Rotating and sliding boarding door assembly systems for a vessel and a vessel having the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotating and sliding boat boarding door mechanism configured to aid the vessel's occupants in their ingress and egress to and from the vessel. More particularly, the present invention provides a rotating and sliding boat boarding door assembly and system that slidingly moves into a recess in the vessel's exterior (e.g., side, transom, and/or gunwale) that has been configured to receive and maintain the boarding door assembly in a position where it is out of sight when fully recessed.

Claims

1. A rotating and sliding boarding door assembly for a boat, comprising: an upper portion configured to be positioned in an opening in a boat hull when the assembly is in a closed position; a lower portion configured to be positioned below said upper portion in the opening when the assembly is in the closed position; one or more actuators coupled with said upper portion and said lower portion, said one or more actuators being configured to rotate and slide the upper and lower potions into a recess in a hull of the boat; and one or more tracks, slideably coupled with at least one of the upper and lower portions, for guiding said at least one of the upper and lower portions into said recess.

2. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a retractable recess cover to cover the recess in the hull when the door assembly is in a closed position.

3. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said upper portion is shaped to match a shape of the recess.

4. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein said upper portion is shaped to match a cross-sectional shape of said recess.

5. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said upper portion is rotatably coupled with said lower portion.

6. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a controller for controlling actuation of the one or more actuators, and said controller is configured to move said upper and lower portions between the closed position and the open position.

7. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein the controller may be remotely controlled by a wireless remote control.

8. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 1, further including a step portion configured to be positioned to cover an exposed portion of the hull opening when the door is in the open position and to rotate upward into the cockpit to allow the door to be moved into the closed position.

9. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 8, further including a ram portion, positioned on a leading bottom edge of the lower portion, said ram portion being shaped to lift said step portion so that it rotates upward into the cockpit as the door moves into the closed position, and to lower said step portion to be positioned so as to cover the exposed portion of the hull opening when the door moves to the open position.

10. The boarding door assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more actuators includes a first linear actuator for rotating said upper portion, a second linear actuator for securing said upper portion when the door assembly is in the closed position by extending at least one pin which can be secured into a recess in the hull, and a third actuator for sliding said lower portion and said upper portion, together, into the recess.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel and a partial cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel and a partial cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 8 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel and a partial cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 9 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel and a partial cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 10 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel and a partial cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 11 is an aerial aft perspective view from inside the vessel providing a full cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 12 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel providing a full cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 13 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel providing a partial cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 14 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel providing a partial cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 15 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel providing a partial cutaway view of the vessels' sidewall/gunwale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(16) FIG. 16 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(17) FIG. 17 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(18) FIG. 18 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(19) FIG. 19 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(20) FIG. 20 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(21) FIG. 21 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(22) FIG. 22 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(23) FIG. 23 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(24) FIG. 24 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(25) FIG. 25 is an aerial port perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(26) FIG. 26 is an overhead perspective view from outside the vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(27) FIG. 27 is a view of the bottom side of the gunnel portion of the door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(28) FIG. 28 is a view of the bottom, inside portion of the door portion of the door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(29) FIG. 29 is a view of the top, inside portion of the door portion and gunwale portion of the door assembly, in the sliding position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(30) Unless otherwise defined herein, technical terms used in connection with the present invention shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The meaning and scope of the terms should be clear, however, in the event of any latent ambiguity, definitions provided herein take precedent over any dictionary or extrinsic definition. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular. In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one subunit unless specifically stated otherwise.

(31) Generally, nomenclatures used in connection with, and techniques of mechanical and naval engineering described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(32) The present invention relates to a rotating and sliding boat boarding door mechanism configured to aid the vessel's occupants in their ingress and egress to and from the vessel. More particularly, the present invention provides a rotating and sliding boat boarding door assembly and system that slidingly moves into a recess in the vessel's exterior (e.g., side, transom, and/or gunwale) that has been configured to receive and maintain the boarding door assembly in a position where it is out of sight when fully recessed.

(33) The present invention relates to the rotating and sliding boat boarding door assemblies and systems as illustrated in the Figures and as further described herein.

(34) Referring to the Figures, a rotating and sliding boat boarding door assembly 100 is shown in various degrees of articulation (between closed and open) from both inside the boat and outside the boat, according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the assembly 100 includes a gunnel or gunwale portion 102 that includes the top-deck portion of the door assembly and a hull or door portion 104, which is the topside hull piece of the door assembly. A recess 108 inside the hull if provided for slidably receiving the gunwale portion 102 and door portion 104 when the door is open, such that the door is hidden in the open position. See, e.g., FIG. 13. When the door is closed, as shown in FIG. 1, the recess may optionally be covered with a retractable or removable recess cover 106.

(35) The recess 108 is shaped to accommodate the gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 and, as shown, may be shaped similar to the cross-sectional shape of the gunwale portion 102. Additional space in the recess is also provided toward the exterior to accommodate the door portion 104.

(36) A plurality of actuators are provided to rotate the gunwale portion 102 into position as shown in FIGS. 2-6. According to embodiments of the invention, the gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 may be coupled together, for example, by one or more hinges or other mechanisms that will allow the gunwale to rotate. An actuator may also be provided for actuation of the retractable recess cover 106

(37) Once the gunwale portion 102 is in position as shown in FIG. 6, the gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 may be slide into the recess. Accordingly, actuators are tracks may be provided (see, e.g., FIGS. 11-12) to guide the gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 into the recess. It will be understood that the gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 can be moved a distance toward the interior prior to or during the sliding motion as shown in FIGS. 7-10.

(38) FIGS. 11-12 show cutaway perspective views of the assembly 100 from the interior and exterior of the vessel, respectively. As shown, actuators 112 may be provided within the topside of the vessel to slide the gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 into and out of the recess. Tracks 114 can be coupled to the gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 at various points to guide them into and out of the recess properly. According to one embodiment, a track 114 may be provided at the top end of the assembly where gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 are hinged, another may be provided at the bottom of the door portion 104, and a third may be provided in the middle of the assembly coupled with the door portion 104 and/or the bottom of the gunwale portion 102.

(39) The actuators may be manually operated, mechanical, hydraulic, or electric, or a combination thereof. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, articulation of the door assembly 100 is completely automated. Accordingly, wireless controls (not shown) may be provided, as well as a local switch or helm switch, to control the actuators. Preferably, DC linear actuators are used where possible.

(40) FIG. 27 shows a partial view of the coupling between the gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gunwale portion 102 and the door portion 104 can be coupled by a hinge, preferably a stainless steel piano hinge 206. On the bottom side of the gunnel, a linear actuator 202 can be mounted with the distal end of its arm coupled to the door portion 104. The linear actuator 202 can be positioned and configured such that when the arm is full extended, the gunwale portion 102 is in its normal position. By retracting the arm, the gunwale portion 102 is rotated into the sliding position.

(41) A second actuator 204 may be provided for locking the gunwale portion 102 into place in its normal position. According to one embodiment, the actuator is coupled to linkages 210a and 210b locking pins so that the actuator 204 can extend locking pins 208a and 208b into corresponding recesses (not shown) in the hull, to secure the door in the closed position. Of course, the door can be secured by other, preferably automate means. For example, latches or other securing mechanisms could be used.

(42) FIG. 28 shows a partial view of bottom of the door portion 104 coupled to a track according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, feet 302 may be coupled to the door portion 104 at pads 104a. Feet 302 may include extensions 304 which couple to a preferably stainless steel linkage 306, which includes following pins beneath it seating into a groove 310. Actuator 314 is connected to the linkage 306 on one end and to a conveyor 308 on the other, such that actuator 314 may pull the door portion 104 inward a sufficient distance so that it may then slide into the recess 106 in the hull. Conveyor 314 may be, for example, a belt driven by an actuator (not shown). Other means for moving the door portion 104 in the sliding direction may be used, such as, cables or linear motors. Groove 310 may include an angled portion to facilitate positioned of the door into a sliding position before the door portion 104 is slid parallel to the length of the boat into the recess. The groove 310 can be formed with appropriate materials, such as fiber reinforced plastics or the like. A commercial embodiment of the invention utilizes DELRIN for this track. The groove 310 can be lubricated for provided with bearings for reliable and efficient performance.

(43) FIG. 29 shows a partial view of the top of the door portion 104 with the gunwale portion 102 in the sliding position (i.e., rotated down). A track arm 402 maybe be coupled to the side of the door portion 104 facing the recess 106. The arm 402 preferably includes a following pin 402b which may be secured to a track 114 inside of the recess 106 (see FIG. 12), for more stable sliding of the door.

(44) Operation of the door assembly can be readily understood by stepping through FIGS. 1-10. As shown in FIG. 1, the door is in the closed position and preferably latched or otherwise secured. FIG. 2 illustrates the beginning of the step of rotating the gunwale portion 102 to the sliding position. As described herein, with the use of a linear actuator or other means, the gunwale portion 102 may be rotated about a hinge or other rotational coupling. As shown in FIG. 3, the gunwale portion 102 is about 50% rotated. In FIG. 4, the gunwale is nearly rotated and the top of the door portion 104, previously below the toe rail, is now exposed. In FIG. 5, the gunwale portion 102 is fully rotated into the sliding position.

(45) Comparing FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, one can see the door portion 104 and gunwale portion 102 are moved toward the interior of the vessel so as to be aligned with the recess 106, which is now exposed (optional cover removed). As described herein, an actuator may be used to pull the door inward, preferably with the assistance of a track. FIG. 11 shows an actuator 112 for sliding the door portion 104 and gunwale portion 102 into and out of the recess 106.

(46) FIGS. 7-10 illustrate the door portion 104 and gunwale portion 102 being slid into the recess, such as by a cable driven actuator or the like. Optional recess cover could be positioned to cover the recess.

(47) A step 116 may be provided for safe entry to or exist from the vessel. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step 116 may be two part, coupled with a hinge (not shown). When the door is in the closed position, step part 116b is positioned up at an angle against the door portion. When the door is slide open, the step part 116b will move downward (e.g., by gravity) to cover the exposed portion of the hull, below the opening in the hull formed be removal of the door portion 104. Compare FIGS. 9 and 10. See also, FIG. 26, which is an overhead view of the open door showing step 116 covers the entire floor of the opening.

(48) As shown in FIG. 15, the bottom edge of the door portion 104 may have a shaped ram 502 for lifting the step part 116b during the closing process and for allowing the step part 116b to fall gently into position when opened.

(49) FIGS. 14-20 illustrate the sliding of the door portion into the closed position, as viewed from outside of the boat, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 21-25 illustrate rotation of the gunwale portion 102 back into its normal position.

(50) The recess may be exposed to sea and weather and therefore should be sufficiently sealed and provided with drains, either overboard or into the cockpit of the vessel.

(51) The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured to be adapted in certain models of HINCKLEY YACHT'S powerboats. According to embodiments, the gunwale portion 102 includes a running board, or wash guard, as part of a raised coming and therefore, has an L-shaped cross-section. The recess accordingly, as an L-shaped opening for receiving the gunwale portion 102 after it has been rotated into position.

(52) Materials and components to be used are preferably chosen from those suitable for marine environment. Electrical and electronic components are preferably 12 or 24 volts DC. Metal components are preferably stainless steel. The door step is preferably covered by or manufactured from a nonskid material, such as treaded teak, hard or soft non-skid fiberglass or plastic.

(53) It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable modifications and adaptations of the rotating and sliding boat boarding door assemblies and systems and methods of the invention described herein are obvious and may be made using suitable equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention or the embodiments disclosed herein.

(54) For example, the door assembly could be divided into more than two components and/or detachably coupled in order to accommodate different geometries. The gunwale portion can be rotated more or less based on its cross-section, to reduce the size of the recess in the hull 108. The door assembly could be provided transom of the vessel as well.

(55) As shown, the door assembly preferably slides forward, because boats typically taper running aft and therefore, there is less room for the recess approaching the stern of the vessel. However, the invention is not limited to which direction the door slides.

(56) A commercial embodiment of the invention utilizes a wireless switch for wireless actuation of the door via a remote, such as a key fob, for example, from MARINCO. Other means for actuating the door may be used, such as toggle switches, coupling the door controller with an onboard computer or network, etc.