Abstract
A sport boat having an engine hatch proximate the stern of the sport boat and a deployable table proximate the engine hatch. The deployable table is operable between two positions: a first, stowed position and a second, deployed position. Preferably, the boat includes a reversible cockpit chair which can be collapsed and positioned proximate the engine hatch or expanded and spaced from the engine hatch to describe a u-shaped seating area around the deployed table.
Claims
1. A sport boat, comprising: an engine hatch proximate the stern of the sport boat and having an upper portion; a deployable, elongated, generally planar table proximate the engine hatch and operable in two or more positions, including a first, stowed position proximate the engine hatch, a second, deployed position generally horizontally oriented forward of the upper portion of the engine hatch; the upper portion of the engine hatch including a table engagement mechanisms engageable with the deployable table in the first and second positions.
2. The sport boat of claim 1, the table engagement mechanism including a pair of generally parallel tracks slidingly engageable with the deployable table in the first and second positions.
3. The sport boat of claim 1, the table engagement mechanism including a pair of hinges engageable with the deployable table to permit the table to pivot between the first and second positions.
4. The sport boat of claim 1, including a cockpit area forward of the engine hatch and a reversible seat positionable proximate the end of the deployable table in the second, deployed position.
5. The sport boat of claim 4, the deployable table in the second, deployed position, and reversible seat positioned proximate the end of the deployable table in the second, deployed position describing a first configuration.
6. The sport boat of claim 1, including a cockpit area forward of the engine hatch and a reversible seat positionable proximate the engine hatch with the deployable table in the second, deployed position.
7. The sport boat of claim 6, the deployable table in the second, deployed position and the reversible seat positioned proximate the engine hatch with the deployable table in the second, deployed position describing a second configuration.
8. The sport boat of claim 1, including a cockpit area forward of the engine hatch and a reversible seat positionable proximate the engine hatch with the deployable table in the first, stowed position.
9. The sport boat of claim 8, the deployable table in the first, stowed position and the reversible seat positioned proximate the engine hatch with the deployable table in the first, stowed position describing a third configuration.
10. The sport boat of claim 1, the deployable table including a leaf hingedly connected to one end of the table and positionable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.
11. The sport boat of claim 1, the deployable table comprising an upper portion hingedly connected to the engine hatch for movement between a generally vertical, stowed position and a generally horizontal, deployed position.
12. A sport boat comprising: an engine hatch; a deployable table proximate the engine hatch and operable in two or more positions, including a first, stowed position proximate the engine hatch, a second, deployed position generally horizontally oriented forward of the upper portion of the engine hatch; a reversible cockpit seat positionable between a stowed configuration and an expanded configuration and moveable from a position proximate to the engine hatch to a position spaced forward from the engine hatch; whereby the deployable table and reversible cockpit seat are positionable in a number of configurations with respect to each other.
13. The sport boat of claim 12, a first configuration comprising the table in the deployed position and the reversible seat expanded and positioned spaced forward from the engine hatch.
14. The sport boat of claim 12, a second configuration comprising the table in the deployed position and the reversible seat collapsed and proximate the engine hatch.
15. The sport boat of claim 12, a third configuration comprising the table in the stowed position and the reversible seat collapsed and proximate the engine hatch.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an engine hatch with a deployable table;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of FIG. 3:
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1 with parts broken away of a deployable table in a stowed position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3 with a deployable table in a deployed position;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1 with a deployable table in a stowed position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the table of FIG. 5 in a stowed position;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view with cut away of a sport boat having a deployable table;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a sport boat having a deployable table;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view with cut away of a sport boat having a deployable table;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a sport boat having a deployable table;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view with cut away of a sport boat having a deployable table;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a sport boat having a deployable table;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view with cut away of a sport boat having a deployable table;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a sport boat 10 having a deployable table;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a deployable table in a stowed configuration;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the deployable table of FIG. 15 in a deployed configuration;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a deployable table in a stowed configuration;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the deployable table of FIG. 17 in a deployed configuration;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a deployable table in a stowed configuration;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the deployable table of FIG. 19 in a deployed configuration;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a deployable table with rests in a stowed configuration and center section deployed;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the deployable table of FIG. 21 with rests in a deployed configuration and center section stowed;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a deployable table in a stowed configuration; and
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the deployable table of FIG. 23 in a deployed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The preferred embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 1-14, with alternative embodiments represented in FIGS. 15-24. A first configuration of the table and seats in a first configuration is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Turning first to FIG. 8, a sport boat 10 having a bow 12 and stern 14 is illustrated in plan form. A transom 16 located at the stern represents the terminus of the rear of the hull of boat 10. Sometimes herein, a direction towards the bow 12 is regarded as forward, while a direction towards the stern 14 is regarded as rearward. The stern area 14 of the boat 10 contains generally an inboard engine hatch located at 18, and side regions 20, 22 where ballast locations or stowage may be located. Transom seating 24 is also illustrated in FIG. 8 integral with or attached to the transom 16.
[0035] FIGS. 7 and 8 are views of the boat 10 in a first configuration. In FIG. 8, hatch seats 30, 32 are located in the transom regions 20, 22 on either side of engine hatch 18. The transom 16 region need not include seats, but the configuration of FIG. 8 shows fixed transom seats 24 and pivotable hatch seats 30, 32 that can be configured to face forward or rearward or to lay flat. A deployable table 34 is illustrated in the deployed position in FIG. 8, with a reversible cockpit seat 36 configured in a deployed, reverse facing configuration.
[0036] FIG. 7 is another view of the boat 10 of FIG. 8 in a first configuration, but from a perspective and portions of the boat 10 cut-away to show in particular the stern area 14. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the deployable table 34 extends outwardly in a forward direction from the engine 18. Fixed, forward facing cockpit seats 40, 42 are adjacent the deployed table 34. The reversible cockpit seat 36 is shown in a rear facing orientation. The deployable table 34 includes a hinged, articulating leaf 44, which is shown in FIG. 7 in the deployed configuration. The reversible seat 36 preferably includes a base portion 46 and a back portion 48 which is connected to the base 46 by a hinge. In the first configuration of FIGS. 7 and 8, a U-shaped area is presented around deployed table 34 with the reversible seat facing to the rear in an expanded more vertical orientation.
[0037] FIGS. 9 and 10 are other views of the boat 10 in a second configuration. FIG. 9 is from a perspective and portions of the boat 10 cut-away to show in particular the stern area 14, while FIG. 10 is a plan view of boat 10. FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 7, but illustrates an alternative configuration of the deployable table 34 and reversible seat 36. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the deployable table 34 extends outwardly in a forward direction from the engine 18, but in FIG. 9 the leaf 44 is stowed. That is, the leaf 44 is hinged to overlay (or alternatively underlay) the main portion of the table 34. Additionally, the reversible cockpit seat 36 is shown in a stowed position. That is, in the stowed position the back 48 is folded onto the base 46 and the seat 36 slid rearward underneath the table 34 proximate engine hatch 18. In some boat configurations, the reversible seat can be installed on the aft cockpit seating wall. It can be appreciated that in the configuration of FIG. 9 more area is allowed in the cockpit of the boat 10 for user movement, while still allowing some utility of the table 34. In the preferable form of FIG. 9, the top of stowed seat 36 is flush with or nearly flush with the bases of the surrounding cockpit seats.
[0038] FIG. 10 is another view of the boat 10 of FIG. 8, but from a plan view to show in particular the entire boat 10. FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 8, but illustrates an alternative configuration of the deployable table 34 and reversible seat 36 from FIG. 9. That is FIGS. 7-8 show the cockpit table and seating in a first configuration, while FIGS. 9 and 10 show the cockpit table and seating in a second configuration. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the deployable table 34 extends outwardly in a forward direction from engine hatch 18, but in FIG. 10 the leaf 44 is stowed. That is, the leaf 44 is hinged to overlay (or alternatively underlay) the main portion of the table 34. Additionally, the reversible cockpit seat 36 is shown in a stowed position. That is, in the stowed position the back 48 is folded onto the base 46 and the seat 36 slid rearward underneath the table 34. It can be appreciated that in the configuration of FIG. 10 more area is allowed in the cockpit of the boat 10 for movement, while still allowing some utility of the table 34. In the preferable form of FIG. 10, the top of stowed seat 36 is flush with or nearly flush with the bases of the surrounding cockpit seats.
[0039] FIGS. 11 and 12 are other views of the boat 10 in a third configuration with FIG. 11 from a perspective and portions of boat 10 cut-away view to show in particular the stern area 14. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the deployable table 34 is retracted in a rearward direction over the engine hatch 18. However, leaf 44 is deployed and fixed, forward facing cockpit seats 40, 42 are adjacent the deployed leaf 44. The reversible cockpit seat 36 is shown in a stowed, collapsed position. The reversible cockpit seat 36 preferably includes back portion 48 which is connected to the base 46 by a hinge with the back in the folded position.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the third configuration and should be seen in conjunction with FIG. 11. In FIG. 12 the deployable table 34 is retracted in a rearward direction over the engine hatch 18. However, leaf 44 is deployed and fixed, forward facing cockpit seats 40, 42 are adjacent the deployed leaf 44. That is, the leaf 44 is hinged to overlay (or alternatively underlay) the main portion of the table 34. Additionally, the reversible cockpit seat 36 is shown in a stowed position. That is, in the stowed position the back 48 is folded onto the base 46 and the seat 36 slid rearward underneath the table 34 to be proximate the engine compartment 18. It can be appreciated that in configuration three of FIG. 12 more area is allowed in the cockpit of the boat 10 for movement, while still allowing some utility of the table 34. In the preferable form of FIG. 12, the top of stowed seat 36 is flush with or nearly flush with the bases of the surrounding cockpit seats.
[0041] FIGS. 13 and 14 are other views of the boat 10 in a fourth configuration with FIG. 13 from a perspective view and portions of boat 10 cut-away view to show in particular the stern area 14. As can be seen from FIG. 13, the deployable table 34 is retracted in a rearward direction over the engine 18. Leaf 44 is stowed and withdrawn between fixed, forward facing cockpit seats 40, 42. However, a portion of leaf 44 is accessible from fixed, forward facing cockpit seats 40, 42. The reversible cockpit seat 36 is shown in a stowed position. The reversible cockpit seat 36 preferably includes back portion 48 which is connected to the base 46 by a hinge with the back in the folded, collapsed position. The reversible seat 36 can be expanded with the back 48 more vertical relative to base 46, see e.g. FIGS. 7-8.
[0042] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the fourth configuration and should be seen in conjunction with FIG. 13. In FIG. 14 the deployable table 34 is retracted in a rearward direction over the engine hatch 18. The leaf 44 is similarly stowed over the primary surface of table 34. That is, the leaf 44 is hinged to overlay (or alternatively could underlay) the main portion of the table 34. Additionally, the reversible cockpit seat 36 is shown in a stowed position. That is, in the stowed position the back 48 is folded onto the base 46 and the seat 36 slid rearward underneath the table 34 to be proximate the engine hatch 18. It can be appreciated that in configuration four of FIG. 42 more area is allowed in the cockpit of the boat 10 for movement, while still allowing some utility of the table 34. In the preferable form of FIG. 14, the top of stowed seat 36 is flush with or nearly flush with the bases of the surrounding cockpit seats.
[0043] FIGS. 1-6 show more detail of the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 7-14. In FIG. 1, the engine hatch 18 is broadly illustrated with the deployable table 34 shown in a stowed position with the leaf 44 stowed. Port and starboard tracks 50, 52 are provided for guiding the table 34 between the deployed and stowed positions. In FIG. 3, the table is in the stowed position of FIG. 1. Starboard track 52 is elongated with a forward indent 54 and a rear indent 56.
[0044] The table 34 includes forward pins and trailing carriage for engaging in the track. FIG. 3 shows the starboard track 52 with the forward starboard pin 58 settled into the starboard rear indent 56. The starboard trailing carriage is shown at 60 engaging the track 52. As can be seen in FIGS. 2-3, the trailing carriage 60 is hinged with respect to the table 34 to allow pivot of the table around carriage 60.
[0045] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the operation of the table 34 between the stowed position of FIG. 3 and the deployed position of FIG. 4. To deploy table 34 from the stowed position of FIG. 3 the user grasps the front edge of the table 34 lifting starboard pin 58 out of the rear indent 56. The user then pulls the table in the forward direction with the pin 58 and carriage 60 engaging track 52. Carriage 60 is sized and configured to ride over the rear indent 56 as the table moves from the stowed position of FIG. 3 to the deployed position of FIG. 4. In the deployed position of FIG. 4 the pin 58 has fallen into the forward indent 54. Movement from the deployed position of FIG. 4 to the stowed position of FIG. 3 is similar from a user motion point of action. The user grasps the forward edge of the table 34 in FIG. 4 and lifts the pin 58 out of indent 54. The table can now slidingly engage track 52 rearward to the stowed position of FIG. 3.
[0046] Preferably, the tracks 50, 52 are angled upwardly such that in the stowed position the users do not have to step as high when walking over the engine hatch 18 towards the rear of the boat 10. See FIG. 1. With the table 34 deployed, the users enjoy more leg room from additional clearance.
[0047] FIGS. 15-16 show an alternative embodiment of a deployable table 70 engaging proximate an engine hatch. In FIG. 15, the table is shown in a stowed position with starboard and port pins 72, 73 and starboard and port carriages 74, 75. In FIG. 16, the table 70 is in the deployed position where the pins 72, 73 and carriages 74, 75 have traveled upwardly along tracks 76, 77 and the table 70 pivoted downwardly towards boat 10. FIG. 16 shows the carriages 74,75 abutting structure in the engine hatch as at 78 to prevent further downward pivoting. However, alternative stop structures could be used.
[0048] FIGS. 17 and 18 show another alternative embodiment of a deployable table 80 with FIG. 17 showing a stowed position and FIG. 18 a deployed position. In FIG. 17 a table 80 is stowed above the engine hatch and rotated into a deployed position as in FIG. 18. In FIG. 17, starboard and port pivot pins (port pin shown at 82) engage the engine hatch. In FIG. 18 the table 80 has been rotated by the user upwardly and forward around pins as at 82. A stop at 84 prevents further rotation.
[0049] FIGS. 19 and 20 show another alternative embodiment of a deployable table 90. In this embodiment, the surfaces are upholstered and are part of the seat back for cockpit seats proximate the engine hatch 18. FIG. 19 shows the table 90 in the stowed position, while FIG. 20 shows the table 90 in the deployed position. The upper portion of the table 90 is hinged to connect to the engine hatch 18. The user rotates the table 90 to the deployed position of FIG. 20 with a locking mechanism underneath and adjacent to the hinges (not shown).
[0050] FIGS. 21-22 show another alternative embodiment of a deployable table 100. In this embodiment, the surfaces are upholstered and are part of the seat back for cockpit seats proximate the engine. The table 100 includes a center section 102 and starboard and port rests 104, 106. FIG. 21 shows the table 100 with the center section 102 in a deployed position. FIG. 22 shows the table 100 with the rests 104, 106 in the deployed position and the center section 102 in a stowed position. The section 102 and rests 104, 106 are hinged towards their upper ends as shown for pivoting between the deployed and stowed positions.
[0051] FIGS. 23-24 show another alternative embodiment of a deployable table 110. In this embodiment, the surfaces are upholstered and are part of the seat back for cockpit seats proximate the engine. The deployable table 110 has a center section 112 and starboard and port rests 114, 116 adjacent the center section 112. FIG. 23 shows the table 110 with the center section 112 and rests 114, 116 in the in a stowed position. The section 102 and rests 104, 106 are hinged towards their upper ends as shown for pivoting between the deployed and stowed positions. FIG. 24 shows the table 110 with the center section 112 and rests 114, 116 in the in a deployed position.
[0052] It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this invention is believed to provide deployable tables and cockpit seating configurations of various types. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.
