Ad HOC shelter for small watercraft

Abstract

Provided is an ad hoc shelter (10) for small watercraft (8). The ad hoc shelter (10) comprises a support framework (12) comprising a U-shaped bow support (14) comprised of an arcuate elongate upper section (16) configured to receive two leg sections (28) at either end thereof, a U-shaped midship support (20) comprised of an arcuate elongate upper section (16) configured to receive two leg sections (18) at either end thereof, and a centreline support (22) configured to interconnect said upper sections (16) of the bow and midship supports (14) and (20). Each leg section (18) and the centreline support (22) comprise telescoped beams (24) with an adjustment mechanism (26) configured to provide infinite adjustability along a length of such telescoped beams (24), and each upper section (16) is configured to receive the leg sections (18) in an adjustable manner to provide width adjustability of the U-shaped supports (14) and (20). Shelter (10) also includes a fabric cover (28) configured to drape over said support framework (12) and engage a bow portion of the watercraft (8), said fabric cover (28) defining a plurality of pockets (30) along an outer periphery thereof. Also included is a plurality of fluid bladder reservoirs (32) each for storing fluid therein and each shaped and dimensioned to be operatively received within a pocket (30). In this manner, the support framework (12) defines an adaptive geometry to be receivable within a cockpit of different watercraft and for supporting the fabric cover (28) to form an awning over said cockpit, a mass of fluid within said bladder reservoirs (32) urging the ad hoc shelter (10) onto the watercraft (8) under the influence of gravity.

Description

AD HOC SHELTER FOR SMALL WATERCRAFTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to on-demand or ad hoc shelters for watercraft, and more specifically to an ad hoc shelter for small watercraft.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Maritime recreation is a popular activity that presents a range of challenges and hazards to individuals. Exposure to harsh sunlight and unpredictable ocean conditions can pose a significant risk to boaters. In particular, skin cancer is a significant concern. Additionally, the weather can suddenly change, leading to a wetter, more challenging ride through the waves. This is especially true for open boats, which do not provide any sheltered protection onboard. Despite these risks, open boats remain a popular choice among boating enthusiasts.

[0004] With small watercraft, such as motorboats and dinghies, an open boat is a preferred choice for those who prioritise ample walk-around areas for families and easy access to an anchor or bow mounted motor, as well as the liberty to cast fishing lures around the boat. As a result,however, such open boats do not provide any signi ficant protection from natural elements , such as water spray, sun, and wind, thereby leaving both passengers and equipment at risk of exposure . As a result , it may limit the boat ' s usage , necessitating waiting for more secure and favourable boating circumstances .

[0005] In amelioration of such exposure to the elements associated with small watercraft , conventional solutions have been devised . For example , permanent structures in the form of hal f cabins are popular and incorporate a hard protective shell that cannot be removed when not required . These structures permanently reduce usable space , restrict movement and access , and reduce vessel versatility . Such configurations particularly impact recreational activities where open space is essential .

[0006] Similarly, experienced boat trimmers are capable of providing customised canopies that are crafted using heavier canvas and sturdy poles . These semi-enclosed structures of fer superior protection against outdoor elements and can be removed when not in use . However, their construction is more labour-intensive and costly than other options , and they are typically made of bulky materials that take up more room when stored onboard . Custom-made shelters are sturdy, but require a signi ficant number of permanent fasteners like press studs to hold them in place securely . Most of these type of fixtures necessitate drilling and fastening into the boat , which may not be desirable as it can adversely impact the structural integrity and resale value of the vessel .

[0007] Prior art examples of such conventional watercraft shelter include US 2009 / 0025769 to Buckl ey Scot t, whichdiscloses a tarpaulin support apparatus for providing cover for boats when in storage . This apparatus is intended for use when a craft is in storage , typically to prevent water and snow from accumulating on top of a tarpaulin, and is not intended for use during normal operation of the vessel . Similarly, US 4706599 to Faria John describes a free-hanging flexible enclosure for watercraft having an open area and an elevated covering disposed over said open area . However, this enclosure requires the vessel to have an elevated covering, meaning the covering is speci fic to a type of vessel and it not suitable for general application across a di f ferent range of small watercraft .

[0008] In light of the above , Applicant has identi fied a need for a sturdy shelter for small watercraft that is useable with a range of di f ferent types and si zes of small watercraft . Applicant has further identi fied a need for improving storage space on small watercraft by means of a suitable shelter that is not only collapsible into a small footprint , but is also easy to deploy when needed .

[0009] Applicant has further identi fied a need for an ad hoc shelter for small watercraft that serves more than one function in enabling additional storage , and a shelter that can also be used in a terrestrial setting to facilitate extended maritime excursions .

[0010] The current invention was conceived with the above goals in mind in possible amelioration of the shortcomings in the art of ad hoc shelter for small watercraft .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to 'ad hoc' refers to something performed or implemented as or when necessary, on demand, and generally existing temporarily or on an interim basis, as when needed or required.

[0012] Similarly, reference herein to 'small watercraft' comprises broad reference to any watercraft or waterborne vessel as a vehicle designed for travel across or through water bodies, with such small watercraft being a waterborne vessel that is smaller in size than a large ship. Small watercraft typically refers to pleasure craft boats used for recreational not commercial purposes and, by convention, are most commonly small to moderate sized boats, such as motorboats, dinghies, small fishing boats, and the like.

[0013] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an ad hoc shelter for small watercraft, said ad hoc shelter comprising: a support framework comprising: i. a U-shaped bow support comprised of an arcuate elongate upper section configured to receive two leg sections at either end thereof; ii. a U-shaped midship support comprised of an arcuate elongate upper section configured to receive two leg sections at either end thereof; and iii. a centreline support configured to interconnect said upper sections of the bow and midship supports;wherein each leg section and the centreline support comprise telescoped beams with adj ustment mechanism configured to provide infinite ad ustability along a length of such telescoped beams ; wherein each upper section is configured to receive the leg sections in an adj ustable manner to provide width adj ustability of the U-shaped supports ; a fabric cover configured to drape over said support framework and sides of the watercraft and engage a bow portion of the watercraft , said fabric cover defining a plurality of pockets along an outer periphery thereof ; and a plurality of fluid bladder reservoirs each for storing fluid therein and each shaped and dimensioned to be operatively received within a pocket ; wherein the support framework defines an adaptive geometry to be receivable within a cockpit of di f ferent watercraft and for supporting the fabric cover to form an awning over said cockpit , a mass of fluid within said bladders urging the ad hoc shelter onto said watercraft under the influence of gravity .

[0014] In an embodiment , the upper sections , leg sections and centreline support are manufactured from a lightweight rigid material , such as aluminium poles , fibreglass poles , etc .

[0015] In an embodiment , the adj ustment mechanism for the telescoped beams and the centreline support comprises a quick-release over-centre toggle mechanism conf igured to arrest telescoping movement of such telescoped beams whilst enabling infinite adj ustability along a length of such telescoped beams .

[0016] In an embodiment, each upper section is configured to receive the leg sections in an adjustable manner by means of complementary apertures and spring-loaded ball detents.

[0017] In an embodiment, each leg section comprises a resiliently elastic ferrule at an end thereof to facilitate frictional engagement of the support framework with a deck of the watercraft.

[0018] In an embodiment, the U-shaped supports receive the leg sections in a bow-legged manner so that a weight of the fabric cover urges said leg-sections against a side of the cockpit .

[0019] In an embodiment, the fabric cover is manufactured from an ultraviolet-resistant, water impermeable textile material .

[0020] In an embodiment, the fabric cover defines a bow point aperture and / or includes a bow engagement strap for engaging a bow portion of the watercraft.

[0021] In an embodiment, the fabric cover includes at least one cleat strap for engaging with a gunwale cleat of the watercraft.

[0022] In an embodiment, the fabric cover defines utilitarian features selectable from a group consisting of an access flap with slide fastener and / or hook and loop fasteners, an awning flap with supports, an insect mesh window, a storage pocket, maritime navigation lights, promotional indicia, hanging straps or loops, and a cover tensioning strap.

[0023] In an embodiment, the fabric cover defines apertures and / or straps configured to receive ground engaging elements, such as tent stakes, for securing the ad hoc shelter on land.

[0024] In an embodiment, the pockets defined along an outer periphery of the fabric cover are sealable to secure a fluid bladder therein.

[0025] In an embodiment, the fluid bladder reservoir is manufactured from a resiliently elastic material, such as rubber, for storing fluid, such as water, a beverage, fuel, or the like.

[0026] In an embodiment, the fluid bladder reservoir comprises a sealable opening and a line configured so that said bladder is lowerable from the cockpit via the line into a body of water for overboard filling the bladder with water.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a small watercraft comprising an ad hoc shelter in accordance with the aspect of the invention above .

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an ad hoc shelter for small watercraft, substantially as herein described and / or illustrated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of one embodiment of an ad hoc shelter for small watercraft , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic overview representation of constituent parts of a support framework of the ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is diagrammatic internal view representation of a portion of a cockpit of a small watercraft with leg sections of the support framework positioned therein ;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of a small watercraft with the ad hoc shelter fitted thereto ;Figure 5 is a diagrammatic internal view representation of a cockpit of a small watercraft with the ad hoc shelter fitted thereto ;Figure 6 is a diagrammatic perspective closer-view representation of possible utilitarian features of the fabric cover of the ad hoc shelter ;Figure 7 is a diagrammatic overview representation of a fluid bladder reservoir positioned within a pocket of the fabric cover ;Figure 8 is a diagrammatic rear perspective view representation of the ad hoc shelter fitted to a small watercraft ;Figure 9 is diagrammatic front perspective view representation of the ad hoc shelter fitted to a small watercraft ; andFigure 10 is a diagrammatic over representation of the ad hoc shelter repurposed for use in a terrestrial environment .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0030] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0031] Addit ionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0032] Broadly, the present invention provides for an ad hoc shelter 10 for small watercraft 8 which is configured to accommodate various si zes and shapes of watercraft . The shelter 10 is configured to accommodate various hull shapes and to allow adj ustability to cater for a hull and cockpit tapering from a midship to a bow o f a small watercraft 8 . The ad hoc shelter 10 does not generally require permanent fasteners that may require alteration of the watercraft hull , but uses a speci fic configuration, as described in more detail herein, which is able to exploit fluid, such as water inherently available in abundance where watercraft are used, for securing the ad hoc shelter 10 onto a watercraft .

[0033] Referring now to the accompanying figures , there is exempli fied one possible embodiment of an ad hoc shelter for small watercraft 10 . In a typical embodiment , the ad hoc shelter 10 comprises a support framework 12 , a fabric cover 28 , and a plurality of fluid bladder reservoirs 32 .

[0034] As shown in more detail in Figure 2 , the support framework 12 broadly comprises a U-shaped bow support 14 comprised of an arcuate elongate upper section 16 which is configured to receive two leg sections 18 at either end thereof . The support framework 12 further includes a similar U-shaped midship support 20 which is comprised of an arcuate elongate upper section 16 and also configured to receive two leg sections 18 at either end thereof . The support framework 12 also includes a centreline support 22 which is configured to interconnect the respective upper sections 16 of the bow and midship supports 14 and 20 , typically as a transverse connection beam, as shown .

[0035] Each of the leg sections 18 as well as the centreline support 22 generally comprise telescoped beams 24, i.e. beams arranged telescopingly within each other, with an adjustment mechanism 26 which is configured to provide infinite ad ustability along a length of such telescoped beams 24. Similarly, each upper section 16 is generally configured to receive the respective leg sections 18 in an adjustable manner to provide width adjustability of the U- shaped supports 14 and 20.

[0036] In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 26 for the telescoped beams 24 and the centreline support 22 comprises a quick-release over-centre toggle mechanism or the like, which is configured to arrest telescoping movement of such telescoped beams 24 whilst enabling infinite adjustability along a length of such telescoped beams 24. In this manner, a length of each leg section is selectable, and a distance separation between the bow support 14 and the midship support 20 is selectable, as required. In one embodiment, each upper section 16 is configured to receive the leg sections 18 in an adjustable manner by means of complementary apertures and spring-loaded ball detents 38. Of course, variations hereon are possible and within the principle of mechanical equivalence. In this manner, a width of each bow support 14 and the midship support 20 is selectable, as required.

[0037] In one embodiment, the upper sections 16, leg sections 18 and centreline support 22 are manufactured from a lightweight rigid material, such as aluminium poles, fibreglass poles, etc. In one embodiment, each leg section 18 comprises a resiliently elastic ferrule 36, such as a rubber ferrule, at an end thereof, as shown, to facilitatefrictional engagement of the support framework 12 with a deck of the watercraft 8 .

[0038] The ad hoc shelter 10 for small watercraft 8 also includes a fabric cover 28 which is configured to drape over the support framework 12 and sides of the watercraft 8 and engage a bow portion of the watercraft 8 . In this manner, the fabric cover 28 can be draped of various si zes and shapes of watercraft . In one embodiment , the fabric cover 28 is manufactured from an ultraviolet-resistant , water impermeable textile material . Of course , variations hereon are expected and anticipated . In one embodiment , the fabric cover 28 defines a bow point aperture and / or includes a bow engagement strap 38 for engaging a bow portion of the watercraft 8 .

[0039] Importantly, the fabric cover 28 defines a plurality of pockets 30 along an outer periphery thereof . The ad hoc shelter 10 for small watercraft 8 further includes a plurality of fluid bladder reservoirs 32 each for storing fluid therein and each shaped and dimensioned to be operatively received within a pocket 30 of the fabric cover 28 .

[0040] In this manner, the support framework 12 supports the fabric cover over the watercraft 8 with a mass of fluid within said bladder reservoirs 32 urging the ad hoc shelter 10 onto the watercraft 8 under the influence of gravity . In one embodiment , the U-shaped supports 14 and 20 receive the leg sections 18 in a bow-legged manner so that a weight of the fabric cover 28 urges said leg sections 18 against a side of the cockpit of the watercraft .

[0041] In the manner described, the ad hoc shelter 10 defines an adaptive geometry where the support framework 12 is configurable to suit various sizes and shapes of watercraft, with the support framework 12 receivable within a cockpit of such different watercraft for supporting the fabric cover 28 to form an awning over the cockpit. The support framework is able to rest within the cockpit on a deck of the watercraft 8 without the need for permanent fasteners as it allows for the legs to be easily adjusted to sit against the edges of the boat.

[0042] In one embodiment, the pockets 30 defined along an outer periphery of the fabric cover 28 are sealable to secure a fluid bladder reservoir 32 therein, for example via flaps 30.1 along with a slidable or hook and loop fasteners, or the like. In one embodiment, the fluid bladder reservoir 32 is manufactured from a resiliently elastic material, such as rubber, for storing fluid, such as water, a beverage, fuel, or the like. The fluid bladder reservoirs 32 can thus be used to store various liquids, such as potable water, or other drinks, or fuel, or the like, whilst also functioning as ballast for urging the ad hoc shelter 10 onto the watercraft 8. The fluid bladder reservoirs 32 are also typically within easy reach of the cockpit, as shown in more detail in Figure 5.

[0043] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the fluid bladder reservoirs 32 can be filled with readily- available water from a body of water on which the watercraft 8 floats, making operation of the ad hoc shelter 10 simple and elegant. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid bladder reservoir 32 comprises a sealable opening and a line 46, such as a rope or cable, which is configured so that thebladder reservoir 32 is lowerable from the cockpit via the line 46 into a body of water for overboard filling the bladder with water.

[0044] The fabric cover 28 may also include conventional functionality. For example, in one embodiment, the fabric cover 28 may include at least one cleat strap 40 for engaging with a gunwale cleat of the watercraft 8. Such strap (s) 40 may facilitate in anchoring and / or stabilising the fabric cover 28 onto the cockpit, or the like. The fabric cover 28 may also define other utilitarian features 42, such as an access flap with slide fastener and / or hook and loop fasteners for sealing the cockpit, an awning flap with supports, an insect mesh window, a storage pocket, maritime navigation lights, promotional indicia, hanging straps or loops, and a cover tensioning strap, or the like.

[0045] For example, the fabric cover 28 may include an awning flap which is supportable via suitable supports (not shown) and extends towards a stern of the watercraft to provide additional shelter for fishing, or the like. The fabric cover 28 may also include awning flap supports (not shown) for receiving awning poles for supporting an awning flap towards a stern of the watercraft 8, or the like. The fabric cover 28 may include tensioning straps for tensioning the cover over the support framework 28 and / or a gunwale of the watercraft 8, or the like. The fabric cover 28 may also define meshed windows, storage pockets, fasteners for fastening lights, or fishing rods, etc., and the like. In one embodiment, the fabric cover 28 defines apertures and / or straps 44 configured to receive ground engaging elements, such as tent stakes, for securing the ad hoc shelter on land,as shown in Figure 10 . This allows the shelter 10 to be used on land as a tent , for example .

[0046] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for an ad hoc or on- demand shelter 10 for small watercraft 10 having a support framework 12 with adaptive geometry to accommodate various diverse vessel designs without requiring customised measurement or modi fication . This configuration also facilitates integration with existing vessel equipment including bow rails and auxiliary propulsion systems . The ad hoc shelter 10 may also include variable geometry through outward flaring of lower leg sections 18 whilst enabling inward flexure to accommodate diverse vessel beam dimensions . In this manner, universal deck width compatibility is possible across di f ferent small watercraft . The support framework 12 with cover is easy and quick to deploy or store .

[0047] The ad hoc shelter 10 also incorporates minimal permanent fixtures requiring less drilling of holes , enables rapid deployment , requires no tools for installation, and provides a simple removal process whereby minimal permanent vessel modi fications are required . The ad hoc shelter 10 further includes compact storage design features facilitating ef ficient stowage when not in use . The support framework 12 generally comprises a sel f-supporting structure configured to maintain positional stability through non-permanent anchoring with the vessel deck surface . The support framework 12 typically incorporates structural members fabricated from marine-grade lightweight materials , such as aluminium alloys or fibre-reinforced composite materials .

[0048] The fabric cover 28 is able to provide passenger protection from outdoor elements and environmental conditions . In use , the fabric cover 28 extends beyond the vessel periphery, creating a draped configuration over the gunwale and bow rails where present , thus establishing a sealing interface along the gunwale edge . The weighted configuration of the fluid bladder reservoirs 32 in the fabric cover pockets 30 generally establishes contact pressure against the vessel gunwale periphery, thereby creating an environmental seal inhibiting water and wind ingress between the cover 28 and vessel during operation . The support framework 12 is also adj ustable to allow for a reduced elevation for enhanced navigational visibility, or increased elevation for optimal internal spatial clearance .

[0049] The ad hoc shelter 10 speci fically improves conventional water storage and accessibility for watercraft . Traditional water storage solutions for watercraft often consume valuable space whilst creating accessibility constraints . These traditional water storage systems frequently require separate securing mechanisms and often become inaccessible beneath stowed equipment , thereby limiting operational ef ficiency during extended j ourneys .

[0050] In the example embodiments , well-known processes , well-known device structures , and well-known technologies are not described in detail , as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee . Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts , elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts , elements or features . Where speci fic integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0051] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense.10052] Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0053] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0054] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the contrivance in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the contrivance in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The contrivance may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An ad hoc shelter for small watercraft , said ad hoc shelter comprising : a support framework comprising : i . a U-shaped bow support comprised o f an arcuate elongate upper section configured to receive two leg sections at either end thereof ; ii . a U-shaped midship support comprised of an arcuate elongate upper section configured to receive two leg sections at either end thereof ; and iii . a centreline support configured to interconnect said upper sections of the bow and midship supports ; wherein each leg section and the centreline support comprise telescoped beams with adj ustment mechanism configured to provide infinite ad ustability along a length of such telescoped beams ; wherein each upper section is configured to receive the leg sections in an adj ustable manner to provide width adj ustability of the U-shaped supports ; a fabric cover configured to drape over said support framework and sides of the watercraft and sides of the watercraft and engage a bow portion of the watercraft , said fabric cover defining a plurality of pockets along an outer periphery thereof ; and a plurality of fluid bladder reservoirs each for storing fluid therein and each shaped and dimensioned to be operatively received within a pocket ; wherein the support framework defines an adaptive geometry to be receivable within a cockpit of di f ferent watercraft and for supporting the fabric cover to form anawning over said cockpit , a mass o f fluid within said bladder reservoirs urging the ad hoc shelter onto said watercraft under the influence of gravity .2 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the upper sections , leg sections and centreline support are manufactured from a lightweight rigid material , such as aluminium poles , fibreglass poles , etc .3 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of either of claims 1 or 2 , wherein the adj ustment mechanism for the telescoped beams and the centreline support comprises a quick-release over-centre toggle mechanism conf igured to arrest telescoping movement of such telescoped beams whilst enabling infinite adj ustability along a length of such telescoped beams .4 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein each upper section is configured to receive the leg sections in an adj ustable manner by means of complementary apertures and spring-loaded ball detents .5 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 4 , wherein each leg section comprises a resiliently elastic ferrule at an end thereof to facilitate frictional engagement of the support framework with a deck of the watercraft .6 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the U-shaped supports receive the leg sections in a bow-legged manner so that a weight of the fabric cover with fluid bladder reservoirs urges said legsections against a side of the cockpit .. The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the fabric cover is manufactured from an ultraviolet-resistant , water impermeable textile material .8 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the fabric cover defines a bow point aperture and / or includes a bow engagement strap for engaging a bow portion of the watercraft .9 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the fabric cover includes at least one cleat strap for engaging with a gunwale cleat of the watercraft .10 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the fabric cover defines utilitarian features selectable from a group consisting of an access flap with slide fastener and / or hook and loop fasteners , an awning flap with supports , an insect mesh window, a storage pocket , maritime navigation lights , promotional indicia, hanging straps or loops , and a cover tensioning strap .11 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the fabric cover defines apertures and / or straps configured to receive ground engaging elements , such as tent stakes , for securing the ad hoc shelter on land .12 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the pockets defined along an outer periphery of the fabric cover are sealable to secure a fluid bladder therein .13 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the fluid bladder reservoir is manufactured from a resiliently elastic material , such as rubber, for storing fluid, such as water, a beverage , fuel , or the like .14 . The ad hoc shelter for small watercraft of any of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the fluid bladder reservoir comprises a sealable opening and a line configured so that said bladder is lowerable from the cockpit via the line into a body of water for overboard filling the bladder with water .15 . A small watercraft comprising an ad hoc shelter in accordance with any of claim 1 to 14 .

Images