STOWABLE TABLE FOR A BOAT

Abstract

A table for a boat can be a stowable table that is movable between a stowed position and a use position. The stowable table can be located in a seat frame of an elongated seat in the stowed position and located above the elongated seat, such as above a seat bottom, in the use position. The stowable table can be elongated with a table longitudinal direction that is co- directional with a seat longitudinal direction. The table can include a top surface. A table shade can include a shade frame and a cover supported by the shade frame. The cover can have an expanse and be positionable above the top surface of the table.

Claims

1. A boat comprising: a deck; an elongated seat located on the deck of the boat, the elongated seat having a seat longitudinal direction; and a stowable table movable between a stowed position and a use position, the stowable table being elongated and having a table longitudinal direction, wherein, in the use position, the stowable table is located above the elongated seat with the table longitudinal direction co-directional with the seat longitudinal direction.

2. The boat of claim 1, wherein the elongated seat is a bench seat oriented with the seat longitudinal direction extending in a fore and aft direction of the boat.

3. The boat of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of pontoons supporting the deck, the plurality of pontoons including a port-side pontoon and a starboard-side pontoon; and a barrier assembly located on the deck and defining a passenger area of the boat, wherein, in the stowed position, the stowable table is located in the barrier assembly.

4. The boat of claim 1, wherein the elongated seat includes a seatback and the stowable table is positioned behind the seatback in the stowed position.

5. The boat of claim 4, wherein the stowable table is located in a compartment in the stowed position and, when moving from the stowed position to the use position, the stowable table is arranged to translate upward from the compartment and then pivot downward to the use position.

6. The boat of claim 4, wherein the seatback is a longitudinal seatback having a width, the width of the seatback being in the seat longitudinal direction.

7. The boat of claim 4, wherein the elongated seat includes a seat transverse direction perpendicular to the seat longitudinal direction, and the seatback is a transverse seatback having a width, the width of the seatback being in the seat transverse direction.

8. An elongated seat for a boat, the elongated seat comprising: a seat frame including a seat bottom support; a seat bottom supported by the seat bottom support, the seat bottom being elongated and having a seat longitudinal direction and a seat transverse direction perpendicular to the seat longitudinal direction; and a stowable table movable between a stowed position and a use position, the stowable table being located in the seat frame in the stowed position and located above the seat bottom in the use position.

9. The elongated seat of claim 8, wherein the stowable table is elongated and has a table longitudinal direction, and in the use position, the table longitudinal direction is co-directional with the seat longitudinal direction.

10. The elongated seat of claim 8, wherein at least one side of the stowable table is supported by the seat frame in the use position.

11. The elongated seat of claim 8, wherein the stowable table includes a leg that is pivotable between a folded position and a support position, and the leg supports the table in the support position.

12. The elongated seat of claim 8, further comprising a longitudinal seatback having a width, the width of the longitudinal seatback being in the seat longitudinal direction, and wherein, in the stowed position, the stowable table is positioned behind the longitudinal seatback.

13. The elongated seat of claim 8, wherein the seat bottom includes a seat transverse direction perpendicular to the seat longitudinal direction, and the elongated seat further comprises a transverse seatback having a width, the width of the transverse seatback being in the seat transverse direction, and wherein, in the stowed position, the stowable table is positioned behind the transverse seatback.

14. The elongated seat of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the transverse seatback is a movable seatback portion that is movable to expose an opening, the stowable table moving through the opening when moving between the stowed position and the use position.

15. The elongated seat of claim 14, wherein the movable seatback portion is removable to expose the opening.

16. The elongated seat of claim 14, wherein the stowable table is in a folded configuration in the stowed position and is in a linear configuration in the use position.

17. The elongated seat of claim 16, wherein the stowable table is a bi-fold table.

18. A boat comprising: a passage having a width; a table including a top surface, the table being positioned adjacent to the passage and includes a passage edge adjacent to the passage; and a table shade including a shade frame and a cover supported by the shade frame, the cover having an expanse and being positionable above the top surface of the table, wherein, when the cover is positioned above the top surface of the table, the table shade is positioned such that the expanse of the cover does not extend above the passage or extends a distance from the passage edge of the table that is less than the width of the passage.

19. The boat of claim 18, wherein the cover does not extend above the passage.

20. The boat of claim 18, further comprising a barrier defining a passenger area, the table being adjacent to the barrier and the shade frame being attached to the barrier and supported by the barrier.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a pontoon boat equipped with a stowable table.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the pontoon boat shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a pontoon boat is similar to the pontoon boat shown in FIG. 2A, but with two pontoons.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the pontoon boat shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a schematic top views of a forward port-side bench seat of the pontoon boat shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4A shows a bi-fold table, and FIG. 4B shows a tri-fold stowable table.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bi-fold table of FIG. 4A in the use position.

[0015] FIGS. 6A to 6F illustrate a process of moving the bi-fold table from the stowed position to the use position. FIG. 6A is an initial state with the bi-fold table in a stowed position. FIG. 6B shows the state of the elongated seat and the bi-fold table after the first step. FIG. 6C shows a second step. FIG. 6D shows a third step. FIG. 6E shows a fourth step. FIG. 6F shows a completed state with the bi-fold table in the use position.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bow seating area with a bi-fold translating stowable table in the stowed position.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bow seating area with the bi-fold translating stowable table in the use position.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of the forward port-side bench seat for use with a translating stowable table.

[0019] FIGS. 10A and 10B are a perspective views of the bow seating area with the translating stowable table being removed from the stowable table compartment. FIG. 10A shows the translating stowable table moving from a storage compartment, and FIG. 10B shows the translating stowable table in the use position.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bow seating area with the translating stowable table in the use position and a table shade installed above the translating stowable table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] As noted above, recreational boats may be used for various different activities. The boat can be driven on a body of water. The boat also can be anchored, positioned on a sandbar or beach, or otherwise floating in a body of water. The activities may vary depending on if the boat is stationary, being driven, or other considerations. The boat may be used for entertaining, and particularly when stationary, eating and drinking may be enjoyed. As such, it is useful to have a table on the boat on which food can be placed and served. But space on a boat, particularly a relatively small recreational boat, is at a premium. The table of the embodiments discussed herein is a stowable table that can be moved between a use position, in which food or other items can be placed on a surface of the table, and a stowed position. In the stowed position, the area occupied by the table in the use position can be used for other purposes, such as seating, as shown in embodiments discussed herein.

[0022] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a boat and, more specifically a pontoon boat 100, equipped with a stowable table 300 (FIG. 5). FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the bow and starboard side of the pontoon boat 100, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the stern and port side of the pontoon boat 100. The pontoon boat 100 has two or more pontoons (a port-side pontoon 112 and a starboard-side pontoon 114) supporting a deck 120. Although the stowable table 300 is described in conjunction with a pontoon boat 100, it is not so limited, and the stowable table 300 can be used with other boats, particularly other recreational boats including, for example, catamarans, deck boats, and single planing hull boats, such as bow riders, cuddies, center consoles, and cruisers. The pontoon boat 100 includes a bow 102 and a stern 104. A longitudinal centerline 105 runs down the middle of the pontoon boat 100 dividing the boat into a port side 106 and a starboard side 108.

[0023] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the pontoon boat 100. As noted above, the pontoon boat 100 includes two or more pontoons, including the port-side pontoon 112 and the starboard-side pontoon 114, each oriented in a longitudinal direction of the pontoon boat 100, which extends in a fore and aft direction of the pontoon boat 100. Collectively, the pontoons may be referred to herein as a plurality of pontoons 110. The pontoon boat 100 may include more than two pontoons. The plurality of pontoons 110 of the pontoon boat 100 shown in FIG. 2A include a third pontoon (referred to herein as an intermediate pontoon 116) positioned between the port-side pontoon 112 and the starboard-side pontoon 114. In this embodiment, the intermediate pontoon 116 is positioned along the longitudinal centerline 105.

[0024] The deck 120 is supported by the plurality of pontoons 110 and, as depicted in FIG. 2A, includes a deck frame 121 connected to an upper side of each of the plurality of pontoons 110. The deck frame 121 can be formed from a plurality of beams connected together, including a plurality of crossbeams 123. The crossbeams 123 are connected to the upper side of each of the port-side pontoon 112 and the starboard-side pontoon 114. The crossbeams 123 can span from the port-side pontoon 112 to the starboard-side pontoon 114 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the pontoon boat 100, which in this embodiment is a port and starboard direction of the pontoon boat 100. The crossbeams 123 can also be connected to upper side of each of the intermediate pontoon 116. In some embodiments, some crossbeams 123 can span from the port-side pontoon 112 to the intermediate pontoon 116 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the pontoon boat 100, such as the port and starboard direction, and some crossbeams 123 can span from the starboard-side pontoon 114 to the intermediate pontoon 116 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the pontoon boat 100, such as the port and starboard direction. The crossbeams 123 can be parallel to each other.

[0025] The deck frame 121 supports a flooring layer 125 formed of a suitable material such as deck boards, plywood, tiles, or the like. The deck 120 includes and underside 126 (or bottom surface). In some embodiments, the underside 126 may be the lower surface of the deck frame 121, the flooring layer 125, or both. But in other embodiments, an underskin 128, such as aluminum panels, may be attached to the lower surface of the deck frame 121, forming the underside 126 of the deck 120.

[0026] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a pontoon boat 101 that is similar to the pontoon boat 100, but has only two pontoons, the port-side pontoon 112 and the starboard-side pontoon 114. When the pontoon boat 101 is supported by two pontoons, the pontoon boat 101 can include a motor pod 178 to which an outboard motor (the propulsion unit 170 in FIGS. 1A and 1B) may be attached. The motor pod 178 is positioned in the stern 104 of the pontoon boat 101, between the port-side pontoon 112 and the starboard-side pontoon 114. In this embodiment, the motor pod 178 is positioned along the longitudinal centerline 105.

[0027] Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the deck 120 includes an upper surface 127. The upper surface 127 can be an upper surface of the flooring layer 125. The upper surface 127 can be a surface on which individuals walk. The deck 120 includes a perimeter 130. The perimeter 130 can include a plurality of edges. For example, the deck 120 can be rectangular in shape including a bow edge 132, a stern edge 134, a port-side edge 136, and a starboard-side edge 138. The bow edge 132 can be the forwardmost edge of the deck 120, and the stern edge 134 can be the aftmost edge of the deck 120.

[0028] The pontoon boat 100 also includes a fence 141 (also referred to as a barrier, a barrier structure, or a barrier assembly) mounted to the deck 120 around at least a portion of the perimeter 130. The fence 141 can include a frame or rail system with pliable sheets attached thereto. Other fence 141 constructions can be used, including, for example, molded structures, such as fiberglass molded structures. The fence 141 defines an interior or passenger area 140 of the pontoon boat 100. The fence 141 can include one or more gates 143. The gates 143 open and close to allow passengers to enter and exit the passenger area 140. As will be discussed in more detail below, the passenger area can include pontoon boat furniture 150 such as seating, tables, storage space, and the like. The pontoon boat furniture 150 can be positioned on the upper surface 127 of the deck 120 and attached to the deck 120. Also within the passenger area 140 is a control console 172 or helm for operating the pontoon boat 100. Here, the control console 172 is positioned on the starboard side 108 of the pontoon boat 100 in a middle section of the pontoon boat 100.

[0029] The pontoon boat 100 of this embodiment includes a bow deck 162 and a stern deck 164. As depicted in FIG. 1, the bow deck 162 is a portion of the deck 120 forward of the fence 141. Likewise, the stern deck 164 may be a portion of the deck 120 aft of the fence 141. In some floorplans, an aft portion of the fence 141 extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the pontoon boat 100 is omitted. In such floorplans the stern deck 164 can be a portion of the deck 120 at the stern 104, aft of the pontoon boat furniture 150, such as an aft-facing seat. The bow deck 162 and the stern deck 164 can be used to help individuals get in and out of the water and thus may include a swim ladder 166, which in the embodiment shown is foldable so that it can be raised out of the water when not in use. The swim ladder 166 is shown in FIG. 1A as being attached to the starboard side 108 of the stern deck 164, but it can be attached at other locations as well.

[0030] The pontoon boat 100 includes a propulsion unit 170. The propulsion unit 170 depicted in FIG. 1 is an outboard, but other types of propulsion systems may be used including, for example, inboards, sterndrives, and jet drives. The propulsion unit 170 includes a motor 174 operatively coupled to a propulsor to drive the propulsor. In this embodiment, the motor 174 is a combustion engine, but other suitable motors may be used, including electric motors. The propulsor of this embodiment is a propeller 176, but other suitable propulsors may be used, such as, for example, impellers in jet drives. The motor 174 is configured to drive (rotate) the propeller 176 through one or more drive shafts coupling the motor 174 to the propeller 176. Rotating the propeller 176 drives the pontoon boat 100 through the water. To turn the pontoon boat 100 an operator may turn a steering wheel 179 at the control console 172 to rotate and angle the outboard motor (both the motor 174 and the propeller 176) relative to the longitudinal centerline 105. The pontoon boat 100 depicted in FIG. 1 has one outboard motor (the propulsion unit 170). When the pontoon boat 100 is supported by two pontoons, the outboard motor (the propulsion unit 170) can be attached to the motor pod 178 (FIG. 2B), and when the pontoon boat 100 is supported by three pontoons, the outboard motor (the propulsion unit 170) can be positioned behind and attached to the intermediate pontoon 116. The pontoon boat 100, however, may include more than one propulsion unit 170, such as two propulsion units 170, with one propulsion unit 170 positioned behind and attached to each of the port-side pontoon 112 and the starboard-side pontoon 114, for example.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the pontoon boat 100. The passenger area 140 can include a plurality of passenger or seating areas. These seating areas can include, for example, a bow seating area 145 forward of the control console 172 and a stern seating area 147 aft of the control console 172. Different types or arrangements of pontoon boat furniture 150 can be used in each of these seating areas. Depending upon the layout or floorplan, the area immediately aft of the control console 172 can be a separate seating area from the stern seating area 147 and is referred to herein as a helm seating area 149. Within the helm seating area 149 a captain's chair 152 is located at, and aft of, the control console 172 for the operator to operate the pontoon boat 100. In the floorplan shown in FIG. 3, the helm seating area 149 includes a second captain's chair 152 positioned on the port side opposite of the captain's chair 152 at the control console 172.

[0032] The pontoon boat furniture 150 can also include one or more bench seats 154. In the floorplan shown in FIG. 3, the bow seating area 145 and the stern seating area 147 each include a plurality of bench seats 154. For example, the bow seating area 145 includes a bench seat 154 on the port side of the pontoon boat 100, which is referred to herein as a forward port-side bench seat 182, and a bench seat 154 on the starboard side of the pontoon boat 100, which is referred to herein as a forward starboard-side bench seat 184. The forward port-side bench seat 182 and the forward starboard-side bench seat 184 are positioned on opposite sides of the pontoon boat 100 to oppose each other with a passage, such as a forward passage 192, therebetween. Similarly, the stern seating area 147 includes a bench seat 154 on the port side of the pontoon boat 100, which is referred to herein as an aft port-side bench seat 186, and a bench seat 154 on the starboard side of the pontoon boat 100, which is referred to herein as an aft starboard-side bench seat 188. The aft port-side bench seat 186 and the aft starboard-side bench seat 188 are positioned on opposite sides of the pontoon boat 100 to oppose each other with a passage, such as an aft passage 194, therebetween.

[0033] The pontoon boat 100 can have other floorplans and have other pontoon boat furniture 150, such as, for example, swing back lounger in the stern seating area 147. Such a lounger can allow passengers to sit facing the stern or bow at different angles or lie completely flat while soaking up the sun (e.g., a sun pad).

[0034] The bench seats 154 discussed herein are examples of an elongated seat 200. Other examples of elongated seats include chaise lounges. The following discussion of the elongated seat 200 will refer to the bench seat 154 the discussion can also apply to other elongated seats. The elongated seat 200 includes a seat longitudinal direction Ls and a seat transverse direction Ts that is perpendicular to the seat longitudinal direction Ls. The seat longitudinal direction Ls can be the primary axis of extension of the elongated seat 200, that runs along the longest dimension of the elongated seat 200. As shown in FIG. 3, elongated seat 200 can be oriented and positioned such that the seat longitudinal direction Ls extends in a forward and aft direction of the pontoon boat 100.

[0035] The elongated seat 200 includes a seat bottom 210 with a seating surface 212 formed on the upper surface thereof. The seat bottom 210 can comprise one or more cushions. Each cushion can include a base support layer and padding. The padding can be formed on at least the side facing the occupant. The base support layer member extends underneath the padding to support the cushion. The base support layer can be a generally planar structure, such as a plate. The base support layer can be made from any structural material suitable for the marine environment and capable of supporting the weight of an adult. The base support layer can be a molded structure, such as a plastic molded structure formed from a plastic or fiberglass suitable for supporting an individual siting or laying on the seat bottom. The cushions can be constructed from a soft but supportive material, such as triple-density foam. The cushions can be covered with a waterproof material, such as premium grade vinyl.

[0036] The seat bottom 210 can be elongated with a size, a shape, and arrangement that corresponds to the seat longitudinal direction Ls and the seat transverse direction Ts. The seating surface 212 can be a surface that extends in the seat longitudinal direction Ls to allow multiple occupants to sit side by side in a linear arrangement. The pontoon boat 100 can thus define an elongated seating span to accommodate multiple side-by-side passengers. The seating surface 212 of the seat bottom 210 can be a continuous, unsegmented surface that extends in the seat longitudinal direction Ls, providing seating positions that are not confined to individual sections and allowing flexibility in the number and positioning of occupants. Some variations may incorporate contoured seat cushions along the seat longitudinal direction Ls to provide subtle seating delineations without disrupting the elongated and uninterrupted seating surface.

[0037] The elongated seat 200 can include a longitudinal seatback 220. The longitudinal seatback 220 can include a back-support surface 222 that supports the back of the person seated on the seat bottom 210. The longitudinal seatback 220 is arranged relative to the seat bottom 210 to extend upward therefrom and have a width that is oriented in the seat longitudinal direction Ls. In this way, the longitudinal seatback 220 can provide support for individuals seated on the elongated seat 200 when used as a bench seat. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the longitudinal seatback 220 is formed along the fence 141 and the seat bottom 210 is inboard thereof. In this orientation, the elongated seat 200 can position passengers to face inward toward the forward passage 192. The longitudinal seatback 220 is shown as adjacent to the fence 141 and can be formed integrally therewith. However, in other configurations, a forward-facing or rear-facing arrangement may be employed, particularly when integrated into a helm seating or lounge-style layout.

[0038] The elongated seat 200 also can include a transverse seatback 230. The transverse seatback 230 can include a back-support surface 232 that supports the back of the person seated on the seat bottom 210. The longitudinal seatback 220 is arranged relative to the seat bottom 210 to extend upward therefrom and have a width that is oriented in the seat transverse direction Ts. In this way, the transverse seatback 230 can provide support for an individual seated on the elongated seat 200 to use the elongated seat 200 as a lounger. The forward port-side bench seat 182 and the forward starboard-side bench seat 184 include two transverse seatbacks 230, a forward transverse seatback 234, and an aft transverse seatback 236. The forward transverse seatback 234 and the aft transverse seatback 236 are located on forward and aft ends, respectively of the elongated seat 200 and can thus be forward and aft of the seat bottom 210. Each transverse seatback 230 can thus be located at one end of the elongated seat 200, such as at one end of the seat bottom 210, in the seat longitudinal direction Ls.

[0039] The forward transverse seatback 234 can be oriented with the back-support surface 232 facing aft and supporting the back of a person facing aft on the elongated seat 200 with their legs positioned on the seat bottom 210. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the forward transverse seatback 234 is located adjacent to a forward portion of the fence 141 that separates the bow seating area 145 from the bow deck 162 and can be formed integrally therewith. Similarly, the aft transverse seatback 236 with the back-support surface 232 facing forward and supporting the back of a person facing forward on the elongated seat 200 with their legs positioned on the seat bottom 210. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the aft transverse seatback 236 can be located adjacent to a barrier structure that separates the bow seating area 145 from the helm seating area 149. The forward port-side bench seat 182, for example, is located adjacent to the control console 172 and the aft transverse seatback 236 of the forward port-side bench seat 182 is adjacent to the control console 172.

[0040] FIG. 4A is a schematic top view of the forward port-side bench seat 182. As noted above, the pontoon boat 100 includes a stowable table 300. The stowable table 300 is movable between a stowed position and a use position. The stowable table 300 is shown in the use position in FIG. 4A. The stowable table 300 has a table surface 310, which can be a top surface of the stowable table 300. The use position of the stowable table 300 is a position in which food or other items can be placed on the table surface 310. In the use position, the stowable table 300 can be positioned above the elongated seat 200. More specifically, the stowable table 300 is positioned above the seat bottom 210 in the use position. When the stowable table 300 is positioned above the elongated seat 200 or the seat bottom 210, the stowable table 300 is positioned at a higher level and extends over the elongated seat 200 or the seat bottom 210, such that there is at least partial vertical alignment and overlap. As shown in FIG. 4A for example, the stowable table 300 is positioned between the edges of the seat bottom 210 in the seat transverse direction Ts, such as within the outer perimeter of the elongated seat 200. With such a positioning the stowable table 300 does not obstruct the walkways in the passenger area 140 of the pontoon boat 100, such as the forward passage 192. The stowable table 300 can be positioned such that it is not above the forward passage 192.

[0041] The stowable table 300 shown in FIG. 4A is elongated and has a table longitudinal direction Lt and a table transverse direction Tt. The depth of the stowable table 300 in the table transverse direction Tt is less than the width of the stowable table 300 in the table longitudinal direction Lt. In the use position, the stowable table 300 is located above the elongated seat 200 with the table longitudinal direction Lt co-directional with the seat longitudinal direction Ls. For example, the table longitudinal direction Lt can be parallel to the seat longitudinal direction Ls. By, locating the stowable table 300 above the elongated seat 200 in the manner discussed herein, the stowable table 300 can be a relatively large buffet-style serving table without taking up much deck 120 space. The width of the table in the table longitudinal direction Lt can extend over the width of the elongated seat 200, such as over the width of the seat bottom 210, in the seat longitudinal direction Ls.

[0042] As will be discussed further below, the stowable table 300 is movable between the stowed position and the use position. The stowable table 300 can be unfolded when moving from the stowed position to the use position, and can be folded to move from the use position to the stowed position. For example, the stowable table 300 can include a forward portion 320 (a first portion) and an aft portion 330 (a second portion). The forward portion 320 can include a forward edge 322, an aft edge 324, an outboard edge 326, and an inboard edge 328, and similarly, the aft portion 330 can also include a forward edge 332, an aft edge 334, an outboard edge 336, and an inboard edge 338. The forward portion 320 and the aft portion 330 can be pivotably connected to each other by a pivotable connection such as a hinge 342. More specifically, the aft edge 324 of the forward portion 320 can be pivotably connected to the forward edge 332 of the aft portion 330. The stowable table 300, such as the aft edge 334 of the aft portion 330, can also be pivotably attached to the pontoon boat 100, such as to a seat frame 240 (FIG. 5) or other seat support structure of the elongated seat 200. The stowable table 300 shown in FIG. 4A is a bi-fold table 302.

[0043] FIG. 4B is a schematic top view of the forward port-side bench seat 182 having an alternate stowable table 300. The stowable tables 300 discussed herein can have a plurality of segments. In FIG. 4B the stowable table 300 is a tri-fold table 304 having three segmentsa forward portion 320, an aft portion 330, and an intermediate portion 340 located therebetweenthat are pivotably connected to each other using a hinge 342. The tri-fold table 304 can also be pivotably connected to the seat frame 240 (FIG. 5).

[0044] Also as noted above, the stowable tables 300 discussed herein can have a width in the table longitudinal direction Lt that is at least a majority of the width of the elongated seat 200 in the seat longitudinal direction Ls. The tri-fold table 304 shown in FIG. 4B has a width in the table longitudinal direction Lt that extends the full width of the seat bottom 210 of the elongated seat 200 in the seat longitudinal direction Ls.

[0045] The tri-fold table 304 is otherwise similar to the bi-fold table 302 discussed herein but includes an extra segment and has a different length, the discussion of the bi-fold table 302 also applies to the tri-fold table 304. Reference numeral 300 is used to generically refer to the stowable tables discussed herein and any of the stowable tables 300 discussed further below the size and positioning configurations of the bi-fold table 302 and the tri-fold table 304 can also apply to these other stowable tables 300.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bi-fold table 302 in the use position. The elongated seat 200 includes a seat frame 240 supporting the elongated seat 200. More specifically, the seat frame 240 supports the seat bottom 210, the longitudinal seatback 220, and the transverse seatback 230. A portion of the seat frame 240 is visible in FIG. 5. Specifically, a transverse seatback support 242 is visible in FIG. 5. The transverse seatback support 242 supports the transverse seatback 230, such as the aft transverse seatback 236 (not shown in FIG. 5, see FIG. 3). The transverse seatback support 242 also includes a stowable table compartment 250 located therein for stowing the bi-fold table 302 in the stowed position. The stowable table compartment 250 can be located behind the aft transverse seatback 236.

[0047] The bi-fold table 302 can be pivotably connected to the transverse seatback support 242, such as by a hinge 344. The hinge 344 also provides support to hold the bi-fold table 302 in the use position. To further support the bi-fold table 302 in the use position, the bi-fold table 302 can include a leg 350. The leg 350 is pivotable between a folded position and a support position, and the leg 350 supports the table in the support position. The leg 350 can be positioned in the support position when the stowable table 300 is in the use position. The stowable tables 300 discussed herein can be made of wood, such as teak, but the stowable table is not so limited and can be made from various materials, including those suitable for use in a marine environment, such as plastics or corrosion resistant metals, like stainless steel. The table may be formed as a laminate or as a composite material, including, for example Corian, made by DuPont of Wilmington, Delaware.

[0048] Even when floating in the body of water (e.g., anchored or moored), the boat may pitch or rock from waves, for example. The stowable table 300 can include features to help retain items placed thereon, like the food or drinks discussed above. As depicted in FIG. 5, for example, a lip 312 may be formed around the periphery of the table surface 310, such as by milling out a portion of the wood to create the lip. Additionally or alternatively, the upper surface of the table may include one or more recesses 314 into which items may be placed. For example, these recesses have a circular shape that is sized to hold a can or bottle, or larger sized items, with potentially alternate shapes for plates and serving dishes.

[0049] Magnets can also be used to help hold the items on the table surface 310 of the stowable table 300. For example, stowable table 300 can include a material to which a magnet is attracted, such as a ferromagnetic material. Magnets can then be attached to the item placed on the table surface 310, and the attractive force between the magnet and the ferromagnetic material holds the item on the table surface 310 of the stowable table 300. While the entire stowable table 300 may be made from the ferromagnetic material, the stowable table 300 can incorporate the ferromagnetic material in other ways, such as a backing material, an inner laminate layer, or an inset. Alternatively, instead of the ferromagnetic material, the stowable table 300 can include a magnet 316 positioned in the same way as the ferromagnetic material, as schematically depicted with hidden lines in the tri-fold table 304 of FIG. 4B. The stowable table 300 would then attract and hold ferromagnetic material and other magnets. The magnets 316 can be formed from magnetic material, such as permanent magnets, but other magnets, such as electromagnets, can be used.

[0050] FIGS. 6A to 6F illustrate a process of moving the bi-fold table 302 from the stowed position to the use position. To stow the bi-fold table 302, the process is reversed. FIG. 6A shows an initial state with the bi-fold table 302 (not visible, see FIG. 6B) in the stowed position and the elongated seat 200 in a configuration for use as a seat. The aft transverse seatback 236 in a seat back position and supported by the transverse seatback support 242. At least a portion of the aft transverse seatback 236 is movable seatback portion that is movable to expose an opening 252 (FIG. 6B). While the movable seatback portion can be hinged or otherwise movable, the movable seatback portion is a removable seatback portion 238 this is removed to expose the opening 252.

[0051] A first step of moving the bi-fold table 302 from the stowed position to the use position is to move, or in this case remove, the removable seatback portion 238. FIG. 6B shows the state of the elongated seat 200 and the bi-fold table 302 after the first step. More specifically, FIG. 6B shows the removable seatback portion 238 removed exposes the opening 252 and shows the bi-fold table 302 in the stowed position. The bi-fold table 302 is in a folded configuration in the stowed position.

[0052] FIG. 6C shows a second step of moving the bi-fold table 302 from the stowed position to the use position. The forward edge 322 of the forward portion 320 is pivoted forward in direction A. FIG. 6D shows a third step of moving the bi-fold table 302 from the stowed position to the use position. As the forward edge 322 of the forward portion 320 is moved forward, the forward edge 332 of the aft portion 330 is also pivoted forward and up in direction B. The bi-fold table 302 is moved to an extended configuration or an unfolded condition, as shown in FIG. 6E. In the unfolded condition, the forward portion 320 and the aft portion 330 of the bi-fold table 302 are positioned in a coplanar arrangement, with the hinge extended such that the table surface 310 is a continuous surface between the forward portion 320 and the aft portion 330.

[0053] FIG. 6E shows a fourth step of moving the bi-fold table 302 from the stowed position to the use position. With the forward portion 320 and the aft portion 330 in the extended configuration shown in FIG. 6E, the forward portion 320 and aft portion 330 can be raised in direction C and the leg 350 moved from the folded position to the support position, which is a downwardly extended direction from the table surface 310. After the leg 350 is moved, the forward portion 320 and aft portion 330 can be lowered in direction E, which is opposite direction C, to set the leg 350 in place.

[0054] FIG. 6F shows a completed state with the bi-fold table 302 in the use position after the steps shown in FIG. 6E. The bi-fold table 302 is in an unfolded configuration or a linear configuration in the use position. FIG. 6F also shows other portions of the seat frame 240. The seat frame 240 can include a seat bottom support 244. The seat bottom support 244 supports the seat bottom 210. The seat frame 240 can also include a longitudinal seatback support 246 (FIG. 3). While the longitudinal seatback support 246 can be a separate component, the longitudinal seatback support 246 is illustrated as being a portion of the fence 141, such as a forward and starboard portion of the fence 141 for the forward starboard-side bench seat 184.

[0055] FIGS. 7 to 10B depict other stowable tables 300 and arrangements of the stowable tables 300 within the pontoon boat 100. These stowable tables 300 are similar to the bi-fold table 302 discussed above and the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components. Likewise between FIGS. 7 to 10B, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals and the discussion applies to the other stowable table 300 and arrangements. For clarity with the other stowable tables 300 discussed herein, the stowable table 300 shown in FIG. 8 is referred to herein as a bi-fold translating stowable table 306, and the stowable table 300 shown in FIGS. 9 to 10B is referred to as a translating stowable table 308.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bow seating area 145 with the bi-fold translating stowable table 306 in the stowed position. The bi-fold translating stowable table 306 is located in the stowable table compartment 250. The stowable table compartment 250 is located behind the aft transverse seatback 236, such as between the aft transverse seatback 236 and the helm. While the stowable table compartment 250 can be located in the seat frame 240, the stowable table compartment 250 can also be located in a forward portion of the control console 172. The stowable table compartment 250 includes a lid 254 that closes the opening 252 (FIG. 8). In this embodiment, the aft transverse seatback 236 does not need to be movable to gain access to the stowable table compartment 250. Instead, the lid 254 is opened and then the bi-fold translating stowable table 306 is translated upward in direction F.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bow seating area 145 with the bi-fold translating stowable table 306 in the use position. After the bi-fold translating stowable table 306 is translated upward from the stowable table compartment 250, the bi-fold translating stowable table 306 can then pivot downward in direction G. The forward portion 320 and the aft portion 330 can be unfolded and the leg 350 moved from the folded position to the support position. The leg 350 in FIG. 8 can be positioned to rest on the upper surface 127 of the deck 120 to support the bi-fold translating stowable table 306 in the use position.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of the forward port-side bench seat 182. With the translating stowable table 308 (FIG. 10A) in the stowed position. In this embodiment, the stowable table compartment 250 and the translating stowable table 308 are located behind the longitudinal seatback 220 in the stowed position. More specifically, the stowable table compartment 250 is formed in the fence 141 and the translating stowable table 308 is positioned in the fence 141 in the stowed position.

[0059] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the bow seating area 145 with the translating stowable table 308 being removed from the stowable table compartment 250. Similar to the bi-fold translating stowable table 306 discussed above, the translating stowable table 308 is translated upward in direction J to remove the translating stowable table 308 from the stowable table compartment 250.

[0060] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the bow seating area 145 with the translating stowable table 308 in the use position. After the translating stowable table 308 is translated upward from the stowable table compartment 250, the translating stowable table 308 can then pivot downward in direction K to the use position.

[0061] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bow seating area 145 with the translating stowable table 308 in the use position and a table shade 400 installed above the translating stowable table 308. Although shown with reference to the translating stowable table 308, the table shade 400 can be used with the other stowable tables 300 discussed herein. Additionally, the table shade 400 can be use with other table surfaces on the pontoon boat 100. Recreational boats, such as the pontoon boat 100, are often used on warm or hot, sunny days, and it is desirable to provide a shade to keep the stowable table 300 and the food, when placed thereon, cooler by protecting the food from direct exposure to the sun. The table shade 400 is a localized shade that protects objects placed on the table surface 310 of the stowable table 300 from exposure to the sun.

[0062] The table shade 400 can include a shade frame 410 and a cover 420 supported by the shade frame 410. The shade frame 410 can support the cover 420 by stretching the cover 420 over top of the folded position in the use position. The cover 420 can be a shade material used for boating, such as canvas or other material.

[0063] The shade frame 410 can include various features to allow the shade to collapse or otherwise retract when not in use. For example, the shade frame 410 can include one or more poles 412 that are inserted into receivers formed in the side panel of the fence 141 or the seat frame 240 of the elongated seat 200. The shade frame 410 and the cover 420 can, however, be supported in other ways and moved between a stowed configuration and a use configuration in different ways.

[0064] In another example, the shade frame 410 can comprise separate poles spaced apart from each other over the ends and the side of the stowable table 300 in the use position. The cover 420 can be a stretch canvas that is supported, such as at the corners, by these poles of the shade frame 410. For example, a rectangular shape may be supported by four poles and a triangular shape may be supported by three poles. The poles and/or canvas may be integrated into the boat and store, for example, below gunwale upholstery. Such an integrated shade may, for example, unfold like a fan with the pivot located in the console just forward of the windshield. Other approaches may use a single pole that supports a collapsible frame. Such frames may be offset from the center of the canvas (e.g., to one side) and supported, for example, in the control console 172.

[0065] Unlike bimini shades, the table shade 400 is positioned to shade a select area. The cover 420 can thus be relatively close to the table surface 310 of the stowable table 300, such as from 18 inches to 4 feet. With such a height, the cover 420 can be positioned to avoid obstructing other passenger areas, such as the forward passage 192. The cover 420 can be positioned so that the cover 420 does not extend above the forward passage 192 or only minimally extends above the passage. The cover 420 has an expanse and is positionable above the table surface 310 of the stowable table 300. If the cover 420 does extend over the forward passage 192, the cover 420 can extend a distance from the inboard edge 328 (a passage edge) of the stowable table 300 that is less than the width of the forward passage 192, such as less than half the width of the forward passage 192, such as less than a quarter of the width of the forward passage 192. For example, the cover 420 can extend less than 1 foot from the inboard edge 328, such as less than 6 inches.

[0066] As used herein, directional terms, such as forward (fore), aft, inboard, and outboard have their commonly understood meaning in the art. Relative to the boat, forward is a direction towards the bow and aft is a direction towards the stern. Likewise, inboard is a direction toward the center of the boat and outboard is a direction away from it.

[0067] The terms coupled, fixed, attached, connected, and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0068] The singular forms a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0069] As used herein, the term above refers to a position at a higher elevation relative to a reference structure with at least partial vertical alignment and overlap. In this context, an object positioned above another can extend over and be located within the horizontal boundaries or perimeter of the reference structure, without necessarily making direct contact.

[0070] As used herein, the term co-directional refers to components, directions, or features that extend in the same general direction, with or without a fixed angle between them. Co-directional components and directions may be parallel or collinear. The term allows for angular variations while maintaining a general alignment of direction.

[0071] As used herein, the term elongated describes the proportions of an extended shape, where the length is substantially greater than its width. Substantially greater is several times greater. In the context of the elongated seat 200 discussed herein, the length of the elongated seat 200 in the seat longitudinal direction Ls can be at least two times greater, such as at least three time greater, than the length of the elongated seat 200 in the seat transverse direction Ts. Likewise, the length of the stowable table 300 in the table longitudinal direction Lt can be at least two times greater, such as at least three time greater, than the length of the stowable table 300 in the table transverse direction Tt.

[0072] Although this invention has been described with respect to certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application and the equivalents thereof, rather than by the foregoing description.