Watercraft cover ventilation and tensioning system

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting a watercraft cover may comprise an inflatable structure configured to be positioned under the watercraft cover. A fan assembly may be in fluid communication with the inflatable structure and may be configured to inflate the inflatable structure. A plurality of air circulation vents may be positioned on the inflatable structure. A sensor may be configured to detect precipitation and adjust operation of the fan assembly in response to detecting precipitation. The inflatable structure may be formed from materials such as vinyl, nylon, polyethylene, or polyvinyl chloride coated fabric. The apparatus may include modular attachment mechanisms to secure the inflatable structure to the watercraft. The fan assembly may include a one-way valve to allow airflow into the inflatable structure while preventing backflow.

The following is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for supporting a watercraft cover, the apparatus comprising:
 an inflatable structure configured to be positioned under the watercraft cover;   a fan assembly in fluid communication with the inflatable structure, the fan assembly configured to inflate the inflatable structure; and   a plurality of air circulation vents positioned on the inflatable structure.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a solid support connected to the inflatable structure, wherein the solid support is configured to provide structural rigidity to the inflatable structure.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the solid support comprises at least one of:
 a weighted bladder;   a weighted tube;   a box; or   a frame.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a sensor configured to detect precipitation and adjust operation of the fan assembly in response to detecting precipitation; and   a controller configured to control operation of the fan assembly, wherein the controller is configured to:   receive a signal from the sensor indicating detection of precipitation; and   adjust operation of the fan assembly in response to receiving the signal.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust a speed of the fan assembly based on at least one of:
 an amount of detected precipitation;   a temperature; humidity level; or   manual user intervention.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a power source configured to provide power to the fan assembly and the sensor, wherein the power source comprises at least one of:   an AC power source;   a DC power source;   a battery; or   a solar panel.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a scented filter om fluid communication with the fan assembly, the filter comprising a scented oil configured to deter pests from entering or remaining beneath the watercraft cover. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a base box configured to receive and retain at least a portion of the inflatable structure when the inflatable structure is not inflated.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the base box comprises:
 one or more weights configured to secure the base box in a fixed position.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more modular attachment mechanisms configured to secure the inflatable structure to the watercraft, wherein the one or more modular attachment mechanisms comprise at least one of:   magnets;   hook and loop fasteners;   suction cups; or   quick-release buckles.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable structure comprises:
 a plurality of inflatable supports, wherein at least one of the plurality of inflatable supports is constructed as a partially hooped or arched support.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fan assembly comprises:
 a one-way valve configured to allow airflow into the inflatable structure while preventing backflow of air to retain inflation pressure.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of:
 a rain sensor;   a humidity sensor; or   a moisture sensor.   
     
     
         14 . A method for supporting a watercraft cover, the method comprising:
 positioning an inflatable structure under the watercraft cover;   securing the inflatable structure to the watercraft cover;   detecting precipitation using a sensor; and   adjusting operation of the fan assembly to inflate the inflatable structure in response to detecting precipitation.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 circulating air through a plurality of vents positioned on the inflatable structure to ventilate an area under the watercraft cover.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising adjusting a speed of the fan assembly based on at least one of:
 an amount of detected precipitation;   a temperature;   manual intervention; or   a humidity level.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 storing the inflatable structure in a base box when the inflatable structure is not inflated.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the inflatable structure comprises:
 a plurality of inflatable supports, wherein at least one of the plurality of inflatable supports is constructed as a partially hooped or arched support.   
     
     
         19 . A system for supporting a watercraft cover, the system comprising:
 an inflatable structure configured to be positioned under the watercraft cover;   a fan assembly in fluid communication with the inflatable structure;   a plurality of air circulation vents positioned on the inflatable structure;   a sensor configured to detect precipitation; and   a controller configured to:
 receive a signal from the sensor indicating detection of precipitation; and 
 adjust operation of the fan assembly to inflate the inflatable structure and cause air to flow through at least one of the plurality of air circulation vents in response to receiving the signal. 
   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , further comprising an air filter in fluid communication with the fan assembly, the air filter comprising a scented oil configured to deter pests from entering or remaining beneath the watercraft cover.