Rotating T-Top for center console boat

Abstract

This invention provides a top (commonly called a T-Top) for a center console boat providing protection form the sun and elements for passengers, which a) may be easily attached to existing metal (typically stainless steel) grab rails on the fiberglass console structures on the center of the vessel, b) may be lowered by rotating forward or rearward for storage or clearance under bridges by rotating forward or rearward about fixed pivot points by removing positioning pins or bolts, c) provides open access completely around the perimeter of the boat without straps or other contrivances attached to the gunwales or perimeter of the boat, d) may utilize optional gas spring assistance for raising and lowering and e) may provide mounting for optional removable windshield, fishing rod holders, gear net storage, sound speakers, navigation equipment, interior lights and spot lighting. The top shall be constructed of rigid metal, metal tubing or plastic tubing and covered with a flexible or rigid material for protection from the elements. Typical T-Top designs are “fixed”, and do not allow the top to be lowered. Other “removable” T-Tops either a) must be lifted from the vessel (do not rotate) or require special mounting to the floor or fiberglass structure of the vessel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 835,946 issued Aug. 7, 2006, Applicant Ross Arthur Johnson SSN 495-58-9033. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 881,549 issues Jul. 27, 2007.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]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.[0005]The T shaped top, commonly referred to as a T-top, is a rig...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]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.

Problems solved by technology

The T-Top, however, is rigidly mounted and does not allow for the vessel to fit in garages or under low bridges.

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.

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