Boat lift canopy assembly

Abstract

A boat lift canopy comprises a truss type framework with a base frame. Joined to the base frame and circumscribed by it is a tie tube frame, which may be discontinuous. A fabric cover, which in preferred embodiments is decorative as well as functional, snugly encloses the outside of the framework, wraps around the base frame and is secured to the tie tube frame. The boat lift canopy is held above the boat lift vertical members, which in some embodiments are vertical extensions of the legs of the boat lift. Advantageously, the canopy is releasably coupled to the vertical members at the tie tube frame, thereby enabling simple adjustment of the position of the canopy with respect to the vertical members, permitting adjustment of canopy overhang or length with ease. Embodiments of the canopy allow adjustment of the length of the canopy by the addition of frame members extending the canopy framework, such adjustment facilitated by the releasable coupling of the canopy to the vertical members. The framework of the canopy employs an improved truss design such as Howe Kingpost to maximize framework strength, thereby enhancing endurance of the canopy and permitting substantial cantilevered canopy overhangs.

1 . A framework for boat lift canopies, comprising: 
 a truss type outer framework comprising a polygonal base;    a tie bar framework affixed to and circumscribed by the polygonal base; and    a plurality of vertical upright leg members joined to the tie bar framework, retaining the canopy above the boat lift.    
   
   
       2 . A canopy for boat lifts, comprising: 
 a truss type outer framework comprising a polygonal base;    a tie bar framework affixed to and circumscribed by the polygonal base;    a plurality of vertical upright leg members joined to the tie bar framework, retaining the canopy above the boat lift; and    a cover wrapped around the outer framework and under the polygonal base.    
   
   
       3 . A canopy according to  claim 2 , wherein the cover is secured to the tie bar framework.  
   
   
       4 . A canopy according to  claim 2 , wherein the leg members are releaseably joined to the tie bar framework.  
   
   
       5 . A canopy according to  claim 2 , wherein the leg members are extensions of legs on a boat lift.  
   
   
       6 . A canopy according to  claim 2 , wherein the truss type outer framework further comprises sections that may be inserted and removed to adjust the length of the canopy.  
   
   
       7 . A canopy according to  claim 2 , wherein the truss type outer framework comprises a Howe Kingpost truss.  
   
   
       8 . A canopy for boat lifts, comprising: 
 a truss type outer framework comprising a base of base members;    an inner tie portion retained within the outer framework and displaced from the base members;    substantially vertical leg members;    means for joining the leg members to the canopy at the tie portion; and    a cover wrapped around the outer framework.    
   
   
       9 . A canopy according to  claim 8 , wherein the leg members are releaseably joined to the tie portion.  
   
   
       10 . A canopy according to  claim 8 , wherein the cover is secured to the tie portion.  
   
   
       11 . A canopy according to  claim 8 , wherein the inner tie portion is integral to extruded base members.  
   
   
       12 . A canopy for boat lifts, comprising: 
 a truss type outer framework comprising a rectangular base;    a tie bar framework affixed to and circumscribed by the rectangular base;    a plurality of vertical upright leg members releaseably joined to the tie bar framework, retaining the canopy above the boat lift; and    a cover wrapped around the outer framework and under the polygonal base and secured to the tie bar framework.