Modular Frame for Boat Covers

Abstract

A modular frame is provided for supporting a tarp or cover over the deck of a boat. The modular frame comprises at least two bipod end members and a plurality of elongated tubular members extending therebetween. The bipod end members include telescoping legs and a bipod end joint that supports the tubular members in axial alignment above the deck of the boat. Along the length of the connected tubular members may one or more midspan bipod members for additional support of the axial members. The midspan bipod members include telescoping legs and an upper axial sleeve to receive the elongated members therethrough. The lower ends of the bipod members include pads adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface. Once the frame is assembled, a tarp or boat cover is supported thereover and along the length of the boat deck.

I claim: 
     
         1 ) A boat covering frame, comprising:
 a plurality of elongated tubular members having a pair of ends;   at least two bipod end members;   each bipod end member having an upper bipod end joint and a pair of legs extending from the bipod end joint;   the bipod end joint comprises an upper end sleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular members;   the bipod end joint further comprises a pair of bipod leg sleeves;   the upper end sleeve of the bipod end joint having an axial direction, the pair of bipod leg sleeves extending downward and off-axis from the axial direction of the upper end sleeve;   each of the pair of legs of the bipod end members having a lower end;   the lower ends further comprising a pad adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface supporting the lower ends;   the ends of elongated tubular members being adapted to secure to adjacent tubular members aligned with one another, and furthermore secure to the upper end sleeves of the bipod end members;   the bipod end members and the tubular members forming a triangular frame adapted to support a tarp or cover thereover.   
     
     
         2 ) The boat covering frame of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each of the pair of legs of the bipod end member further comprises a telescoping leg structure with a lower end telescoping with an upper end;   whereby the lower end and upper end of the telescoping leg structure are securable together using a connector;   the telescoping leg structure being adapted to change the height of the bipod end joint of each bipod end member.   
     
     
         3 ) The boat covering frame of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more midspan bipod members;   the midspan bipod members comprising an upper axial sleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular members and receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough;   the upper axial sleeve comprises a hollow sleeve member with open ends and a cross section adapted to receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough;   the upper axial sleeve further comprises a pair of bipod leg sleeves extending therefrom;   the upper axial sleeve having an axial direction, whereby the pair of bipod leg sleeves of the upper axial sleeve extend downward and off-axis from the axial direction of the upper axial sleeve;   the one or more midspan bipod members each further comprising a pair of legs, the pair of legs extending from the bipod leg sleeves of the upper axial sleeve;   each of the pair of legs of the midspan bipod members having a lower end;   the lower ends further comprising a pad adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface supporting the lower ends.   
     
     
         4 ) The boat covering frame of  claim 3 , wherein:
 each of the pair of legs of the midspan bipod members further comprise a telescoping leg structure with a lower end telescoping with an upper end;   whereby the lower end and upper end of the telescoping leg structure are securable together using a connector;   the telescoping leg structure being adapted to change the height of the upper axial sleeve of each midspan bipod member.   
     
     
         5 ) The boat covering frame of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end;   the first end comprising a male threaded end;   the second end comprising a female threaded end adapted to receive the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.   
     
     
         6 ) The boat covering frame of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end;   the first end comprising a male threaded end;   the second end further comprising a captive, rotatable collar nut having female threading adapted to secure over the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.   
     
     
         7 ) The boat covering frame of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the elongated tubular members each have a first end and a second end;   at least one of the first end and second end comprising a male threaded end;   the upper end sleeve of the bipod end joint further comprising female threading adapted to receive the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.