Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
ARTICULATED TOP
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of water craft.
More
specifically, the present invention relates to articulating tops for water
craft.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Boats can be equipped with some form of sun shade apparatus or other
enclosure such as a top, canopy or bimini. Some tops can be moved between an
extended,
engaged, locked or radar position and a stowed, collapsed, unlocked or
trailering position.
Some tops are constructed out of tubular frames that articulate to at least
two positions.
Some such tops can be manually articulated to a desired position, while others
utilize
mechanical aids such as hydraulics or electric motors to power the apparatus
into the
desired position(s).
[0003] The manual articulation of tops often require a significant effort to
move the
top into the desired position(s). One common method for manually articulating
a top is to
manually lift the top into the desired state, such as an extended position.
Then, the top can
be secured in position by latching or locking a frame member, such as a bow,
arm or strut,
such as to hardware that is attached to the water craft. Such manual
articulation requires
significant strength to raise the top into position, and dexterity and balance
to secure the
top in position. Such manual articulation can be unsafe if undertaken by a
single person.
[0004] Some tops have been designed such that they use gravity to pull the top
into
the stowed position when released from the extended position. However, when
released,
such tops violently collapse, which can injure someone in the path of the top,
damage the
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
2
top and/or the water craft or be noisy, potentially scaring away wildlife.
Other tops may
use powered mechanical systems to decrease or even eliminate the need for
manual
articulation. However, such powered tops are often cost prohibitive and may
not be useable
with all boat models, as such powered tops can require specific structural
elements for
mounting thereto and power.
[0005] Even once the top has been raised generally into its deployed position,
the
top must then be secured and tensioned. Typically, such tops have utilized one
of two
components to secure and tension the front of the top.
[0006] One such component is a strap. The strap is attached to the top front
of the
frame. Once the top is in its deployed position, the strap can be attached to
the boat and
then tightened to tension and secure the top in its deployed position. Straps
can have a
pulley or block and tackle system and a handle that can allow applying tension
and
removing tension relatively easy and are generally more affordable. However,
straps can
wear out and are seen by some in the boating community as cheap, weak and
undesirable.
[0007] Another such component is a strut. Like a strap, the strut is connected
to the
top front of the frame. Once the top is in its deployed position, the front
top of the frame
must be pulled down and then the stmt attached to the boat. Such attachment is
often
putting a pin through the strut and an attachment mechanism on the boat.
Unlike with the
strap, such maneuvering typically requires two people to accomplish and the
strut tends to
be more expensive. Further, the strut needs to be the correct length so as to
ensure the
proper tension is applied when the strut is attached to the boat. However, the
strut is less
likely to wear out in comparison to the strap and seen by some in the boating
community
more luxurious, strong and desirable.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
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[0008] Therefore, there is need for a cost effective top that decreases the
effort
required to manually articulate the top and to tension and secure the top in
its deployed
position. There is also a need for a top that can be manually articulated by
one person
without a sudden collapsing of the top and that can be securely stowed, such
as for
transportation and storage.
[0009] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more
aspects of
this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects
can lead to
certain other objectives. Other objects, features, benefits and advantages of
the present
invention will be apparent in this summary and descriptions of the disclosed
embodiment,
and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects,
features, benefits and
advantages will be apparent from the above as taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a frame in a deployed position.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the frame of FIG. 1 in a collapsed
position.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevation view of a portion of the frame of FIG.
1
attached directly to a water craft.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevation view of a portion of the frame of FIG.
3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the frame of
FIG. 1 in
a closed position.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member of the
frame
of FIG. 3.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
4
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the locking member of
FIG. 3
in an opened position engaged to a structure.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the locking member of
FIG. 3
in an opened position.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the locking member of
FIG. 3
in an opened position.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of
a locking member engaged to a structure.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of
a locking member in a closed position.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the bracket of FIG. 11.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of
a locking member in an opened position.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of
a locking member in a closed position.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of
a locking member in an opened position.
[0025] FIG. 16 is an elevation view of a frame in a deployed and secured
position.
[0026] FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the frame of FIG. 16 in a collapsed
position.
[0027] FIG. 18 is an enlarged elevation view of a portion of the frame of FIG.
16
attached directly to a water craft taken along the boundary 18 in FIG. 16.
[0028] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the ratcheting strut of the
frame
of FIG. 16.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
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[0029] FIG. 20 is a rear elevation view of the ratcheting strut of FIG. 19.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the ratcheting strut of FIG. 19.
[0031] FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the
ratcheting
strut of FIG. 21 taken along the line 22A-22A in FIG. 21.
[0032] FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the
ratcheting
strut of FIG. 22 with the inner tube further within outer tube.
[0033] FIG. 23A is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of
the
ratcheting stmt of FIG. 22A taken along the line 23A in FIG. 22A when the
release
mechanism is disengaged.
[0034] FIG. 23B is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of
the
ratcheting stmt of FIG. 23A when the release mechanism is engaged.
[0035] FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the inner tube of the
ratcheting
strut of FIG. 19.
[0036] FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of the outer tube and
ratcheting
mechanism of FIG. 19 with the inner tube removed and hidden surfaces shown in
phantom
lines when the release mechanism is disengaged.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the outer tube and ratcheting
mechanism of
FIG. 25 when the release mechanism engaged.
[0038] FIG. 27 is an enlarged side elevation view of an alternative embodiment
of
a ratcheting mechanism.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the ratcheting mechanism of FIG. 27
with
hidden surfaces shown in phantom lines.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
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[0040] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the ratcheting
mechanism of FIG. 27 taken along the line 29-29 in FIG. 27.
[0041] FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevation view of the
release
mechanism of FIG. 20 taken along the line 30-30 in FIG. 20.
[0042] FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevation view of the latch
of
FIG. 20 taken along the line 31-31 in FIG. 20.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a ratcheting arm
of a
prior art bicycle rack.
[0044] FIG. 33 is an enlarged cross-sectional front elevation view of a
portion of
the ratcheting arm of FIG. 32 in the engaged position.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the portion of the
ratcheting arm of FIG. 33 in the disengaged position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] As seen in FIG. 1, a frame 10 for a marine top, canopy, bimini or other
such
structure is shown. The frame 10 shown in FIG. 1 is generally comprised of
tubular
members that support a canvas or other suitable material (C) for providing
shade or shelter
from the elements. For example, the frame 10 in FIG. 1 includes a main or aft
bow 12 that
is pivotally connected to a secondary or bow bow 14. One or more auxiliary
bows 16, 18
can be pivotally connected to the main and secondary bows. The pivotal
connections allow
the frame 10 to collapse into a compact folded frame as seen in FIG. 2.
Support members
20, for example, one on the starboard side and one on the port side of the
frame 10, may
also be used to support and keep the frame in the deployed and/or collapsed
position.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
7
[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the support members 20 include a
biasing member. The biasing member is shown in FIG. 1 as a gas shock 22, but
could also
include a mechanical or pneumatic spring, shock or damper. The gas shock 22 is
connected
at a first end to a first end of the strut or shaft 24, such as by a threaded
end of the rod being
thread into a threaded hole in the strut, and is pivotally connected, directly
or indirectly, at
its second end to the vehicle or structure such as a boat.
[0048] The strut 24 is pivotally connected at its second end to the frame 10
or a
collapsible assembly, for example the main bow 12. For example, the strut 24
may have a
bore (not shown) formed in one end and a plastic hat-style washer (not shown)
inserted in
each side of the hole. A frame bracket is then secured to the main bow, such
as by screws
or bolts. The frame bracket has flanges sized to accept the strut with hat-
style washers and
each flange has a hole matching the hole in the hat-style washers such that
mating shoulder
bolts may be inserted through the holes in the frame bracket, hat-style
washers and strut 24
to pivotally connect the strut to the main bow. When the frame 10 is moved
from the
collapsed position, the gas shock 22 is allowed to push the rod 26 further out
which in turn
pushes the strut 24 out of the tube 28 and causes the main bow 12 and frame 10
to move to
its deployed position. When the frame 10 is moved from its deployed position
towards its
collapsed position, the main bow 12 will push on the strut 24 causing the rod
26 to be
pushed in or withdrawn further into the gas shock 22.
[0049] In one embodiment, the gas shock 22 could be designed to provide just
less
than the amount of force required to move the frame 10 from the collapsed
position into
the extended position such that only a small amount of additional force or
effort is needed,
for example by a person. Such force would also allow the frame 10 to be
collapsed into the
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
8
stowed position in a safe and controlled manner because the weight of the
frame would
only slightly overcome the force exerted by the gas shock 22. Therefore, only
a small
amount of force is needed, for example by a person, to stop or slow the
collapse of the
frame 10. In this embodiment, the gas shock 22 urges or biases the strut 24 to
slide into the
tube 28.
[0050] By way of another example, the gas shock 22 could be designed to
provide
a slightly greater force than needed to move the frame 10 from the collapsed
position into
the extended position such that only a small amount of additional force would
be used, for
example by a person, to stop or slow the articulation of the frame 10. Such
force would
also allow the frame 10 to be collapsed into the stowed position in a safe and
controlled
manner because only a small amount of additional force or effort is used to
overcome the
force of the gas shock 22. In this embodiment, the gas shock 22 urges or
biases the strut 24
to slide out of the tube 28.
[0051] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the gas shock 22 is housed within a
tube, housing or shroud 28 and the tube slidable receives the strut 24. At one
end of the
tube 28 is a bushing or collar 30. In FIG. 3, the bushing 30 is located at
least partially within
the opening of the tube 28. The bushing 30 can slidably receive the strut 24
and help guide
the strut as it slides in and out of the tube 28, such as, for example, by
keeping the strut
centered, providing a smooth surface for the strut to slide against and the
preventing the
strut from undesired racking or twisting. The bushing 30 could be attached to
the tube 28
or the bushing could be integrally formed or made with the tube.
[0052] The support member 20 is shown attached at its second end to a mounting
bracket 32. The second end of the gas shock 22 and/or the tube 28 can be
attached directly
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
9
to the marine vehicle or structure, e.g. a rail or fence, as seen in FIG. 3,
or could be attached
to another structure such as a mounting bracket 32 which is then attached to
the marine
vehicle or structure, as seen in FIGS. 1-2. For example, the tube 28 may have
a bore (not
shown) that matches a hole in the flanges (not shown) of the mounting bracket.
Hat-style
washers (not shown) are inserted into each side of the bore in the tube 28.
Mating shoulder
bolts are inserted through the hat-style washers, the tube 28 and an eyelet
threadingly
connected to the gas shock 22 to pivotally connect the tube and gas shock to
the mounting
bracket 32. The main bow 12 can also be pivotally attached to the mounting
bracket 32.
[0053] Fixing or predetermining the relationship of the second ends of the
main
bow 12 and support member 20 can make installation easier because the proper
relationship
between the main bow and support member, e.g. angle formed by the main bow and
mounting bracket 32 and distance between the second ends of the main bow and
the support
member, does not need to be determined or measured during installation. The
proper
relationship can also lead to increased safety and life of the frame 10 by,
for example,
inhibiting torqueing and proper distribution of the weight of the top on the
main bow 12
and the support members 20. Fixing or predetermining the relationship of the
second ends
of the main bow 12 and support member 20 also allows a single sized support
member to
be used for a variety of sized tops and frames by adjusting the size of the
mounting bracket
32.
[0054] The support members 20 can also include a locking member to lock the
support member in the closed position, such as when the frame 10 is deployed,
and/or the
opened position, such as when the frame is collapsed. In FIGS. 1-11, 13, the
locking
member is a handle or lever that is pivotally connected to the strut 24, such
that the locking
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
10
member is movable between opened and closed positions. For example, the handle
34 may
have a bore (not shown) that matches a bore (not shown) in the strut 24 when
the strut is
within the handle as discussed further below. Mating shoulder bolts may be
inserted
through the two bores to pivotally mount the handle 34 to the strut 24 at one
end of the
handle. When the frame 10 is in its deployed position, the handle 34 is closed
and generally
in line with the support member 20 as seen in FIG. 3. The handle 34 includes a
slot 36 that
is sized and positioned to accept the strut 24 when the handle is closed seen
most clearly
in FIG. 5. When the frame 10 is collapsed, the handle is opened and is
generally
perpendicular to the support member 20 as seen in FIG. 7.
[0055] When the frame 10 is in the deployed position and the handle 34 is in a
first
position or closed, as seen in FIG. 4, the bottom surface 38 of the handle
contacts, jams or
engages the top or contact surface 40 of the bushing 30 to prevent the strut
24 from being
pulled or sliding further within the tube 28 from the weight of the frame 10
and/or the
tensile force or pull of the gas shock 22. When the handle is in the closed
position, the
frame 10 is fully deployed. Thereby, the handle 34 can be used to set the
length and angle
of the support member at which the frame 10 is fully deployed.
[0056] When it is desired to collapse the frame 10, e.g. when towing a marine
vehicle to which the frame is attached, the handle 34 can be disengaged from
the bushing
by pulling the handle and rotating the handle away from the support strut as
seen in FIGS.
7-9. In this position, the handle 34 is in a second position or opened. When
the handle 34
is in the open position, the strut 24 is not prevented from being pulled or
sliding further
within the tube 28 by the weight of the frame 10 and/or the tensile force or
pull from the
gas shock 22.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
11
[0057] The handle 34 may also include a securing component to secure the frame
in a collapsed position. For example, as best seen in FIG. 6, the securing
component is
a socket 42 formed in the bottom of the slot 36. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 6-7,
the socket 42 is sized and shaped to selectively attach or fit over a
structure, for example a
deck button 44.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 7, a latch 46 is housed in and rotatably secured or
pivotally
connected to the handle 34. At a first end of the latch 46 is a push button
48. Between the
push button 48 and the handle 34 is a spring 50 that urges the push button out
of the handle.
At the second end of the latch is a lip or flange 52. The spring 50 also urges
the lip 52 into
the slot 36.
[0059] To secure the frame 10 in the collapsed position, the socket 42 of the
handle
34 is slid over the deck button 44. As the deck button 44 contacts the lip 52,
the force
pushes the lip away from the deck button and thereby, moves the latch to
rotate to allow
the deck button to further enter the slot 36 through the socket 42. Once the
top of the deck
button 44 moves past the lip 52, the spring 50 will cause the latch to rotate
towards
engagement with the deck button such that the lip 52 slides under the top of
the deck button
to secure the handle 34 and, thereby, the frame 10 to the marine vehicle or
structure to
which the deck button is attached. This is the engaged position of the latch.
Although the
above example uses a deck button, the socket 42 and/or latch 46 could be sized
and shaped
to connect to a variety of structures.
[0060] To release the frame from the deck button, for example, to move the
frame
to the deployed position, the push button 48 can be depressed causing the lip
52 to retreat
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
12
from or disengage the deck button 44 and slot 36. With the lip 52 out of the
way, the handle
34 can be withdrawn from the deck button. This is the disengaged position of
the latch.
[0061] The handle 34 can also have a biasing member. For example, as seen in
FIGS. 6-7, the handle includes a biasing member shown as a spring 54. The
spring 54 is
wound, wrapped or positioned over the bolt that pivotally connects the strut
24 to the handle
34. One end of the spring 54 is secured in a recess 56 formed in the back of
the handle 34
and the other end of the spring is located in the strut 24. The spring 54
urges or biases the
handle towards the closed position.
[0062] The contact surface 40 of the bushing 30 may also cooperate with the
handle
34 and spring 54 to allow the handle to return to the closed position as the
frame is being
moved to the deployed position or to otherwise perform as a timing device. For
example,
as seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the contact surface 40 includes a
raised edge
58. The bottom surface 38 of the handle 34 includes an interference or
protuberant 60, 62
at each the front and back of the bottom surface.
[0063] When it is desired to move the frame 10 from the deployed position to
the
collapsed position, the handle 34 can be pulled away from the strut 24. As the
handle 34 is
pulled away the raised edge 58 will ride along the bottom surface 38 of the
handle until the
raised edge reaches the rear interference 62 of the bottom surface. A slight
increase in the
amount of force used to pull the handle 34 forward may be required to cause
the rear
interference 62 to ride up, over and beyond or past the raised edge 58. In one
embodiment,
once the rear interference 62 is past the raised edge 58, the handle 34 will
be in the open
position and the weight of the frame will push the strut 24 down into the tube
28 because
the weight of the frame is slightly greater than the resistance provided by
the gas shock 22.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
13
As the strut 24 is pushed into the tube 28, the spring 54 will urge the handle
34 to maintain
contact with the raised edge 58. The raised edge 58 will ride along the rear
side 64 of the
handle. As the strut 24 is being pushed into the tube 28, the contact between
the raised edge
58 and the rear side 64 of the handle will cause the handle to rotate away
from the strut 24.
[0064] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the raised edge 58 will ride the
rear
side 64 of the handle 34 until the raised edge reaches a depression 66 formed
in the rear
side 64 of the handle 34 and at least a portion of the remainder of the
contact surface 40
contacts the stop surface 68 near the first end of the handle, as seen in FIG.
7. In this
configuration, the handle 34 is in a third position or fully opened and can be
placed onto
the deck button 44. In the third position, the interaction between the handle
34 and bushing
30 prevents the strut 24 from sliding further into the tube 28 and defines the
amount the
strut my slide within the tube. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 7-9, as the strut 24
slides into the
tube 28, the handle 34 will be rotated further and further out of alignment
with the strut,
until the handle reaches the third position, wherein the handle is generally
perpendicular to
the strut.
[0065] When it is desired to move the frame 10 to the deployed position, the
push
button 48 can be depressed to release the deck button 44. Once the deck button
44 is past
the lip 52 and the frame is moved towards the deployed position, the strut 24
will be
withdrawn from the tube 28. As the strut 24 is withdrawn, the raised edge 58
will be
withdrawn from the depression 66 and the spring 54 will cause the handle to
maintain
contact with the raised edge. The raised edge 58 will then ride along the rear
side 64 of the
handle 34, as seen in FIGS. 8-9, until it slides around the rear interference
62, the strut 24
enters the slot 36 and the bottom surface 38 contacts the contact surface 40,
as seen in FIG.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
14
4. This returns the handle to the closed position. The bottom surface 38 of
the handle 34
can also include a front or second interference 60, to prevent the handle from
being over
rotated by the spring 54 thereby defining the maximum amount the spring may
bias the
handle.
[0066] The profile of the rear side 64 of the handle 34 and contact surface 40
of the
bushing 30 can be shaped and sized to accomplish many features, functions and
benefits,
as can the bottom surface 38, depression 66 and stop surface 68. For example,
the rear side
64 could have a depression at a location other than the end of the handle 34
or have an
increased slope if it is not desired to have as much of the strut 24 withdrawn
from the tube
28 when the frame 10 is in the collapsed position.
[0067] Another embodiment of a securing component is shown in FIG. 10. At the
bottom surface 38 of the handle 34 is a bracket 70. The bracket 70 is sized
and shaped so
as to be able to connect to or clip or snap onto a structure such as a rail or
fence 72.
[0068] Another embodiment of a locking member for locking the support member
20' in the engaged position is shown in FIGS. 11, 13. As seen in FIGS. 11, 13,
the locking
member includes a lever 74 that is pivotally connected to and resides
partially within the
strut 24. A spring 76 is located between the bottom end of the lever 74 and
the strut 24 to
urge the bottom end of the lever out of the surface of the strut.
[0069] To move the frame 10 from an deployed position towards the collapsed
position, the bottom portion of the lever must be operated, e.g. pressed in
towards the strut
24, against the force from the spring 76, such that the lever 74 and strut 24
can fit within
the bushing 30 and be slid down into the tube 28 as seen in FIG. 13. When the
frame is
moved from the collapsed position towards the deployed position, and the strut
24 is
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
15
sufficiently extended out of the tube 28, the spring 76 will urge the lever
out of the strut
24. Once the lever 74 is out of the strut 24, the bottom or jam surface 78 of
the lever will
rest against the contact surface 40 of the bushing 30 to maintain the frame 10
in the
deployed position and prevent the strut from being pushed down into the tube
28. The
support member 20' could also include a bracket 80, such as an 'H' bracket,
similar to that
described above with regards to the bracket 70 shown in FIG. 10 to allow the
frame 10 to
be able to be secured in the collapsed position, such as to a rail or fence.
[0070] Another embodiment of a locking member for locking the support member
20" in the engaged position is shown in FIGS. 14-15. As seen in FIGS. 14-15,
the locking
member includes a spring locking pin 82 that is within the strut 24. When the
frame 10 is
moved from the collapsed position towards the deployed position, and the strut
24 is
sufficiently extended out of the tube 28, a hole 84 will no longer be blocked
by the bushing
30 or the tube 28 such that the pin 86 of the spring locking pin 82 will be
urged out of the
hole. Once the pin 86 is out of the strut 24, the pin will rest against the
contact surface 40
of the bushing 30 to maintain the frame 10 in the deployed position and
prevent the strut
from being pushed down into the tube 28 as seen in FIG. 14. When it is desired
to move
the frame 10 from the deployed position to the collapsed position, the pin 86
of the spring
locking pin 82 can be pushed into the strut 24 so that the strut is free to be
withdrawn into
the tube 28 as seen in FIG. 15. The support member 20" could also include a
bracket 80
as previously described.
[0071] Once the frame 10 is in the deployed position, tension must be added to
the
frame and the frame must be secured to the boat or other structure, e.g. a
fence or rail 72.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
16
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, a support member or ratcheting strut 88 is
used to
secure the frame 10 to the boat and to add tension to the frame.
[0072] The ratcheting strut 88 shown in FIGS. 16-18 has an inner or first
member
or tube 90 that is pivotally connected to the frame 10, e.g. a bow 12, 14, at
a first end and
is slidably received in an outer or second member or tube 92 at its second
end. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-21, the outer tube 92 has a bushing or collar 94
inserted
inside or received by the outer tube at a first or upper end to slidably
receive the inner tube
90 and has a latch 96 at its second or lower end.
[0073] The bushing 94 can slidably receive the inner tube 90 and help guide
the
strut as it slides in and out of the outer tube 92, such as, for example, by
keeping the inner
tube centered, providing a smooth surface for the inner tube to slide against
and the
preventing the inner tube from undesired racking or twisting. The inside of
bushing 94 has
a plurality of grooves 98 adjacent the openings 100 in the inner tube 90 as
shown in FIGS.
22A-23B and further discussed below. Although in this embodiment, the bushing
94 is
shown as a separate piece from the outer tube 92, the two could be integrally
formed, over-
molded or the outer tube could have grooves along its inner wall. In the
embodiment seen
in FIG. 22A, the bushing 94 is held within the outer tube 92 by fastener 95,
e.g. a barrel
nut and bolt. The fastener 99 can serve the dual purpose of holding the
bushing 94 in the
outer tube 92 and providing a stop to limit the amount the ratcheting
mechanism 101 and,
thereby, the inner tube 90 can travel within the outer tube 92.
[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 22A-24, the portion of the inner tube
90
that is slideably received by the outer tube 92 has a pair of openings 100 in
opposing walls
of the inner tube and a ratcheting mechanism 101. Through each opening 100
extends a
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
17
pawl 102 of the ratcheting mechanism 101. When extended, the pawls 102 engage
or are
in selective contact with the plurality of grooves 98 on the inside of the
bushing 94. A
release mechanism 104 is connected to the pawls 102, as will be discussed
further below,
to selectively withdraw the pawls out of engagement with the grooves 98 of the
bushing
94.
[0075] A pin 106 extends through a bore 108 in each pawl such that the pawls
102
pivotally rotate about the pin. As seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 25-26,
the bore
108 is sized such that a tube 109 extends through the bore, and the pin 106
extends through
the tube. In this embodiment, the tube 109 provides a smooth bearing surface
for the
rotation of the pawls 102. The pawls 102 are designed to be the same for ease
of
manufacturing and assembly, but could be dissimilarly shaped as desired.
Between the
pawls 102 and wrapped around the tube 109 is a torsion spring 110 as best seen
in FIGS.
23A-B. One of each of the ends 112 of the torsion spring 110 rests against and
engages an
inner contact surface 114 of one of each of the pawls 102 to urge rotation of
the pawls
away from each other, out of the openings 100 and into engagement with the
plurality of
grooves 98 of the bushing 94. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23A, the pawls
rotate
away from each other to engage a plurality of grooves 98 on opposite sides of
the bushing
94 when the release mechanism 104 is disengaged.
[0076] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 26-27, the pawls 102 and spring 110
are
at least partially within the housing 116 and pivotally connected to the
housing by the pin
106 and tube 109. The pin 106 extends beyond the housing 116 and through in
holes 117
in the inner tube 90 such that as the inner tube is raised and lower, the
ratchet mechanism
101 is correspondingly raised and lowered therewith as seen in FIGS. 24-26. As
seen in
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
18
FIG. 24, the pin 106 extends beyond the inner tube 90 and, as seen in FIGS.
22A-B, rides
within a channel 119 formed in opposite sides of bushing 94 adjacent the sides
with the
plurality of grooves 98. The channel 119 does not extend the entire length of
the bushing
94. The channel 119 stops a distance below the top of the bushing 94 such that
when the
pin 106 reaches the top end of the channel 119, the pin is prevent from being
moved further
upward and, thereby, the inner tube 90 from being further withdrawn from and
out of the
outer tube 92. The housing 116 also includes a pair of windows 118 that are
adjacent the
openings 100 in the inner tube 90 to allow the pawls 102 to extend through the
windows
118 and the openings 100. Although a first and second pawl 102, two windows
118 and
two openings 100 are illustrated in the embodiment in shown in FIGS. 26-27,
more or less
pawls, windows and openings could be used.
[0077] As seen in FIGS. 23A-B, each pawl 102 also has a slot 120. A shaft 122
extends through or engages both slots 120 of the pawls 102. Each end of the
shaft 122
extends beyond the pawls 102 and is received or secured by a carriage 124 as
seen in FIG.
27. The carriage 124 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-27 is generally an
"A" shape
with the pawls 102 being in-between the downwardly extending arms of the
carriage. The
carriage 124 is slidably received in the top of the housing 116.
[0078] The carriage 124 has a slit 126 at its top. The slit 126 receives a
cable 128
that culminates an enlarged or capped end 130 (seen in FIGS. 28-29) to prevent
the cable
from being pulled through the slit. Other means are known to a person having
ordinary
skill in the art for connecting or attaching a cable to a carriage, e.g. a
hook to which the
cable is tied, the use of which would defeat the spirit of the invention. In
the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 25-26, a slit 126 is used for ease during manufacture, e.g. an
enlarged end
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
19
130 may be applied the cable 128 before the cable is inserted through the slit
126. The slit
126 is sized such that during assembly, a part of the cable 128 can fit
through the slit and
be positioned in the carriage, but the enlarged end 130 cannot.
[0079] In an alternate embodiment, the carriage 124' could have a more solid
top
portion with a bore 132 leading to a cavity 134 instead of a slit 126 as seen
in FIGS. 28-
29. During assembly, a part of the cable 128 would be inserted through the
bore 132 until
an end is in the cavity 134. Then, the cable 128 could receive an enlarged end
130 or other
means that can fit within the cavity 134 but does not fit within the bore 132
to secure or
connect the cable to the carriage 124. Enlarged ends 130 are known to a person
having
ordinary skill in the art, e.g. a nut, washer, cable ends, etc., the use of
which would not
defeat the spirit of the invention. The ratcheting mechanism 101 seen in FIGS.
31-32 is
simplified in that it does not include a housing 116 or a tube 109, however,
the mechanism
could include such components if desired.
[0080] The cable 128 runs up through the inner tube 90 and is secured or
connected
to the lever 135 of the release mechanism 104 at one end. The lever 135 is
pivotally
connected to the inner tube 90 as discuss further below. In the configuration
seen in FIG.
30, when the lever 135 is pushed or operated, the cable 128 is pulled upwards,
towards the
top of inner tube 90. Because the cable 128 is secured to the carriage 124 at
a second end,
movement of the cable upwards causes the carriage to be pulled upwards.
Because the shaft
122 is held by the carriage 124, movement of the carriage upwards causes the
shaft 122 to
move upwards away from its first position. Because the shaft extends through
the slots 120
of the pawls 102, as the shaft moves upwards the pawls rotate inwards away and
are
disengaged from the plurality of grooves 98.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
20
[0081] In the embodiment seen in FIGS. 23A-B, the slots 120 are oriented at an
angle when the pawls 102 are extended out of the windows 118 and openings 100.
As the
shaft 122 is pulled upward, the shaft moves up the slots 120. The orientation
of the angled
slots 120 is such as the shaft 122 moves closer to the top end of the slots,
the pawls 102 are
rotated inward, towards the inner tube 90, thereby overcoming the spring 110
as seen in
FIG. 23B. However, the slots 120 could be designed in any shape and/or
orientation to
achieve a desired movement of the pawls 102 as is known to a person having
ordinary skill
in the art, the use of which would not defeat the spirit of the invention.
[0082] After the frame 10 is moved from its collapsed or stowed position into
the
deployed position, as discussed above, the ratcheting strut 88 can be attached
to the boat
such as by using the latch 96 on a deck button 44, as will be discussed
further below. Once
the ratcheting strut 88 is attached to the boat, the front of the frame 10 can
be pulled down
to add tension to the frame 10. Tension is added because the gas shocks 22 of
the support
members 20 at the rear of the frame are holding the frame downward at the rear
or aft of
the boat.
[0083] As seen in FIG. 23A, the shape of the plurality of grooves 98 of the
collar
94 and pawls 102 is such that the pawls can ride down the collar along the
plurality of
grooves, but cannot be ride up the plurality of grooves. Therefore, as the
front of the frame
is being pulled down to tension the frame, the inner tube 90 is being pushed
further into
outer tube 92 and the pawls are riding down the collar 94 along the plurality
of grooves 98.
As sufficient tension is added to the frame 10, e.g. the front of the frame
has satisfactorily
been pulled down, the spring 110 will urge the pawls 102 into engagement with
the grooves
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
21
98 to prevent the tension added to the frame and cover (C) from pulling the
inner tube 90
back out the outer tube 92.
[0084] The tension added to the frame 10 and cover (C) will cause the frame to
have a slightly upwardly bowed shaped due to the frame being held at the front
by the
ratcheting strut 88 and at the rear by the support member 20. This bowed shape
and the
tension of the frame 10 and the cover (C) will pull the inner tube 90 upward,
which in turn
will pull the pawls 102 upward without rotation. This upward action will cause
the pawls
102 to engage one of the plurality of grooves 98 to thereby resist the upward
force and hold
the inner tube 90, frame 10 and cover (C) in the deployed position.
[0085] When it is desired to stow the frame 10, the lever 135 can be engaged
or
pushed toward the inner tube 90. The rotation of the lever 135 causes the
cable 128 to be
pulled upward. The cable 128 in turn, pulls the carriage 124 and the shaft 122
held thereby
upward. As the shaft 122 moves in a first direction, e.g. upward, in the slots
120 of the
pawls 102, the pawls are pulled inward, overcoming the outward force of
torsion spring
110. In this embodiment, the pushing of the lever must overcome the outward
force of the
torsion spring 110.
[0086] The bowed shape and tension of the frame 10 and the cover (C) pulling
the
pawls 102 into engagement with one of the plurality of grooves 98 will cause a
jamming
action between the pawls and grooves. The jamming action in combination with
the
frictional forces between the pawls and grooves may be such that the lever 135
cannot be
easily pressed when the frame 10 is in the deployed position. Therefore, one
may pull down
slightly on the frame 10 to remove the jamming action and then press the lever
135.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
22
However, even this maneuver can be accomplished by a single person with one
hand on
the frame 10 and another on the lever 135.
[0087] Once the lever 135 is pressed and held, the frame 10 can be moved
upward
to release the tension in the frame and cover (C). With the tension removed,
the latch 96
can be disengaged from the deck button 44, as will be described further below.
If the
ratcheting stmt 88 is being used with the support member 20, the handle 34 can
be rotated
outward and the frame 10 can be collapsed into its stowed position.
[0088] In the embodiment seen in FIG. 30, the inner tube 90 includes a hole
136
near the end of the inner tube that connects to the frame 10. For example, a
frame bracket
138 is secured to the bow bow 14, such as by screws or bolts. The frame
bracket 138 has
at least one hole that lines up with the hole 136 in the inner tube 90.
Plastic hat-style
washers (not shown) may be inserted in each of the holes. A fastener 140, e.g.
mating
shoulder bolts, may be inserted through the hole in the frame bracket 138, hat-
style washers
and hole 136 in the inner tube 90 to pivotally connect the inner tube 90 to
the frame 10.
Other means are known in the art for pivotally attaching a tube to a frame,
e.g. a pin, the
use of which would not defeat the spirit of the invention. In the embodiment
seen in FIG.
30, the fastener 140 pivotally connects the inner strut 90 and, thereby, the
ratcheting strut
88 to the bow bow 14 and, thereby, the frame 10 and the lever 135 to the inner
strut.
[0089] In the embodiment seen in FIG. 31, the outer tube 92 includes an insert
142
and with a projection 144. The insert 142 is inserted into the lower end of
the outer tube 92
to secure the insert to the outer tube. The projection 144 that extends from
the outer tube
92 and insert 142 is used to attach the outer tube to the latch 96.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
23
[0090] In the embodiment seen in FIG. 31, the projection 144 is received
between
flanges 146 on the latch 96. For example, the projection 144 may have a bore
(not shown)
formed in one end and a plastic hat-style washer (not shown) inserted in each
side of the
hole. The flanges 146 are sized to accept the projection 144 and the flanges
have a hole
matching the hole in the hat-style washers such that a fastener 147 may be
inserted through
the holes in the flanges 146, hat-style washers and projection 144 to
pivotally connect the
outer tube 92 to the latch 96.
[0091] Many such fasteners 147 are known in the art, the use of which would
not
defeat the spirit of the invention, e.g. pin, bolt, etc. The latch 96 and
insert 142 and/or outer
tube 92 could also be rigidly attached, e.g. by welding, gluing or being
integrally formed.
However, being pivotally connected allows the ratcheting strut 88 to be
attached to the
frame 10 in a less precise manner because the latch 96 and/or tubes 90, 92 can
be pivoted
to receive a deck button 44 even if the ratcheting strut is not perfectly
aligned with the deck
button.
[0092] As seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 31, the latch 96 includes a
mouth
148 at the end opposite the projection 144 or the bottom of the latch to
receive a structure.
A lever 150 is located above the mouth 148. The lever 150 is pivotally
attached to the latch
96 at the rear. At the front of the latch 96, the lever 150 includes a hook or
lip 152. The
front, exterior surface of the hook 152 is rounded or angled. A spring 154 is
located in a
cavity 156 of the latch 96 to urge the lever 150 downward into the mouth 148
such that the
hook 152 closes the entrance to the mouth. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 31,
the lever
150 is a spring loaded lever.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
24
[0093] When the frame 10 is partially deployed and the ratcheting strut 88
extended, e.g. inner tube 90 pulled out of outer tube 92, mouth 148 of the
latch 96 can be
lined up to receive the deck button 44. As the latch 96 is moved towards the
structure, e.g.
deck button 44, the structure will contact the rounded exterior surface of the
hook 152. The
shape of the exterior side of the hook 152 cooperates with the deck button 44
to force the
lever 150 upwards, overcoming the force of the spring 154. With the lever 150
out of the
way, the deck button 44 can be seated in the mouth 148 of the latch to secure
the latch 96
to the deck button.
[0094] Once the deck button 44 has cleared the exterior side of the hook 152,
the
spring 154 will urge the lever 150 back down, wherein the hook will secure the
deck button
in the mouth 148 of the latch 96. The mouth 148 may also include a ridge 157
to help seat
and further secure the deck button 44 in the mouth.
[0095] When it is desired to release the deck button, e.g. to return the frame
10 to
the stowed position, the hook 152 can be moved upwards, e.g. by a thumb, to
clear the
entrance to the mouth 148 of the latch 96 and the latch slid away from the
deck button.
Alternatively, the latch 96 could be designed to secure to a rail or fence 72
or other structure
commonly found on a marine vehicle.
[0096] At least one bicycle rack company, Kiiat Inc., has incorporated a
ratcheting
arm into a bicycle rack. One model offered by Kiiat Inc. is called The NV. The
NV is a
bicycle rack for two bicycles. Each bicycle space includes a ratcheting arm
158 that fits
over a bicycle tire to help hold the bicycle in the rack.
[0097] As seen in FIG. 32, the ratcheting arm 158 includes a first pole 160
that fits
within a second pole 162. The first pole 160 includes a tire hook 164 at its
end opposite the
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
25
end inside of the second pole to hold a tire on a bicycle. The second pole 162
is pivotally
attached to the bicycle rack to move the ratcheting arm around and over the
bicycle tire.
The end of the first pole 160 with the tire hook 164 also includes a release
button 166 to
allow the first pole to be pulled out of the second pole 162.
[0098] The release button 166 is connected to a metal rod 168. At the end
opposite
the release button 166, the metal rod 168 is bent so that the end of the metal
rod rides
against the inside of the first pole 160 when the release button is pushed. A
ratchet member
170 is located towards the end of the first pole 160 opposite the release
button 166. The
ratchet member 170 is pivotally connected to the first pole 160 by a bolt 172
that extends
through a first hole in a wall of the first pole, through a hole in the
ratchet member and then
out a second hole in an opposite wall of the first pole and secured with a
nut.
[0099] The ratchet member 170 is generally "H" shaped. In the top, open
portion
of the "H" shaped ratchet member 170, the bent portion of the rod passes
through to contact
the inside of the first pole 160. In the bottom open portion of the "H" shaped
ratchet
member 170, a torsion spring 174 is wrapped around the bolt 172. One end of
the spring
174 abuts the inside of the first pole 160 opposite the side which the rod 168
contacts. The
second end of the spring 174 (not shown) rests against the inside surface of
the ratchet
member 170 and urges the ratchet member to pivot such that the top end of the
ratchet
member contacts the inside of the first pole 160.
[00100] The
ratchet member 170 also includes a projection 176. The
projection 176 extends through an opening 178 in the wall of the first pole
160 when the
release button 166 is not depressed as seen in FIGS. 32-33.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
26
[00101] A notched sleeve 180 is located on the inside of the
second pole 162.
The projection 176 contacts the notches in the notched sleeve 180 when the
release button
166 is not depressed. When the projection 176 contacts the notches in the
notched sleeve
180, the first pole 160 cannot be withdrawn further out of the second pole
162.
[00102] When the release button 166 is depressed, the metal rod
168 is
pushed downwards along the inside surface of the first pole 160. As the metal
rod 168 is
pushed downwards, the ratchet member 170 rides up the bent portion of the
metal rod. As
the ratchet member 170 rides up the bent portion of the metal rod 168, the
ratchet member
is pivotally rotated away from the inside surface of the first pole 160
against the urging of
the spring 174 as seen in FIG. 34. In this position, the projection 176 is not
in contact with
the notched sleeve 180 and the first pole 160 can be pulled out of the second
pole 162.
[00103] When the release button 166 is released, a spring 182
connected to
the hook 164 on the inside surface of the first pole 160 pulls the metal rod
168 back
upwards. As the rod is being pulled upwards, the torsion spring 174 rotates
the ratchet
member 170 back into contact with the inside surface of the first pole 160. In
this position,
the projection 176 is in contact with the notched sleeve 180 and the first
pole 160 cannot
be pulled out of the second pole 162.
[00104] This ratcheting arm suffers many disadvantages. First,
only one
projection 176 contacts the notched sleeve 180. This can result in less
resistance to forces
pulling the first pole 160 out of the second pole and increased wear on the
notched sleeve
and projection. Second, the metal rod 168 riding along the inside surface of
the first pole
160 can also result in increased wear as well as requiring high precision. For
example, if
the inside surface has any imperfection during manufacturing, e.g. a burr, or
damage during
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
27
use, e.g. a dent, the metal rod 168 will not be able to slide properly and the
device will not
work correctly. Third, The NV rack also requires many more parts, e.g. two
springs 174,
182 within the poles 160, 162. This can increase overall cost due to the cost
of additional
parts and additional assembly costs to carefully assemble such parts within
the poles.
[00105]
Although the invention has been herein described in what is
perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that
the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set
forth above. For
example, although the support member is described as being used in a frame for
a marine
top, the support member could be used in a variety of applications including
different
collapsible structures. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be
made by one of
skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent
of the invention
and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable
equivalents to the
subject matter of the appended claims and the description of the invention
herein.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22
