Cover for a watercraft, watercraft assembly and method for connecting a cover to a watercraft

Abstract

A cover for a watercraft, which has a deck and a side structure defining an opening, includes a cover body and a plurality of cover connectors. The cover body includes a body section, a ramp section and first and second side sections. The body section defines an elevated point. The ramp section, which is connected to the body section, is configured to extend generally downward from the elevated point toward the opening. The first and second side sections are disposed on first and second lateral sides of the ramp section, are configured to at least in part extend substantially vertically to a top of the side structure. The plurality of cover connectors is connected to cover body, and is configured to connect to watercraft connectors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 774,860, filed March 20, 2025 entitled “Cover for a Watercraft, Watercraft Assembly and Method for Connecting a Cover to a Watercraft”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates to covers for watercraft, watercraft assemblies and methods for connecting a cover to a watercraft.BACKGROUND

[0003] Watercraft may need to be transported over dry land or may have to be stored during off-season. In addition, when not in use, it can be desirable to protect a watercraft’s deck from the sun. In such scenarios, watercraft are often equipped with removable covers to protect components of the watercraft.

[0004] Existing covers can be complex and cumbersome to install and / or to remove. Additionally, existing covers may have water pool thereon or may induce high aerodynamic drag during transport.

[0005] There is therefore a desire for a cover is convenient to install and remove, and which has aerodynamic properties.SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a cover for a watercraft having a deck and a side structure extending upwardly from the deck. The side structure defines an opening, and the cover includes a cover body and a plurality of cover connectors. A cover body includes a body section, a ramp section, a first side section and a second side section. The body section defines an elevated point. The ramp section is connected to the body section, and is configured to extend generally downward from the elevated point toward the opening. The first side section is disposed on a first lateral side of the ramp section, and part of the first side section is configured to extend substantially vertically to a top of the side structure. The second side section is disposed on a second lateral side of the ramp section, and part of the second side section is configured to extend substantially vertically to the top of the side structure. The plurality of cover connectors is connected to cover body, and is configured to connect to watercraft connectors.

[0008] In some embodiments, the body section has a first longitudinal body end and a second longitudinal body end, the ramp section has a first longitudinal ramp end and a second longitudinal ramp end, and the first longitudinal ramp end is disposed longitudinally between the first longitudinal body end and the second longitudinal body end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second longitudinal body end is disposed longitudinally between the first longitudinal ramp end and the second longitudinal ramp end.

[0010] In some embodiments, the body section has a first lateral end and a second lateral end. The cover has a length and a width. The length extends from the first longitudinal body end to one of the second longitudinal ramp end and the second longitudinal body end. The width extends from the first lateral end to the second lateral end. The length is greater than the width.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first longitudinal body end is a rear longitudinal body end and the second longitudinal body end is a front longitudinal body end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover further includes an elevation member engaged to the cover for defining the elevated point.

[0013] In some embodiments, the elevation member is a pole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the elevation member is configured to be disposed closer to a stern of the watercraft than to a bow of the watercraft.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a watercraft assembly including a watercraft and a cover according to the above aspect or according to the above aspect and one or more of the above embodiments. The watercraft includes a deck, a side structure extending upwardly from the deck, and defining an opening, a hull supporting the deck, a propulsion system supported by at least one of the deck and the hull, and a plurality of watercraft connectors disposed on at least one of the deck and the hull. The cover is selectively connected to the watercraft.

[0016] In some embodiments, the watercraft further includes a door pivotally connected to the side structure, the door being selectively pivotable between a closed position, in which the opening is closed, and an open position.

[0017] In some embodiments, with the cover being connected to the watercraft, the door is in the open position; and the ramp section extends through the opening.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for connecting a cover to a watercraft. The method includes moving a door of the watercraft to an open position, thereby defining an opening. The method also includes receiving a ramp section of a cover body of the cover through the opening, surrounding at least part of the watercraft with a body section of the cover body, defining an elevated point of the cover body, and fastening the cover body to the watercraft.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fastening the cover body to the watercraft comprises connecting cover connectors to watercraft connectors.

[0020] In some embodiments, surrounding at least part of the watercraft with a body section of the cover body comprises surrounding at least part of a side structure of the watercraft with the body section.

[0021] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the words “first,”“second,”“third,” etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns.

[0022] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a,”“an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] As used herein, the term “and / or” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example, “A and / or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.

[0024] For purposes of the present application, terms related to spatial orientation when referring to a watercraft, such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “left”, “right”, “above” and “below”, are as they would be understood by a driver of the watercraft sitting thereon in an upright driving position, with the watercraft steered straight-ahead in a neutral trim position and being at rest in calm water.

[0025] Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0026] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0028] FIG. 1A is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, left side of a watercraft;

[0029] FIG. 1B is a right side elevation view of a watercraft assembly, which includes a cover according to an embodiment of the present technology connected to the watercraft of FIG. 1A;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view taken from a rear, top, left side of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, right side of part of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view taken from a top, front, left side of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B; and

[0035] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for connecting the cover of FIG. 1B to the watercraft of FIG. 1A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, or “having”, “containing”, “involving” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.

[0037] A cover 100 according to the present technology will be described with reference to a watercraft 50. The watercraft 50, which is illustrated in FIG. 1A, is a pontoon 50. It is contemplated, however, that the cover 100 may be used with other watercraft.

[0038] The pontoon 50 includes a deck 52, a hull 54, and a propulsion system 56 (schematically shown in FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3). The deck 52 is disposed on, and supported by, the hull 54. The propulsion system 56 is also supported by the hull 54. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the propulsion system 56 may be supported by the deck 52 or by both the deck 52 and the hull 54.

[0039] The pontoon 50 includes a side structure 58 surrounding at least part of the deck 52, and a bimini 59 (omitted in FIG. 1A) connected to the side structure 58. It is contemplated that the bimini 59 may be omitted. The side structure 58, which extends upwardly from the deck 52, is a barrier structure 58. It is contemplated that that in some embodiments, the barrier structure 58 could be gunnels of the pontoon 50 or another type of structure. The barrier structure 58 is mostly located along a periphery of the pontoon 50 (as defined by the deck 52).

[0040] The barrier structure 58 generally extends along the stern, port and starboard sides of the deck 52. At the bow, the barrier structure 58 defines an opening 60. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the opening 60 could be defined at the stern, the port or the starboard sides of the deck 52. It is also contemplated that the barrier structure 58 could define more than one opening 60.

[0041] The opening 60 is defined by substantially vertical, and laterally spaced faces of the barrier structure 58. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the opening 60 may be defined by angled faces of the barrier structure 58.

[0042] A door 62 is pivotally connected to the barrier structure 58. More specifically, the door 62 is connected to the barrier structure 58 such that the door 62 can be pivoted between a closed position (shown in FIG. 1A), in which the door 62 closes the opening 60, and an open position (shown by dotted lines in FIG. 1A). In the open position, the door 62 is disposed within the area defined by the barrier structure 58. It is contemplated that the door 62 could be locked in the open position, for example by a lock or a strap. It is contemplated that the door 62 be omitted.

[0043] The pontoon 50 further includes watercraft connectors 64. The watercraft connectors 64 can be clips, hooks, straps and / or apertures. The watercraft connectors 64 may be provided on the deck 52, the hull 54 and / or the barrier structure 58.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2 to 6, a description of the cover 100 will now be provided in greater detail. When the cover 100 is connected to the pontoon 50, the cover 100 and the pontoon 50 may be referred to as a pontoon assembly (or a watercraft assembly). The watercraft assembly, which is disposed on a trailer, is shown in FIGS. 1B, and 2 to 6, . For convenience’s sake, the cover 100 will be described as it is connected to the pontoon 50. The cover 100 includes a cover body 102, cover connectors 103, and a pole 104 which defines an elevated point P of the cover body 102. It is contemplated that in some embodiments of the cover 100, the pole 104 may be omitted, and the elevated point P may be provided differently.

[0045] The cover body 102 has a body section 110, a ramp section 112 and two side sections 114. It is contemplated that the cover body 102 may have additional or fewer sections.

[0046] The body section 110 has a front end 120, a rear end 122, a left end 124 and a right end 126. As shown in the Figures, the body section 110 is shaped and sized to generally surround, and at least partially extend over the barrier structure 58.

[0047] The ramp section 112 is connected to the body section 110. The ramp section 112 has a ramp end 130 that is connected to the body section 110 and a ramp end 132 that is configured to connect to deck 52, and more particularly the forwardmost edge of the deck 52. The ramp end 130 is disposed longitudinally between the front end 120 and the rear end 122. Due to the configuration of the pontoon 50, specifically, due to the deck 52 extending longitudinally forward from the barrier structure 58, the ramp end 132 is disposed longitudinally forward from the front end 120 (i.e., the front end 120 is disposed longitudinally between the ramp end 132 and the rear end 122). It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the ramp end 132 could be configured to be generally longitudinally aligned with the front end 120.

[0048] Due to the elevated point P, as the ramp section 112 extends toward the bow, the ramp section 112 extends vertically downward, such that the ramp end 130 is vertically higher than the ramp end 132. Additionally, the ramp section 112 is shaped to be fit through the opening 60.

[0049] One of the two side sections 114 is disposed on the left lateral side of the ramp section 112, and the other one of the two side sections 114 is disposed on the right lateral side of the ramp section 112. Thus, one side section 114 is closer to one side of the opening 60, and the other side section 114 is closer to the other side of the opening 60. Each side section 114 is connected to the body section 110 and to the ramp section 112. Additionally, each side section 114 extends substantially vertically to a top of the barrier structure 58. In the present embodiment, each side section 114 has an indicator 115 that indicates a top of the barrier structure 58. In the present embodiment, the indicator 115 is a patch that is made of different color. Other types of indicators 115 are contemplated.

[0050] In view of the shape of the pontoon 50, which is longer than wider, the cover body 102 has a length L (FIG. 1B), which in the present embodiment is, defined between the ramp end 132 and the rear end 122. The cover body 102 also has a width W (FIG. 3), which in the present embodiment, is defined between the lateral ends 124, 126. The length L is greater than the width W.

[0051] The cover connectors 103 are connected to the cover body 102. The cover connectors 103 can be clips, hooks, straps and / or apertures configured to connect to the watercraft connectors 64.

[0052] The pole 104 (schematically shown in FIGS. 1B and 2) has an upper end engaged to the body section 110 and a lower end engaged to the deck 52. The pole 104 is disposed proximate to the rear end 122. It is contemplated that the shape and size of the pole 104 could vary from one embodiment to another. In some embodiments, there could be two or more poles 104. It is further contemplated the pole 104 could be another type of elevation member such as for example, an arch system.

[0053] The pole 104, as mentioned above, defines the elevated point P. The presence of the elevated point P can assist in water shedding of the cover 100. Additionally, when the pontoon 50 and the cover 100, which can together be referred to as a watercraft assembly, are being towed, aerodynamic drag of the watercraft assembly is reduced.

[0054] When the cover 100 is connected to the pontoon 50, the presence of the ramp section 112 reduces the likelihood of debris such as water from pooling and / or accumulating on the cover body 102. Additionally, while the watercraft assembly is being towed, aerodynamic drag induced by the cover 100 is reduced by the presence of the ramp section 112.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7, a method 200 for connecting the cover 100 to the watercraft 50 will now be provided.

[0056] The method 200 begins at step 210, by moving the door 62 to the open position, such that the opening 60 is no longer closed. In some embodiments, includes locking the door 62 in the open position. For watercraft without a door 62, the step 210 is omitted.

[0057] The method 200 then continues with step 220, by receiving the ramp section 112 through the opening 60.

[0058] The method 200 then continues with step 230, by surrounding at least part of the pontoon 50 with the body section 110. In some embodiments, this includes surrounding the barrier structure 58 with the body section 110.

[0059] The method 200 then continues with step 240, by defining an elevated point of the cover body 102 with the pole 104. The steps 220, 230 and 240 can be completed in any order.

[0060] The method 200 then continues with step 250, by fastening the cover body 102 to the pontoon 50 by fastening the cover connectors 103 and the watercraft connectors 64 to one another.

[0061] It is contemplated that the steps of the method 200 can be performed in different sequences. For example, step 230 could be performed before step 220.

[0062] The cover 100 can be disconnected from the pontoon 50 by unfastening the cover and watercraft connectors 103, 64, and then removing the cover body 102.

[0063] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0036]The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, or “having”, “containing”, “involving” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.

[0037]A cover 100 according to the present technology will be described with reference to a watercraft 50. The watercraft 50, which is illustrated in FIG. 1A, is a pontoon 50. It is contemplated, however, that the cover 100 may be used with other watercraft.

[0038]The pontoon 5...

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 774,860, filed March 20, 2025 entitled “Cover for a Watercraft, Watercraft Assembly and Method for Connecting a Cover to a Watercraft”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates to covers for watercraft, watercraft assemblies and methods for connecting a cover to a watercraft.BACKGROUND

[0003] Watercraft may need to be transported over dry land or may have to be stored during off-season. In addition, when not in use, it can be desirable to protect a watercraft’s deck from the sun. In such scenarios, watercraft are often equipped with removable covers to protect components of the watercraft.

[0004] Existing covers can be complex and cumbersome to install and / or to remove. Additionally, existing covers may have water pool thereon or may induce high aerodynamic drag during transport.

[0005] There is therefore a desire for a cover is convenient to install and remove, and which has aerodynamic properties.SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a cover for a watercraft having a deck and a side structure extending upwardly from the deck. The side structure defines an opening, and the cover includes a cover body and a plurality of cover connectors. A cover body includes a body section, a ramp section, a first side section and a second side section. The body section defines an elevated point. The ramp section is connected to the body section, and is configured to extend generally downward from the elevated point toward the opening. The first side section is disposed on a first lateral side of the ramp section, and part of the first side section is configured to extend substantially vertically to a top of the side structure. The second side section is disposed on a second lateral side of the ramp section, and part of the second side section is configured to extend substantially vertically to the top of the side structure. The plurality of cover connectors is connected to cover body, and is configured to connect to watercraft connectors.

[0008] In some embodiments, the body section has a first longitudinal body end and a second longitudinal body end, the ramp section has a first longitudinal ramp end and a second longitudinal ramp end, and the first longitudinal ramp end is disposed longitudinally between the first longitudinal body end and the second longitudinal body end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second longitudinal body end is disposed longitudinally between the first longitudinal ramp end and the second longitudinal ramp end.

[0010] In some embodiments, the body section has a first lateral end and a second lateral end. The cover has a length and a width. The length extends from the first longitudinal body end to one of the second longitudinal ramp end and the second longitudinal body end. The width extends from the first lateral end to the second lateral end. The length is greater than the width.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first longitudinal body end is a rear longitudinal body end and the second longitudinal body end is a front longitudinal body end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover further includes an elevation member engaged to the cover for defining the elevated point.

[0013] In some embodiments, the elevation member is a pole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the elevation member is configured to be disposed closer to a stern of the watercraft than to a bow of the watercraft.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a watercraft assembly including a watercraft and a cover according to the above aspect or according to the above aspect and one or more of the above embodiments. The watercraft includes a deck, a side structure extending upwardly from the deck, and defining an opening, a hull supporting the deck, a propulsion system supported by at least one of the deck and the hull, and a plurality of watercraft connectors disposed on at least one of the deck and the hull. The cover is selectively connected to the watercraft.

[0016] In some embodiments, the watercraft further includes a door pivotally connected to the side structure, the door being selectively pivotable between a closed position, in which the opening is closed, and an open position.

[0017] In some embodiments, with the cover being connected to the watercraft, the door is in the open position; and the ramp section extends through the opening.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for connecting a cover to a watercraft. The method includes moving a door of the watercraft to an open position, thereby defining an opening. The method also includes receiving a ramp section of a cover body of the cover through the opening, surrounding at least part of the watercraft with a body section of the cover body, defining an elevated point of the cover body, and fastening the cover body to the watercraft.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fastening the cover body to the watercraft comprises connecting cover connectors to watercraft connectors.

[0020] In some embodiments, surrounding at least part of the watercraft with a body section of the cover body comprises surrounding at least part of a side structure of the watercraft with the body section.

[0021] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the words “first,”“second,”“third,” etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns.

[0022] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a,”“an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] As used herein, the term “and / or” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example, “A and / or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.

[0024] For purposes of the present application, terms related to spatial orientation when referring to a watercraft, such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “left”, “right”, “above” and “below”, are as they would be understood by a driver of the watercraft sitting thereon in an upright driving position, with the watercraft steered straight-ahead in a neutral trim position and being at rest in calm water.

[0025] Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0026] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0028] FIG. 1A is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, left side of a watercraft;

[0029] FIG. 1B is a right side elevation view of a watercraft assembly, which includes a cover according to an embodiment of the present technology connected to the watercraft of FIG. 1A;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view taken from a rear, top, left side of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, right side of part of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view taken from a top, front, left side of the watercraft assembly of FIG. 1B; and

[0035] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for connecting the cover of FIG. 1B to the watercraft of FIG. 1A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, or “having”, “containing”, “involving” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.

[0037] A cover 100 according to the present technology will be described with reference to a watercraft 50. The watercraft 50, which is illustrated in FIG. 1A, is a pontoon 50. It is contemplated, however, that the cover 100 may be used with other watercraft.

[0038] The pontoon 50 includes a deck 52, a hull 54, and a propulsion system 56 (schematically shown in FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3). The deck 52 is disposed on, and supported by, the hull 54. The propulsion system 56 is also supported by the hull 54. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the propulsion system 56 may be supported by the deck 52 or by both the deck 52 and the hull 54.

[0039] The pontoon 50 includes a side structure 58 surrounding at least part of the deck 52, and a bimini 59 (omitted in FIG. 1A) connected to the side structure 58. It is contemplated that the bimini 59 may be omitted. The side structure 58, which extends upwardly from the deck 52, is a barrier structure 58. It is contemplated that that in some embodiments, the barrier structure 58 could be gunnels of the pontoon 50 or another type of structure. The barrier structure 58 is mostly located along a periphery of the pontoon 50 (as defined by the deck 52).

[0040] The barrier structure 58 generally extends along the stern, port and starboard sides of the deck 52. At the bow, the barrier structure 58 defines an opening 60. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the opening 60 could be defined at the stern, the port or the starboard sides of the deck 52. It is also contemplated that the barrier structure 58 could define more than one opening 60.

[0041] The opening 60 is defined by substantially vertical, and laterally spaced faces of the barrier structure 58. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the opening 60 may be defined by angled faces of the barrier structure 58.

[0042] A door 62 is pivotally connected to the barrier structure 58. More specifically, the door 62 is connected to the barrier structure 58 such that the door 62 can be pivoted between a closed position (shown in FIG. 1A), in which the door 62 closes the opening 60, and an open position (shown by dotted lines in FIG. 1A). In the open position, the door 62 is disposed within the area defined by the barrier structure 58. It is contemplated that the door 62 could be locked in the open position, for example by a lock or a strap. It is contemplated that the door 62 be omitted.

[0043] The pontoon 50 further includes watercraft connectors 64. The watercraft connectors 64 can be clips, hooks, straps and / or apertures. The watercraft connectors 64 may be provided on the deck 52, the hull 54 and / or the barrier structure 58.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2 to 6, a description of the cover 100 will now be provided in greater detail. When the cover 100 is connected to the pontoon 50, the cover 100 and the pontoon 50 may be referred to as a pontoon assembly (or a watercraft assembly). The watercraft assembly, which is disposed on a trailer, is shown in FIGS. 1B, and 2 to 6, . For convenience’s sake, the cover 100 will be described as it is connected to the pontoon 50. The cover 100 includes a cover body 102, cover connectors 103, and a pole 104 which defines an elevated point P of the cover body 102. It is contemplated that in some embodiments of the cover 100, the pole 104 may be omitted, and the elevated point P may be provided differently.

[0045] The cover body 102 has a body section 110, a ramp section 112 and two side sections 114. It is contemplated that the cover body 102 may have additional or fewer sections.

[0046] The body section 110 has a front end 120, a rear end 122, a left end 124 and a right end 126. As shown in the Figures, the body section 110 is shaped and sized to generally surround, and at least partially extend over the barrier structure 58.

[0047] The ramp section 112 is connected to the body section 110. The ramp section 112 has a ramp end 130 that is connected to the body section 110 and a ramp end 132 that is configured to connect to deck 52, and more particularly the forwardmost edge of the deck 52. The ramp end 130 is disposed longitudinally between the front end 120 and the rear end 122. Due to the configuration of the pontoon 50, specifically, due to the deck 52 extending longitudinally forward from the barrier structure 58, the ramp end 132 is disposed longitudinally forward from the front end 120 (i.e., the front end 120 is disposed longitudinally between the ramp end 132 and the rear end 122). It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the ramp end 132 could be configured to be generally longitudinally aligned with the front end 120.

[0048] Due to the elevated point P, as the ramp section 112 extends toward the bow, the ramp section 112 extends vertically downward, such that the ramp end 130 is vertically higher than the ramp end 132. Additionally, the ramp section 112 is shaped to be fit through the opening 60.

[0049] One of the two side sections 114 is disposed on the left lateral side of the ramp section 112, and the other one of the two side sections 114 is disposed on the right lateral side of the ramp section 112. Thus, one side section 114 is closer to one side of the opening 60, and the other side section 114 is closer to the other side of the opening 60. Each side section 114 is connected to the body section 110 and to the ramp section 112. Additionally, each side section 114 extends substantially vertically to a top of the barrier structure 58. In the present embodiment, each side section 114 has an indicator 115 that indicates a top of the barrier structure 58. In the present embodiment, the indicator 115 is a patch that is made of different color. Other types of indicators 115 are contemplated.

[0050] In view of the shape of the pontoon 50, which is longer than wider, the cover body 102 has a length L (FIG. 1B), which in the present embodiment is, defined between the ramp end 132 and the rear end 122. The cover body 102 also has a width W (FIG. 3), which in the present embodiment, is defined between the lateral ends 124, 126. The length L is greater than the width W.

[0051] The cover connectors 103 are connected to the cover body 102. The cover connectors 103 can be clips, hooks, straps and / or apertures configured to connect to the watercraft connectors 64.

[0052] The pole 104 (schematically shown in FIGS. 1B and 2) has an upper end engaged to the body section 110 and a lower end engaged to the deck 52. The pole 104 is disposed proximate to the rear end 122. It is contemplated that the shape and size of the pole 104 could vary from one embodiment to another. In some embodiments, there could be two or more poles 104. It is further contemplated the pole 104 could be another type of elevation member such as for example, an arch system.

[0053] The pole 104, as mentioned above, defines the elevated point P. The presence of the elevated point P can assist in water shedding of the cover 100. Additionally, when the pontoon 50 and the cover 100, which can together be referred to as a watercraft assembly, are being towed, aerodynamic drag of the watercraft assembly is reduced.

[0054] When the cover 100 is connected to the pontoon 50, the presence of the ramp section 112 reduces the likelihood of debris such as water from pooling and / or accumulating on the cover body 102. Additionally, while the watercraft assembly is being towed, aerodynamic drag induced by the cover 100 is reduced by the presence of the ramp section 112.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7, a method 200 for connecting the cover 100 to the watercraft 50 will now be provided.

[0056] The method 200 begins at step 210, by moving the door 62 to the open position, such that the opening 60 is no longer closed. In some embodiments, includes locking the door 62 in the open position. For watercraft without a door 62, the step 210 is omitted.

[0057] The method 200 then continues with step 220, by receiving the ramp section 112 through the opening 60.

[0058] The method 200 then continues with step 230, by surrounding at least part of the pontoon 50 with the body section 110. In some embodiments, this includes surrounding the barrier structure 58 with the body section 110.

[0059] The method 200 then continues with step 240, by defining an elevated point of the cover body 102 with the pole 104. The steps 220, 230 and 240 can be completed in any order.

[0060] The method 200 then continues with step 250, by fastening the cover body 102 to the pontoon 50 by fastening the cover connectors 103 and the watercraft connectors 64 to one another.

[0061] It is contemplated that the steps of the method 200 can be performed in different sequences. For example, step 230 could be performed before step 220.

[0062] The cover 100 can be disconnected from the pontoon 50 by unfastening the cover and watercraft connectors 103, 64, and then removing the cover body 102.

[0063] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0036]The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, or “having”, “containing”, “involving” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.

[0037]A cover 100 according to the present technology will be described with reference to a watercraft 50. The watercraft 50, which is illustrated in FIG. 1A, is a pontoon 50. It is contemplated, however, that the cover 100 may be used with other watercraft.

[0038]The pontoon 5...

Claims

1. A cover for a watercraft having a deck and a side structure extending upwardly from the deck, the side structure defining an opening, and the cover comprising:a cover body comprising:a body section defining an elevated point;a ramp section connected to the body section, the ramp section being configured to extend generally downward from the elevated point toward the opening;a first side section disposed on a first lateral side of the ramp section, and part of the first side section being configured to extend substantially vertically to a top of the side structure; anda second side section disposed on a second lateral side of the ramp section, and part of the second side section being configured to extend substantially vertically to the top of the side structure, anda plurality of cover connectors connected to the cover body, the plurality of cover connectors being configured to connect to watercraft connectors.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein:the body section has a first longitudinal body end and a second longitudinal body end;the ramp section has a first longitudinal ramp end and a second longitudinal ramp end; andthe first longitudinal ramp end is disposed longitudinally between the first longitudinal body end and the second longitudinal body end.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the second longitudinal body end is disposed longitudinally between the first longitudinal ramp end and the second longitudinal ramp end.

4. The cover of claim 2, wherein:the body section has a first lateral end and a second lateral end, andthe cover has:a length extending from the first longitudinal body end to one of the second longitudinal ramp end and the second longitudinal body end; anda width extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end,the length is greater than the width.

5. The cover of claim 2, wherein the first longitudinal body end is a rear longitudinal body end and the second longitudinal body end is a front longitudinal body end.

6. The cover of claim 1, further comprising an elevation member engaged to the cover for defining the elevated point.

7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the elevation member is a pole.

8. The cover of claim 6, wherein the elevation member is configured to be disposed closer to a stern of the watercraft than to a bow of the watercraft.

9. A watercraft assembly comprising:a watercraft comprising:a deck;a side structure extending upwardly from the deck, and defining an opening;a hull supporting the deck;a propulsion system supported by at least one of the deck and the hull; anda plurality of watercraft connectors disposed on at least one of the deck, and the hull, andthe cover of claim 1, the cover being selectively connected to the watercraft.

10. The watercraft assembly of claim 9, wherein the watercraft further comprises a door pivotally connected to the side structure, the door being selectively pivotable between:a closed position, in which the opening is closed, andan open position.

11. The watercraft assembly of claim 10, wherein with the cover being connected to the watercraft, the door is in the open position; and the ramp section extends through the opening.

12. A method for connecting a cover to a watercraft, the method comprising:moving a door of the watercraft to an open position, thereby defining an opening;receiving a ramp section of a cover body of the cover through the opening;surrounding at least part of the watercraft with a body section of the cover body;defining an elevated point of the cover body; andfastening the cover body to the watercraft.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fastening the cover body to the watercraft comprises connecting cover connectors to watercraft connectors.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein surrounding at least part of the watercraft with a body section of the cover body comprises surrounding at least part of a side structure of the watercraft with the body section.

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