Abstract:
A protective cover for trailerable items includes a support frame having a plurality of ribs having opposed first and second leg members and a lateral batten member spanning the first and second leg members and defining an open area thereunder, and a flexible cover supported on the support frame, wherein each of the first leg members are rotatable about a first axis and each of the second leg members are rotatable about a second axis. The plurality of ribs are selectively movable between a first position in which they are spaced apart and the flexible cover encompasses an entirety of a trailerable item, and a second position in which the plurality of ribs are adjacent one another and extend substantially vertically to allow for loading and unloading of the trailerable item from a trailer while the protective cover is attached to the trailer.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to protective covers and, more particularly, to a protective cover for trailerable items such as boats, personal watercraft, motorcycles, snowmobiles and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The covering of trailerable items such as boats and personal watercraft is a tedious process and usually requires more than one person, but is essential for the protection of a boat&#39;s interior and instrumentation from the elements. As will be readily appreciated, traditional boat covers are often difficult to install and require packing and storing when not in use. Further, such traditional covers require a user to remember to separately transport the tarp, as it does not travel as part of the boat/trailer system. Indeed, fully enclosed canvas boat covers are cumbersome to remove and reinstall, and it is not uncommon to take 20 to 30 minutes for each task. 
     In addition, certain types of known outdoor boat covers often do not cover the entire boat or other trailerable item, leaving some portions of the boat, such as the motor, exposed to the elements. Moreover, known boat covers have a tendency to have flat areas or low spots, depending on the contours of the boat, that are susceptible to water, ice, snow and/or debris accumulation. Such accumulation is undesirable as it can damage or tear a hole in the cover, leading to damage of the interior and instrumentation of the boat. 
     Alternatively, such trailerable items may also be stored in indoor facilities, however, the cost of such storage each month is often exorbitantly high. 
     In view of the problems associated with known protective covers for trailerable items, there is a need for an improved protective cover for trailerable items, such as boats, that can be transported with the trailer and can quickly and easily be deployed and retracted. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for trailerable items such as boats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, motorcycles and the like. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for trailerable items that covers an entirety of the trailerable item. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for trailerable items that is selectively attachable to the trailer such that it travels with the trailer. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for trailerable items that minimizes the accumulation of water, ice, snow and other debris. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for trailerable items that is easily executable and can be adapted to fit most boat trailers. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for trailerable items that is easily operable by a single person. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for trailerable items that is movable from a fully covered position to an uncovered position in a short period of time. 
     According to one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a protective cover for trailerable items having a support frame including a plurality of ribs having opposed first and second leg members and a lateral batten member spanning the first and second leg members and defining an open area thereunder, and a flexible cover supported on the support frame, wherein each of the first leg members are rotatable about a first axis and each of the second leg members are rotatable about a second axis. Each of the support ribs are operatively connected to a trailer at approximately a midpoint along a length of the trailer frame. 
     The plurality of ribs are selectively movable between a first position in which they are spaced apart and the flexible cover encompasses an entirety of a trailerable item, and a second position in which the plurality of ribs are adjacent one another and extend substantially vertically to allow for loading and unloading of the trailerable item from the trailer while the protective cover is attached to the trailer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a protective cover for trailerable items in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the support frame of the protective cover for trailerable items of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the protective cover and support frame, the cover being shown in transparent, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of an exemplary one of the ribs that comprise the support frame of the protective cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a lower portion of the rib of  FIG. 4  showing a flattened, planar portion thereof in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of one of the ribs of  FIG. 4  showing the flattened, planar portion thereof. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the protective cover for trailerable items of  FIG. 1  shown in a covered position in association with a boat and trailer, the cover being shown in transparent, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the protective cover for trailerable items of  FIG. 1  shown in a covered position in association with a boat and trailer, the cover being shown in transparent, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of the protective cover for trailerable items of  FIG. 1  shown in a covered position in association with a boat and trailer, the cover being shown in transparent, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a mounting mechanism of the protective cover for trailerable items in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fastening rod that forms a portion of the mounting mechanism of  FIG. 10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a detailed bottom plan view of a top mounting plate and fastening rod of  FIG. 11  that forms a portion of the mounting mechanism of  FIG. 10 , shown mounted in position on a trailer I-beam. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged front view of the top mounting plate of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the bottom mounting plate that forms a portion of the mounting mechanism of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 15  is a enlarged detail view of area A of  FIG. 7  showing the ribs mounted on the fastening rod of the mounting mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of a dogging mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing the mounting mechanism of  FIG. 10  positioned on the I-beams of a trailer. 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of the protective cover for trailerable items of  FIG. 1  shown in an uncovered, transport position in association with a boat and trailer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevational view of the protective cover for trailerable items of  FIG. 1  shown in an uncovered, launch position in association with a boat and trailer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-3 , a protective cover  10  for trailerable items according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As used herein, “trailerable” is defined as being adapted for and capable of transportation by a trailer. Moreover, as used herein, “trailerable item” is defined as any item that is customarily or capable of being supported and transported by a trailer, such as boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles and the like. As shown therein, the protective cover  10  includes a flexible cover  16  and a support frame  12  having a plurality of ribs  14  for supporting the flexible cover  16 . In the preferred embodiment, the support frame has 5 support ribs  14 , although more or fewer ribs can be used depending on the length of the trailerable item to be covered. The flexible cover  16  is preferably sewn in loops around the ribs  14 , however, other means of attachment known in the art may also be used. The flexible cover  16  may be a tarpaulin and can be formed from fabric canvas, vinyl or other conventional protective material, the primary function being to isolate the trailerable item and its interior from debris and inclement weather. In any event, the cover  16  is substantially waterproof such that water is not permitted to pass through. As best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in its fully covered position, the protective cover  10  has a half-wheel type shape. In this position, the flexible cover  16  is pulled taught between the ribs  14 , which aids in preventing the accumulation of water, ice, snow and other debris. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the flexible cover  16  has a plurality of straps  18  to secure the cover  16  to a frame of a trailer. Preferably, there are two straps on each side of the cover  16 , two straps on the rear of the cover and one strap on the front of the cover  16  for securing the cover  16  to each side, rear and the front of a trailer, as discussed in detail below. The straps are preferably Velcro straps to permit a secure yet quick attachment/detachment from the I-beams of a trailer, however, other strap types or means of attachment known in the art, such as cinch straps and the like, may also be used. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the configuration of the support ribs  14  is shown. As shown therein, each support rib  14  has a pair of generally parallel leg members  20  and a lateral batten member  22  spanning the leg members  20  and defining an open area thereunder. The leg members  20  and batten member  22  may have any shape cross-section, such as rectangular, U, or C shape, however, it is preferred that cylindrical leg members  20  and batten members  22  having a generally rectangular cross-section be used. In the preferred embodiment, the leg members  20  and batten member  22  are formed from 1″ diameter aluminum tubing, although other materials and stock diameters known in the art may also be used depending on the size of the trailerable item to be covered. The lateral batten member  22  may be arcuate in shape, however, in the preferred embodiment the batten member  22  is substantially straight. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the distal ends of the leg members  20  have flattened portions  24 . Preferably, the leg members  20  are flattened for the last 12 inches thereof and have a ribbed or rough surface texture imprinted or otherwise formed on both sides to aid in selectively locking the ribs  14  in various functional positions, as discussed in detail below. When formed from 1″ diameter hollow aluminum stock, the flattened portions  24  of the leg members  20  are approximately 1.57″ wide at their widest point. A generally circular aperture  26  is formed through the flattened portions  24  of each leg member  20  to permit selective mounting of the support frame  12  to a trailer in a compact manner, as discussed in detail below. In particular, the aperture  26  is sized to fit a corresponding fastening rod, hereinafter disclosed, and is preferably ¾″ inches in diameter and located at the midpoint of the flattened portion  24 , approximately 6″ from the end of the leg members  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 10-17 , a mounting mechanism  28  forms a part of the broader protective cover assembly of the present invention and is used to secure the protective cover  10  to the I-beams  30  of a wishbone-style, or other style, trailer frame. As shown therein, the mounting mechanism  28  includes two mounting plates, a top mounting plate  32  and a bottom mounting plate  34 , that are clamped to the midpoint of the trailer frame on each side of the trailer using bolts  36 . (See  FIG. 17 ). In the preferred embodiment, bolts  36  are carriage or hex head bolts, although any type of bolts known in the art, such as U-bolts and the like, may also be used. The bottom mounting plate  34 , as best shown in  FIG. 14 , is preferably 6 inches by 12 inches and has a plurality of apertures  38  formed therethrough for accommodating bolts  36 . The top mounting plate  32 , as best shown in  FIG. 12 , is generally rectangular in shape and has generally the same dimensions as the bottom mounting plate  34 , including corresponding apertures  38  for the bolts  36 . In addition, however, the top mounting plate  32  has a triangular extension portion  40  integrally formed therewith that extends outwards from each side of the trailer. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a fastening rod  42  is secured to the underside of each top mounting plate  32  by U-clamps  44  (preferable three) and extends substantially perpendicular from the respective sides of the trailer. As alluded to above, the fastening rod  42  is preferably a metal rod of approximately ¾″ diameter and is sized to fit through apertures  26  in the flattened portions  24  of the leg members  20 . As further shown therein, each fastening rod  42  has a threaded end portion  46  and includes an inner limiting washer  48  that is fixed in place adjacent the threaded end portion  46  to limit inward movement of the leg members  20 , as discussed below. The washer  48  is approximately 2″ in diameter, is positioned approximately 2″ from the distal end of the fastening rod  42 , and is preferably ribbed or has a rough surface texture on at least one side thereof to more securely engage the leg members  20 , in particular the rough texture of the flattened portions  24  thereof, as hereinafter discussed. Importantly, the U-clamps  44  allow the fastening rod  42  to be slid back and forth to accommodate trailerable items of different widths. In addition, the adjustability of the fastening rod  42  and the triangular extension portion  40  of the top mounting plate  32  ensure that the location of the ribs  14  at the mounting points extends beyond the wheel well of the trailer. 
     As will be readily appreciated, the mounting mechanism  28  allows for an almost universal attachment to any point along the trailer frame and to almost any shape trailer beam. In particular, the mounting plates  32 , 34  can be mounted to the trailer frame even in situations where the midpoint does not fall where the trailer frame on both sides are parallel to each other (i.e., where the trailer frame begins to taper inward toward the front of the trailer and winch stand). In situations such as this, the bolts  36  can be secured at offsetting positions within each mounting plate  32 , 34  to accommodate a range of mounting points. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15 , the mounting of the ribs  14  on the fastening rod  42  is shown. During assembly, each of the ribs  14  is brought into position by sliding each leg member  20  onto the threaded end portion  46  of the fastening rod  42  via the aperture  26  in the flattened portion  24  of each leg member  20 . In particular, the opposing leg members  20  on each side of the U-shaped support ribs  14  are mounted on the opposing fastening rods  42  on each side of the trailer such that the leg members  20  on each respective side of the trailer converge upon a common point. As will be readily appreciated, such a configuration allows the leg members  20  on each respective side of the trailer to rotate about a common axis. 
     A dogging mechanism  50  is threaded onto the threaded end portion  46  of the fastening rod  42  to retain the leg members  20  in place on each side of the trailer between the washers  48  and the dogging mechanisms  50 . As best shown in  FIG. 16 , the dogging mechanism includes an outer limiting washer  52 , a nut  54  and a handle  56  fixedly attached to the nut  54 . In the preferred embodiment, the nut  54  is a ¾″ inch nut and the handle  56  is approximately 6″ long to allow a user to ergonomically operate the dogging mechanism  50  by exerting a clockwise force, and thus rotation, upon the handle  56 . In addition, an automatic drill or the like having a ¾″ socket can be used to engage the nut and automatically tighten and loosen the dogging mechanism  50 . The dogging mechanism  50  is internally threaded (not shown) so as mate with the threaded end portion  46  of the fastening rod  42 . Preferably, the outer limiting washer  52  is approximately 2″ in diameter and is ribbed or has an otherwise rough surface texture on an inner portion thereof to provide a better engagement with the flattened portions  24  of the leg members  20 , which also are ribbed or have a rough surface texture. 
     As will be readily appreciated, the ribbed surface of the washer  52  is capable of binding against the ribbed surface of the flattened portions  24  of the leg members  20  when the dogging mechanism  50  is tightened, thereby selectively holding the ribs  14  in place. Indeed, in the preferred embodiment, the flattened portions  24  of the leg members  20  are sandwiched on each side of the trailer between the inner limiting washer  48  on the fastening rod and the outer limiting washer  52  of the dogging mechanism  50 . Preferably, a small hole, approximately ½″ in diameter, is provided through the distal end of the threaded end section  46  of the fastening rod  42 , through which a cotter pin or the like (not shown) can be inserted to retain the dogging mechanism  50  in place. 
     In the preferred embodiment, each mounting mechanism  28  on opposing sides of the trailer is configured with a dogging mechanism  50 . Alternatively, however, only one side of the trailer may have a dogging mechanism  50 . In this embodiment, the side without the dogging mechanism would be configured with a simple nut-like connection to loosely hold the leg members  20  in place on the fastening rod  42 . As will be readily appreciated, in this configuration the single dogging mechanism  50  will function to rigidly hold the support frame  12 , and ribs  14 , in place between the single inner limiting washer  48  and outer limiting washer  52 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 7-9 , the protective cover  10  is shown in a fully covered position. As shown therein, the ribs  14  are mounted about fastening rods  42  on each side of the trailer and are secured in a fanned out position by way of the dogging mechanism  50  being in an engaged/tightened position with the flattened portions  24  of the leg members  20 . In this fanned out position the ribs  14  define an open space thereunder in which a trailerable item, in this case a boat  100  having an outboard motor  106 , is positioned. Importantly, as best shown in  FIG. 9 , the protective cover  10  is wider than the width of the boat  100  and extends from just in front of the winch assembly  104  on the trailer  102  to just past the outboard motor  106 , as best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As noted above, the flexible cover  16  is secured to the sides of the trailer  102 , to the rear of the trailer  102  and to a point on the trailer  102  just forward of the winch assembly  104  by straps  18 . 
     To determine the optimal size of the protective cover  10  for use in connection with a specific boat, motorcycle, snowmobile or the like, a user may first measure the overall length of the trailerable item, such as boat  100 , to be covered, from the winch assembly  104  on the trailer  102  to the furthest aft part of the motor  106  (in the trim down position). Each leg member  20  will preferably be approximately equal to one half of that distance. For example, for a 20′ boat, leg members  20  should be at least 10′ in length. In addition, the optimal width of the protective cover  10 , and thus the length of lateral batten member  22  is 2 inches wider than the width of the trailerable item, fore example boat  100 , at its widest point. Once the proper size for the ribs  14  has been determined the midpoint on the trailer  102  can be found. This midpoint is the mounting point for the mounting mechanism  28  and fastening rod  42 , and is also the point upon which the leg members  20  converge and are rotatably mounted on. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the protective cover  10  of the present invention is shown in trailering ( FIG. 18 ) and launching ( FIG. 19 ) positions, respectively. In the trailering position, with the dogging mechanism(s)  50  in its loosened/not engaged position, the ribs  14  may be brought together and laid down towards the back of the trailer  102  at ¾ position. As the ribs  14  are brought together, the flexible cover  16  bunches up in an accordion-like manner. Once in this ¾ position, the dogging mechanism  50  may once again be engaged/tightened to secure the ribs  14  in place. In addition, optional support poles  108  on each side of the boat  100  can be used to provide further support for the folded frame  12 . In this embodiment, the support poles  108  may rest in gunnel-mounted fishing rod holders on each side of the boat  100 . As will be readily appreciated, the ability to selectively secure the protective cover  10  in the trailering position shown in  FIG. 18  allows the cover to be transported with the trailer. In particular, it allows the protective cover  10  to be transported with the trailer  102  without removing it or otherwise disconnecting it from the trailer  102  such that the cover  10  is always available on demand. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the protective cover  10  may also be selectively moved into a launching position, i.e., a position in which the trailerable item may be taken off the trailer  102  or loaded onto the trailer  102 . As shown therein, to configure the protective cover  10  in the launching position, the dogging mechanism(s)  50  is loosened so that the ribs can be pivoted freely about the fastening rod  42 . The ribs  14  are then brought together in the same way as in the trailering position, however, the ribs are oriented substantially vertically, as shown. Once in this position, the dogging mechanism(s)  50  may once again be engaged/tightened to secure the ribs  14 , and protective cover  10 , in place. In an alternative embodiment, a pin or a plurality of pins (not shown) may be used to secure the ribs  14  in a desired position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the ribs  14  may be offset to allow for more compact folding in the launching and trailering positions. In any event, however, straps  18  may be used in the trailering and launching positions to secure the ribs  14  together. In addition, in the trailering position shown in  FIG. 19 , the protective cover  10  may be zipped into a traveling, tonneau style cover. 
     As will be readily appreciated, the launching position provides the needed clearance to load or unload a trailerable item, such as a boat  100 , from the trailer  102 . Accordingly, this configuration allows a user to launch or load a trailerable item without removing the protective cover from the trailer  102 . Indeed, once a boat  100  or other trailerable item is again loaded onto the trailer  102 , the cover  10  may be placed in the trailering position and towed to a storage area, at which point the cover  10  can be opened into its full fanned out position to provide protection from the elements. As will be readily appreciated, each of these positions can be reached by selectively actuating (i.e., loosening and tightening) the dogging mechanism  50 . 
     In connection with the above, the protective cover  10  of the present invention is easily executable and adaptable to any boat trailer or the like and is easily operable by a single person. By bringing the folded canvas and pole system to an upright position, the invention permits easy launching and retrieval of a boat or other trailerable item. Due to the configuration of the protective cover  10  of the present invention, and in particular the configuration of the support frame  12 , mounting mechanism  28  and dogging mechanism  50 , the cover  10  features a very short cycle time. The cover  10  can go from a fully covered position to an uncovered position (such as the launching position shown in  FIG. 18  or the trailering position shown in  FIG. 19 ) in approximately one or two minutes, while existing fully enclosed canvas boat covers are cumbersome to remove and reinstall, often taking 20-30 minutes for each task. 
     Moreover, as will be readily appreciated, numerous additional benefits are provided by the present invention. In particular, since the protective cover  10  is affixed to the trailer it is available any time and anywhere the trailer is used. In addition, the universal mounting plates  32 , 34  obviate the need for any welding or other permanent attachment of fixtures to the trailer. Indeed, the protective cover  10  of the present invention provides similar benefits of indoor dry storage without the exorbitantly high monthly cost. 
     In connection with the above, the conch-shell like design of the protective cover  10  provides for full coverage for a trailerable item thereby providing protection against the elements of weather. Additionally, the structure of the support frame  12 , and in particular the plurality of ribs  14  and flexible cover  16 , provides for equally supported sections, thereby preventing the accumulation of ice, water and debris. As the bottom of the protective cover  10  is open to airflow, mold, mildew and the buildup of undesirable smells associated therewith are reduced. While the preferred embodiment shows the protective cover  10  being used to protect a boat, it may also be used in connection with snowmobiles, jet-skies, other personal watercraft, motorcycles, snowmobiles and the like. 
     Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure.