PONTOON BOAT WITH FOLDING ACCESSORIES

Abstract

A pontoon boat having a pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons by deck support bracketing with a passenger region defined above the deck, the pontoon deck comprising a framework with decking thereon, the framework having an exterior rail extending about a periphery of the pontoon deck. The exterior rail and/or the deck support bracketing having a plurality of openings with accessory receptacles extending horizontally. One or more folding outboard accessories may be positioned outboard by inserting attachment portions of the accessories into one or more of the accessory receptacles. The accessories foldable and include seats and cooler supports. Such folding outboard accessories are removable from the accessory receptacles, foldable and stowable in the passenger region on the deck or folded to an upright position while remaining attached to the pontoon deck at the rub rail.

Claims

1. A pontoon boat comprising a pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons, with a passenger region defined above the pontoon deck, the pontoon deck comprising a framework with decking thereon, the framework having an peripheral deck rail extending about a periphery of the pontoon deck, the pontoon boat further comprising a plurality of pontoon deck accessory receptacles, each pontoon deck accessory receptacle extending in a starboard-port direction within the framework of the pontoon deck with an opening in the peripheral deck rail, the opening being at least one square inch in area, each pontoon deck accessory receptacle extending at least 12 inches into the framework of the pontoon deck from the peripheral deck rail.

2. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein each receptacle extends through a plurality of bow-stern extending frame members of the framework.

3. The pontoon boat of claim 2, wherein each receptacle comprises a tubular member supported by the plurality of bow-stern extending frame members, the tubular member extending at least 16 inches inwardly from the peripheral deck rail.

4. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein each receptacle has an elongate open interior with an aspect ratio of length to minimal interior diameter of at least 10:1.

5. The pontoon boat of claim 1, further comprising a folding outboard accessory for outboard attachment at the periphery of the pontoon deck of the pontoon boat.

6. The pontoon boat of claim 5 wherein the folding outboard accessory is selected from a set of: a seat, a ladder, a gang plank, a cooler receiver, and a table, and wherein the folding outboard accessory has a folded or collapsed configuration and a use configuration, the folding outboard accessory having at least one elongate anchoring portion conformingly configured for being received in one of the plurality of pontoon deck accessory receptacles.

7. The pontoon boat of claim 6, wherein the at least one elongate anchoring portion is a pair of elongate anchoring portions, each elongate anchoring portion with a generally cylindrical exterior surface and having an aspect ratio of length to a maximum diameter of at least 10:1, each of the pair of elongate anchoring portions configured for being received in one of the plurality of accessory receptacles along the peripheral deck rail.

8. The pontoon boat of claim 7, wherein the folding outboard accessory further comprises a plurality of collapsible or folding accessory members, the plurality of collapsible or folding accessory members configured to be assembled in the use configuration, one or more of the collapsible or folding accessory members pivotally connected to or connectable to each of the pair of elongate anchoring portions.

9. The pontoon boat of claim 7, wherein the folding outboard accessory is an accessory that is positioned adjacent a pontoon of the plurality of pontoons of the pontoon boat, and wherein the folding outboard accessory has a pontoon engagement portion that engages a lateral surface of the pontoon of the plurality of pontoons.

10. The pontoon boat of claim 5, wherein the folding outboard accessory is a seat with a pair of rigid frame seat sides, a back rest portion connecting to the pair of rigid frame seat sides, and a seat portion connected to the pair of rigid frame seat sides.

11. The pontoon boat of claim 10, further comprising a pair of elongate anchoring portions configured for being received in one of the plurality of accessory receptacles along the peripheral deck rail and where the pair of elongate anchoring portions are pivotally attached to a respective one of the rigid frame seat sides.

12. The pontoon boat of claim 5, wherein the folding outboard accessory is a cooler holder further comprising: a spanning rigid upper support attached to a pair of elongate anchoring portions, a downwardly extending support member, a horizontal cooler seating member, and a pair of side members.

13. The pontoon boat of claim 7, wherein when the folding outboard accessory is in a folded state and the pair of elongate anchoring portions are received in respective ones of the pontoon deck accessory receptacles, the folding outboard accessory is stowable upright along fencing at the periphery of the pontoon deck.

14. The pontoon boat of claim 6, wherein each of the at least one anchoring portion is sized for engaging retention within a respective accessory receptacle.

15. A folding accessory for removable outboard attachment to a pontoon boat, comprising: An attachment portion for attachment to a plurality of accessory receptacles of the pontoon boat; an accessory portion having a folded state and an unfolded state; where the folding accessory is configured to be positioned outboard of a deck periphery and adjacent to a pontoon of the pontoon boat when the accessory portion is in the unfolded state; and where the folding accessory is configured to be stored within a passenger region of the pontoon boat when the accessory portion is in the folded state.

16. The folding accessory of claim 15, further comprising a pontoon engagement portion that engages a lateral surface of the pontoon.

17. The folding accessory of claim 15, where the folding accessory is further configured to be stored in the folded state upright along a pontoon fencing of the pontoon boat.

18. A pontoon boat, comprising: a plurality of pontoons; a pontoon deck comprising a framework mounted on the plurality of pontoons; and where the framework comprises a multiplicity of cross members arranged in a first direction; where the framework further comprises a plurality of accessory receptacles that are supported by a plurality of receptacle frame members along a second direction relative to the framework; and where at least one receptacle frame member is attached to at least one cross member of the multiplicity of cross members.

19. The pontoon boat of claim 18, where the plurality of accessory receptacles further comprise a motorized mechanism configured to enable lateral positioning of an outboard accessory along the first direction, and where the first direction extends starboard to port.

20. The pontoon boat of claim 19, wherein the pontoon boat further comprises a fencing that defines a passenger region and where the outboard accessory does not physically intrude into the passenger region of the pontoon boat.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pontoon boat in accord with embodiments

[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the underside of an aft portion of a pontoon boat in accord with embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of Prior Art pontoon deck and pontoons.

[0010] FIG. 4 perspective view of a portion of a pontoon boat with folding accessories attached to the periphery of a pontoon deck.

[0011] FIG. 5A is a view of a pontoon boat with outboard folding accessories in a use state.

[0012] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a portion of a pontoon boat with folding accessories folded up and stowed along the pontoon fencing.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a pontoon boat with a folding accessory attached to the deck supporting bracketing below the deck.

[0014] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a receptacle assembly having two receptacles.

[0015] FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the receptacle assembly of FIG. 7A.

[0016] FIG. 7C is perspective view of the receptacle assembly of FIG. 7 with attachment portions therein in accord with embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of attachment portion in accord with embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of another attachment portion in accord with embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 8C is an exploded view of an attachment portion in accord with embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an accessory removably attached at the deck support bracketing of a pontoon boat in accord with embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 9B is an end elevational view of a pontoon boat with accessories removably attached at the deck support bracing in accord with embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a pontoon boat with a removable accessory attached to an extendable and retractable receptacle.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portion of the pontoon boat with a removable accessory attached to an extendable and retractable receptacle of FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a folding seat accessory with attachment portions in accord with embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the folding seat accessory of FIG. 12 in a folded stowable state.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a folding cooler holder and table in accord with embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the cooler holder of FIG. 14.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a kit in accord with embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a method in accord with embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a method in accord with embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Pontoon boats have gained tremendous popularity based on their high passenger capacity and flexible seating arrangements, comfortable travel on the water, and plenty of room to walk about in the boat to change seating positions or to retrieve beverages or food from coolers, and partake in activities in the boat, such as eating and drinking. Pontoon boats also serve as a center of activities outside of the boat, for example, when the pontoon boat is floating on the water, anchored away from shore, and the pontoon boat passengers enter the water to swim or float. Passengers that are floating and want beverages, for example, unless assisted by passengers present on the pontoon, may need to reenter the pontoon boat. Since the pontoon deck is several feet off of the water, this typically requires climbing a ladder positioned at a stern of the pontoon boat. Likewise, when the pontoon boat is beached on sandbars or a shoreline, unless assisted by passengers on the pontoon boat, where the coolers are located, individuals off of the pontoon boat need to board to retrieve the beverages. Embodiments herein provide and allow coolers to be positioned and supported by the pontoon boat in an outboard arrangement at, or near the water, allowing retrieval of beverages or food from an outboard cooler without boarding the pontoon boat.

[0032] When relaxing in the water, it is often desirable to be seated, partially in the water, for example with one's feet dangling in the water. In a conventional pontoon boat, considering that the deck is several feet off of the water, this is not possible. In some embodiments, outboard seating for pontoon boats that allows passengers to be seated at the water, or partially in the water, may be removably mounted to the boat.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, in embodiments, a pontoon boat 10 has a starboard pontoon 12 and a port pontoon 14 supporting a deck 20. The deck 20 is mounted on and above the pontoons and extends in a generally horizontal plane. The deck has decking 21 with a railing configured as fencing 22 thereon and extending generally around or proximate to the periphery 23 of the deck 20 from the bow 24 to the stern 26 and along the starboard side 27, and port side 28. An outboard motor 29 is at the stern. A passenger region 32 is generally defined on the deck and within the fencing 22. Furniture 35 including seating, operator's console 36, and storage may attached to the decking of the deck. A collapsible canopy 38 may be coupled to railing 22.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the deck is comprised of a framework 40 comprising cross members 42 extending in a starboard-port direction. The cross members may extend partially or entirely across the framework. Deck support bracketing 44 extends from the pontoons to the framework 40 and may be welded to the pontoons and welded or connected with threaded fasteners to the pontoon deck framework 40. The deck has a peripheral deck rail 50 extending around the periphery 23 of the deck 20 and the framework 40. The peripheral deck rail may be configured as metal deck trim or a rub rail for example having a polymer insert 51 centrally positioned between upper and lower margins of the deck rail. The peripheral deck rail 50 has openings 52 at accessory receptacles 55, the receptacles extending into an interior 54 of the pontoon deck framework 40. The openings 52 may also extend through the polymer insert of the rub rail. The deck supporting bracketing 44 also may have openings 56 for receiving or defining receptacles 57. Covers 58 may be provided to cover the accessory receptacles 55.

[0035] Functionally, the deck, framework, and other associated structures described above are designed to support and distribute a weight corresponding to an estimated passengers/cargo capacity. As used herein, the term weight-bearing refers to a structural element that is designed to support a load weight. Weight-bearing capacity may be quantified according to a unit of weight and/or combined with other considerations. For example, a pontoon boat might specify capacity with a number of persons (e.g., 12 persons, 14 persons) which may roughly correspond to a weight capacity (e.g., 1790 lbs, 2050 lbs, etc.).

[0036] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may position accessories at the periphery of the pontoon boat deck, such accessories may be associated with operation and functionality of the pontoon boat such as lights, bumpers, ladders, flags, planks, etc. Positioning the accessories at the periphery (instead of within the passenger area) improves the usability of the passenger area. Additionally, the pontoon deck periphery, and the deck support bracketing that is welded to the pontoons and supporting the pontoon deck, are weight-bearing structures which can provide a secure foundation for removably mounted accessories (as compared to the pontoon boat fencing).

[0037] While the following discussion is presented in the context of a pontoon boat designed and manufactured to practice the concepts described throughout, these concepts may be readily extended to retro-fitting kits for use with conventionally manufactured pontoon boats. One such conventionally manufactured pontoon boat is shown and described in Prior Art FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a deck 20 with decking 21 having a framework 40 with crossing members 42, deck support bracketing 44, and a peripheral deck rail 50. Artisans of ordinary skill in the related arts, given the contents of the present disclosure, may readily retro-fit a pontoon boat with the conventional deck and deck framework, and/or pontoon support bracketing 44 to incorporate aspects herein.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, folding outboard accessories 60 are attachable to the pontoon boat at the periphery 23 of the deck 20. The folding accessories include folding seats 61, 62 and a folding cooler holder 64 with a cooler 66. In FIG. 4, the seats 61, 62 are attached to the peripheral deck rail 50 and the folding cooler is attached to a fencing rail 69. In FIG. 5A, the seat 61 and cooler holder 64 are depicted as both attached to the peripheral deck rail 50 configured as deck trim and have attachment portions 70 that extend into the receptacles 55. FIG. 5B illustrates the folding seats 61, 62 folded and upright and attached to the fencing 22, the attachment portions 70 extending into openings 52 in the peripheral deck rail 50. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment where the folding seat 61 is attached at the pontoon support bracketing 44, the peripheral deck rail 50 being removed from the pontoon deck framework 40 for illustrative purposes. In embodiments, the outboard accessories 60 generally comprise the attachment portion 70 for removable securement to the pontoon deck, and an accessory portion 72 pivotally connected to the attachment portion.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2, 7A, and 7B, receptacle assemblies 80 suitable for integration or retrofitting within the deck framework 40 include receptacles 55 configured as tubular members with open interiors 82 conformingly sized to the attachment portions 70. The internal diameter of the receptacles may be in the range of about inch to about 2 inches. In embodiments, the opening of the receptacle being at least one square inch in area. The receptacles are illustrated as generally having a circular wall, interior surface, and exterior surface but may be oval shaped or have a polygonal shape or a polygonal shaped with rounded corners. The length of the receptacles, in embodiments, may be in the range of about 6 inches to about 3 feet. In embodiments, the length of the receptacles may be in the range of about 3 inches to about 30 inches. In embodiments the receptacles may extend at least 12 inches into the framework 40 from the peripheral deck rail 50. In embodiments, the receptacles may extend at least 16 inches inwardly from the peripheral deck rail. In embodiments, the receptacle has an elongate open interior with an aspect ratio of length to minimal interior diameter of the tubular member of at least 10:1. The receptacle assemblies 80 may further comprise receptacle bow-stern oriented frame members 84 with apertures 86 sized for the accessory receptacles 55 configured as tubular members and may also comprise starboard-port cross frame members 88. In embodiments, where the receptacle assemblies 80 are added to an existing pontoon, the starboard-port cross frame members 88 may attach to existing starboard-port cross members 42 of the pontoon deck framework 40 or may be the existing starboard-port cross members 42 of the framework. The cross members 88 and receptacle frame members 84 may be configured as channels and may be formed of extruded or bent aluminum. In embodiments the cross members may be other configurations such as I-beam shape or rectangular tubular members. The receptacle assembly components may be secured together with conventional fasteners such as threaded fasteners or rivets, or by welding and may be similarly attached to and/or integrated into the deck framework.

[0040] Functionally, the receptacles receive attachment portions (described elsewhere) for use. In other words, the aforementioned parameters of the receptacles e.g., range of internal diameters (e.g., inch to about 2 inches), area (e.g., at least one square inch), and shape (e.g., circular, oval, polygonal, polygonal with rounded corners), may conform to the corresponding shape and dimensions of the attachment portion. More generally, however, a conforming fit need not be exact, for example, certain tolerances may be allowed for e.g., interchangeability and/or other design considerations.

[0041] Additionally, the attachment portions support an accessory portion (described elsewhere). Functionally, the attachment portions may be sized according to the accessory portion's needs (weight-bearing, case of use, etc.). For example, a seat accessory and a cooler accessory may have different weight-bearing requirements and/or accessibility constraints. Certain aspects of the receptacles may need to accommodate a variety of such requirements and/or constraints as well. For example, the length of the receptacles may have a maximum length (e.g., 30 inches) to support different attachments of different length, the attachment portion may additionally include an anchoring means having a minimum length to securely anchor the attachment portion (e.g., 3 inches)resulting in a range of 3 inches to 30 inches. In some cases, deck construction may impose additional length limitations to ensure acceptable connection to weight-bearing structures which may vary across models (e.g., 12 inches, 16 inches, etc.). While the aforementioned receptacle is described with an illustrative aspect ratio of at least 10:1 (based on a length of 12 inches or more to a minimum internal diameter of inch), other ratios may be substituted with equal success.

[0042] As a practical matter, material selection often has significant impact on functionality, aesthetic, and/or user experience. Within the context of marine applications, materials may also have capabilities such as corrosion resistance, flotation, thermal/electrical insulation, etc. Receptacles may additionally consider the material constraints of the attachment portions. In some cases, receptacles (which are an integral portion of the pontoon boat) may use more durable materials, as compared to attachments (which may be replaced). For example, stainless steel receptacles may be hardened for extended use, whereas attachments may use plated or sacrificial materials at attachment points. A variety of other material interactions may be contemplated by artisans of ordinary skill, given the contents of the present disclosure (e.g., stainless steel receptacles may bind to machined aluminum which may require additional bearings, etc.).

[0043] Analogous design criteria may be used to modify geometries (e.g., I-beam, tubular, rectangular, etc.) and fitments (e.g., threaded, riveted, welded, etc.) based on their structural, functional, and/or aesthetic requirements. More broadly, while the foregoing discussion is presented with specific dimensions, geometries, materials, and/or fitments, artisans of ordinary skill in the related arts, given the contents of the present disclosure, will readily appreciate that other dimensions, geometries, materials, and/or fitments may be substituted with equal success.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 7C-8C, attachment portions 70 may be configured as elongate members with a generally cylindrical exterior surface configuration with a conforming fit to the interior of the receptacle 55. In embodiments, the attachment portion comprises a main body portion 90 with bearing rings 92 secured at circumferential grooves 94 on the body portion. The bearing rings may be slightly oversized with respect to the diameter of the main body portion and sized proximate to an internal diameter of the tubular receptacle. In embodiments, one or more rings 92 may be compressible and sized for an interference fit with the receptacle for retention purposes. In embodiments, other retention means may be utilized to secure the attachment portion at the receptacle such as cooperating threads or other rotational locking mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. An accessory end 95 of the attachment portion may have an aperture 111 for a pivoting connection 112 with the accessory portion of the folding accessory. See FIGS. 11-13 for such pivoting connections 112. The accessory end 95 also may have other configurations for attachment to accessories or accessory portions. For example, in FIG. 8B a disk or puck 98 is depicted. In embodiments the accessory end 95 may be configured for retention of a rope, for example, and in embodiments may be a rigid hook, cleat, or loop on an attachment portion.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5B, 6, 9A, and 9B, the pontoon support bracketing 44 may have openings 56 that receive accessory receptacles 99 for receiving the attachment portions 70 of the accessories, such as folding chair 61. The forward ends 101 of the receptacles may be flush with the exterior plate 102 of the bracketing in embodiments or may project outwardly therefrom. The receptacles may be secured to the pontoon support bracketing 44 by conventional means such as welding, threaded fasteners, or rivets.

[0046] In the embodiments of FIGS. 5A-6, the receptacles 55, 99 are fixedly attached to the pontoon deck framework 44 and/or the pontoon support bracketing. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in embodiments, receptacles 103 may be extendable and retractable by a motorized extension and retraction mechanism 104. This allows adjustment of the lateral inward outward positioning of an accessory 61 attached to the receptacle 103 by way of the accessory attachment portion 70 and/or further may allow complete retraction of an otherwise outwardly projecting receptacle 103. The motorized extension retraction mechanism 104 may comprise a track 105 fixed with respect to the pontoon deck framework 44 and a carriage 106 with a motor and gearing therein, the carriage 106 fixed to the receptacle 103. The carriage and track having a cooperating engagement such that operation of the motor moves the carriage linearly thereon. The receptacles may be slidingly supported by the bow-stern extending receptacle supporting frame members 84, see FIG. 7B, with, for example, annular polymer bearings 107 positioned in the openings 86 of the receptacle supporting frame members, the bearings slidingly engaged with the exterior surface of the receptacles. The ends of the frame members may have cut-outs to accommodate the track 105 of the motorized extension retraction mechanism 104. In embodiments, the motorized extension retraction mechanism 104 could be, for example, a linear motor, a solenoid, a screw drive, a motorized scissor mechanism, or other motorized mechanisms known to persons of skill in the art. Controls for operating the motorized extension retraction mechanism may conveniently be located at the operator's console 36, see FIG. 1.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the folding accessory 60 is configured as a seat 61 with a seat portion 108 pivotally attached to a backrest portion 110 at a pivoting connection 113 with a pair of support lines 114, 115 limiting the angle between the backrest portion 110 and seat portion. The backrest portion 110 comprising backrest frame members 120 and webbing 122. Additionally, the accessory portions may include pontoon boat engagement portion 126 such that the positioning of the outboard accessory 60 is stabilized and such that passenger weight on the accessory seat does not damage structure on the pontoon boat. The engagement portion 126 is illustrated as a pontoon engagement structure with a conforming shape to the exterior of the respective pontoon with which the seat engages. The engagement structure may in embodiments be formed of compressible material such as polymeric foam. The folding outboard accessory 60 may be stowed when in the folded state of FIG. 13 in the passenger area.

[0048] While a specific pivot, angle, backrest, and pontoon boat engagement portion is depicted and described, virtually any combination of pivot, angle, backrest, and pontoon boat engagement portion may be substituted with equal success. These components may be used to adjust seating posture relative to the pontoon and back rest engagement. Conceptually, seating position and posture may widely vary across different users. Some users may prefer an upright posture (near 90 between the backrest portion and the seat portion), other users may prefer a lounging posture (obtuse angles greater than) 90, still others may want the seat to angle inwards and keep the user in (acute angles less than) 90. Angle may be statically set at manufacture, or adjustable via adjustment mechanisms (straps, hinges, etc.).

[0049] A variety of near water usages are contemplated. Here, near water generally refers to distances that enable comfortable human activity at the waterline. As but one such example, a seat might be positioned slightly below (within 12 inches) of the waterline to provide wet seating that enables the user to sit in the water, while comfortably holding a beverage (elbow height, propped on a knee, etc.). Similarly, a seat might be positioned slightly above (within 12 inches) of the waterline to provide dry seating that enables the user to dip their toes in the water. While the foregoing is discussed in the context of a near water seat, the concepts may be readily applied to a variety of near water usages and their associated equipment (e.g., coolers, ladders, tables, gang planks, etc.).

[0050] As but one such illustrative example, FIGS. 14 and 15 depict a folding outboard accessory 60 configured as the cooler holder 64 has a back portion 130 that extends downwardly from the attachment portions 70 and may lay against the pontoon boat. The back portion 130 is illustrated as having connection portions 132 configured as recesses or hook portions 133 that may be attached to suitable attachment ends on the attachment portion for retention by gravity. FIG. 15 shows connection portions 132 with manually rotatable latch members 135 that can connect to attachment portions 70 or to recesses in rail channels, see FIG. 4. The side members 136 may be retained in slots 137 of the back portion with the hook portions 138. The side members may have slots 139 to receive platform members 142, 144. Interference cooperating portions 146, 147 may be used to removably retain the components. The components may be connected by rope, string, or the like for keeping the components of the accessory together. The components may be polymers and formed by injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding or the like. In embodiments, the components may be formed from metals, or wood or composite materials or other materials. The foregoing example describes a cooler holder that relies on gravity for orientation, other implementations may flotation to ensure a specific orientation of the accessory with respect to the waterline. For example, a near-water table may include flotation components to level the table surface relative to the waterline, etc.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 16, a retail assemblage 160 of components 161 described herein may be packaged together in a package 162, such as a box, and include the components for retrofitting the receptacle assembly 80 and/or a receptacle 55 with a folding outboard accessory 60 including an attachment portion 70 in an existing pontoon boat. Fasteners 166 and instructions 168 in a non-transient form may be included.

[0052] FIG. 17 illustrate optional steps for adding a receptacle to an existing pontoon boat for receiving folding outboard accessories. FIG. 18 illustrate optional steps of attaching accessories to accessory receptacles in pontoon boats.

[0053] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,192,610; and U.S. Pat. Publication US2007/0295264 are incorporated by reference herein. The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes.

[0054] The following clauses illustrate example subject matter described herein.

[0055] Clause 1. A pontoon boat comprising a flat pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons, with a passenger region defined above the deck, the flat pontoon deck comprising a framework with decking thereon, the framework having an peripheral deck rail extending about a periphery of the pontoon deck, the pontoon boat further comprising a plurality of pontoon deck accessory receptacles, each pontoon deck receptacle extending in a starboard-port direction within the framework of the pontoon deck with an opening in the rub rail the opening being at least one square inch in area, the receptacle extending at least 12 inches into the framework of the pontoon deck.

[0056] Clause 2. The pontoon boat of clause 1, wherein each receptacle extends through a plurality of bow stern extending frame members of the pontoon deck framework

[0057] Clause 3. The pontoon boat of clause 2, wherein each receptacle comprises a tubular member supported by the plurality of bow stern extending frame members, the tubular member extending at least 16 inches inwardly from the peripheral deck rail.

[0058] Clause 4. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the receptacle has an elongate open interior with an aspect ratio of length to minimal interior diameter of the tubular member of at least 10:1.

[0059] Clause 5. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 1-4, further comprising one or more covers for each receptacle.

[0060] Clause 6. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 1-5, wherein each receptacle comprises a retention means for an anchor portion receivable by each receptacle.

[0061] Clause 7. A folding accessory for outboard attachment at a periphery of a deck of a pontoon boat, the folding accessory selected from the set of a seat, a ladder, a gang plank, a cooler receiver, and a table; the folding accessory having a folded or collapsed configuration and a use configuration, the folding accessory comprising: a pair of elongate attachment portions each with a generally cylindrical exterior surface, each attachment portion having an aspect ratio of length to maximum diameter of at least 10, each of the pair of elongate anchoring portions for being received in receptacles along the pontoon boat peripheral deck rail, a plurality of collapsible or folding accessory members, the plurality of collapsible of folding accessory members assemblable to put the accessory in the use configuration, one or more of the collapsible or folding accessory members pivotally connected to or connectable to each of the pair of anchoring portions.

[0062] Clause 8. The folding accessory for outboard attachment at a periphery of a deck of a pontoon boat of clause 7, wherein the accessory is a near water accessory that is positioned adjacent one of the plurality of pontoons of the pontoon boat, and wherein the accessory has a pontoon engagement portion that engages a lateral surface of the one of the plurality of pontoons.

[0063] Clause 9. The folding accessory for outboard attachment at a periphery of a deck of a pontoon boat of clause 7 or 8, wherein the accessory is a seat with a pair of rigid frame seat sides, a back rest portion connecting to each of the tubular frame seat sides, a seat portion connected to the pair of rigid frame seat sides.

[0064] Clause 10. The folding accessory for outboard attachment at a periphery of a deck of a pontoon boat of clause 9, wherein each of the elongate attachment portions are pivotally attached to a respective one of the rigid frame seat sides.

[0065] Clause 11. The folding accessory for outboard attachment at a periphery of a deck of a pontoon boat of clause 7 or 8, wherein the accessory is a cooler holder, wherein the plurality of collapsible accessory members comprise: a spanning rigid upper support attached to the pair of elongate attachment portions: a downwardly extending support member and a horizontal cooler seating member, and a pair of side members.

[0066] Clause 12. The folding accessory for outboard attachment at a periphery of a deck of a pontoon boat of clause 11, further comprising a pair of side members extending upwardly at side margins of the horizontal cooler seating member.

[0067] Clause 13. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 1-6, in combination with the folding accessory of any of clauses 7-12.

[0068] Clause 14. The combination of clause 13, wherein when the accessory is in the folded state and the pontoon deck attachment portion is attached to the pontoon deck the accessory is stowable upright along the pontoon fencing.

[0069] Clause 15. The combination of clause 13 or 14, wherein each receptacle extends in a port-starboard direction, and extends inwardly from the periphery of the pontoon deck at least 16 inches.

[0070] Clause 16. The combination of any of clauses 13-15, wherein each attachment portions is sized for engaging retention within each receptacle.

[0071] Clause 17. A pontoon boat having a plurality of pontoons supporting a pontoon deck, the pontoon deck having a deck framework with a decking secured to the deck framework, the decking with a top surface, the pontoon deck further having and an exterior peripheral deck rail extending around a periphery of the deck and supported by the deck framework, fencing mounted to the panelar top surface adjacent the periphery of the pontoon deck and extending upwardly and defining a passenger region of the pontoon boat, furniture positioned on and attached to the deck at the panelar top surface, the pontoon boat further comprising: a folding accessory removably attachable outboard about the periphery of the pontoon deck, each of the one or more folding accessories having an accessory portion and pontoon deck attachment portion, the accessory portion having a folded state and an expanded use state, wherein when in the expanded use state the pontoon attachment portion is extendable from a rearward side of the accessory portion for attachment to the pontoon boat at a plurality of accessory receptacles positioned at the deck periphery and the accessory portion is positioned outboard proximate the deck periphery and extending downwardly to adjacent one of the plurality of pontoons, wherein when the accessory is in the folded state, the accessory is storable in the passenger region of the pontoon boat when the pontoon deck attachment portions are detached.

[0072] Clause 18. The pontoon boat of clause 17, wherein when the accessory is in the folded state and the pontoon deck attachment portion is attached to the pontoon deck the accessory is stowable upright along the pontoon fencing.

[0073] Clause 19. The pontoon boat of clause 17 or 18, wherein each pontoon deck attachment portion is extendable into the deck framework and the pontoon deck has a plurality of receptacles.

[0074] Clause 20. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 17-19, wherein each receptacle extends in a port starboard direction, and extends inwardly from the periphery of the pontoon deck at least 16 inches.

[0075] Clause 21. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 17-20, wherein each receptacle comprises a tubular portion connecting to a plurality of frame members of the pontoon deck framework.

[0076] Clause 22. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 17-21, wherein each receptacle extends through a plurality of frame members of the pontoon deck framework.

[0077] Clause 23. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 17-22, wherein the plurality of receptacles are partially defined by a plurality of openings in the peripheral deck rail.

[0078] Clause 24. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 17-23, wherein each attachment portions is sized for engaging retention within each receptacle.

[0079] Clause 25. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 17-24, wherein each attachment portion of the folding accessory comprises a pair of elongate anchoring posts having a generally constant cross sectional area for most of a length of each elongate anchoring member.

[0080] Clause 26. A kit for adding a supported outboard pontoon accessory to a pontoon boat, the pontoon boat comprising a flat pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons, with a passenger region defined above the deck, the flat pontoon deck comprising a framework with decking thereon, the framework having an exterior peripheral deck rail extending about a periphery of the pontoon deck, the kit comprising: a pontoon deck accessory receptacle assembly comprising: a plurality of pontoon deck framework components, the framework components comprising: a plurality of frame members for positioning in the framework in a bow stern alignment, each of the plurality of members having two receptacle apertures; a pair of receptacles with an opening; a folding accessory, the folding accessory selected from the set of a seat, a ladder, a gang plank, a cooler receiver, and a table; the folding accessory having a folded or collapsed configuration and a use configuration, the folding accessory comprising: a pair of elongate anchoring portions having an aspect ratio of length to width or diameter of at least 10, each of the pair of elongate anchoring portions conformingly sized to be received in the receptacle portions' openings; a plurality of collapsible or folding accessory members, the plurality of collapsible of folding accessory members assemblable to put the accessory in the use configuration, one or more of the collapsible or folding accessory members pivotally connected to or connectable to the pair of anchoring portions; the kit further comprising instructions in a non-transient medium for installing the receptacle.

[0081] Clause 27. The kit of clause 26, wherein the accessory is a near water accessory that is positioned adjacent one of the plurality of pontoons of the pontoon boat, and wherein the accessory has a pontoon engagement portion that engages a lateral surface of the one of the plurality of pontoons.

[0082] Clause 28. The kit of clause 26 or 27, wherein the accessory is a seat with a pair of rigid frame seat sides, a back rest portion connecting to each of the tubular frame seat sides, a seat portion connected to the pair of rigid frame seat sides.

[0083] Clause 29. The kit of clause 28, wherein each of the elongate anchoring portions are pivotally attached to a respective one of the rigid frame seat sides.

[0084] Clause 30. The kit of clause 26 or 27, wherein the accessory is a cooler holder, wherein the plurality of collapsible accessory members comprise: a spanning rigid upper support attached to the pair of elongate anchoring portions: a downwardly extending support member, a horizontal cooler seating member, and a pair of side members.

[0085] Clause 31. The kit of any of clauses 26-30, wherein the pair of elongate anchoring portions comprise a tubular member extending at least 18 inches.

[0086] Clause 32. The kit of any of clauses 26-31, wherein the pair of receptacle portions of the receptacle assembly comprises a pair of tubes at least 16 inches in length, the tubes sized for being received and retained in the receptacle apertures of the plurality of frame members.

[0087] Clause 33. A method of converting a pontoon boat to accommodate outboard near water accessories, the pontoon boat comprising a flat pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons, with a passenger region defined above the deck, the flat pontoon deck comprising a framework with decking thereon, the framework having an exterior peripheral rub rail extending about a periphery of the pontoon deck, the method comprising: adding an access opening to a peripheral deck rail, the access opening extending into the pontoon deck framework; adding a plurality of bow stern extending framework members to the pontoon deck framework, each framework member having a receptacle opening; and positioning each of the plurality of bow stern extending framework members such that each of the receptacle openings are in alignment with the access opening.

[0088] Clause 34. A method of installing on a pontoon boat an outboard accessory, the pontoon boat comprising a flat pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons, with a passenger region defined above the deck, the flat pontoon deck comprising a framework with decking thereon, the deck having a periphery with a plurality of spaced receptacles at the periphery, the method comprising: attaching an accessory having an attachment portion configured as an elongate member having an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 6:1 into an opening of one of the receptacles that extends from an outer periphery of the pontoon exterior into the framework of the deck.

[0089] Clause 35. The method of clause 34, wherein the attaching the accessory into the opening further comprises insertion of the attachment portion through an opening in a peripheral deck rail of the pontoon boat.

[0090] Clause 36. The method of clause 34 or 35, further comprising installing a second attachment portion configured as an elongate member having an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 8:1 into a second opening of another receptacle that extends from the peripheral deck rail into the framework of the deck.

[0091] Clause 37. The method of any of clause 34-36, further comprising unfolding the accessory.

[0092] Clause 38. The method of any of clauses 34 to 37, further comprising extending the accessory from the periphery downwardly toward the water, extending most of the distance between the periphery and the water.

[0093] Clause 38. The method of any of clauses 34 to 38, further comprising folding a seat portion downwardly to a seating position.

[0094] Clause 39. The method of any of clauses 34 to 38, further comprising folding up the accessory, pivoting up the accessory about a pivot at the exterior end of the attachment portion, and fastening the accessory in an upright position at fencing of the pontoon boat.

[0095] Clause 40. A pontoon boat comprising a pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons, with a passenger region defined above the deck, the pontoon deck comprising a framework with a multiplicity of cross members, decking thereon, and a metal peripheral member extending about a periphery of the deck, the deck having a plurality of spaced receptacles extending from the periphery into the framework, the receptacles each supported by receptacle frame members extending in a bow stern direction, the receptacle frame members attached between and to a pair cross members of the framework.

[0096] Clause 41. The pontoon boat of clause 40, wherein each receptacle comprises a tubular member extending from the framework to the metal peripheral member, the tubular member interior having an aspect ratio of length to diameter of at least 6:1.

[0097] Clause 42. The pontoon boat of clause 40 or 41, wherein each receptacle has an opening in the metal peripheral member of at least about one inch.

[0098] Clause 43. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 40-42, wherein each receptacle comprises a tubular member extending from the periphery into the framework, the tubular member having an interior diameter of at least about an inch, wherein the tubular member is parallel to the cross members or inclined downwardly toward the interior of the framework.

[0099] Clause 44. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 40-43, wherein the metal peripheral member is configured as a peripheral deck rail and comprises a polymer insert extending along the peripheral deck rail, and wherein each opening of the receptacles include an opening in the polymer insert and an opening in the metal peripheral member.

[0100] Clause 45. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 40-44, further comprising covers for capping and closing the opening of each receptacle.

[0101] Clause 46. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 40-45, further comprising an accessory with one or more elongate attachment portions receivable into one or more of the receptacles.

[0102] Clause 47. The pontoon boat of clause 46, wherein the accessory is selected from the set of: seats, cooler holder, cooler, flag pole holder, platform, flag pole, bumper, ladder, a gang plank, an electrical accessory, a sound producing accessory, and an illumination accessory.

[0103] Clause 48. The pontoon boat of clause 46-47, wherein the accessory comprises a pontoon boat engagement portion conformingly shaped to a portion of the pontoon boat.

[0104] Clause 49. The pontoon boat of clause 48, wherein the pontoon boat engagement structure comprises a pontoon engagement portion.

[0105] Clause 50. The pontoon boat of any one of clauses 40-49, further comprising one or

[0106] more motorized extension retraction mechanism attached to one or more of the plurality of spaced receptacles, each of the one or more motorized extension retraction mechanism extends and retracts the respective receptacle attached thereto.

[0107] Clause 51. The pontoon boat of clause 50, wherein each of the one or more motorized extension retraction mechanisms comprising a track and a carriage engaged with the track, wherein the track is fixed to the pontoon deck framework and the carriage is attached to one of the plurality of receptacles.

[0108] Clause 52. A pontoon boat comprising a pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons by pontoon support bracketing, the pontoon deck with a passenger region defined above the deck, the deck support bracketing having a plurality of spaced tubular receptacles extending therethrough above the plurality of pontoons and below the deck, the pontoon boat further comprising one or more accessories, each accessory having an elongate attachment portion to be removably received by the plurality of spaced tubular receptacles.

[0109] Clause 53. The pontoon boat of clause 52, wherein each receptacle comprises a tubular member having an aspect ratio of length to interior diameter of at least 6:1.

[0110] Clause 54. The pontoon boat of clause 52 or 53, wherein each receptacle has an access opening of at least about one inch.

[0111] Clause 55. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 50-54, wherein the one or more accessories comprises a folding accessory, the folding accessory selected from the set of a seat, a ladder, a gang plank, a cooler receiver, and a table; the folding accessory having a folded or collapsed configuration and a use configuration.

[0112] Clause 56. The pontoon boat of any of clauses 50-54, wherein the one or more accessories includes an accessory selected from the set of: seats, cooler holder, cooler, flag pole holder, platform, flag pole, bumper, ladder, a gang plank, an electrical accessory, a sound producing accessory, and an illumination accessory.

[0113] Clause 57. A method of converting a pontoon boat to accommodate outboard near water accessories, the pontoon boat comprising a flat pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons by deck support bracketing, the deck with a passenger region defined above the deck, the method comprising: adding a plurality of aligned holes through the deck support bracketing; installing a tubular receptacle through the aligned holes and fixing the tubular receptacle to the deck support bracketing.

[0114] Clause 58. A method of installing on a pontoon boat an outboard accessory, the pontoon boat comprising a flat pontoon deck mounted on a plurality of pontoons by deck support bracketing, the pontoon deck with a passenger region defined above the deck, the deck support bracketing having a plurality of spaced receptacles, the method comprising: attaching an accessory having an attachment portion configured as an elongate member having an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 6:1 into an opening of one of the receptacles positioned in the deck support bracketing.

[0115] While the aforementioned particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. It will be understood by those with skill in the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim element is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such limitation is present. For non-limiting example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims contain usage of the introductory phrases at least one and one or more to introduce claim elements. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim element by the indefinite articles a or an limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an; the same holds true for the use in the claims of definite articles.