Integrated boot

Abstract

A bimini top includes a top member displaceable between an expanded position and a retracted position, a securing panel connected to the top member, and a cover member sized to fit over the top member with the top member in the retracted position. The cover member is contained by the securing panel when not in use.

1 . A bimini top comprising:
 a top member displaceable between an expanded position and a retracted position;   a securing panel connected to the top member; and   a cover member sized to fit over the top member with the top member in the retracted position, wherein the cover member is contained by the securing panel when not in use.   
     
     
         2 . A bimini top according to  claim 1 , wherein the securing panel is fixed at one end to the top member and is selectively securable at an opposite end to the top member. 
     
     
         3 . A bimini top according to  claim 2 , wherein the securing panel is selectively securable to the top member at the opposite end via a zipper or a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         4 . A bimini top according to  claim 3 , wherein the securing panel is sewn at the one end to the top member. 
     
     
         5 . A bimini top according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover member is foldable on itself, and with the cover member in a folded position, the securing panel secures the folded cover member adjacent the top member. 
     
     
         6 . A bimini top according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover member defines an enclosure with open ends and comprises a zipper that is configured to connect the open ends to enclose the top member in the retracted position. 
     
     
         7 . A bimini top according to  claim 6 , wherein the cover member comprises multiple zippers. 
     
     
         8 . A bimini top according to  claim 1 , wherein the securing panel comprises one end integrated with the top member. 
     
     
         9 . A method of securing a boot to a bimini top, the bimini top including a top member displaceable between an expanded position and a retracted position, a securing panel connected to the top member, and a cover member, the method comprising:
 (a) releasing the cover member from the securing panel;   (b) unfolding the cover member; and   (c) with the top member in the retracted position, positioning and securing the cover member in a position over the top member.   
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein step (a) is practiced by detaching one end of the securing panel from the top member. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the detaching step comprises unzipping the one end of the securing panel from the top member. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein securing the cover member over the top member comprises connecting open ends of the cover member together. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein connecting the open ends of the cover member together comprises zipping the open ends together. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising removing and storing the cover member by:
 (d) unsecuring the cover member and removing the cover member from the position over the top member;   (e) displacing the top member to the expanded position;   (f) folding the cover member into a position engaging the top member; and   (g) securing the folded cover member with the securing panel.   
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein unsecuring the cover member is practiced by detaching open ends of the cover member from each other. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein step (g) is practiced by surrounding the cover member with the securing panel and then attaching a free end of the securing panel to the top member. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16 , wherein attaching the free end of the securing panel to the top member is practiced by zipping.