COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No.

63/222,688, entitled “RIGID INFLATABLE BOAT SHADE SYSTEM,” filed on July 16, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE SPECIFICATION [0003] This application generally relates to a boat shade, and in particular, a shading system for the bow section of rigid inflatable boats.

[0004] While there is a well-established product range for shading systems pertaining to the stem section of inflatable boats/rigid inflatable boats (“RIBs”), shading systems for the bow section of RIBs are at best rudimentary or non-existent. As a result, users of RIBs are constrained in their ability to use the bow section of their boats for extended periods of time due to lack of protection under the sun. This is mostly relevant and important when boaters want to enjoy water activities (e.g., swimming, sun bathing, etc.) and typically drop anchor at a spot of choice to do so. The inability to fully benefit from use of the bow section of the boat, where in most RIBs seating/sun bathing decks can be found, more often than not results in limited time spent using the boat at anchor as lack of protection against the sun is for most people unpleasant and/or problematic. This also often results in boaters “fighting” for shade at the stem section of the boat leading to crammed seating conditions and inability to fully enjoy the boat and time on the water.

SUMMARY

[0005] In an embodiment, a boat shading system is disclosed that comprises a shade panel and a pole. The pole is configured to support the shade panel. The boat shading system further comprises a plurality of cords. Each cord of the plurality of cords comprises a first end and a second end. The shade panel is coupled to the first end of each cord of the plurality of cords. The boat shading system further comprises a plurality of clamps. Each clamp of the plurality of clamps is coupled to the second end of a corresponding cord of the plurality of cords. The plurality of clamps is configured to engage corresponding portions of a boat to inhibit removal of the plurality of cords from the boat.

[0006] In another embodiment, a boat shading system is disclosed that comprises a shade panel and a plurality of poles supporting the shade panel. The shade panel is coupled to a first end of each of the plurality of poles. The boat shading system further comprises a plurality of clamps. Each clamp of the plurality of clamps is coupled to a second end of a corresponding pole of the plurality of poles. The plurality of clamps comprises fastening devices that are attachable to portions of a boat.

[0007] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] The embodiments illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts.

[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 3 illustrates right view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 6 illustrates a left view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 7 illustrates a bottom view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a clamp of a boat shading system in an open position according to an embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 8B illustrates a front view of a clamp of a boat shading system in an open position according to an embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 8C illustrates a top view of a clamp of a boat shading system in an open position according to an embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 8D illustrates a side view of a clamp of a boat shading system in an open position according to an embodiment. [0020] Fig. 8E illustrates a bottom view of a clamp of a boat shading system in an open position according to an embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 8F illustrates a perspective view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 8G illustrates a front view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 8H illustrates a top view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 81 illustrates a right view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 8J illustrates a left view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 8K illustrates a bottom view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figs. 9A through 9B illustrate views of a telescopic pole of a boat shading system in an extended position according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figs. 9C through 9D illustrate views of a telescopic pole of a boat shading system in a collapsed position according to an embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 10 illustrates a top view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 11 illustrates a front view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 12 illustrates a right view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment. [0032] Fig. 13 illustrates a left view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 14 illustrates a rear view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 15 illustrates a bottom view of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figs. 16A through 16C illustrate perspective views of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 17 illustrates a top view of a shade panel of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 18 illustrates a front view of a shade panel of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 19 illustrates a left view of a shade panel of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 20 illustrates a right view of a shade panel of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 21 illustrates a bottom view of a shade panel of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a shade panel of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 23 A illustrates a right view of a clamp in an open position with an attached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 23B illustrates a front view of a clamp in an open position with an attached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment. [0044] Fig. 23C illustrates a left view of a clamp in an open position with an attached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 23D illustrates a back view of a clamp in an open position with an attached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 23E illustrates a perspective view of a clamp in an open position with an attached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 23F illustrates a top view of a clamp in an open position with an attached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 23G illustrates a bottom view of a clamp in an open position with an attached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 24A illustrates a right view of a clamp in an open position with a detached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 24B illustrates a front view of a clamp in an open position with a detached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 24C illustrates a left view of a clamp in an open position with a detached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 24D illustrates a back view of a clamp in an open position with detached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 24E illustrates a perspective view of a clamp in an open position with a detached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0054] Fig. 24F illustrates a top view of a clamp in an open position with a detached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 24G illustrates a bottom view of a clamp in an open position with a detached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment. [0056] Fig. 25 A illustrates a right view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 25B illustrates a front view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 25C illustrates a left view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 25D illustrates a perspective view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0060] Fig. 25E illustrates a top view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 25F illustrates a bottom view of a clamp of a boat shading system in a fold-up position according to an embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 26A illustrates a right view of a telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 26B illustrates a front view of a telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0064] Fig. 26C illustrates a left view of a telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 26D illustrates a perspective view of a telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0066] Fig. 26E illustrates a top view of a telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0067] Fig. 26F illustrates a bottom view of a telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0068] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of exemplary embodiments in whole or in part. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense. [0069] The disclosed shading system fills a gap in the market for rigid inflatable boat

(“RIB”) shading and vastly increases boaters’ options in terms of using and enjoying their boats throughout the day. In addressing the above-mentioned market gap and user experience shortcomings, illustrative embodiments of the disclosed shading system provide the following benefits:

[0070] a) ease and speed of assembly/disassembly - the disclosed shading system is simple and quick to assemble/disassemble. In some scenarios, it may take two operators less than five minutes to mount/dismount the shading system. In other scenarios a longer or shorter amount of time may be needed, e.g., depending on the skill and experience of the operators. [0071] b) flexible usage - the disclosed shading system includes a design with flexibility in positioning the shading system at various mounting angles, e.g., side to side and front to back. This flexibility provides users with the ability to choose different shading settings in order to account for changes in the position of the sun in the horizon during the day. Also, in some embodiments, the disclosed shading system may allow an adult of average height to be fully upright when standing under the shade (e.g., a clearance of two meters from the floor of a RIB to the top of the shade). Any other clearance may alternatively be provided.

[0072] c) durability - high quality, lightweight yet durable materials may be used to construct the disclosed shading system in illustrative embodiments.

[0073] d) portability - the disclosed shading system may be easily transportable and stowed away in the form of an easy to carry bag when not in use.

[0074] Figs. 1 through 7 present various views of a boat shading system installed on a boat according to an embodiment. The boat shading system comprises a shade panel 114 that is supported by a pair of telescopic poles 110 on a RIB 102. RIB 102 may comprise a boat constructed with a rigid hull bottom j oined to side-forming air tubes 118 that are inflated with air to provide resilient rigidity along the boat’s topsides. While described for use with a RIB comprises a rigid hull bottom joined to side-forming air tubes in illustrative embodiments, the boat shading system disclosed herein may also or alternatively be utilized with any other vehicle in other embodiments including, e.g., land vehicles, water vehicles or any other types of vehicles. Shade panel 114 may comprise a sheet of fabric or material such as canvas, nylon, plastic or another material. Shade panel 114 may be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit boats of various sizes. In one embodiment, shade panel 114 may be constructed in a round shape, but for other embodiments, other shapes such as rectangular, trapezoidal or other shapes may alternatively be used. In one embodiment, shade panel 114 may measure 96 inches in length and 78 inches in width. In other embodiments, any other size, length or width may alternatively me used including, e.g., 84 inches in length, 60 inches in width, or any other length and width.

[0075] Shade panel 114 may include a plurality of surfaces 120 for interfacing with telescopic poles 110. The telescopic poles 110 may extend to any desired length, for example, sufficient for shade panel 114 to be supported at a height that provides head clearance of an average adult person or any other clearance. The telescopic poles 110 may be anchored or secured to the deck of RIB 102. The telescopic poles 110 may be flexible and resilient in nature and made from material, such as fiberglass, graphite, metal, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) or any other material having an appropriate flexible and resilient nature. [0076] A plurality of cords with tensioner 112 are attached to the shade panel 114 at attachment points 116 with shade hooks 104 at a first end of the plurality of cords with tensioner 112. The attachment points 116 may include D-rings for attachment with the shade hooks 104. The cords with tensioner 112 are further attached to a plurality of clamps 108 with clamp hooks 106 at a second end of the plurality of cords with tensioner 112. The plurality of clamps 108 may comprise semi-circular shaped fastening devices that can be placed around and tightened to any portion of air tubes 118. The plurality of cords with tensioner 112 may comprise nylon ropes or straps attached to adjustable tensioners. Once the plurality of clamps 108 are secured to air tubes 118, the plurality of cords with tensioner 112 may be tensioned to adjust slack such that shade panel 114 is properly aligned or fitted with respect to RIB 102.

[0077] Figs. 8A through 8E illustrate various views of a clamp of a boat shading system in an open position according to an embodiment. Clamp 108 is operable while in an open position for securing to air tubes 118. Clamp 108 may be modified to accommodate different sizes of air tubes 118. In one embodiment, clamp 108 may comprise a configuration range of 18 to 22 inches, but for other embodiments, clamp 108 may comprise configuration ranges of 12 to 18 inches, 22 to 30 inches or any other configuration range. Clamp 108 may be modified to be used in different types of boats other than a RIB. Clamp 108 comprises a plurality of segments including suction cups 806 that act as securing mechanisms for attaching the clamp 108 to the air tubes 118. Clamp 108 further comprises clamp jaws 810 and 812 that may be loosed by knobs 802 and 804, respectively, for fitting, removing or adjusting the clamp 108 with respect to air tubes 118. The clamp 108 may also be closed and tightened by knobs 802 and 804 for locking the clamp 108 in a desired position or configuration. In another embodiment, clamp 108 may comprise levers or screw tops, or a combination thereof, that may be used to loosen or close clamp jaws 810 and 812. Clamp 108 may be folded up or collapsed at a hinge 808 into a fold-up position, as shown in Figs.

8F through 8K.

[0078] Figs. 9A through 9B illustrate a telescopic pole of a boat shading system in an extended position according to an embodiment. Telescopic pole 110 comprises a ball joint 902, and a base 904. Ball joint 902 may comprise a ball-shaped attachment at the top end of the telescopic pole 110 there which pushes up against the fabric of the shade panel 114 at a plurality of surfaces 120 when the telescopic pole 110 is extended. In some embodiments, each surface 120 may comprise a socket for engaging with the ball joint 902. The ball joint 902 enables the telescopic pole 110 to be moved and angled at different positions to account for the rotation of the sun/shade panel 114 during the day. Base 904 may comprise a suction cup at the bottom of the telescopic pole 110 for attachment to the deck of RIB 102.

[0079] Telescopic pole 110 may be extended or retracted at sections 906 and 908 according to a desired height of the shade panel 114. Figs. 9C through 9D illustrate a telescopic pole of a boat shading system in a collapsed position according to an embodiment. The telescopic pole 110 can be collapsed by retracting sections 906 and 908 to save space when not in use.

[0080] Figs. 10 through 16C present various views of a boat shading system installed on a boat according to an embodiment. The boat shading system comprises a shade panel 1014 that is supported by a plurality of telescopic poles 1010 attached to a plurality of clamps 1008 on a RIB 1002. RIB 1002 may comprise a boat constructed with a rigid hull bottom joined to side-forming air tubes 1018 that are inflated with air to provide resilient rigidity along the boat’s topsides. The shade panel 1014 may comprise a sheet of fabric or material such as canvas, nylon, plastic or another material. Shade panel 1014 may be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit boats of various sizes. In one embodiment, shade panel 1014 may be constructed in a round shape, but for other embodiments, other shapes such as rectangular or trapezoidal may be used. In one embodiment, shade panel 1014 may measure 96 inches in length and 78 inches in width. In other embodiments, any other size, length or width may alternatively me used including, e.g., 84 inches in length, 60 inches in width, or any other length and width.

[0081] Shade panel 1014 may include a plurality of grommets 1016 for interfacing with telescopic poles 1010. The telescopic poles 1010 may extend to any desired length, for example, sufficient for shade panel 1014 to be supported at a height that provides head clearance of an average adult person or any other clearance. The telescopic poles 1010 are further attached to a plurality of clamps 1008 via a plurality of pole mounting brackets 1006. The plurality of clamps 1008 may comprise semi-circular shaped fastening devices that can be placed around and tightened to any portion of air tubes 1018. The telescopic poles 1010 may be flexible and resilient in nature and made from material, such as fiberglass, graphite, metal, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) or any other material having an appropriate flexible and resilient nature. [0082] A plurality of cords with tensioner 1012 are attached to the shade panel 1014 at grommets 1016 at a first end of the plurality of cords with tensioner 1012. The cords with tensioner 1012 are further attached to air tubes 1018 at a second end of the plurality of cords with tensioner 1012. The plurality of cords with tensioner 1012 may comprise nylon ropes or straps attached to adjustable tensioners. Once the plurality of telescopic poles 1010 are secured to clamps 1008 and shade panel 1014, the plurality of cords with tensioner 1012 may be tensioned to adjust slack such that shade panel 1014 is properly aligned or fitted with respect to RIB 1002.

[0083] Figs. 17 through 22 illustrate various views of a shade panel of a boat shading system according to an embodiment. Top cap 1020 may comprise snap fasteners to cover vent holes 1022 on the shade. Tubings 1024 fit through loops on shade panel 1014 to create a structure along the edges of shade panel 1014. In some embodiments, tubings 1024 are arranged in a cross pattern across shade panel 1014 to create an additional structure. The tubings 1024 may be flexible and resilient in nature and made from material, such as fiberglass, graphite, metal, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) or any other material having an appropriate flexible and resilient nature. Shade panel 1014 may include a plurality of grommets 1016 for interfacing with telescopic poles 1010 and the plurality of cords with tensioner 1012. In one embodiment, shade panel 1014 may measure 9 inches in height, but for other embodiments, any size may be used for the height.

[0084] Figs. 23 A through 23G illustrate various views of a clamp in an open position with an attached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

Clamp 1008 is operable while in an open position for securing to air tubes 1018. Clamp 1008 may be modified to accommodate different sizes of air tubes 1018. In one embodiment, clamp 1008 may comprise a configuration range of 18 to 22 inches, but for other embodiments, clamp 1008 may comprise configuration ranges of 12 to 18 inches, 22 to 30 inches or any other configuration range. Clamp 1008 may be modified to be used in different types of boats other than a RIB. Clamp 1008 comprises a plurality of segments including suction cups 1806 that act as securing mechanisms for attaching the clamp 1008 to the air tubes 1018. Clamp 1008 further comprises a plurality of clamp jaws 1810 that may be loosed by levers 1802 for fitting, removing or adjusting the clamp 1008 with respect to air tubes 1018. Each clamp jaw 1810 has a corresponding lever 1802. The clamp 1008 may also be closed and tightened by levers 1802 for locking the clamp 1008 in a desired position or configuration. In another embodiment, clamp 1008 may comprise screw tops, or a combination of levers 1802 and screw tops, that may be used to loosen or close clamp jaws 1810.

[0085] As indicated above, telescopic poles 1010 attach to clamps 1008 via a plurality of pole mounting brackets 1006. Each pole mounting bracket 1006 has a corresponding pole mounting bracket lever 1804. Pole mounting bracket 1006 may be loosed by pole mounting bracket lever 1804 for moving the pole mounting bracket 1006 with respect to clamp 1008. This enables adjustment of the tilting angle of telescopic poles 1010 at different positions to account for the rotation of the sun/shade panel 1014 during the day. The pole mounting bracket 1006 may then be locked into a desired position by tightening the pole mounting bracket lever 1804.

[0086] Figs. 24A through 24G illustrate various views of a clamp in an open position with a detached telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment.

[0087] Clamp 1008 may be folded up or collapsed at a hinge 1808 into a fold-up position, as shown in Figs. 25 A through 25F.

[0088] Figs. 26A through 26F illustrate a telescopic pole of a boat shading system according to an embodiment. Telescopic pole 1010 comprises a screw top 1902, and a base 1904. In some embodiments, screw top 1902 may comprise a socket head cap screw. Screw top 1902 at the top end of the telescopic pole 1010 interfaces with at a plurality of grommets 1016 on the shade panel 1014 when the telescopic pole 1010 is extended. Base 1904 may comprise an end screw at the bottom of the telescopic pole 1010 for attachment to the pole mounting brackets 1006 of clamps 1008. Telescopic pole 1010 may be extended or retracted at sections 1906 and 1908 according to a desired height of the shade panel 1014. Telescopic pole 1010 may be collapsed by retracting sections 1906 and 1908 to save space when not in use.

[0089] Figs. 1 through 26F are conceptual illustrations allowing for an explanation of the illustrative embodiments. Notably, the figures and examples above are not meant to limit the scope of the illustrative embodiments to a single embodiment, as other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the illustrative embodiments can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the illustrative embodiments are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the embodiments. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not necessarily be limited to other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the illustrative embodiments encompass present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[0090] The foregoing description will so fully reveal the general nature of the illustrative embodiments that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the relevant art(s) (including the contents of the documents cited and incorporated by reference herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the illustrative embodiments. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s).