Modular boat lift canopy assembly and kit

Abstract

A boat lift canopy comprises a truss type framework with a base frame that may be rectangular, comprised of side and end horizontal members. The framework is comprised of channel-ridge interlocking extruded components, enabling easy construction with minimal or no welded parts. Joined to the base frame and circumscribed by it is a tie bar frame, which may be discontinuous. A fabric cover snugly encloses the outside of the framework, wrapping around the base frame and secured to the tie tube frame with canopy ties. The boat lift canopy is held above the boat lift by vertical members connecting to supporting legs. The canopy is releasably coupled to the vertical members at the tie tube frame, facilitating adjustable extension of canopy overhang or length by the addition of frame members extending the canopy framework. The framework of the canopy employs a truss design such as Howe kingpost to maximize framework strength to support substantial cantilevered canopy overhangs. Modular, easily assembled components enable provision of the canopy as a kit of components for user assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of a previous application by the inventor of the present invention, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 845,372, titled “Boat Lift Canopy Assembly”, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on May 13, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to truss type framework canopies to provide shelter for boats. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved canopy structure mounted above a boat lift and a kit for assembling such a structure. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Users of watercraft have need to shelter docked boats from the elements. While boat houses can provide such shelter, they are expensive and often impractical. Users of watercraft also have need to lift their watercraft from the water, for example for maintenance or in preparation for land transportation of the watercraft, along with a need t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] The present invention is a boat lift canopy, comprising a truss type framework with a base frame that may be rectangular, comprised of side and end horizontal members. The framework is comprised of channel-ridge interlocking extruded components, enabling easy construction with minimal or no welded parts. Joined to the base frame and circumscribed by it is a tie bar frame, which may be discontinuous. A fabric cover, which in preferred embodiments is decorative as well as functional, snugly encloses the outside of the framework, wraps around the base frame and is secured to the tie tube frame with canopy ties. The boat lift canopy is held above the boat lift by vertical members, which in some embodiments are vertical extensions of the legs of the boat lift. Advantageously, the canopy is releasably coupled to the vertical members at the tie tube frame, thereby enabling simple adjustment of the position of the canopy with respect to the vertical members, permitting adjustment of canopy overhang or length with ease. The framework design allows adjustment of the length and overhang of the canopy by the addition of frame members extending the canopy framework, such adjustment facilitated by the releasable coupling of the canopy to the vertical members. The framework of the canopy employs an improved truss design such as Howe kingpost to maximize framework strength, thereby enhancing endurance of the canopy and permitting substantial cantilevered canopy overhangs.

Problems solved by technology

While boat houses can provide such shelter, they are expensive and often impractical.

The large number of welded connections in a typical prior art canopy presents risk of metal fatigue and fracture at welded stress points, leading to structural failure.

Prior art canopy design does not lend itself easily to canopy construction from a kit by unskilled users.

A further limitation of the prior art boat lift canopy is that it is often desirable to change the length of a canopy, as when, for example, the lift is used for a boats of a different length.

As is clear from the foregoing description, however, the prior art canopy is not easily moved with respect to the legs.

In the case of canopies secured to the legs by welding, it often is simply not possible at all to move the canopy with respect to the legs after the canopy is attached.

A further limitation of the prior art boat lift canopy is that, in general, it is not designed to maximize the structural integrity possible in truss type framework structures.

Long unsupported overhangs, which have become increasingly popular, require that the canopy possess considerable structural strength and rigidity.

However, many prior art canopies simply do not possess sufficient strength for long cantilevered overhangs.

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