Cover for a boat

Abstract

Frame for carrying a cover for a boat. The frame consists of a number of longitudinal beams which are hingeably coupled to one another to follow the shape of the boat. Transverse beam structures extend between opposing longitudinal beams and each transverse beam structure consists of a number of transverse beams which are hingeably connected to one another. At a hinge location not adjoining the longitudinal beams, ridge beams extend for carrying the cover. Preferably, at least some of the hinges are configured in such a way that, in the desired hinge position, this hinge position can be fixed or prestress can be applied thereto. A carrier structure is present to support the transverse beam structure and more particularly an upright thereof. A cover structure according to the invention comprises the frame and an associated cover and also a tarpaulin cover.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . Frame for carrying a cover for a boat, said frame comprising longitudinal beams to be attached in the use position to both sides of a vessel, transverse beam structures extending between opposing longitudinal beams, said transverse beam structures comprising transverse beams extending from opposing longitudinal beams, said transverse beams being joined together, wherein at least three longitudinal beams, which are hingeably connected to one another in order to form the shape of a boat, are attached to each side of the frame, and wherein the span of the transverse beam structure in proximity to the end longitudinal beams is smaller than the span of the transverse beam structure in the central longitudinal beam. 
   
   
       16 . Frame according to  claim 15 , wherein the transverse beams of a transverse beam structure are hingeably connected to one another. 
   
   
       17 . Frame according to  claim 15 , wherein ridge beams extend between transverse beams of adjoining transverse beam structures. 
   
   
       18 . Frame according to  claim 17 , wherein said ridge beams are hingeably connected to said transverse beam structures. 
   
   
       19 . Frame according to  claim 15 , wherein said transverse beam structure comprises four transverse beams. 
   
   
       20 . Frame according to  claim 15 , wherein a hinge connection between beams comprises securing means for fixing a hinge position. 
   
   
       21 . Frame according to  claim 20 , wherein said securing means comprise a connecting beam extending between said hingeably connected beams in proximity to the hinge point on the acute side of the hinge angle, said pressure means acting between said connecting beam and that hinge point being present. 
   
   
       22 . Frame according to  claim 15 , wherein said beams are made of wood and said hinges comprise metallic parts with accomodations for said beams. 
   
   
       23 . Cover structure comprising a frame for carrying a cover for a boat, said frame comprising longitudinal beams to be attached in the use position to both sides of a vessel, transverse beam structures extending between opposing longitudinal beams, said transverse beam structures comprising transverse beams extending from opposing longitudinal beams, said transverse beams being joined together, wherein at least three longitudinal beams, which are hingeably connected to one another in order to form the shape of a boat, are attached to each side of the frame, and wherein the span of the transverse beam structure in proximity to the end longitudinal beams is smaller than the span of the transverse beam structure in the central longitudinal beam. 
   
   
       24 . Cover structure according to  claim 23 , comprising a carrier structure for carrying said longitudinal beams. 
   
   
       25 . Cover structure according to  claim 24 , wherein said carrier structure is configured for supporting said transverse beam structure extending below and perpendicularly to said longitudinal beams. 
   
   
       26 . Cover structure according to  claim 24 , wherein said carrier structure comprises floating bodies. 
   
   
       27 . Cover structure according to  claim 24 , wherein said carrier structure comprises a connection extending below a vessel. 
   
   
       28 . Cover structure according to  claim 24 , wherein said carrier structure is provided with heating means.