Innovative Arched Roller Component on the SureShade Retractable Marine Sunshade System Complements Curves and Designs of a Boat’s Radar Arch or Hardtop; Arched Roller Patent Demonstrates Continuing Innovation and Significant Growth in the Marine Industry
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – March 17, 2011 – SureShade, the designer and manufacturer of retractable sunshade systems for the marine industry, announces final acceptance of a U.S. patent for their arched roller canvas design, or “arched canopy assembly”, on a boat. The newly patented arched roller component is offered exclusively on the automated retractable sunshade system by SureShade and is the latest in a series of marine sunshade patents earned by the company.
Designed to accommodate the unique curves of a boat, the arched roller component serves as part of the self-supported retractable sunshade system by SureShade. The curvature of the arched roller system complements the curves of a boat’s overhead structure – such as a radar arch or hardtop – enhancing boat aesthetics and acting as a natural extension of the boat design. In addition to providing retractable shade in a cockpit for sun protection, the arched roller assembly is designed to allow for optimal rain runoff during bad weather and can be used with a full canvas enclosure.
The arched roller design is quickly becoming a must-have option for top boat manufacturers seeking innovative sunshade solutions that add style and appeal to their existing boat designs. MasterCraft was one of the first brands to showcase the new arched roller sunshade at the 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the 2011 Miami International Boat Show as an option on their MasterCraft 300 pleasure cruiser.
“The SureShade sunshade system with the new arched roller design is the perfect complement to the stylish and innovative design of our MasterCraft 300,” said Dave Ekern, director of product and marketing strategy at MasterCraft. “When the canvas is retracted, the arched roller rests beautifully along the curves of the unique glass hardtop on the MasterCraft 300, and then naturally extends those curves over the open cockpit when the canvas is extended for shade”.
The arched roller system works as a cambered roller that can be curved to adapt to the curves of a variety of boat designs. SureShade works directly with boat manufacturers to determine the appropriate camber dimension based on the width of the surface to which the shade is affixed. Current installations have been up to a 4” camber on the arched roller.
“Our goal in developing the arched roller for our retractable sunshades was to mimic the style of a traditional bimini top while adapting to the curves of any style boat,” said Ron Russikoff, product inventor and operations leader at SureShade. “As a longtime pleasure boater, the design of the arched roller was originally inspired by a need we saw to seamlessly blend a sunshade with boat curves often found on pleasure cruiser designs. However, more and more sportfishing boats are also adopting the design as a natural fit for the curves of sportfishing hardtops.”
In addition to the MasterCraft 300 hardtop application, the arched roller sunshade is currently featured on a number of sportfishing boat brands in a topside surface-mount application – including Edgewater, World Cat, Grady White and Pursuit. SureShade is also working closely with several top pleasure boat manufacturers to adapt the arched roller shade system into the hardtop cavity of new sport and express cruiser models and designs.
Along with the newly patented arched roller system, SureShade also holds patents for the telescoping framework technology in their retractable sunshade systems and a patent for their automated bimini top product. With several other U.S. and International patents pending, SureShade demonstrates continuing innovation in the marine industry and is well-positioned for significant growth with a sunshade design for nearly any boat style.
