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Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Center console boats (boats having a center mounted steering helm structure) provide ease of access to the perimeter of the vessel for fishing and boating activities. Current methods for providing a top for protection from the sun and elements involve a rigid T-shaped “T-top” affixed to the center of the vessel providing a clear perimeter, or a folding “Bimini top” affixed to the gunwales which can be easily lowered but interferes with the clear access to the perimeter of the boat.
The T shaped top, commonly referred to as a T-top, is a rigid tubular structure affixed permanently to the vessel by bolting to the structure, which provides shade and mounting for equipment. It has emerged as a popular solution providing protection from the sun and the elements, without external straps and brackets extending to the vessel's gunwales. The T-Top, however, is rigidly mounted and does not allow for the vessel to fit in garages or under low bridges.
Another popular solution, commonly referred to as a Bimini top, is a frame extending from gunwale to gunwale with a canvas covering on it, held in place by straps or tubes with release pins attached to the gunwales. The Bimini top can be lowered, but lacks rigidity for passengers to hold onto or for mounting gear. The Bimini top interferes with fishing and boating activities, as the frame, straps and other brackets or tubing are attached around the perimeter of the vessel.
This invention provides a top for a center console boat providing protection from the sun and elements for passengers, clear access to the boats gunwales, ease of installation and ease of lowering by rotating forward (FIG. 1) or rearward (FIG. 2) for storage or clearance for bridges and overpasses.
The drawing includes two separate solutions:
FIG. 1—Forward Rotating version, pivots forward on two (2) pivot points
FIG. 2—Rearward Rotating version, pivots rearward as a 4-bar mechanism or rotating linkage
This invention provides the convenience of a T-Top for fishing, boating activities and structural rigidity along with the ability to quickly and easily lower the top to provide vertical clearance for the vessel to fit in a garage or under a bridge by removing quick release pins or bolts and rotating forward or rearward about fixed pivot points mounted to existing tubular railing structure on the center console structure of the vessel. In addition, installation requires no drilling or modifications to the existing structure, and can be done quickly by the average boat owner.
This invention provides a top for a center console boat providing protection form the sun and elements for passengers, which: