Cover for a boat

Abstract

Frame for carrying a cover for a boat. The frame consists of a number of longitudinal beams which are hingeably coupled to one another to follow the shape of the boat. Transverse beam structures extend between opposing longitudinal beams and each transverse beam structure consists of a number of transverse beams which are hingeably connected to one another. At a hinge location not adjoining the longitudinal beams, ridge beams extend for carrying the cover. Preferably, at least some of the hinges are configured in such a way that, in the desired hinge position, this hinge position can be fixed or prestress can be applied thereto. A carrier structure is present to support the transverse beam structure and more particularly an upright thereof. A cover structure according to the invention comprises the frame and an associated cover and also a tarpaulin cover.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a frame for carrying a cover for a boat.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Boats, and in particular pleasure boats, are used above all in pleasant weather, and in less good weather conditions the boat is not used and is exposed to poor weather conditions. In order as far as possible to prevent boats from deteriorating, all manner of protective structures have been proposed, and in winter boats are often hoisted up onto the quayside and / or placed in a shed.[0005]Such measures are either expensive (placing in sheds) or inadequate. The latter applies if a tarpaulin is attached around the upper side of the boat. In the event of a storm or the like, and certainly if the boat is left unsupervised for a relatively long time, a cover of this type often becomes damaged. The beating of the wind causes the cover to move and to lie more and more loosely around the boat, so that it will event...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention provides a frame which is adapted as much as possible to the dimensions of the boat. This is brought about as a result of the fact that the longitudinal beams hinge with respect to one another, thus allowing the outer circumference of the boat to be followed with precision at the level of the deck or preferably somewhat lower. The use of transverse beam structures allows rigidity to be imparted to the frame. This transverse beam structure is also attached at the desired location so as to be individually matched to the vessel. In other words, both the height and the width thereof (in the use position) can vary as a function of the shape of the vessel.

[0009]Once a frame of this type is present, it is possible in a particularly simple manner to tighten therearound a tarpaulin or other cover which does not become damaged even in the event of high wind loads and other loads (snow loads, frost and the like). Such a structure can, if the boat no longer has to be covered, easily be collapsed and stored in a compact manner. The costs associated with the structure are comparatively low and consist predominantly of the customizing of the various beams to match the circumference of the boat. Once the frame has been manufactured, it is particularly good for the service life because, in the use position, said frame is protected at all times by the cover.

[0017]The structure consisting of the carrier and frame can for example be positioned with respect to the boat using ropes which can be fastened to the bollards which are already present on the boat. To prevent damage to the boat, it is preferable for the carrier to which the frame is attached to be located at all times a few centimeters from the local outer circumference of the boat. In conjunction with the above-described attachment of heating means, a part of the metallic carrier should be at least one centimeter under water.

Problems solved by technology

Boats, and in particular pleasure boats, are used above all in pleasant weather, and in less good weather conditions the boat is not used and is exposed to poor weather conditions.

Such measures are either expensive (placing in sheds) or inadequate.

In the event of a storm or the like, and certainly if the boat is left unsupervised for a relatively long time, a cover of this type often becomes damaged.

The beating of the wind causes the cover to move and to lie more and more loosely around the boat, so that it will eventually fail.

Images