Lift assist bimini

Abstract

A bimini system includes a bimini frame having a plurality of bows movable to transform the bimini system between an open configuration and a retracted configuration and a cover supported by the bimini frame. A storage boot has a hollow interior for a receiving the cover therein. The storage boot includes a base mounted to a first bow of the plurality of bows and a lid mounted to a second bow of the plurality of bows.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bimini system comprising:
 a bimini frame including a plurality of bows, the plurality of bows being movable to transform the bimini system between an open configuration and a retracted configuration;   a cover supported by the bimini frame; and   a storage boot having a hollow interior for a receiving the cover therein, the storage boot including a base mounted to a first bow of the plurality of bows and a lid mounted to a second bow of the plurality of bows.   
     
     
         2 . The bimini system of  claim 1 , wherein the base is fixedly mounted to the first bow. 
     
     
         3 . The bimini system of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is fixedly mounted to the second bow. 
     
     
         4 . The bimini system of  claim 1 , wherein the first bow is a rear bow and the second bow is a front bow. 
     
     
         5 . The bimini system of  claim 1 , wherein the second bow is movable relative to the first bow to transform the bimini system between the open configuration and the retracted configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The bimini system of  claim 5 , wherein the lid is positioned relative to the base to close the storage boot when the bimini frame is in the retracted configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The bimini system of  claim 1 , the bimini frame is manually movable between the open configuration and the retracted configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The bimini system of  claim 7 , wherein the bimini frame further comprises a lift-assist device configured to control movement of at least one of the plurality of bows of the bimini frame. 
     
     
         9 . The bimini system of  claim 8 , wherein the lift-assist device includes a gas shock. 
     
     
         10 . The bimini system of  claim 1 , wherein the bimini frame is automatically movable between the open configuration and the retracted configuration. 
     
     
         11 . The bimini system of  claim 10 , wherein the bimini frame further comprises an actuator configured to control movement of at least one of the plurality of bows of the bimini frame. 
     
     
         12 . The bimini system of  claim 11 , wherein the actuator is connected to the first bow of the bimini frame. 
     
     
         13 . The bimini system of  claim 11 , wherein the actuator is connected to the second bow of the bimini frame. 
     
     
         14 . The bimini system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gathering mechanism operably coupled to the cover, the gathering mechanism being configured to fold the cover as the bimini frame transforms from the open configuration to the retracted configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The bimini system of  claim 14 , wherein the gathering mechanism includes at least one tension member affixed to the cover at a plurality of locations. 
     
     
         16 . The bimini system of  claim 15 , wherein a length of the at least one tension member is less than a length of the cover. 
     
     
         17 . The bimini system of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one tension member has a biasing force. 
     
     
         18 . The bimini system of  claim 14 , wherein the gathering mechanism includes at least one shadow bow pivotably coupled to the bimini frame and operably coupled to the cover. 
     
     
         19 . The bimini system of  claim 1 , wherein the storage boot further comprises at least one cover guide. 
     
     
         20 . The bimini system of  claim 19 , wherein the at least one cover guide extends from the lid.