Watercraft port canopy assembly with flexible joints

Abstract

One example provides a canopy assembly including a canopy frame to support a flexible cover to form a canopy, the canopy frame including at least a first beam and a second beam and a plurality of trusses to extend between the first beam and the second beam. A plurality of columns is to support the canopy frame, each column including a leg having a lower end to couple to a floating watercraft port, a gusset to connect to an upper end of the leg, the gusset to engage the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam, and at least one binding device to hold the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam to the gusset to form a flexible joint there between to enable the canopy frame and the column to move relative to one another at the flexible joint.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 654,591, filed May 31, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Floating watercraft ports provide easy drive-on docking and out-of-water storage of watercraft having various hull types, including pontoon boats. Pontoon boats are manufactured in a number of lengths and widths and employ pontoons of various shapes and hull configurations (e.g., two- and three-pontoon configurations (commonly referred to as tri-toons)). Accordingly, it is advantageous for a floating drive-on pontoon port to be adjustable to accommodate and simplify the loading and unloading (to / from the port) of pontoon boats of different sizes and configurations.SUMMARY

[0003] One example provides a flexible canopy assembly including a canopy frame to support a flexible cover to form a canopy, the canopy frame including at least a first beam and a second beam and a plurality of trusses to extend between the first beam and the second beam. A plurality of columns is to support the canopy frame, each column including a leg having a lower end to couple to a floating watercraft port, a gusset to connect to an upper end of the leg, the gusset to engage the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam, and at least one binding device to hold the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam to the gusset to form a flexible joint there between to enable the canopy frame and the column to move relative to one another at the flexible joint.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

[0005] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a flexible canopy assembly, according to one example of the present disclosure, mounted to a floating drive-on watercraft port.

[0006] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of flexible canopy assembly of FIG. 1A including a flexible cover, according to one example.

[0007] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a gusset of flexible canopy assembly, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2B is a side view of a gusset of flexible canopy assembly, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2C is an end view of a gusset of flexible canopy assembly, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is schematic diagram generally illustrating engagement of a column with a beam of a canopy frame, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a center truss, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4B is a side view of a center truss, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4C is an end view of a center truss, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating engagement center truss with a beam of a canopy frame, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an end truss, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective views illustrating portions of canopy frame of a flexible canopy assembly, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective views illustrating portions of canopy frame and columns of a flexible canopy assembly, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a beam of a canopy frame, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flexible canopy assembly mounted to a floating watercraft port, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flexible canopy assembly mounted to a floating watercraft port, according to one example of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,”“bottom,”“front,”“back,”“leading,”“trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0022] When docking a watercraft, it is beneficial to remove the watercraft from the water. Removing a watercraft from the water minimizes growth of barnacles and aquatic plant life on the watercraft, reduces the chances for the watercraft to acquire and transport invasive species, reduces damage from contact with a dock (e.g., “dock rash” caused by repeated rubbing of the watercraft against a dock and denting, particularly the pontoons of pontoon boats), reduces the occurrence of oxidation and discoloration of portions of the watercraft that would otherwise be submerged, and reduces the chance for damages that might result from adverse weather and water conditions (e.g., high winds, high waves, high currents, etc.).

[0023] The traditional docking system for removing watercraft from the water has long been a winch-style boat lift which is constructed of aluminum and has adjustable legs which sit on the bottom of body of water. In addition to reducing potential water damage, such lifts also typically include a canopy assembly that mounts to the lift to protect a docked watercraft from environmental elements (e.g., sun, rain, hail). Traditional canopy assemblies typically comprise an aluminum frame which mounts to the lift and supports a canvas or nylon cover to form a roof or canopy over the lift (and a watercraft stored thereon).

[0024] In recent years, as an alternative to winch-style lifts, floating watercraft ports have been developed which provide easy drive-on docking and out-of-water storage for any number of watercraft types (e.g., personal watercraft, pontoon boats). Floating watercraft ports typically include a number of floating sections comprising foam-filled plastic shells which are coupled together to form an upper surface onto which a watercraft is driven and lifted out of the water via the buoyancy of the floating watercraft port. The floating sections are typically pivotally coupled to one another to provide articulating movement therebetween to enable the watercraft port to move with the motion of the water and to assist with on / off loading of a watercraft.

[0025] Due to their rigid construction, conventional aluminum canopy assemblies are not well suited for mounting to floating watercraft ports, as the motion and flexing of the watercraft ports causes fatigue and cracking of the aluminum, particularly at joints between frame components (e.g., welded and bolted joints).

[0026] The present application provides a canopy assembly employing non-rigid, flexible joints to enable canopy system elements to flex and move relative to one another. While the canopy assembly may be adapted to mount to any number of structures, including stationary / fixed structures (e.g., stationary docks), the canopy assembly is described primarily herein in terms of being adapted to mount to a floating watercraft port, where the canopy system can flex in response to motion of the floating watercraft port and thereby eliminate material fatigue and failures associated with traditional, rigid aluminum canopy assemblies. In examples, binding mechanisms (e.g., straps, clamps, and lashings) are used to hold together components of the canopy assembly (without the use of interconnecting fasteners that directly and rigidly fasten elements to one another) to form flexible joints that enable canopy assembly components to flex and move relative to one another. In some examples, the canopy assembly joints include at least one molded plastic element interface element (e.g., a molded plastic gusset) to reduce and / or eliminate metal-to-metal contact between canopy assembly components, and to enable flexibility while reducing component wear.

[0027] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a canopy assembly 10, according to one example of the present disclosure, which is illustrated as being mounted to a floating watercraft port 20. In other examples, canopy assembly 10 may be adapted to mount to any number of structures other than a floating watercraft port, both fixed and non-fixed structures, such as a stationary dock, for instance. According to the illustrated example, canopy assembly 10 includes a canopy frame 40 over which a flexible cover 42 is to be installed (e.g., an elastic, water-resistant fabric to be stretched over canopy frame 40) to form a canopy, and a plurality of columns 44 to support and elevate canopy frame 40 / flexible cover 42. In FIG. 1A, flexible cover 42 is shown in dashed lines for ease of illustrating canopy frame40, with FIG. 1B below illustrating flexible cover 42 in greater detail.

[0028] In examples, as described in greater detail herein, each column 44 forms a flexible joint with canopy frame 40 to enable columns 44 and canopy frame 42 to move relative to one another at the flexible joints. In the example of FIG. 1A, columns 44 are adapted to mount to watercraft port 20 to support canopy frame 40 and flexible cover 42 to form a canopy to protect watercraft port 20 and watercraft disposed thereon (e.g., from sun and rain), wherein the flexible joints enable canopy frame 42 and columns 44 to flex relative to one another in response to movement of floating watercraft port 20 (e.g., in response to waves or the loading / off-loading of a watercraft), as well as to other applied forces, such as wind forces, for instance.

[0029] In the illustrated example, floating watercraft port 20 includes a base section 21 and an entrance section 22 which are pivotally coupled to one another to form an upper surface 23 onto which a watercraft may be driven on / off for docking and storage. Base and entrance sections 21 and 22 extend along a longitudinal axis 24 between an entrance end 26 and bow end 28 and define a port side 30 and a starboard side 32. In one example, a hull depression 34 shaped to receive a hull of a watercraft is molded into upper surface 23 and extends longitudinally from entrance end 26 toward bow end 28. In some examples, as illustrated, an opposing set of port and starboard rows, 36a and 36b, of adjustable rollers and / or wheels extend longitudinally along hull depression 34 to form a transport track to transport a hull of watercraft there along during loading and off-loading of the watercraft to / from watercraft port 20.

[0030] In examples, base and entrance sections 21 and 22 are pivotally coupled to one another to enable articulating movement therebetween to enable watercraft port 20 to readily move with the motion of the water and to assist with on / off loading of a watercraft to / from upper surface 23. While not illustrated, watercraft port 20 may be coupled to a stationary structure, such as to a dock or posts, for example, such as via base section 21 and / or entrance section 22. It is noted that the implementation of floating watercraft port 20 of FIG. 1A represents one potential implementation, and that watercraft port 20 may be implemented in any number of other configurations, including implementation having more or fewer than 2 sections, with canopy assembly 10 being adaptable for use with any such implementation. Examples of other implementations of floating watercraft ports with which canopy assembly 10 may be employed are illustrated by FIGS. 10-11 below. It is further noted that, in examples, base section and entrance sections 21 and 22 comprise rotationally molded shells of high-density polystyrene filled with a marine-grade expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam.

[0031] In the example of FIG. 1A, canopy frame 40 includes at least a first beam and a second beam, illustrated at first beam 54 and second beam 56. In one example, as illustrated, first and second beams 54 and 56 extend longitudinally in parallel with one another in an opposed and spaced apart manner. In one example, first and second beams 54 and 56 longitudinally extend in parallel with longitudinal centerline 24 of watercraft port 20, with first beam 54 extending along port side 30 and second beam 56 extending along starboard side 32. In examples, the beams, such as beams 54 and 56 are constructed of metal, such as aluminum. In other examples, beams 54 and 56 may be constructed of any suitable material having sufficient strength and weight characteristics (e.g., lightweight for ease of shipping and assembly while providing structural integrity without warping or bowing over time), such as a polymeric material, for instance.

[0032] Canopy frame 40 further includes a plurality of trusses 60 extending transversely between and supported by first and second beams 54 and 56. In examples, trusses 60 include a plurality of center trusses 62, illustrated as center trusses 62a-62e, and a pair of end trusses 64, illustrated as end trusses 64a and 64b. As will be described in greater detail below (e.g., see FIGS. 6-7), end trusses 64a and 64b include end caps 66 at opposing ends which include beam inserts (see FIG. 6) configured to be inserted into open ends of first and second beams 54 and 56. In examples, end caps 66 further include beam slots (e.g., see FIG. 6) to receive a cross-beam at opposing end of canopy frame 40, illustrated as cross-beams 68a and 68b. Positioning beam inserts of end caps 66 within the ends of first and second beams 54 and 56, as well as employing cross-braces 68a and 68b, assists in maintaining a desired / selected spacing between first and second beams 54 and 56, and in providing rigidity to canopy frame 40 as well as to canopy assembly 10 overall.

[0033] In examples, trusses 66 are made of a polymeric material. In examples, trusses 66 are rotationally molded using a polymetric material. In other examples, trusses 66 may comprise a metal material, including a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, for instance.

[0034] In examples, as will be described in greater detail below, first and second beams 54 and 56, as well as cross-braces 68a and 68b, include one or more clip retainer slots (e.g., see FIGS. 3 and 9) extending along their longitudinal lengths which are adapted to receive a plurality of mounting clips which are disposed along perimeter edges of flexible cover 42 to facilitate mounting and securing of flexible cover 42 to canopy frame 40. In examples, installation of such mounting clips within the clip retainer slots may be done without the use of tools.

[0035] According to examples, canopy frame 40 further includes a plurality of ridge connectors 69, wherein a ridge connector 69 is connected between each pair of adjacent trusses 60. In one example, as described in greater detail below, opposing ends of each ridge connector 69 mount to corresponding mounting studs (e.g., see 130 in FIG. 4A) extending from opposing sides of each truss 60 (e.g., see FIGS. 4A-4C), wherein the ridge connectors 69 and peaks of each truss 60 together form a ridge beam 71 to secure together and stabilize the plurality of trusses 60 and to support and form a peak (for directing rain water) for flexible cover 42 when disposed on canopy frame 40. In examples, flexible cover 42 may be secured to ridge connectors 69, such as via a hook and loop type attachment strap.

[0036] According to the example ofFIG. 1A, each column 44 has a leg 70 having a lower end 72 and an opposing upper end 74. In one example, each column 44 includes a base support 76 to which lower end 72 of leg 70 is connected, with based support 76, in-turn, being adapted to couple to watercraft port 20. In other cases, columns 44 may be adapted to connect to other structures, such as fixed docks or other supports, for example. In examples, each column 44 further includes a gusset 78 connected to upper 74, where gusset 78 is configured to engage and support a corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 and 56. In one example, a first pair of spaced apart columns 44 supports first beam 54, and a second pair of spaced apart columns 44 supports second beam 56. In examples, each leg 70 comprises a telescoping leg to enable a height adjustment of columns 70.

[0037] In examples, as will be described in greater detail below, each column 44 includes a binding device 80 (e.g., see FIG. 3) to hold the corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 and 56 to gusset 78 to form a flexible joint 82 therebetween to enable canopy frame 40 and column 44 to move relative to one another at flexible joint 82, where flexible joint 82 is characterized by an absence of a fasteners that directly interconnect and rigidly fasten the corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 and 56 to gusset 78. In other words, binding device 80 holds or binds the corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 and 56 to gusset 78 without making a direct, rigid, interconnection therebetween.

[0038] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of canopy assembly 10 of FIG. 1A, further illustrating flexible cover 42 disposed over canopy frame 40, according to one example. It is noted that flexible cover 42 is opaquely illustrated to show portions of canopy frame 40 disposed thereunder. A number of mounting clips 150 disposed on the inside surface of flexible cover 42, are illustrated as being retained within clip retainer slots 110 extending longitudinally along second beam 56 and cross-beam 68a (as well as first beam 54 and cross-beam 68b, not illustrated) to secure flexible cover 42 to canopy frame 40 (see FIG. 9 below).

[0039] FIGS. 2A-2C respectively illustrate a perspective, a side view, and an end view of gusset 78, according to one example. In the illustrated example, gusset 78 includes a base member 82 having a hollow shaft 84 which is configured to fit over and receive upper end 74 of leg 70 (illustrated by dashed lines). In one example, base member 82 includes a plurality attachment holes 86 to receive fasteners, such as set screws, to rigidly connect gusset 78 to leg 70. A cross-member 88 extends transversely to base member 82 and includes, at opposing ends thereof, a pair of flange arms 90a and 90a each including opposing side walls 92 and 94 extending generally vertically from a bottom wall 96. In examples, opposing side walls 92, 94 and bottom wall 96 of flange arms 90a and 90b together from a beam channel 100 to receive and support a corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 and 56.

[0040] In one example, a cross-channel 102 extends across cross-member 88 transversely to beam channel 100, wherein a bottom surface 103 of cross-channel 102 is at a lower level (vertically) than bottom wall 96 of beam channel 100 and segments beam channel 100 such that flange arms 90a and 90b provide spaced apart segments of beam channel 100. In one example, each flange arm 90a and 90b includes a binder opening 104 extending therethrough below beam channel 100. In one example, a pair of stiffening wings 106a and 106b respectively extend between undersides of flange arms 90a and 90b and base member 82.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating the engagement of a column 44, via gusset 78, with the corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 / 56 of canopy frame 40. Gusset 78 is mounted to leg 70 with upper end 74 positioned within hollow shaft 84, and the corresponding one of the first and second beams 56 and 56 is positioned within beam channel 100. In one example, a gap 108 is formed between bottom surface 103 of cross-channel 102 and the corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 and 56, where gap 108 enables a binding device 80 employed to hold a truss 60 to first or second beam 54 / 56 to pass through if a position of a truss 60 overlaps with a position of a gusset 78 (e.g., see FIG. 8). In one example, beam channel 100 has a depth, D1, which leaves a remaining height, H1, of first or second beam 54 / 56 exposed from beam channel 100. In examples, the remaining height, H1, is greater than a depth, D2, of a mounting flange of an end bracket of a truss 60 (see FIG. 5) so that a truss 60 can be positioned at a same location as a column 44 without interfering with gusset 78. A clip retainer slot 110 is illustrated extending longitudinally along first and second beams 54 / 56 which, as described above, is configured to receive and retain mounting clips disposed on flexible cover 42.

[0042] In the example of FIG. 3, a pair of binding devices 80 bind / hold beam 54 / 56 to gusset 78 within beam channel 100 without establishing a rigid / fixed interconnection therebetween (i.e., no direct interconnection between first or second beam 54 / 56 and gusset 78) to thereby form flexible joint 82 between beam 54 / 56 and column 44 which enables enable canopy frame 40 and columns 44 (see FIG. 1) to move relative to one another at flexible joint 82. In other examples, it is noted that a single binding device 80, or more than two binding devices 80 may be employed. In examples, gusset 78 is formed of a polymeric material (e.g., rotationally molded), while beams 54 / 56 and legs 70 are formed of a metal, such as aluminum. According to such examples, in addition to the polymeric material of gusset 78 providing additional flexibility to flexible joint 82, the polymeric material of gusset 78 eliminates metal-to-metal contact between first and second beams 54 / 56 and legs 70, thereby reducing wear therebetween.

[0043] In one example, as illustrated, binding device 80 comprises a strap-like binding device which is configured to extend through a corresponding binder opening 104 and about a corresponding on of the first and second beams 54 / 56, wherein binding device 80 can be tightened to hold first and second beams 54 / 56 within beam channel 100 without forming rigid / fixed interconnection therebetween (i.e., surface contact only). In one example, binding device 80 may comprise a worm-drive clamp. In one example, binding device 80 may comprise a ratchet-strap binder. In one example, binding device 80 may comprise a strapping tensioner. In one example, binding device 80 may be a hook-and-loop type strap. In one example, binding device 80 may comprise a jaw-type clamp. In one example, binding device 80 may comprise a lashing type binder. Any number of suitable binding devices in addition to those mentioned above may be employed to hold first and second beams 54 / 56 within a corresponding beam channel 100 without forming a direct interconnection therebetween.

[0044] FIGS. 4A-4C respectively illustrate perspective, side, and end views of a center truss 62, according to one example. Center truss 62 extends longitudinally between opposing end brackets 120 and 122 which are configured to engage a corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 / 56 (e.g., see FIGS. 1 and 5). In one example, each end bracket defines a horizontal backet plate 124 and a vertical bracket plate 126 which are arranged at a substantially right angle relative to one another and are configured to respectively engage a top surface and an inner side surface (i.e., facing the opposing beam) of a corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 / 56. In other examples, it is noted that end brackets 120 and 122 may employ different configurations, such as for engaging first and second beams 54 / 56 having a perimeter surface that is other than rectangular in shape (e.g., round, oval, hexagon, etc.). In other examples, end brackets 120 and 122 may be configured to engage more than two sides of corresponding first and second beams 54 and 56. In one example, at least end brackets 120 and 122 are formed of a polymeric material, wherein remaining portions of center trusses 62 may be a metal material. In other examples, trusses 62 the entirety of each truss is made of a polymeric material.

[0045] In one example, each end bracket 120 and 122 further includes a binder opening 128 extending therethrough to enable a binding device, such as binding device 80, to pass through hold truss 62 to the corresponding one of the first and second beams 545 / 56 (see FIG. 5). Each center truss 62 also includes a pair of mounting studs 130 disposed on opposing lateral sides at an apex 132 of center truss 62, where mounting studs 130 are for mounting of corresponding ridge connectors 69 (e.g., see FIG. 1).

[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating the engagement of an end bracket, such as end bracket 120, of a center truss 62 with a corresponding one of the first and second beams 54 / 56 of canopy frame 40. In one example, horizontal bracket plate 124 and vertical bracket plate 126 respectively engage a top surface 57a and a side surface 57b of first or second beam 56 / 56. In one example, as illustrated, binding device 80 comprises a strap-like binding device (similar to that illustrated by FIG. 3 to hold gusset 78) which is configured to extend through binder opening 128 and about a corresponding on of the first and second beams 54 / 56, wherein binding device 80 can be tightened to hold first and truss 62 to first or second beam 54 / 56 without forming rigid / fixed interconnection therebetween (i.e., surface contact only). Similar to that described above with regard to gusset 78, end brackets 120 and 122, together with binding device 80, form a flexible joint 136 between beam 54 / 56 and center trusses 62 which enables trusses 62 and first and second beams 54 / 56 to move relative to one another at flexible joint 136. In examples, a depth, D2, of vertical bracket plate 126 extending from top surface 57a of first or second beam 54 / 56 is less than the height, H1, of first or second beam 54 / 56 exposed from gusset 78 (see FIG. 3), so that end brackets 120 / 122 of trusses 62 can be positioned at a location coincident with columns 44 without interfering with gussets 78 (e.g., see FIGS. 5 and 7).

[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an end truss 64, according to one example. End truss 64 extends longitudinally between opposing end caps 66, with each end cap 66 including a beam slot 140, and a beam insert 142 extending therefrom in a direction transverse to the longitudinal dimension of end truss 64. With reference to FIG. 7 below, (as well as FIG. 1), beam inserts 142 are inserted into open ends of first and second beams 54 and 56, and cross-beam 68 is inserted into beam slots 140 of opposing end caps 66. In one example, fasteners (not illustrated) extending through side walls of first and second beams54 / 56 and into beam inserts 142 are employed to secure end truss 64 to first and second beams 54 / 56. In examples, at least end camps 66 of end trusses 64 are made of a polymeric material with a remaining portion being made of metal. In other examples, the entirety of each end truss 64 is a polymeric material.

[0048] In examples, end caps 66 further include beam slots (e.g., see FIG. 6) to receive and retain a cross-beam 68 at opposing end of canopy frame 40, illustrated as cross-beams 68a and 68b in FIG. 1. Positioning beam inserts 142 of end caps 66 within the ends of first and second beams 54 and 56, as well as employing cross-beams 68a and 68b, helps to maintain a desired / selected spacing between first and second beams 54 and 56, and in provides rigidity to canopy frame 40 and to canopy assembly 10 as a whole.

[0049] FIGS. 7 and 8 are an enlarged perspective views illustrating portions of canopy frame 40 and columns 44 of canopy assembly 10 and illustrate the mounting of center trusses 62 and end trusses 64 to first and second beams 54 / 56, and the mounting of first and second beams 54 / 56 to a column 44, according to one example. FIG. 7 illustrates an end truss 64, in this case, end truss 64a, mounted to first and second beams 54 / 56 with beam inserts of end caps 66 inserted therein, and cross-beam 68a installed between end caps 66. Center trusses 62a and 62b are also shown disposed on first and second beams 54 and 56. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a center truss 62b being installed at a location coincident with a column 44, where the depth, D1, of beam channel 100 of gusset 78 (see FIG. 3) and the depth, D2, of vertical bracket plate 126 of end bracket 120 of center truss 62b (see FIG. 5) ensure that the vertical bracket 126 and gusset 78 do not interfere with one another.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first and second beam 54 / 56, according to one example. First and second beams 54 / 56 (as well as cross-beams 68, see FIG. 1) include at least one clip retainer slot 110 extending along there longitudinal lengths which is configured to receive and retain therein a plurality of mounting clip disposed along a perimeter of flexible cover 42, such as illustrated by example mounting clip 150. Mounting clip 150 is insertable and retained within clip retainer slot 110 without the use of tools, wherein mounting clip 150 can slide laterally within clip retainer slot 110. In examples, the tension of flexible (e.g., elastic) cover 42 when stretched over canopy frame 42 produces an upward force on and retains mounting clip 150 within clip retainer slot 110. In examples, clip retainer slots 110 are disposed on each side of first and second beams 54 / 56 so that first and second beams 54 / 56 can be installed at any orientation.

[0051] FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively illustrating different configurations of canopy assembly 10 employed with different types of floating watercraft ports 20a and 20b, where different implementations of canopy assembly 10 may employ different numbers and lengths of trusses 60, and different lengths of first and second beams 54 / 56. In some examples, first and second beams 54 and 56 may come in segments of varying lengths which can be joined together to form first and second beams 54 and 56 having different lengths for different implementations. In FIG. 10, floating watercraft port 20a represents a watercraft port configured for a pontoon port where, relative to watercraft port 20 of FIG. 1A, watercraft port 20a has a greater number of trusses 60 and first and second beams 54 / 56 of greater length. In FIG. 11, floating watercraft port 20b represents a watercraft port configured for a pair of personal watercraft, where relative to watercraft port 20 of FIG. 1A, watercraft port 20b has fewer trusses 60 and first and second beams 54 / 56 of shorter length.

[0052] In summary, by employing binding devices to form flexible joints to hold together components of the canopy assembly (without the use of interconnecting fasteners that directly and rigidly fasten components directly to one another), components of a canopy assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, are able to flex and move relative to one another at the flexible joints and thereby reduce and / or eliminate wear and stress fatigue present in conventional, rigid metal canopy assemblies. Wear and fatigue are also reduced by employing polymeric material for at least portions of components forming the flexible joints (e.g., polymeric gussets and end brackets) to eliminate metal-to-metal contact between canopy assembly components. Further, using a flexible, elastic canopy cover that is coupled to the canopy frame via clips that can slide within clip retainer slots in the canopy frame enables the canopy cover to adjust to flexing and movement of the canopy frame and columns. While a canopy assembly as described herein may be used with / mounted to any type of structure, the ability to flex makes the canopy assembly ideally suited for mounting to non-stationary bases, such as floating watercraft ports, and enables the canopy assembly to flex in response to wind and other forces.

[0053] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A canopy assembly for a floating watercraft port comprising:a flexible cover;a canopy frame to support the flexible cover to form a canopy, the canopy frame including at least a first beam and a second beam; anda plurality of columns to support the canopy frame, each column including:a leg having a lower end to couple to the watercraft port and an opposing upper end; anda gusset to connect to the upper end of the leg, the gusset to engage the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam; andat least one binding device to non-interconnectedly hold the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam to the gusset to form a non-rigid flexible joint there between to enable the canopy frame and the column to move relative to one another at the flexible joint.

2. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein each gusset includes a u-shaped channel in which the corresponding one of the first and second beams is to be seated.

3. The canopy assembly of claim 1, the second beam to oppose and be spaced from the first beam, and the canopy assembly further including:a plurality of center trusses to extend transversely between the first beam and the second beam, each center truss including end brackets at opposing ends, each end bracket to rest on a corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam, and wherein each end bracket has at least one corresponding binding device to non-interconnectedly hold the end bracket to the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam to form a non-rigid flexible joint there between to enable the center truss and the corresponding one of the first and second beams to move relative to one another at the flexible joint.

4. The canopy assembly of claim 3, wherein the gussets and at least the end brackets of the center trusses comprise a polymeric material, and wherein the first and second beams and the legs of the columns comprise metal such that the gussets eliminate metal-to-metal contact between the column legs and the first and second beams, and the end bracket eliminate metal-to-metal contact between the center trusses and the first and second beams.

5. The canopy assembly of claim 4, wherein an entirety of the center truss is a polymeric material.

6. The canopy assembly of claim 3, wherein each flexible joint is characterized by an absence of a direct rigid interconnection fixedly joining the gusset or the end bracket to the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam.

7. The canopy assembly of claim 6, wherein the binding devices contact only exterior surfaces of the gussets, center trusses, and the first and second beams.

8. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the least binding device comprises a clamp.

9. The canopy assembly of claim 8, wherein the clamp comprises a worm gear clamp.

10. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one binding device comprises a strap.

11. The canopy assembly of claim 10, wherein the strap comprises a tensioner strap.

12. The canopy assembly of claim 10, wherein the strap comprises a hook and loop fastener.

13. The canopy assembly of claim 10, wherein the strap comprises a cinch belt.

14. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one binding device comprises a lashing.

15. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of columns includes a first pair of columns to support the first beam and a second pair of columns to support the second beam.

16. The canopy assembly of claim 15, wherein the first beam is a starboard beam to extend longitudinally along a starboard edge of the floating watercraft port, and the second beam is a port beam to extend longitudinally along a port edge of the floating watercraft port, with the first pair of columns to be spaced apart along the starboard edge and the second pair of columns to be spaced apart on the port edge of the floating watercraft port.

17. The canopy assembly of claim 1, further including a pair of end trusses, each end truss to be disposed at opposing ends of the first and second beams, and each end truss having end caps as opposing ends including beam inserts extending therefrom which are to insert into a hollow end of the corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam and be fastened thereto, at least the end caps of each end truss comprising a polymeric material.

18. The canopy assembly of claim 17, wherein an entirety of each end truss comprises the polymeric material.

19. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein flexible cover comprises an elastic material having a plurality of mounting clips disposed about a perimeter thereof which are configured to insert into and be retained within a plurality of clip retainer slots on the canopy frame.

20. A flexible canopy assembly for a watercraft port comprising:a flexible cover comprising an elastic material;a canopy frame to support the flexible cover to form a canopy, the canopy frame including:a first beam and a second beam opposing and spaced from the first beam; anda plurality of trusses to extend transversely between the first beam and the second beam, each center truss including end brackets at opposing ends, each end bracket to rest on a corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam; anda plurality of columns to support the canopy frame, each column including:a leg having a lower end to couple to the watercraft port and an opposing upper end; anda gusset to connect to the upper end of the leg, the gusset including a channel to receive a corresponding one of the first beam and the second beam; anda plurality of binding devices, at least one binding device to non-interconnectedly hold each end bracket and each gusset to a corresponding one of the first and second beams to form a non-rigid flexible joint there between to enable the first and second beams to move relative to the trusses and relative to the columns at the flexible joints.

21. The flexible canopy of claim 20, wherein each gusset is non-interconnectedly held to the corresponding one of the first and second beams by a corresponding pair of binding devices, and each end bracket is non-interconnectedly held to the corresponding one of the first and second beams by a corresponding single binding device.

22. The canopy system of claim 20, wherein each binding device is to compressively hold together the corresponding gusset or end bracket to the corresponding one of the first and second beams.

23. The canopy system of claim 22, wherein a compressive force provided each binding device is adjustable.

24. The canopy system of claim 20, wherein the watercraft port comprises a floating watercraft port.

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