Hardtop structure for boats and method for making same

Abstract

A multi-component hardtop is adapted for mounting above an operator station of a boat or the like. The hardtop includes a tubular frame which is provided with a self-trimming edge adapted to mount a sheet-like panel in a substantially flush orientation relative to an upper or lower edge of the frame.

1 . A hardtop for a boat, comprising a peripheral frame defining a central opening, said frame including an inboard portion, an outboard portion, an upper edge, and a lower edge; a panel sized and shaped so as to cover said central opening of said frame, said panel having a peripheral edge and an exterior surface; and receiving means, formed in said inboard portion of said frame, for receiving said peripheral edge of said panel such that said exterior surface of said panel is substantially flush with said upper edge of said frame in close proximity thereto.  
   
   
       2 . A hardtop according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame includes a plurality of tubular members, each pair of adjacent tubular members being connected in end-to-end fashion to form said frame.  
   
   
       3 . A hardtop according to  claim 2 , wherein said receiving means includes a plurality of notches, one in each of said tubular members.  
   
   
       4 . A hardtop according to  claim 3 , wherein said notches of each pair of adjacent tubular members are in substantial alignment with each other.  
   
   
       5 . A hardtop according to  claim 4 , wherein each of said notches is positioned proximate said upper edge of a corresponding one of said tubular members.  
   
   
       6 . A hardtop according to  claim 2 , wherein said receiving means includes a plurality of pockets, one in each of said tubular members.  
   
   
       7 . A hardtop according to  claim 6 , wherein said pockets of each pair of adjacent tubular members are in substantial alignment with each other.  
   
   
       8 . A hardtop according to  claim 7 , wherein each of said pockets in positioned intermediate said upper and lower edges of a corresponding one of said tubular members.  
   
   
       9 . A hardtop according to  claim 7 , wherein each of said pockets is positioned proximate said upper edge of a corresponding one of said tubular members.  
   
   
       10 . A hardtop according to  claim 7 , wherein said peripheral edge of said panel has a tongue sized and shaped so as to be received in said aligned pockets of said tubular members.  
   
   
       11 . A hardtop according to  claim 10 , wherein said tongue is formed by an undercut in said peripheral edge of said panel.  
   
   
       12 . A hardtop according to  claim 2 , wherein said panel is made from fiberglass.  
   
   
       13 . A hardtop according to  claim 12 , wherein each of said tubular members is made from aluminum, said outboard portion thereof having a rounded profile.  
   
   
       14 . A hardtop according to  claim 1 , wherein said receiving means includes a notch extending continuously around said frame in said inboard portion thereof, said notch being located proximate said upper edge of said frame.  
   
   
       15 . A hardtop according to  claim 1 , wherein said receiving means includes a pocket extending continuously around said frame in said inboard portion thereof.  
   
   
       16 . A hardtop according to  claim 15 , wherein said pocket is located intermediate said upper and lower edges of said frame.  
   
   
       17 . A hardtop according to  claim 15 , wherein said pocket is located proximate said upper edge of said frame.  
   
   
       18 . A hardtop according to  claim 1 , further comprising another panel sized and shaped so as to cover said central opening of said frame, said another panel having a peripheral edge and an exterior surface, and another receiving means, formed in said inboard portion of said frame, for receiving said peripheral edge of said another panel such that said exterior surface of said another panel is substantially flush with said lower edge of said frame in close proximity thereto.  
   
   
       19 . A hardtop according to  claim 18 , wherein said panel and said another panel are maintained in a spaced apart relationship relative to each other by a support structure extending across said frame between said panels.  
   
   
       20 . A hardtop according to  claim 1 , further comprising mounting means for mounting said hardtop above an operator station of a boat.