the second top element inner edge  903 . Thus, in the case of the top element inner edges  902  and  903  removable fasteners, and not stitching, are preferred. Along the first and second side element top edges  912  and  913 , and along the first and second top element side edges  906  and  907 , the canopy cover fasteners  901  form a side element top edge fastening means for fastening each of the first pair of side elements  502 , along the first side element top edge  912 , to the first top element  500 , along the first top element side edges  906 , and for fastening each of the second pair of side elements  503 , along the second side element top edge  913 , to the second top element  501 , along the second top element side edges  907 . In the case of the side elements  502  and  503 , a non-removable fastening means, i.e. stitching, is preferred. Notably, the first and second canopy top elements  500  and  501  have, within their outer edges  904  and  905 , respectively, notches  900 , which accommodate the arch members  604  and  605  at T-connectors  1800 , as shown in  FIG. 20 , which shows a cross section the outer strut  2003  (either the first outer strut  606  or the second outer strut  607 ) and the canopy cover top fastener  2001 . The canopy top fastener  2001  is preferably hook and loop fabric strips, though other removable fastening means, such as ties, snaps, buttons, etc. may be employed. In the case of the second exemplary embodiment, pairs of hook and loop fasteners are preferably provided on the inside surface of the first and second top canopy elements  500  and  501  in-line with the first and second inner struts  700  and  701 , respectively such that the canopy cover  5100  is affixed to both rotatable portions of the canopy frame  6100 . 
     The first side element inner edges  908  and the second side element inner edges  909  are removably joined by a side element fastening means for fastening the first pair of side elements  502  to the second pair of side elements  503 . To achieve this means in its most generic form, the canopy cover fasteners  901  may be extended over the side element inner edges  908  and  909 , which may be made parallel so as to be joined by a zipper, hook and loop fastener strip, buttons, snaps etc. However, in the preferred embodiment, the first side elements  502  and second side elements  503  are both shaped to have a first door flap  504  and second door flap  505 , respectively, along their inner edges  908  and  909 . The door flaps  504  and  505  preferably overlap and are movable between an open configuration ( FIG. 11 ) and a closed configuration ( FIG. 10 ). With respect to the closed configuration, a door closing fastener  507  is configured for releasably fastening the door flaps  504  and  505  into the closed configuration, and is present on the door flaps  504  and  505 , may take the form of a hook and loop fastener strip, or alternatively buttons, snaps, hooks, etc. In embodiments where the door closing fastener  507  is a horizontally oriented hook and loop fastener strip, as shown in  FIG. 10 , complementary hook and loop fastener faces may be placed on the inside face of one and outside face of the other of the first door flap  504  and second door flap  505 ; alternatively, complementary hook and loop fastener strips may be placed on both the inside face and outside face of both the first door flap  504  and the second door flap  505 . Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the door closing fastener  507  provides the side element fastening means for fastening the first pair of side elements  502  to the second pair of side elements  503 . Additionally, the door closing fastener  507  provides a detachable and reattachable closed door flap fastening means for fastening the first door flap  504  and the second door flap  505  in the closed configuration. Further, the door flaps  504  and  505  may be fastened in the open configuration of  FIG. 11  provided door opening fasteners  506 , which may be snaps, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, etc. This forms a detachable and reattachable open configuration door flap fastening means for fastening the first door flap  504  and the second door flap  505  in the open configuration. The door flaps  504  and  505  may be fastened open inside or outside of the canopy; the figures show the door flaps  504  and  505  on the inside, for example the inside view of  FIG. 13 . The angled overlapping shape of the door flaps  504  and  505  provides fault-tolerance for deformation in the shape of the arch members  604  and  605 , whether during manufacturing or after installation, for example due to deflection. In various embodiments, this fault tolerance is achieved by the door closing fastener  507  being a horizontally (or, inline with the direction of overlap) positioned hook and loop fastener strip, as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 10 , allowing the degree of overlap of the door flaps  504  and  505  to be adjusted. Further, the particular angled shape referenced herein may be understood, as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 10 , as each of the door flaps  504  and  505  being acutely angled as measured between the door flap edge  504 A or  505 A and the horizontal, and with the vertex being located at the corner of the corresponding side element  502  or  503 . Accordingly, the triangular overlap region  590  between the door flaps  504  and  505  is triangular in shape with the scale of the triangle dependent on the degree of overlap. As shown, the door closing fastener  507  is located within the triangular overlap region  590 . Further, as shown, the door closing fastener  507  is translationally adjustable (translationally, as used here, meaning in the long dimension of the hook and loop fastener strip, as opposed to in the short dimension (distally) or some other angle (rotationally)), which allows the size of the overlap region to be scaled, thus accounting for deflection by allowing the fit of the canopy cover  5100  to be corrected. As an alternative, the door flaps  604  and  605  may be replaced by a single roll-up or pull-up drapery style covering. 
     The canopy top elements  500  and  501  are preferably made from a waterproof or water resistant vinyl, canvas, or other fabric covering. The canopy side elements  502  and  503  may be made of a similar material. In the preferred embodiment, however, a portion of the top elements  500  and  501 , specifically a rectangular region along the inner edges  902  and  903 , may be understood as the first canopy inner top element  500 A and the second canopy inner top element  501 A. These and the canopy side elements  502  and  503 , including the door flaps  504  and  505 , are preferably made of a transparent material, for example, a transparent mesh fabric material or a clear vinyl material.  FIGS. 3-4, 34-43  display the transparency effect in scene view. The transparency allows light to enter such that the user can see the surrounds during daylight via the inner top elements  500 A and  501 A, and to see the contents of the canopy from outside or approaching persons or watercraft from inside, via the side elements  502  and  503  and door flaps  504  and  505 . Additionally, where a transparent mesh screening material (which is preferable) is used, the structure has superior air venting properties, which minimize air drag forces during storms and weather, and also allow for heat and moisture to be vented from the canopy interior. Further, in the second exemplary embodiment, the interface between the main material of the first and second canopy top elements  500  and  501  may provide a wedge (or a dedicated wedge may be provided) into which a reinforcement element  1900 , a flat flexible plastic strut, may be frictionally inserted; this maintains the arch of the canopy in the top region between the inner struts  700  and  701 . 
       FIGS. 8, 14-15, 40-43  show the installation configuration of the second exemplary embodiment with the preferred canopy. The second exemplary embodiment is assembled and the main struts  602  and  603  are allowed to rotate such that the arch members are tilted upward as in the first installation configuration of  FIG. 8 . The canopy  5100  is then assembled in halves as in  FIG. 14 , and draped over the canopy frame  6100  in the installation configuration, as in  FIG. 15 . Thus, the canopy frame  6100  may be understood as including a pair of barrel vault halves, as shown, which include the arch members  604  and  605 , the outer struts  606  and  607 , and the inner struts  700  and  701 . The pair of barrel vault halves may be understood as rotatably affixed to and supported by the horizontal supports  601 , which are affixed to and supported by the vertical supports  600 . The main struts  602  and  603  may then be rotated back into the use configuration and, optionally, secured there, yielding the second installation configuration of  FIGS. 40-43 . The user may then fasten the canopy top elements  500  and  501  together using the canopy cover fasteners  901  and fasten the door flaps  504  and  505  in the open or closed configuration to achieve an overall use configuration. 
     Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention. 
     While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.