CA2818008C - Retractable sailboat canopy, shade/rain protection device attached to a sailboat boom - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a retractable shade/rain protective canopy cover, attached to the side of a sailboat boom that can easily be extended to an open position and quickly retracted to a compact rolled position when not needed. The apparatus can either be attached to one side of the boom or be attached as a pair to each side of the boom to provide an even larger area for sun/rain protection over a sailboat cockpit area. It can be positioned anywhere along the boom length including cantilevering the structure beyond the end of the boom to provide the maximum sun/rain protection desired. The apparatus can be attached to any size boom with the use of screws or clamps wrapped around the boom if the preference is not to have permanent holes in the boom structure. An internal tension spring mechanism keeps the fabric taut when in the extended position and pulls the fabric back to a rolled retracted position. The result is a practical sun/shade device than can be extended while sailing or stationary at anchor and can be quickly retracted to a rolled position when not needed.

Description

INVENTOR:
MICHAELKELLY

GATINEAU, QUEBEC, CANADA

RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN PROTECTION DEVICE
ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM
The present invention relates to a pair of retractable sailboat shade/rain protection canopy members that are rolled up and attached to each side of a sailboat boom.
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to two retractable shade/rain protection canopy structures that are attached to each side of a sailboat boom. The canopy structures comprise of a pair of 'C' channels that are clamped on each side of the boom that forms the frame for the device. The 'C' channels have end brackets to support a tubular member that serves to roll the canopy shade device on each side of the boom. The canopy mechanisms comprise of folding frames (elbow type hinges) that are attached to the 'C' channels and fold out on each side of the boom. The pair of canopies roll out from tubular members that have internal tension springs. The tension springs keep the shade/rain protection fabric stretched in tension at all times and provides the necessary tension required to roll the fabric back onto the roll when retracting. The 'C' channel frame components provide the adaptability for clamping to any size boom and provides the flexibility of positioning the shade/rain canopy along the boom for the maximum desired protection.
The attached Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the invention. Figure 1 illustrates the invention when the shade/rain protection device is in the extended position. Figure 2 illustrates the invention when the shade/rain protection device is in the retracted position.
A further description of the present invention can be viewed on my Web site at:
www.boombrella.com RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN
PROTECTION DEVICE ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Every sailor or occupant on sailboats knows the importance of having shade for UV
protection or being covered in rainy weather. Sailboats with higher booms have the benefit of headroom space for the installation of traditional folding bimini structures that are fixed in position below the sailboat boom. Presently, sailboats with lower booms heights that cannot be equipped with a standard bimini structure are often rigged with an umbrella or other unpractical shading devices that will interfere with the sailing manoeuvrability. The only other option is to wear protective clothing that may not be desirable in warm weather. When sailboats are at anchor, tarps are often draped over the boom to provide some shade/rain protection. The tarps then need to be removed and stowed away prior to setting sail that leaves the sailboat occupants re-exposed to UV
sunrays or rain conditions. Sailors having lower boom heights are left with no ease of UV or rain protection. There is a need for shade/rain protection for smaller sailboats with lower booms that can be quickly extended or retracted as desired.

Sheet 5 of 12 RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN
PROTECTION DEVICE ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present embodiments give rise to the benefits of providing a sun/rain protection device on sailboats having a lower boom height. Many sailboats with low headroom boom heights cannot benefit from a traditional fixed binimi. The present apparatus that is secured to a sailboat boom will provide the shade/rain protection desired for sailboats with lower boom heights that cannot benefit from a traditional fixed shading bimini. The shading device can be attached to one side of the boom or both sides as a pair and will not reduce the boat's headroom below the boom. Additionally the shade/rain protective fabric can easily be retracted to a rolled state to the side of the boom when not needed.
The device whether extended or retracted will follow the boom movement from side to side. A main shaped structure attached to the side of the boom can be either screwed or clamped on using large hose clamps. The `C' structure serves to support a tubular rolling bar for the shading fabric to be rolled to.
The shading fabric in its rolled state, can be pulled out to be extended and held in an open is position by means of a pair of extendable arms that are locked in place.
The extendable arms comprise of sturdy pivot points preferably of stainless steel for corrosive resistance properties that are attached to the `C' channel at each end. The pivot points comprise of a sturdy or stiff material where the folding mechanism opens out horizontally so that the canopy is held generally horizontally over the cockpit area of a sailboat. A
torsion spring mechanism inside the tubular roller bar is cranked to a desired tension that serves to keep the fabric stretched when the shading device is in its open position and serves to pull the fabric back to a compacted roll over the roller bar when retracted. The apparatus can be attached to one side of the boom to serve as a shading device, but it can be beneficial if a second one is attached to the opposite side of the boom to increase the sun/rain protection area. Additionally, having a pair of sun/rain protective devices, on each side of the boom helps maintain each device in a more horizontal position by the weight of each device balancing one another when in an open state.

Sheet 6 of 12 RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN
PROTECTION DEVICE ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a sailboat with an embodiment of the canopies on each side of the sailboat boom in the extended position.
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a sailboat with an embodiment of the canopies on each side of the sailboat boom in the retracted state.
FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates a plan view of part of the canopy mechanism when to extending the canopy to its open position.
FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a side view of the mainframe 'C' channel member and cross-sectional view of the tubular rolling bar with its internal spring and bushings.
FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a cross-sectional view through the boom with the rolling canopy cover in an extended state.
FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates a cross-sectional view through the boom and the main frame 'C' channel mounted to each side of the boom with end brackets that support the rolling tubular members.
FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates the stiff pivot point that is connected to the main 'C' channel structure and supports the folding arm mechanism horizontally.
FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates the end bracket that supports the rolling tubular member and how the center spindle fits and locks with the end bracket.

Sheet 7 of 12 RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN
PROTECTION DEVICE ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present apparatus is regarded as an awning, shade device, or cover attached to a boom that also provides shade or rain protection thus regarded as a cover protective device. The device can be attached to one side of the boom or be attached on both sides of the boom as a pair of identical protective devices. For the purpose of descriptions, the present apparatus will be referred to as a shading cover and described as a singular apparatus attached to one side of the boom only, not disregarding that the apparatus can be applied to both sides of the boom. The subject matter, which is regarded as the apparatus, is illustrated in the above drawing figures and detailed in the following description of the embodiments:
In the described embodiments, the shading cover can be integral with the sailboat or boom but can be an added device or considered as a separate entity. The shading fabric or cover can be a canvas, nylon, vinyl, or a Sunbredfabric.
In the embodiments, the mounting to the boom can be an accessory 'C' channel structure, or plate mounted to the side of a sailboat boom by means of self-tapping screws that are fixed through the 'C' channel or plate into the boom preferably of stainless steel. The use of a 'C' channel is preferred to facilitate the mounting to the curvature surface of a boom where the 'C' channel flanges fit over the curved surface.
In another embodiment, the accessory 'C' channel, can be fixed to the side of the boom by means of three large hose clamps, preferably of stainless steel, that circles the boom and 'C' channel to be tightened together.
For the sake of the illustrations, the attachment of said 'C' channel structure 3 is illustrated using large hose clamps 24 that circled the boom 2 and said 'C' channel 3 together as best seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6.
The embodiments include a pair of angle brackets 22a and 22b that are interconnected at each end of the 'C' channel 3 that serve to support a tubular rolling bar 4 where the 0 shading fabric 5 is rolled to as best seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. A pair of center spindles 17a and 17b are housed within the tubular rolling bar 4 at each end and rotates on a center axis supported by internal bushings 18a, 18b and 25a, 25b to keep the spindle in the center of the rolling spool. The spindles protrude from each end of the tubular rolling bar 4 that fit into the angle brackets 22a and 22b as best shown in FIG. 4. In another embodiment, said bushings 25a and 25b can be one larger single bushing.
Spindle 17b protrudes out the end of the tubular roller bar 4 to fit into a hole in a bracket 22b that is fitted with a bushing 20 to help the tubular rolling bar turn freely on its axis as best seen in FIG. 4.
Sheet 8 of 12 RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN
PROTECTION DEVICE ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (CONT'D) Spindle 17a at the opposite end protrudes out the end of the tubular roller bar 4 to fit into a slot in bracket 22a and houses an internal hand cranked torsion spring 19 that is pre-tensioned so that the fabric or cover 5 is held taut when in an open position as best shown in FIG. 4. Said spring 19 pulls the fabric back onto the roller bar 4 to a 40 retracted state 6 as best shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the torsion spring 19 could be a coiling spring designed to be multi-turned or cranked sufficiently to achieve the tension needed to keep the fabric 5 taut when extended or in a rolled state over the rolling bar 4. A groove 18 cut into the protruding end of the spindle 17a fits and locks into the angled bracket 22a having a narrower slot 27 than the spindle diameter as best 45 shown in FIG. 8. This allows the individual to lift that end out from the angle bracket slot 27 so that the torsion spring can be cranked to achieve the desired tension followed by re-inserting it into the slot for its locked position. A knob 23 facilitates the cranking motion for achieving the desired spring tension. In an alternative embodiment, the cover can be deployed manually and tensioned manually without the so use of a torsion spring having a ratchet mechanism that can be cranked to achieve the tautness desired on the fabric. In this alternative embodiment, the cover would have to be manually rolled back onto the spool when retracting.
A rigid lead bar 8 preferably of aluminum or stainless for corrosion resistance 55 properties, is inserted into a hem at its extremity as best shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5.
The lead bar 8 serves as the main end support structure for the pivot moving components when the shading device is pulled out to its extended position. An individual can pull the shading cover out by grabbing the center of the lead bar 8 and unrolling the shading fabric from the tubular rolling bar 4 as best shown in FIG. 3 and 60 FIG. 5. A pair of folding arms 7a and 7b comprising of struts and pivot points 9, 10a, 10b, and 11 are attached to the main 'C' channel 3 and lead bar 8 to fold out when pulled to an open position as best shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. A locking mechanism sleeve 12 slides over the pivot point 11 to keep the folding arms 7a and 7b in a strait position. In another embodiment, said pivot point 11 can be locked with the use of a 65 pin or in a further embodiment it can be designed for the stop point to be beyond 90 (for example) at 1100 where the pivot would remain at that state unless pushed back to a 90 angle or less for it to fold back to a retracted state. Thick washers or spacers 16 are provided over the center spindles 17a and 17b at each end to prevent the tubular rolling bar 4 from rubbing with the angle brackets 22a and 22b.
Sheet 9 of 12 RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN
PROTECTION DEVICE ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (CONTD) It is important to note that said pivot points 10a and 10b as best seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 be of a rigid material so that the folding mechanism arms extend out horizontally to hold the shading cover generally in a horizontal state over the sailboat cockpit area. A typical rigid pivot point connection preferably of stainless steel can be as illustrated in FIG. 7.
When the pivotal arm mechanisms are in a folded state, they will tend to want to sag downward and become an annoyance to the occupants and operation of the vessel.

To overcome this, a shelf 13 preferably of plastic is fastened to the bottom of the 'C' channel 3 to serve as a support for the folded arm mechanism as best shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FTG. 5.
It is preferable that the shading cover mechanism be fixed to the boom as a pair, offering the potential for pulling two shading covers out to open positions on each side of the boom to maximize the sun/rain protection over the cockpit area as best shown in FIG. 1. The so shading covers can be positioned to extend beyond the end of the sailboat boom to further maximize the desired sun/rain protection area over the cockpit. With the shading covers in their extended state, a gap is left between the boom 2 and the two tubular rolling bars 4 that will allow rain to drip through. To best protect the occupants from rain, it is preferred to add a waterproof membrane 14 that runs the full length of the apparatus, having a width that will bridge the gap and divert rain water to the extremities of the shading cover as best shown in FIG. 5. It is preferable that this membrane be semi-rigid so that it does not flap in windy conditions or be rolled out of its preferred position when the cover is being rolled back to a retracted state. The membrane 14 can be fixed in place by means of either snaps or Velcro 15 as best shown in FIG. 5.
It is important to protect the occupants from the canopy parts that may have sharp edges potentially injuring an occupant when the boom swings from side to side. The present shading cover design has angle brackets 22a and 22b edges that can be seen as potentially hazardous for injury. It is preferable to add a protective material 26 such as soft rubber over the edges to provide cushioning should such an impact strike occur. In another embodiment, the brackets can be designed with larger rounded edges that would be less hazardous to the occupants. Similarly, a protective material 26 is preferred over the mechanism support 13 as best shown in FIG. 5.
Sheet 10 of 12 (revised December 1,2014)

Claims (8)

RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN
PROTECTION DEVICE ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM

CLAIMS:

1. A retractable shading cover assembly for attachment to a sailboat boom wherein said shading cover assembly is comprised of:
a pair of 'C' channel structures attached to each side of a sailboat boom having its flanges fit over the curvature or flat surface of a boom, therefore adapted to fit to a range of boom curvatures;
a pair of shading covers on each side attached to said 'C' channel structures, in a rolled up state that can be extended generally horizontally with extendable pivot arms to an open state to cover the cockpit area of a sailboat.

2. The shading cover of claim 1 further comprising of a roller bar with an internal stainless steel torsion spring that is wound enough to keep said shading cover taut when in an opened state and pulls the cover back over the roller bar when returning to a retracted rolled state.

3. The retractable shading cover of claim 1 further comprising of extendable pivoting arms that are connected to said 'C' shaped channel and to a lead bar to hold the shading cover in an open position when in its extended state.

4. The retractable shading cover of claim 1 wherein said extendable pivot arms are extended horizontally and held in a substantially horizontal state by means of rigid pivot point connections at said 'C' shaped channel.

5. The retractable shading cover of claim 1 wherein said extendable pivot arms are strategically positioned on said lead bar to keep said shade cover evenly taut without warping said lead bar inward or outward when under tension.

6. The retractable shading cover of claim 1 wherein said extendable pivot arms are locked in an extended position until they are manually disengaged to allow said pivot arms to fold back to a retracted position.

7. A sailboat with a boom having a shading cover fixed to one or both sides of said boom that can be either in a rolled up state or in an extended state that is cantilevered generally horizontally and can be positioned beyond the end of the sailboat boom length to maximize the shaded area over the cockpit.

Sheet 11 RETRACTABLE SAILBOAT CANOPY, SHADE/RAIN
PROTECTION DEVICE ATTACHED TO A SAILBOAT BOOM

CLAIMS (CONT'D)

8. A sailboat of claim 7 wherein a pair of shade covers are kept taut with extendable pivot arms that push the lead bars out to an open position wherein torsion springs inside each roller bar wants to pull and retract the cover back onto said roller bar.

Sheet 12