Patent attributes
A manually operated boat shade system is disclosed for deploying a flexible canvas or like shade material over the deck of a boat solely by hand. The device is adapted to mount as an integral unit to overhead structure on the boat and comprises a pair of tubular actuator assemblies telescopically assembled and coupled together in parallel alignment within a self-supporting framework to permit pullout deployment and reverse retraction of the flexible canvas from a tensioned roller member transversely mounted between the actuator assemblies. A self-engaging locking mechanism is further incorporated within the tubular actuator assembly to maintain the framework when in full extension preventing an unwanted retraction. The locking mechanism is further releasable by hand to allow a staged retraction of the framework and canvas when desired.