Bimini top main bow connector
A collapsible frame for a cloth or canvas-like top for a boat, having latching members which retain the collapsible frame to a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the boat frame. An over the center rotating latching member allows the collapsible frame to be quickly connected to the boat when not in use. The rotating latching member does not require the usage of removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. The rotating latching member also couples to an insert including an arcuate surface complementary to the rotating latch member. The insert includes slots that may be used to organize wires connected to the bimini top.
1. A latching member for connecting a boat cover frame to a boat comprising:
an attachment portion connected to said frame; and
an engagement portion including a slot;
wherein said latching member engagement portion rotates relative to a bracket on the boat until the latching member engagement portion is in an over-the-center engagement.
2. The latching member as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said attachment portion includes an aperture for receiving a fastener that attaches said latching member to said frame.
3. The latching member as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said latching member is coupled to said bracket following the rotation of said attachment portion over said engagement portion in an over-the-center manner.
4. The latching member as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said engagement portion further includes a pivot area and an opening sized to receive a pivot pin connected to said bracket, said opening sized to allow said pivot pin to pass through, said slot connecting said opening to said pivot area.
5. The latching member as set forth in claim 4 , wherein said latching member pivots about said pivot pin when rotating into said over-the-center engagement.
6. The latching member as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said bracket includes at least one channel for retaining at least one electronic component.
7. The latching member as set forth in claim 6 , wherein said engagement portion includes an arcuate portion contacting said bracket when said latching member rotates into said over-the-center engagement.
8. The latching member as set forth in claim 7 , wherein said bracket includes an arcuate surface that complements said arcuate portion of said engagement portion.
9. The latching member as set forth in claim 8 , wherein said bracket includes an insert comprising said at least one channel and said arcuate surface.
10. A mechanism for quickly connecting a boat cover frame to a boat comprising:
a latching member affixed to said boat cover frame; and
a bracket affixed to said boat;
the latching member being rotatable relative to the bracket about a centerline within the bracket and having cooperative surfaces interengaging when rotated, said interengaging surfaces allowing rotational movement about the centerline, and preventing radial movement of the latching member relative to the centerline;
wherein said latching member couples to said bracket after rotating said latching member over said bracket.
11. The mechanism as set forth in claim 10 , wherein said latching member includes an attachment portion connected to said boat cover frame and an engagement portion that couples to said bracket.
12. The mechanism as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said engagement portion of said latching member includes an arcuate portion and said bracket includes an arcuate surface; said arcuate portion having a profile complementary to said arcuate surface.
13. The mechanism as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said engagement portion includes a pivot area and said bracket includes a pivot pin, said pivot pin being disposed within said pivot area when said latching member is connected to said bracket.
14. The mechanism as set forth in claim 13 , wherein said engagement portion further includes a slot and an opening, said slot connecting said opening to said pivot area and said opening is sized to allow said pivot pin to pass into said slot, said interengaging surfaces defined by said pivot pin and said slot.
15. The mechanism as set forth in claim 10 , wherein said bracket includes at least one channel for receiving an electronic component.
16. The mechanism as set forth in claim 15 , wherein said bracket includes an insert comprising said at least one channel and an arcuate surface.
17. The mechanism as set forth in claim 10 , wherein said attachment portion is coupled to said engagement portion at a position opposite said opening.
18. A latching member for connecting a boat cover frame to a boat comprising:
an attachment portion that attaches said latching member to the frame; and
an engagement portion including a slot; the engagement member being rotatable relative to the frame about a centerline, the engagement member being rotated into a locked position to the frame where radial movement relative to the centerline is prevented.
19. The latching member as set forth in claim 18 , further comprising a bracket wherein said latching member is coupled to said bracket following the rotation of said attachment portion over said engagement portion in an over-the-center manner.
20. The latching member as set forth in claim 18 , wherein said engagement portion further includes a pivot area and an opening sized to receive a pivot pin connected to said bracket, said opening sized to allow said pivot pin to pass through, said slot connecting said opening to said pivot area.
21. The latching member as set forth in claim 20 , wherein said latching member pivots about said pivot pin when rotating into said over-the-center engagement.
22. The latching member as set forth in claim 18 , wherein said bracket includes at least one channel for retaining at least one electronic component.
23. The latching member as set forth in claim 22 , wherein said engagement portion includes an arcuate portion contacting said bracket when said latching member rotates into said over-the-center engagement.
24. The latching member as set forth in claim 23 , wherein said bracket includes an arcuate surface that complements said arcuate portion of said engagement portion.
25. The latching member as set forth in claim 24 , wherein said bracket includes an insert comprising said at least one channel and said arcuate surface.