Fishing seat apparatus

Abstract

A fishing seat apparatus for use with a boat's gunwale or rail to function as a support station and place to sit for an angler fully involved in fishing action is provided. The fishing seat apparatus comprises a main frame and a seat member positioned on the main frame. A support leg is secured to the main frame and extends in a generally downward direction. A first hook member extends from the main frame and a second hook member extends from the main frame. A tray spans between and is mounted on top of the first hook member and the second hook member. The first hook member and the second hook member allow the user to releasably secure the fishing seat apparatus to the boats gunwale or rail for use during fishing activities.

Claims

1. A fishing seat apparatus for use with a boat's gunwale or rail to function as a support station and place to sit for an angler fully involved in fishing action, the fishing seat apparatus comprising: a main frame; a seat member positioned on the main frame; a support leg secured to the main frame and extending in a generally downward direction; a first hook member extending from the main frame; a second hook member extending from the main frame; and a tray spanning between and mounted on top of the first hook member and the second hook member; wherein the first hook member and the second hook member allow the user to releasably secure the fishing seat apparatus to the boat's gunwale or rail for use during fishing activities.

2. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 1 wherein the main frame has front frame member, a first frame member, and a second frame member, wherein the front frame member has a first end and a second end, the first frame member has a first end and a second end, and the second frame member has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the front frame member is connected to the first end of the first frame member and the second end of the front frame member is connected to the first end of the second frame member.

3. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first frame member is substantially perpendicular to the front frame member and the second frame member is substantially perpendicular to the front frame member.

4. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 1 wherein the seat member is a memory foam cushioned., waterproof seat.

5. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 1 wherein the seat member is framed by the main frame and free from extension beyond the main frame.

6. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support leg is an adjustable pole or leg with an integrated pin and hole telescoping functionality.

7. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support leg vertically culminates in three integrated support feet.

8. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 7 wherein the feet are padded with rubber or other resilient material.

9. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first hook member and the second hook members each have an adjustable length such that the first hook member and the second hook member are independently extendable and retractable.

10. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 9 wherein the length of the first hook member and the second hook member are releasably securable in a desired length.

11. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 1 wherein an underside of the first hook member and the second hook member are padded with rubber or other resilient material.

12. The fishing seat apparatus of claim, wherein the tray has a cup holder formed therein.

13. A fishing seat apparatus for use with a boat's gunwale or rail to function as a support station and place to sit for an angler fully involved in fishing action, the fishing seat apparatus comprising: a main frame having a front frame member, a first frame member: and a second frame member, the first frame member being substantially perpendicular to the front frame member and the second frame member being substantially perpendicular to the front frame member; a seat member positioned on the main frame; an adjustable support leg secured to the main frame and extending in a generally downward direct on; an adjustable first hook member extending from the main frame; an adjustable second hook member extending from the main frame; and a tray spanning between and mounted on top of the first hook member and the second hook member; wherein the first hook member and the second hook member allow the user to releasably secure the fishing seat apparatus to the boat's gunwale or rail for use during fishing activities.

14. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 13 wherein the main frame, wherein the front frame member has a first end and a second end, the first frame member has a first end and a second end, and the second frame member has a first end and a second end, wherein the first of the front frame member is connected to the first end of the first frame member and the second end of the front frame member is connected to the first end of the second frame member.

15. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 13 wherein the seat member is a memory foam cushioned, waterproof seat.

16. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 13 wherein the support leg has an integrated pin and hole telescoping functionality.

17. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 13 wherein the support leg vertically culminates in three integrated support feet, the feet being padded with rubber or other resilient material.

18. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 13 wherein the length of the first hook member and the second hook member are releasably securable in a desired length.

19. The fishing seat apparatus of claim 13 wherein an underside of the first hook member and the second hook member are padded with rubber or other resilient material.

20. A method for constructing a fishing seat apparatus for use with a boat's gunwale or rail to function as a support station and place to sit for an angler fully involved in fishing action, the method comprising: providing a main frame; positioning a seat member on the main frame; securing a support leg to the main frame; extending the support leg in a generally downward direction; extending a first hook member from the main frame: extending a second hook member from the main frame; spanning a tray between the first hook member and the second hook member; mounting the tray on top of the first hook member and the second hook membered, and releasably securing the fishing seat apparatus to the boat's gunwale or rail for use during fishing activities.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a fishing seat apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the fishing seat apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(3) The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Fishing Seat Apparatus, indicated generally at 10, is a portable folding chair engineered specifically for use with a boat's gunwale or rail to function as a support station and place to sit for an angler fully involved in fishing action. Stable and adjustable, the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 is a portable folding seat that is particularly engineered for use on boats, but is efficiently adaptable for use on docks and piers with railings.

(4) The Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a U-shaped main frame 12 having a front frame member 14, a first frame member 16, and a second frame member 18. The front frame member 14 has a first end and a second end, the first frame member 16 has a first end and a second end, and the second frame member 18 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the front frame member 14 is connected to the first end of the first frame member 16. The second end of the front frame member 14 is connected to the first end of the second frame member 18. Preferably, the first frame member 16 is substantially perpendicular to the front frame member 14 and the second frame member 18 is substantially perpendicular to the front frame member 14.

(5) Positioned on a top surface of the front frame member 14, the first frame member 16, and the second frame member 18 of the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention is a seat member 20. Preferably, the seat member 20 is a memory foam or similar cushioned, waterproof seat providing optimal comfort to the user.

(6) The Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention additionally includes a support leg 22 secured to the main frame 12 and extending in a generally downward direction. The support leg 22 is preferably an adjustable pole or leg with an integrated pin and hole telescoping functionality. Measuring approximately eighteen (18) inches to approximately thirty (30) inches in height, the support leg 22 vertically culminates in three integrated support feet 24 which rest on the deck, one short foot flanked by two long feet 24. Preferably, the feet 24 are padded with rubber or other resilient material to better grip the boat deck and to inhibit damage to the boat deck.

(7) In addition, the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a U-shaped first hook member 26 having a first end and a second end and a U-shaped second hook member 28 having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first hook member 26 is connected to the second end of the first frame member 16 and the first end of the second hook member 28 is connected to the second end of the second frame member 18. Measuring approximately seven (7) inches to thirteen (13) inches in attachable length, the first hook member 26 and the second hook member 28 act as supports for the front of the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10. The first hook member 26 and the second hook member 28 can be mounted to the center-front of the seat member 20 and the sitting fisherman would straddle them.

(8) The first hook member 26 and the second hook member 28 allow the user to releasably secure the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention to the boat rail or gunwale for use during fishing activities. The underside of the first hook member 2 and the second hook member 28 are preferably padded with rubber or other resilient material to ensure a stable grip and support, and prevent any marring of the boat's finish.

(9) In a preferred embodiment, the first hook member 26 and the second hook member 28 of the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention are extendable and retractable to better conform to the exact size of the boat rail or gunwale. In this manner the first hook member 26 has a first portion and a second portion with the second portion slidably receivable within the first portion and the second hook member 28 has a first portion and a second portion with the second portion slidably receivable within the first portion. The relative positioning of the first portions to the second portions of the first hook member 26 and the second hook member 28 can be releasably maintained via friction or other mechanical securing means.

(10) Furthermore, the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a tray 30 spanning between and mounted on top of the first hook member 26 and the second hook member 28. Preferably, the tray 30 includes a cup holder 32 formed therein sized and shaped for receiving a variety sizes of cups, glasses, bottles, cans, etc. The tray 30 also functions as convenient amenity for keeping tackle and other items close at hand as well as a beverage.

(11) Preferably, the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention is fabricated in aluminum square stock or round tubing. The Fishing Seat Apparatus is structurally configured to attach simultaneously to a boat rail and its deck as opposed to being a standalone structure.

(12) The Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 of the present invention provides an angle with a simple, compact, comfortable and easily portable seat to ease the strain of standing for long periods while fishing. The Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 is easy to carry and stow and also easy to set up and use. Durably constructed from high quality materials, the Fishing Seat Apparatus 10 will withstand many years of continued use.

(13) Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.