Manual bimini storage

Abstract

A storage boot for a bimini top including a bimini frame and a cover includes a base defining a hollow interior configured to receive a portion of the bimini top. The base includes a first support member and a base cover attached to the first support member. The base cover is formed from a fabric material. A lid is movable to selectively close the hollow interior. The lid includes a second support member and a lid cover attached to the second support member. The lid cover is also formed from a fabric material.

1 .- 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . An assembly comprising:
 a bimini top including:
 a bimini frame having a front bow and a rear bow, the bimini frame being movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration; and 
 a cover affixed to the bimini frame; and 
   a storage boot associated with the bimini top, the storage boot including:
 a base defining a hollow interior configured to receive a portion of the bimini top; and 
 a lid movable relative to the base between a plurality of positions including an open position, a closed position, and an intermediate position, wherein in the intermediate position, the lid is arranged in contact with the cover. 
   
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the lid is transformable to the intermediate position while the bimini frame is in the extended configuration. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the bimini frame is transformable between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration while the lid is in the open position. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the bimini frame is in the retracted configuration during transformation of the lid from the open position to the closed position. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein at least a part of the storage boot is affixed to the bimini frame. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the lid is manually movable between the plurality of positions. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the lid is automatically movable between the plurality of positions. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the bimini frame is manually movable between the plurality of positions. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the bimini frame is automatically movable between the plurality of positions. 
     
     
         17 . The storage boot of  claim 8 , further comprising a gathering system configured to automatically gather the material of the cover as the bimini frame moves between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. 
     
     
         18 . The storage boot of  claim 17 , wherein the gathering system further comprises a roller operably coupled to the cover. 
     
     
         19 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A watercraft comprising:
 a bimini top including a frame and a cover supported by the frame; and   a storage boot including a lid movable between a plurality of positions including an open position and a closed position; and   a manually operable mechanism operable to move the lid between the plurality of positions.   
     
     
         28 . The watercraft of  claim 27 , wherein the watercraft further comprises a tower structure and the storage boot is mounted to the tower structure. 
     
     
         29 . The watercraft of  claim 28 , wherein the manually operable mechanism is arranged at a side of the tower structure. 
     
     
         30 . The watercraft of  claim 28 , wherein the manually operable mechanism is arranged at one of the bimini top and the storage boot. 
     
     
         31 . The watercraft of  claim 28 , wherein the manually operable mechanism is a linkage assembly further comprising:
 an anchor connected to the lid;   a mounting bracket fixedly mounted to the watercraft;   a connector pivotally coupled to the anchor; and   a handle pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and to the connector.   
     
     
         32 . The watercraft of  claim 31 , wherein the mounting bracket is fixedly mounted to the tower structure. 
     
     
         33 . The watercraft of  claim 27 , wherein the storage boot is mounted to the frame. 
     
     
         34 . The watercraft of  claim 27 , wherein the bimini top is transformable between a plurality of configurations including an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and a portion of the bimini top is receivable within the storage boot in at least one of the plurality of configurations. 
     
     
         35 . The watercraft of  claim 34 , wherein the portion of the bimini top is receivable within the storage boot when in the retracted configuration. 
     
     
         36 . The watercraft of  claim 34 , wherein the plurality of configurations further includes a stowed configuration, and the portion of the bimini top is receivable within the storage boot when in the stowed configuration. 
     
     
         37 . The watercraft of  claim 34 , wherein the plurality of positions further comprises an intermediate position. 
     
     
         38 . The watercraft of  claim 37 , wherein the intermediate position is arranged between the open position and the closed position. 
     
     
         39 . The watercraft of  claim 37 , wherein the lid is transformable to the intermediate position when the bimini top is in the extended configuration.