Boat Bow Shade Cover

[0036]In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, like numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical and, other changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0037]FIG. 1 shows a basic application of the invention attached to the front or bow 2 of a boat 4. The shade cover 20 conforms to the shape of the railings 6. The means of attachment 24 secure the shade cover 20 from the reinforced edges 22 to the rails 6: The stanchion 8 posts supporting the rail 6 provide clearance preventing said shade cover 20 to make contact with the bow 2 surface. An insulating air space 95 is present throughout the span of the shade cover 20 plane to keep the cabin below at a cooler temperature.

[0038]Referring to FIG. 2A, the boat 4 depicted is a typical cabin cruiser design having the living accommodations enclosed within the structure of the bow 2 area. A railing 6/stanchion 8 system frames the bow area along the port and starboard sides. The present invention utilizes the existing features to anchor the shade cover 20 in place. The shape of said shade cover 20 mimics the shape of the area in which it covers. The ideal textile for the present invention is weather resistant, dimensionally stable, and tear resistant. Such fabrics are manufactured by Phifer Inc.; Twitchell Corporation™; Serge Ferrari S.A.S.; Mehler Texnologies GmbH; Glen Raven, Inc.; Commercial 95™; and Polyfab USA LLC. To strengthen at the points where the tensile force strains the fabric as it is stretched across the bow 2 at the railing 6/stanchion 8 system, the edges of the shade cover 20 may be reinforced by means of hemming, binding or facing to support the structural integrity. Stretching the shade cover 20 tautly reduces the sag of the horizontal plane. If the shade cover 20 was oversized for the bow 2 in which applied, the sag in the fabric plane may result in the material touching the bow 2 surface. At the point of contact, the radiant heat from the sun would be transferred to the bow 2 surface conducting the heat through to the cabin below. The air space 95 between the shade cover 20 and bow 2 surface is an integral element of the present invention.

[0039]The embodiments in which to secure the shade cover 20 along the port and starboard edges to the railing 6/stanchion 8 system have multiple variables. Consideration of fixing the attachment method 24 to the shade cover 20 may include but, not limited to sewing, gluing, stapling or, fusing. However, this option presents an issue of replacement as parts may become worn over time though the benefit is that the chance of loosing the components is less. A means in which to pass the attachment method 24 through may include but, not limited to incorporating grommets, D-rings, square rings, or tarp clamps along the port and starboard edges. The desired characteristics of the methods of attachment 24 include but, are not limited to being adjustable, quick release, non-abrasive, strong, light-weight and, durable. Suitable forms of the method of attachment 24 include but, are not limited to straps, ropes, cords, elastics, bands, Velcro®, belts or, cables possibly paired with fastening devices. The fasteners may include but, are not limited to knots, clamps, toggle spring rope locks, bungee cords, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hooks, hook and loop, carabineers, clips, or buckles.

[0040]The approach to affix said attachment methods 24 of said shade cover 20 to the railing 6/stanchion 8 system has multiple possibilities. One may secure said attachment methods 24 at the bow's forward position alternating with the port and starboard to monitor and adjust a uniform tension of the plane of the fabric as progressing towards the back. The said attachment methods 24 may be attached on either the port or starboard side then proceed from the front of the bow of the opposite side to secure and adjust the tension continuing towards the back. Both the port and starboard attachment methods 24 may be secured to the railing 6/stanchion 8 system simultaneously with assistance to gauge and adjust the tension of the shade cover 20.

[0041]When removing said shade from the railing 6/stanchion 8 system, approach from either the port or starboard side gunwales and continue along the perimeter until all fastening devices 24 have been disconnected. If assisted, each party approaches from a respective gunwale to detach said fastening devices 24 and continues to the apex of the shade cover 20.

[0042]Similarly, FIG. 2B depicts the shade cover 20 secured at a lower tier of the railing 6/stanchion 8 system and would also represent an application where as a portion of the bow's profile incline elevates above the height of the railing 6. In this scenario, only partial contact is made between the shade cover 20 and the bow 2 surface compromising the insulating air space 95. A spacer(s) 50 may be utilized to lift the contacting portion of the shade cover 20 off the bow 2 surface. Said spacers 50 may be secured directly to the shade cover 20 or the railing 6/stanchion 8 system of the boat 4. Explicit descriptions of the spacers 50 will be presented in conjunction with the spacer 50 illustrations.

[0043]Another application modification of the present invention shown in FIG. 2C exhibits a boat 4 with a shade cover 20 secured to the stanchions 8 instead of the rail 6 by a means of attachment 24. Gravity ensures that the shade cover 20 makes contact with the bow 2 surface. Spacers 50 are employed to uphold the tautly stretched shade cover 20 to establish an insulating air space 95. Though spacers 50 are needed throughout the span of the shade cover 20, depending on the view from the helm securing at this position may be preferred by the user for a less obstructed sight while operating the craft.

[0044]For boats 4 without gunwales, access to the bow 2 may be through the windshield. To access the perimeter of the bow 2 for securing the means of attachment 24 at the railing 6/stanchion 8 system and to return to the helm, a quick release seam 23 from the rear of said shade cover 20 towards the front remedies the issue of passage. Illustrated in FIG. 2D is a shade cover 20 featuring said quick release seam 23. The means applied to the seam for quick release may include but are not limited to zippers, hooks, buckles, Velcro®, or magnets.

[0045]The shape of the shade cover is not limited to the shape discussed above. A variety of shade cover 20 shapes can be used and are within the scope of the invention. Also, the shade cover 20 is not limited to using specific fastening devices 24. A variety of fastener types 24 can be used to secure the shade cover 20, each of which is within the scope of the invention.

[0046]FIG. 3A presents a basic spacer 50 form as a hollow tube. Properties of the material for the form should be non-abrasive, lightweight, shatterproof, impervious to mildew, mold, rot and bacteria, buoyant, low moisture permeability, and excellent shock absorption. Polyethylene foam would be a suitable material for the spacer application. The depicted rope 53 passed through the hollow would provide a means of attachment 24 to secure the spacer 50 to the shade cover or to the railing/stanchion system. Said means of attachment 24 may include, but not limited to ropes 53, straps, belts, bands, cords, or bungees and may feature a quick release, adjustable fastener device at the ends. Said fastener device may include but are not limited to knots, clamps, toggle spring rope locks, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hooks, hook and loop, carabineers, clips, or buckles.

[0047]FIG. 3B illustrates a spacer 50 form encased in fabric 54 having straps 57, cords, or ropes secured at the ends with a means of attachment 24. The strap may be omitted having the attachment method 24 immediately at the ends of the casing 54. The said attachment method 24 may include, but is not limited to carabiners 58, knots, clamps, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hooks, hook and loop, clips, or buckles.

[0048]FIG. 3C shows a pocket 55 attached to the underside of a shade cover 20 to house a spacer 50 which would eliminate the need for fasteners. Accurate placement is critical because the pocket can not be readily repositioned.

[0049]FIG. 3D shows a spacer form 50 with a means of attachment 24 immediately connected. An ideal air filled tube material would be that similar to boat fenders. The means of attachment 24 illustrated is a hook 59, but may include but is not limited to ropes, clamps, toggle spring rope locks, ball bungees, magnets, ratchets, hook and loop, carabineers, clips, or buckles.

[0050]The shape of the spacer 50 is not limited to the shape discussed above. A variety of spacer 50 shapes can be used and are within the scope of the invention. Also, the spacer 50 is not limited to using specific fastening devices 24. A variety of fastener types 24 can be used to secure the spacer 50, each of which is within the scope of the invention.

[0051]The factors attributing to the quantity of spacers 50 required to maintain an insulating air space 95 between the shade cover 20 and the surface of the bow 2 are the size of the shade cover 20, the position in which attached and, the incline of the bow profile being higher than the point of attachment. In consideration of said factors, numerous variations of arrangement and positioning of the spacers 50 yield a solution to maintain the air space 95. The spacer 50 configuration in FIG. 4A exhibits a lateral placement.

[0052]Framing the shape of the shade cover 20 as in FIG. 4B results in a triangular spacer 50 arrangement. This configuration would not obstruct a hatch typically positioned in the center of the bow 2 from opening.

[0053]Positioning spacers 50 from front to rear offers better aerodynamics when underway and conforming to the shape of the shade cover 20 lends to a radial configuration as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0054]The configuration of the spacers 50 to maintain an insulating air space 95 is not limited to the formations described above. A variety of spacer 50 arrangements can be used and are within the scope of the invention.

[0055]FIG. 4A illustrates a shade cover 20 tailored to a specific bow 2 made in a similar method as some canopy tops which gives a custom appearance. The plurality of recesses are strategically positioned at the intersections of the stanchions 8 to the rails 6 allows for the material to easily wrap around the rail 6 without interference from the stanchion 8. Snaps 25 or other fastening devices set in the reinforced hem 22 secure the edges of the shade cover 20 to its body. The rail 6 height clears the bow 2 surface and maintains an insulating space 95.

[0056]FIG. 4B illustrates the shade cover 20 secured at the rail 6. The height of the stanchion 8 provides adequate clearance to maintain an insulating air space 95 between the shade cover 20 and the surface of the bow 2. The means of attachment 24 shown is an adjustable Velcro® strap passing through a grommet 21 placed along the reinforced edge 22 of the shade cover 20. Utilizing grommets, or rings along the reinforced edge 22 at anchor points permit flexibility with exchanging various means of attachment 24 compared to affixing said means of attachment 24 directly to the shade cover 20. The swap could be to replace worn or lost parts or introduce a different means of attachment 24.

[0057]FIG. 4C shows the shade in a low position attached to the stanchion 8 instead of the rail 6 as depicted in the two previous examples. Gravity would eventually overcome the tensile force stretching the horizontal plane between the rails 8 giving way for the shade cover 20 would drop to the bow 2 surface eliminating the air space 95. Spacers 50 strategically placed between the shade cover 20 and the bow 2 surface would maintain the air space 95. The spacers illustrated are housed in an open-ended pocket 55 secured to the underside of the shade cover 20. A tarp clamp 28 offers flexibility in positioning anchor points along the reinforced edge 22 as a means of attachment 24. A bungee or shock cord 27 hooked at the tarp clip 28 wraps around the stanchion 8 and returns to hook at the tarp clip 28. The longitudinal extension of the elastic cords 27 will convey an adjustable range of tension to provide tensile force to the horizontal plane of said shade cover 20. The bungee cords can easily be replaced when worn or lost.

[0058]The shape of the shade cover 20 is not limited to the shape discussed above. A variety of shade cover 20 shapes can be used and are within the scope of the invention. Also, the shade cover 20 is not limited to using specific fastening devices 24. A variety of fastener 24 types and combinations can be used to secure the shade cover 20, each of which is within the scope of the invention.

[0059]FIG. 6 illustrates the function of the shade cover 20. Generated by fusion, heat travels from the surface of the sun 100 on electromagnetic waves 101 through the void of space penetrating earth's atmosphere affecting the kinetic energy of matter contacted. The surface of a boat's 4 bow 2 in the sun absorbs the heat 103, raising the temperature of the boat 4 structure by conduction. The boat 4 structure heats 103 the air within the cabin 10 by convection. The cabin 10 temperature becomes uncomfortably warm making the experience less enjoyable. A boat 4 equipped with a generator could operate an air condition to cool the cabin. Running an air condition puts a load on the generator which may consume approximately four gallons per hour. Utilizing a shade cover 20 on the bow 2 of a boat 4 secured at the railing 6/stanchion 8 system by a means of attachment 24 maintaining an insulating air space 95 potentially with the aid of spacers 50 would perform as a heat sink, deflect the heat of the sun 102, reduce the rate and amount of heat 103 absorbed as well as protect the gel coat. The primary thermal performance of the shade cover 20 reduces solar heat gain. The effectiveness of the present invention would preserve a comfortable cabin 10 temperature allowing enjoyable use of the accommodations. The air conditioner would be run with less load on the generator, thus saving fuel, and less wear and depreciation of the generator and air conditioner.

[0060]It is to be emphasized that the described embodiments of the invention are merely possible examples of implementation and outline the principles of the invention. Any adaptations or variations without departing substantially from the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be covered in this application.