Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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 top and/or the
water craft or be noisy, potentially scaring away wildlife. Other tops may use
powered
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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 strut 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.
[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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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.
[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.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
[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.
[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.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
[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 strut 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 strut 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.
[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.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
[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.
[0047] hl 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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
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.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
[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 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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
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 stmt 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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.
[0057] The handle 34 may also include a securing component to secure the frame
10 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.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
[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 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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. 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 stmt 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
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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. 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.
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
[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 stmt.
[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 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
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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. 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
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
tube 92 by fastener 95, e.g. a bane! 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
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.
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
[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 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
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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 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
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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.
[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 10 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
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
110 will urge the pawls 102 into engagement with the grooves 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. However, even this
maneuver can be
accomplished by a single person with one hand on the frame 10 and another on
the lever 135.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
[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 strut 88
is being used with the support member 20, the handle 34 can be rotated outward
and the frame
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.
[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.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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.
[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
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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 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
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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.
[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
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
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 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] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the
embodiments set
forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation
consistent with the
description as a whole.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-09
