Abstract
A personal watercraft is provided that comprises a hull, a deck, a handlebar, a steering column and a frame. The deck is provided to the hull. The handlebar has a steering shaft. The steering column rotatably supports the steering shaft. The frame is disposed between the hull and the deck and supports the steering column.
Claims
1. A personal watercraft comprising: a hull; a deck provided to the hull; a handlebar having a steering shaft; a steering column rotatably supporting the steering shaft; and a frame disposed between the hull and the deck and supporting the steering column.
2. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the deck includes a first deck and a second deck that is disposed rearward relative to the first deck, and the frame includes at least one fastening point fastened with at least one of the first deck and the second deck.
3. The personal watercraft according to claim 2, further comprising at least one bracket disposed above a top surface of the first deck.
4. The personal watercraft according to claim 3, wherein the at least one bracket includes a pair of left and right brackets.
5. The personal watercraft according to claim 3, further comprising a first storage container mounted to the at least one bracket.
6. The personal watercraft according to claim 5, further comprising a lid mounted to the at least one bracket to cover an access opening of the first storage container.
7. The personal watercraft according to claim 3, further comprising at least one side mirror mounted to the at least one bracket.
8. The personal watercraft according to claim 3, further comprising a bridge mounted to the at least one bracket.
9. The personal watercraft according to claim 8, further comprising at least one first side cover mounted to at least one of the bridge and the at least one bracket, the at least one first side cover at least partially and laterally covering the bridge.
10. The personal watercraft according to claim 9, further comprising at least one second side cover connected to the at least one first side cover, the at least one second side cover being disposed rearward relative to the at least one first side cover.
11. The personal watercraft according to claim 8, wherein the bridge defines a lateral pass-through opening that is located rearward of the steering column between the deck and the bridge.
12. The personal watercraft according to claim 11, further comprising a second storage container disposed within the lateral pass-through opening.
13. The personal watercraft according to claim 12, wherein the second storage container is detachable from and reattachable to the personal watercraft.
14. The personal watercraft according to claim 12, wherein the second storage container is attached to the personal watercraft by at least one snap fastener.
15. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, further comprising at least one speaker mount mounted to the frame.
16. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, further comprising a steering lever operatively coupled to the steering shaft, the steering lever being disposed under the frame.
17. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, further comprising at least one spacer disposed between the hull and the deck at a location spaced from the frame.
18. The personal watercraft according to claim 17, wherein the at least one spacer has a stiffness less than that of the frame.
19. The personal watercraft according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the hull and the deck has one of a depression and a protrusion for positioning the at least one spacer.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a left side (port) elevational view of a watercraft in the form of a personal watercraft (PWC) in accordance with one illustrative embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, with a saddle seat removed from a deck of the personal watercraft;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a left side (port) elevational view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, with portions of a watercraft body broken away to show an engine and a jet propulsion unit;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded left side (port) elevational view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating arrangements of a hull, the deck, a support frame and a bridge of the personal watercraft;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the hull and the support frame illustrated in FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the deck illustrated in FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded top plan view of the deck illustrated in FIG. 4, illustrating an arrangement of the support frame relative to the deck;
[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded left side (port) elevational view of the deck illustrated in FIG. 4, illustrating an arrangement of the support frame relative to the deck;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an enlarged exploded top plan view of the deck illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating an arrangement of the support frame relative to a bow deck and a middle deck of the deck;
[0018] FIG. 10 is an enlarged right side (starboard) elevational view of the personal watercraft, with a partial cross sectional view showing a steering shaft 22a supported by a steering column 30 that is disposed above the support frame and a steering support of the deck;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a right bracket 78;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a front section of the personal watercraft, showing a lid for a first storage container being positioned in an opened position;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the front section of the personal watercraft, with a first storage container removed from the deck;
[0022] FIG. 14 is an exploded front perspective view of the front section of the personal watercraft;
[0023] FIG. 15 is an exploded right side (starboard) elevational view of the front section of the personal watercraft;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the personal watercraft, with body parts of the personal watercraft removed to show arrangements of left and right brackets and a bridge relative to the deck;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the bridge;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a second storage container configured to be attached to a widthwise space of the personal watercraft;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the second storage container illustrated in FIG. 18;
[0028] FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the second storage container illustrated in FIG. 18;
[0029] FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, with the second storage container removed from the widthwise space of the personal watercraft, illustrating lower attachment sites for attaching the second storage container relative to the personal watercraft;
[0030] FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, with the second storage container removed from the widthwise space of the personal watercraft, illustrating upper attachment sites for attaching the second storage container relative to the personal watercraft;
[0031] FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of a speaker mount for attachment of a speaker relative to the personal watercraft;
[0032] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the speaker mount;
[0033] FIG. 25 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating the speaker mount being attached to a front end of a footwell;
[0034] FIG. 26 is an enlarged top plan view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating the speaker mount being attached to the front end of the footwell;
[0035] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the front section of the personal watercraft, with the bow deck removed to show arrangements of spacers relative to the hull;
[0036] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the front section of the personal watercraft, with the spacers removed from the hull;
[0037] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the spacers;
[0038] FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the deck, the hull and the spacers of watercraft body, taken along a plane extending through protruding portions of the spacers; and
[0039] FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the deck, the hull and the spacer of watercraft body, taken along the plane extending through protruding portions of the spacers.
[0040] It should be noted that these figures are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of methods, structure and/or materials utilized in certain illustrative embodiments and to supplement the written description provided below. These drawings are not to scale and may not precisely reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the range of values or properties encompassed by illustrative embodiments unless specified. The use of similar or identical reference numbers in the various drawings is intended to indicate the presence of a similar or identical element or feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the watercraft field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like similar or identical elements or features, and thus the descriptions of the similar or identical elements or features may be omitted in later embodiments.
[0042] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 to 3, a watercraft 10 is illustrated in the form of a personal watercraft (PWC) in accordance with one illustrative embodiment. While the watercraft 10 is illustrated as a personal watercraft, it will be apparent to those skilled in the watercraft field from this disclosure that the watercraft 10 is not limited to this illustrated configuration of a personal watercraft. The present invention can be provided to other types of watercrafts.
[0043] As seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the watercraft 10 basically comprises a watercraft body 12 with a hull 18 and a deck 20. The watercraft 10 also comprises a handlebar 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a saddle or straddle seat 24. As seen in FIG. 3, the watercraft 10 comprises an engine 26 and a jet propulsion unit 28. The watercraft 10 also comprises a steering column 30.
[0044] The hull 18 has a front end 18a, a rear end 18b, a first or left (port) side 18c and a second or right (starboard) side 18d. The deck 20 is provided to the hull 18. Preferably, the hull 18 and the deck 20 are integrated to form a unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the hull 18, the deck 20 and the other parts of the watercraft body 12 are made of suitable materials that are typically used in watercrafts for a marine environment. Thus, the materials of the hull 18, the deck 20 and the other parts of the watercraft body 12 will not be discussed in detail herein.
[0045] The handlebar 22 is turnably supported on the deck 20. Here, the handlebar 22 is a bar-type steering handle that is turnably disposed relative to the watercraft body 12 for steering the watercraft 10. Specifically, the handlebar 22 has a steering shaft 22a that is turnably supported by the steering column 30. The handlebar 22 is positioned in the center of the watercraft 10 with respect to a lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. The handlebar 22 is disposed in front of the saddle seat 24.
[0046] The saddle seat 24 is supported by the deck 20. The saddle seat 24 is detachably attached to the deck 20 by fasteners in a conventional manner. The saddle seat 24 is positioned in the center of the watercraft 10 with respect to the lateral direction D1 and supported by a seat support portion 32 of the deck 20. The saddle seat 24 is also disposed on the deck 20 at a rearward location of the handlebar 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the saddle seat 24 includes a first or front seating portion 24a and a second or rear seating portion 24b. The front seating portion 24a forms an operator or driver seat of the watercraft 10. The rear seating portion 24b is located higher than the front seating portion 24a and forms a passenger seat of the watercraft 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the saddle seat 24 is detachably mounted to the deck 20 for accessing an interior area or space of the watercraft body 12 between the hull 18 and the deck 20, in which the engine 26 and the jet propulsion unit 28 are disposed. In particular, as seen in FIG. 2, the deck 20 includes an access opening 34 for accessing the interior space of the watercraft body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the saddle seat 24 is removably coupled to the deck 20 to overlie the access opening 34. Thus, the access opening 34 is accessible or exposed while the saddle seat 24 is removed from the deck 20, as seen in FIG. 2.
[0047] As seen in FIG. 3, the engine 26 and the jet propulsion unit 28 are disposed on the hull 18 inside of the watercraft body 12. In particular, the engine 26 and the jet propulsion unit 28 are provided between the hull 18 and the deck 20. A fuel tank (not shown) is also disposed on a front portion of the hull 18 inside of the watercraft body 12. Since the engine 26, the jet propulsion unit 28 and the fuel tank are conventional parts of a personal watercraft, these conventional parts will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.
[0048] The jet propulsion unit 28 is also a conventional device in the watercraft field, and thus the jet propulsion unit 28 will be only briefly discussed and illustrated herein. The jet propulsion unit 28 is positioned in the center of the watercraft 10 with respect to the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. Basically, the jet propulsion unit 28 includes a housing 28a, an impeller 28b and a steering nozzle 28c. The housing 28a is mounted on the hull 18. The housing 28a has a water inlet and a water outlet. The impeller 28b is rotatably mounted inside the housing 28a between the water inlet and the water outlet. The steering nozzle 28c is pivotally mounted relative to the housing 28a at a location rearward of the water outlet. The steering nozzle 28c is operatively connected to the handlebar 22 in a conventional manner such as using cables and/or linkages. The impeller 28b of the jet propulsion unit 28 is operatively connected to a drive shaft of the engine 26. In this way, rotation of the drive shaft by the engine 26 rotates the impeller 28b inside the housing 28a. This rotation of the impeller 28b sucks water into the housing 28a via the water inlet and then forces the water at a higher velocity from the housing 28a through the steering nozzle 28c via the water outlet.
[0049] The steering column 30 rotatably supports the steering shaft 22a of the handlebar 22. As seen in FIG. 3, the steering column 30 is fixedly coupled to a steering support 36 of the deck 20 in front of the saddle seat 24.
[0050] As also seen in FIG. 2, the deck 20 includes left and right side walls 38 and 40 that partially define left and right footwells 42 and 44, respectively, that are designed to accommodate the feet of a person riding the watercraft 10, such as a driver, a passenger, etc. The left and right side walls 38 and 40 generally vertically extend from bottom surfaces 42a and 44a of the footwells 42 and 44, respectively. Thus, the left and right footwells 42 and 44 are arranged to sandwich the seat support portion 32 of the deck 20 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, the deck 20 further includes a reboarding grip 46 that are designed to be held or gripped by a person boarding the watercraft 10. The reboarding grip 46 is provided behind the seat support portion 32 of the deck 20 with respect to a longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10.
[0052] As seen in FIG. 3, the watercraft body 12 includes a widthwise space 50 that is located rearward of the steering column 30. In particular, the widthwise space 50 is formed between the saddle seat 24 and the steering column 30 with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. The widthwise space 50 extends completely through in the lateral or widthwise direction D1 of the watercraft 10 such that the widthwise space 50 is accessible from both lateral sides of the watercraft 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the widthwise space 50 forms a lateral pass-through opening. However, the widthwise space 50 is not limited to this configuration as long as the widthwise space 50 extends in the lateral direction D1. For example, the number and the locations of openings of the widthwise space 50 are arbitrary. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the widthwise space 50 can be a space that is closed or covered at least in the vertical direction. In particular, the widthwise space 50 can be a space that is closed or covered at least in the vertical direction by the watercraft body 12.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 9, the watercraft body 12 will be discussed in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the hull 18 includes an outer shell 52 and an inner liner 54. The outer shell 52 and the inner liner 54 are fixedly coupled together as a unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner liner 54 is fitted inside the outer shell 52 and fastened to the outer shell 52 with adhesive, or other fastening manner. Thus, the outer shell 52 defines an exterior of the hull 18 of the watercraft 10, while the inner liner 54 defines an interior of the hull 18 or an interior of the interior space of the watercraft 10. In some cases, the outer shell 52 shown in FIG. 4 can be merely referred to as a hull, and the inner liner 54 can be merely referred to as a liner. In this case, the hull 18 can be referred to as a hull assembly. The outer shell 52 and the inner liner 54 are made of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) or other suitable materials that are typically used in watercrafts for a marine environment. Thus, the materials of the outer shall 52 and the inner liner 54 will not be discussed in detail herein. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell 52 and the inner liner 54 are made of the same material. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the hull 18 is not limited to this configuration, and can be configured not to have the inner liner 54. In this case, the hull 18 can be integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hull 18 has an outer peripheral support portion 56 extending around an outer periphery of the watercraft body 12. The deck 20 is disposed on the outer peripheral support portion 56 of the hull 18 via an outer packing or frame member, and is fixedly coupled to the outer peripheral support portion 56 of the hull 18 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. The hull 18 further has a pair of bow deck support portions 58 that are located at a front portion of the hull 18 inward of the outer peripheral support portion 56. The bow deck support portions 58 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10 with a lateral gap 59 therebetween. Furthermore, the bow deck support portions 58 longitudinally extend along the outer peripheral support portion 56 of the hull 18. As seen in FIG. 4, the bow deck support portions 58 protrude upward above a top surface of the outer peripheral support portion 56.
[0055] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8, the deck 20 includes a first or bow deck 60 and a second or middle deck 62 that is disposed rearward relative to the bow deck 60. The deck 20 further includes a third or rear deck 64 that is disposed rearward relative to the middle deck 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the bow deck 60, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are independently formed as separate members, and are coupled together with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. The bow deck 60 forms a front portion of the deck 20. The bow deck 60 includes the steering support 36 of the deck 20. The middle deck 62 forms a middle portion of the deck 20. The middle deck 62 includes the seat support portion 32 and the left and right footwells 42 and 44 of the deck 20. The rear deck 64 forms a rear portion of the deck 20. The rear deck 64 includes the reboarding grip 46 of the deck 20.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other at first overlapping sections 60a and 62a thereof that overlap each other in the vertical direction of the watercraft 10. The first overlapping sections 60a and 62a form a first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20 where the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 overlap each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 laterally extends along a rear edge of the bow deck 60, while the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 laterally extends along a front edge of the middle deck 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 overlies the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 in the vertical direction of the watercraft 10. The first overlapping sections 60a and 62a are secured to each other with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., as also explained later. Similarly, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other at second overlapping sections 62b and 64a thereof that overlap each other in the vertical direction of the watercraft 10. The second overlapping sections 62b and 64a form a second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20 where the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 overlap each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 laterally extends along a rear edge of the middle deck 62, while the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 laterally extends along a front edge of the rear deck 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 overlies the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 in the vertical direction of the watercraft 10. The second overlapping sections 62b and 64a are secured to each other with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc.
[0057] Of course, the bow deck 60, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are not limited to this. The bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 can be connected to each other such that the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 overlies the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62. Similarly, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 can be connected to each other such that the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 overlies the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the deck 20 is formed as a three-piece member, but the deck 20 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the deck 20 can be integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member, or can be formed as a two-piece member with a first deck and a second deck that is disposed rearward relative to the first deck, or as a multiple-piece member with more than three decks.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a support frame or bracket 66 (e.g., a frame). The support frame 66 is disposed between the hull 18 and the deck 20 and supports the steering column 30. More specifically, the support frame 66 has a pair of lateral portions 66a and a middle portion 66b that is disposed between the lateral portions 60a in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. The lateral portions 66a and the middle portion 66b are integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral portions 66a and the middle portion 66b are made of suitable materials, such as hard plastic materials, that are typically used in watercrafts for a marine environment.
[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, the lateral portions 66a are disposed on the bow deck support portions 58 of the hull 18, respectively. In particular, the lateral portions 66a are rested on the bow deck support portions 58 via cushioning materials, respectively. Of course, alternatively, the lateral portions 66a can be directly rested on the bow deck support portions 58, respectively, or can be fixedly coupled to the bow deck support portions 58, respectively. In any case, the support frame 66 laterally spans over the lateral gap 59 between the bow deck support portions 58.
[0060] With this configuration, the support frame 66 is configured and arranged to support the deck 20 relative to the hull 18. Specifically, the support frame 66 is configured and arranged to support the deck 20 relative to the hull 18 at the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20 and at the steering support 36 of the deck 20. Thus, the support frame 66 serves as a load-bearing beam that supports the deck 20 itself and any weight externally applied to the deck 20 relative to the hull 18.
[0061] As seen in FIG. 9, the lateral portions 66a includes a plurality of fastening points 68 (e.g., at least one fastening point) fastened with at least one of the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 includes a plurality of fastener openings 70, while the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 includes a plurality of fastener openings 72. The fastener openings 70 and 72 are aligned relative to each other when the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other. The bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are secured to the support frame 66 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., that are inserted through the fastener openings 70 and 72 and fastened to the fastening points 68, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening points 68 can be provided with threaded metal inserts or bushings for securing the fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which both of the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are directly secured to the support frame 66. However, the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are not limited to this. Only one of the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 can be directly secured to the support frame 66 with the fasteners. In this case, the other one of the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 can be secured to the one of the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 without being directly secured to the support frame 66.
[0062] The middle portion 66b of the support frame 66 bulges upward and has a shape corresponding to the steering support 36 of the deck 20. Specifically, the middle portion 66b of the support frame 66 is fitted under the steering support 36 of the deck 20 to support the steering support 36 from below, thereby supporting the steering column 30 attached to the steering support 36. Thus, the support frame 66 can support the steering column 30. In particular, the middle portion 66b includes an opening 74 that is aligned with an opening 36a of the steering support 36 of the deck 20. When the steering column 30 is attached to the deck 20, the steering shaft 22a supported by the steering column 30 extends through the opening 36a of the steering support 36 and the opening 74 of the middle portion 66b such that a distal end portion 22b of the steering shaft 22a is located underside of the steering support 36 and the middle portion 66b of the support frame 66, as seen in FIG. 10.
[0063] As also seen in FIG. 10, the watercraft 10 further comprises a steering lever 76 operatively coupled to the steering shaft 22a. Specifically, the steering lever 76 is fixedly coupled to the distal end portion 22b of the steering shaft 22a. Thus, as seen in FIG. 10, the steering lever 76 is disposed under the support frame 66. The steering lever 76 pivots together with the steering shaft 22a in response to the operation of the handlebar 22 to steer the watercraft 10. Specifically, the steering lever 76 is operatively connected to the steering nozzle 28c via a steering control cable C10 in a conventional manner.
[0064] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 9, the watercraft 10 further comprises at least one bracket 78. Specifically, the at least one bracket 78 includes a pair of left and right brackets 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right brackets 78 are symmetrically configured and arranged relative to each other with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the watercraft 10. Thus, explanations of one of the left and right brackets 78 can be similarly or symmetrically applied to the other one of the left and right brackets 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right brackets 78 are each integrally formed as a single, unitary member. Specifically, the left and right brackets 78 are made of suitable materials, such as hard plastic materials, that are typically used in watercrafts for a marine environment. The left and right brackets 78 are disposed above a top or upper surface 60b of the bow deck 60. In particular, the left and right brackets 78 each are an elongated member that is fixedly coupled to the top surface 60b of the bow deck 60 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc.
[0065] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8, the left and right brackets 78 each has a front end 78a and a rear end 78b. The front end 78a is disposed forward of an accommodation opening 82 of the bow deck 60 for accommodating a front storage container 92, which is described in detail later. The rear end 78b is disposed directly above the steering support 36 of the bow deck 60. Thus, the left and right brackets 78 extend from a position forward of the accommodation opening 82 of the bow deck 60 to a position of the steering support 36 of the bow deck 60 in the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10.
[0066] More specifically, as seen in FIG. 11, the left and right brackets 78 (only the right bracket 78 is shown in FIG. 11) each includes a lower stage portion 86 with a plurality of fastener openings 86a. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower ledge portion 86 continuously extends along the top surface 60b of the bow deck 60 while contacting the top surface 60b of the bow deck 60. The fastener openings 86a are located corresponding to a plurality of fastening points (not shown) provided on the bow deck 60 for securing the left and right brackets 78 to the bow deck 60. In particular, the left and right brackets 78 are secured to the bow deck 60 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., that are inserted through the fastener openings 86a and fastened to the fastening points of the bow deck 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening points of the bow deck 60 can be provided with threaded metal inserts or bushings for securing the fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right brackets 78 each includes the continuous lower stage portion 86. However, the left and right brackets 78 are not limited to this. For example, the left and right brackets 78 can each include a plurality of lower stage portions for a plurality of fastener openings, respectively, or for a plurality of groups having at least one fastener opening, respectively. In this case, the lower stage portions are separate from each other along a longitudinal direction of the left and right brackets 78.
[0067] Furthermore, the left and right brackets 78 each includes a plurality of upper stage portions 88 that are spaced away from the lower stage portion 86 in the vertical direction. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper stage portions 88 include a first upper stage portion 88a with a first fastening point 90a, a second upper stage portion 88b with a second fastening point 90b, a third upper stage portion 88c with a third fastening point 90c, a fourth upper stage portion 88d with a fourth fastening point 90d and a fifth upper stage portion 88e with fifth and sixth fastening points 90e and 90f. In the illustrated embodiment, the first to fifth upper stage portions 88a to 88e are arranged in this order from the front end 78a to the rear end 78b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first to sixth fastening points 90a to 90f of the first to fifth upper stage portions 88a to 88c are provided with threaded metal inserts or bushings for securing fasteners for mounting various body parts of the watercraft 10, which will be discussed in detail later, to the left and right brackets 78. Of course, the first to fifth upper stage portions 99a to 88e are not limited to this, and can be continuously formed as a single upper stage portion. Furthermore, the first to sixth fastening points 90a to 90f are not limited to this. Some or all of the first to sixth fastening points 90a to 90f can be configured not to have the threaded metal inserts or bushings, and can merely include through openings. In this case, the fasteners for securing the body parts of the watercraft 10 can be inserted through openings of the first to sixth fastening points 90a to 90f and be fastened to fastening points provided to the bow deck 60.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 17, the watercraft body 12 will be further discussed in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a first storage container 92. The first storage container 92 is mounted to the bow deck 60. In particular, the first storage container 92 is mounted to the bow deck 60 to cover the accommodation opening 82 of the bow deck 60. More specifically, the first storage container 92 includes an access opening 92a, a bottom wall 92b and a side wall 92c between the access opening 92a and the bottom wall 92b. The access opening 92a opens upward relative to the bow deck 60. The bottom wall 92b and the side wall 92c defines an interior storage space 92d of the first storage container 92. The side wall 92c has an outer shape corresponding to the accommodation opening 82 of the bow deck 60.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the first storage container 92 is mounted to the left and right brackets 78. Specifically, the first storage container 92 further includes a pair of lateral side flanges 94 extending laterally outwardly relative to the interior storage space 92d. The lateral side flanges 94 each have a pair of front and rear mounting portions 94a and 94b. The front and rear mounting portions 94a and 94b each have a fastener hole. The front mounting portions 94a of the lateral side flanges 94 are mounted to the second upper stage portions 88b (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively, and are secured to the second fastening points 90b (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., respectively. Similarly, the rear mounting portions 94b of the lateral side flanges 94 are mounted to the third upper stage portions 88c (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively, and are secured to the third fastening points 90c (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first storage container 92 is mounted to the left and right brackets 78. However, the first storage container 92 is not limited to this. The first storage container 92 can be mounted to only one of the left and right brackets 78.
[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a lid 96. The lid 96 is pivotally coupled to the bow deck 60 to cover the access opening 92a of the first storage container 92. Specifically, the lid 96 is pivotally coupled to the bow deck 60 between an opened position that exposes the access opening 92a and a closed position that covers the access opening 92a. In particular, the lid 96 is pivotally coupled to the bow deck 60 via a hinge 98 provided to a front body panel 100 of the watercraft body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the front body panel 100 includes a pair of mounting flanges 100a that extend rearward. The mounting flanges 100a each have a fastener hole. The mounting flanges 100a of the front body panel 100 are mounted to the first upper stage portions 88a (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively, and are secured to the first fastening points 90a (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., respectively. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the lid 96 is mounted to the left and right brackets 78 via the front body panel 100. However, the lid 96 and the front body panel 100 are not limited to this. The lid 96 can be directly mounted to the left and right brackets 78. The front body panel 100 can be mounted to only one of the left and right brackets 78.
[0071] Furthermore, the watercraft 10 further comprises a center cover or bridge 102 (e.g., a bridge). The bridge 102 is fixedly coupled to the deck 20. As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the bridge 102 has a front end disposed forward of the steering support 36 of the deck 20 and a rear end disposed rearward of the steering support 36 of the deck 20. In particular, the bridge 102 has a front section 102a, a rear section 102b and a middle section 102c disposed between the front section 102a and the rear section 102b in the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. The front section 102a of the bridge 102 is secured to the bow deck 60. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the front section 102a of the bridge 102 is secured to the bow deck 60 at a location between the accommodation opening 82 and the steering support 36 with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. On the other hand, the rear section 102b of the bridge 102 is secured to the middle deck 62. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear section 102b of the bridge 102 is secured to the middle deck 62 at a front section 32a of the seat support portion 32. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bridge 102 spans between the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 over the widthwise space 50. In other words, the bridge 102 defines the widthwise space 50 that is located rearward of the steering column 30 between the deck 20 and the bridge 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge 102 includes a console box or storage box 104a that is opened and closed by a lid 104b at the rear section 102b. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the bridge 102 includes a center accommodation opening 106 in which the steering column 30 is disposed and through which the steering shaft 22a extends.
[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge 102 is disposed at least partially above the left and right brackets 78 and mounted to the left and right brackets 78. In particular, the bridge 102 includes a pair of lateral side flanges 108 and a pair of mirror mounting portions 110. The bridge 102 is fixedly coupled to the left and right brackets 78 such that the lateral side flanges 108 of the bridge 102 overlie the fourth upper stage portions 88d (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively, and the mirror mounting portions 110 of the bridge 102 overlie the fifth upper stage portions 88e (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively.
[0073] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the lateral side flanges 108 extend outward at the front section 102a of the bridge 102. The lateral side flanges 108 each include a fastener hole 108a. The lateral side flanges 108 are mounted to the fourth upper stage portions 88d (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively, such that the fastener holes 108a of the lateral side flanges 108 are aligned with the fourth fastening points 90d (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively. The lateral side flanges 108 are secured to the fourth fastening points 90d (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., respectively.
[0074] The mirror mounting portions 110 are disposed on opposite sides of the center accommodation opening 106 of the bridge 102 with respect to the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. The mirror mounting portions 110 each include a pair of fastener holes 110a and 110b. The mirror mounting portions 110 are mounted to the fifth upper stage portions 88c (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively, such that the fastener holes 110a and 110b of the mirror mounting portions 110 are aligned with the fifth and sixth fastening points 90e and 90f (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78, respectively. The mirror mounting portions 110 are secured to the fifth and sixth fastening points 90e and 90f (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., respectively.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a pair of side mirrors 112. The side mirrors 112 include mirror bases 112a that are mounted to the mirror mounting portions 110 of the bridge 102, respectively. In particular, the mirror bases 112a of the side mirrors 112 and the mirror mounting portions 110 of the bridge 102 are secured together to the fifth upper stage portions 88e (FIG. 11) of the left and right brackets 78 with the fasteners, respectively. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the side mirrors 112 are mounted to the left and right brackets 78, respectively. Of course, the side mirrors 112 are not limited to this. The watercraft 10 can be configured to have only one side mirror, or be configured such that only one of the side mirrors 112 is mounted to one of the left and right brackets 78.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a pair of upper body panels 114. The upper body panels 114 are disposed on opposite sides of the bridge 102 with respect to the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. The upper body panels 114 each extend in an arch from a position forward of the front end of the bridge 102 to a position rearward of the rear end of the bridge 102 and near the seat support portion 32 with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper body panels 114 each have a front or bridge side cover 116 (e.g., at least one first side cover) and a rear or pedestal side cover 118 (e.g., at least one second side cover). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper body panels 114 are symmetrically configured and arranged relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the watercraft 10. Thus, explanations of one of the upper body panels 114 can be similarly or symmetrically applied to the other one of the upper body panels 114.
[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the front side covers 116 are mounted to the bridge 102 and at least partially and laterally cover the bridge 102. Specifically, the front side covers 116 each extend from the position forward of the front end of the bridge 102 to a position rearward of the mirror mounting portions 110 of the bridge 102. In particular, as well seen in FIGS. 12 to 15, the front side covers 116 each have a front end portion 116a that is secured to the top surface 60b of the bow deck 60 at a position next to the accommodation opening 82 of the bow deck 60. Furthermore, as well seen in FIG. 14, the front side covers 116 each have a rear end portion 116b with an attachment flange 116c. The attachment flanges 116c each have a fastening hole and are secured to attachment portions 120 of the bridge 102 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., respectively. The attachment portions 120 of the bridge 102 are located rearward of the mirror mounting portions 110 of the bridge 102, respectively. Furthermore, the front side covers 116 each have a middle portion 116d with an attachment flange 116e between the front end portion 116a and the rear end portion 116b. The attachment flanges 116e each have a fastening hole and are secured to the top surface 60b of the bow deck 60 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., respectively. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the front side covers 116 are mounted to the bridge 102. However, the front side covers 116 are not limited to this. Alternatively or additionally, the front side covers 116 can be mounted to the left and right brackets 78. Thus, the front side covers 116 can be mounted to at least one of the bridge 102 and the left and right brackets 78.
[0078] The rear side covers 118 are connected to the front side covers 116, respectively. The rear side covers 118 are disposed rearward relative to the front side covers 116, respectively. Specifically, the rear side covers 118 each extend from a position forward of the attachment portions 120 of the bridge 102 to the position rearward of the rear end of the bridge 102 and near the seat support portion 32 of the middle deck 62. In particular, as well seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the rear side covers 118 each have a front end portion 118a that is connected to the rear end portion 116b of the corresponding front side cover 116. Furthermore, the rear side covers 118 each have a rear end portion 118b that is secured to a top surface of the middle deck 62 at a position next to the seat support portion 32 of the middle deck 62 with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side cover 116 and the rear side cover 118 of each of the upper body panels 114 gradually slope upwardly toward each other with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10 and converge with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear side covers 118 are mounted to the front side covers 116, respectively, and are mounted to the middle deck 62. However, the rear side covers 118 are not limited to this. Alternatively or additionally, the rear side covers 118 can be mounted to at least one of the bridge 102 and the left and right brackets 78.
[0079] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a second storage container 122. The second storage container 122 is disposed in the widthwise space 50. As mentioned above, the widthwise space 50 extends completely through in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10, and thus the second storage container 122 is accessible from both sides of the watercraft 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the second storage container 122 has an outer shape that corresponds to the widthwise space 50 such that the second storage container 122 is fitted within the widthwise space 50. Specifically, as seen in FIGS. 18 to 20, the second storage container 122 has a main body portion 124 and a pair of left and right side panel portions 126 and 128. The left and right side panel portions 126 and 128 are coupled to the main body portion 124 on opposite sides of the main body portion 124 to define an interior storage area 122a of the second storage container 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the second storage container 122 is symmetrical relative to the longitudinal center plane of the watercraft 10. Thus, the main body portion 124 is a symmetrical member relative to the longitudinal center plane of the watercraft 10, and the left and right side panel portions 126 and 128 are symmetric to each other relative to the longitudinal center plane of the watercraft 10.
[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right side panel portions 126 and 128 include zippers 126a and 128a for opening and closing the interior storage area 122a, respectively. The zippers 126a and 128a are preferably a waterproof zipper. In the illustrated embodiment, the zippers 126a and 128a are provided to both the left and right side panel portions 126 and 128 such that the interior storage area 122a is accessible from both sides of the watercraft 10. However, the second storage container 122 can be configured such that only one of the zippers 126a and 128a is provided to the corresponding one of the left and right side panel portions 126 and 128. Furthermore, the zippers 126a and 128a are not limited to these locations. The zippers 126a and 128a can be located on the main body portion 124.
[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the second storage container 122 is detachable from and reattachable to the watercraft 10. In particular, the second storage container 122 is attached to the watercraft 10 by at least one snap fastener 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one snap fastener 130 includes a plurality of snap buttons each having a male part 130a and a female part 130b (FIGS. 21 and 22) that are toollessly detachable from and attachable to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the male parts 130a are fixedly attached to the main body portion 124 at locations on an upper side 124a of the main body portion 124 and on a lower side 124b of the main body portion 124b, as seen in FIGS. 18 to 20. On the other hand, the female parts 130b are fixedly attached to the watercraft body 12 at locations corresponding to the male parts 130a, as seen in FIGS. 21 and 22. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 21, a set of the female parts 130b is located on a center upper surface 62d of the middle deck 62 and on lateral side surfaces 36b (only one is shown in FIG. 21) of the steering support 36 at locations corresponding to the male parts 130a provided on the lower side 124b of the main body portion 124b. Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 22, a remainder set of the female parts 130b is located on an underside surface 32b of the front section 32a of the seat support portion 32 and an underside surface 102d of the bridge 102. Of course, the at least one snap fastener 130 is not limited to this, and can be different types of fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. Also, the at least one snap fasteners 130 is not limited to this location, and can be located at different locations, as needed and/or desired. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the male parts 130a are provided to the second storage container 122, while the female parts 130b are provided to the watercraft body 12. However, the male parts 130a can be provided to the watercraft body 12, while the female parts 130b can be provided to the second storage container 122.
[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 23 to 26, the watercraft 10 can further comprise at least one speaker mount 132. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the at least one speaker mount 132 includes a pair of left and right speaker mounts 132 (only one is shown in FIGS. 23 to 26). The left and right speaker mounts 132 are fixedly attached to the deck 20 at front ends of the left and right footwells 42 and 44 of the deck 20, respectively. The left and right speaker mounts 132 are symmetrically configured and arranged relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the watercraft 10. Thus, explanations of one of the left and right speaker mounts 132 can be similarly or symmetrically applied to the other one of the left and right speaker mounts 132.
[0083] The left and right speaker mounts 132 each includes an attachment portion 134, a bent arm portion 136 and a mount base portion 138. In the illustrate embodiment, the attachment portion 134 and the bent arm portion 136 are made of metallic material, and are integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member. The mount base portion 138 is made of plastic material. The attachment portion 134 is disposed on the top surface 62c of the middle deck 62 at the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62. The attachment portion 134 has a pair of attachment holes 134a that are aligned to with the fastener openings 72 of the middle deck 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 134 are secured to the support frame 66 (FIGS. 7 to 9) with fasteners 139 that are inserted through the attachment holes 134a of the attachment portion 134, the fastener openings 72 of the middle deck 62 and the fastener openings 70 (FIG. 9) of the bow deck 60 and are secured to the fastening points 68 (FIG. 9) of the support frame 66. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the left and right speaker mounts 132 are mounted to the support frame 66.
[0084] The attachment portion 134 further includes a bracket receiving portion 134b. The bracket receiving portion 134b bulges upward to define a bracket receiving space between an underside surface of the bracket receiving portion 134b and the top surface 62c of the middle deck 62. The bracket receiving portion 134b receives a latching end portion 140a of a speaker bracket 140 that is fixedly coupled to corresponding one of left and right speakers S and is securely latched with the latching end portion 140a of the speaker bracket 140. Thus, the left and right speakers S can be securely attached to the watercraft body 12 via the left and right speaker mounts 132.
[0085] The bent arm portion 136 includes a first portion 136a and a second portion 136b. The first portion 136a extends rearward from the attachment portion 134 along the top surface 62c of the middle deck 62. The second portion 136b is bent downward relative to the first portion 136a to extend along a front wall of corresponding one of the left and right footwells 42 and 44. A distal end portion of the second portion 136b is embedded to the mount base portion 138. Thus, the attachment portion 134, the bent arm portion 136 and the mount base portion 138 are integrally formed as a one-piece member.
[0086] The mount base portion 138 is engaged with a base end portion 140b of the speaker bracket 140 that is fastened to a bottom portion of corresponding one of the left and right speaker S. Thus, the left and right speakers S can be securely supported relative to the watercraft body 12 by the left and right speaker mounts 132.
[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 27 to 31, the watercraft 10 further comprises at least one spacer 142. In particular, the at least one spacer 142 includes a pair of spacers 142 disposed between the hull 18 and the deck 20 at a location spaced from the support frame 66. Specifically, the spacers 142 are disposed on the bow deck support portions 58 of the hull 18, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the bow deck support portions 58 include depressed portions or depressions 58a in front of the support frame 66 for positioning the spacers 142, respectively. In particular, the spacers 142 include protruding portions or protrusions 142a corresponding to the depressed portions 58a, and the spacers 142 are positioned relative to the hull 18 by engaging the protruding portions 142a with the depressed portions 58a of the bow deck support portions 58, respectively. Furthermore, the spacers 142 have underside surfaces 142b that undulate corresponding to undulations of top surfaces 58b of the bow deck support portions 58. Thus, the spacers 142 can be properly positioned relative to the hull 18. Of course, the hull 18 and the spacers 142 are not limited to this. The bow deck support portions 58 of the hull 18 can include protruding portions or protrusions and the spacers 142 can include depressed portions or depressions that correspond to the protruding portions of the bow deck support portions 58. Furthermore, the deck 20 can include one of depressed portions and protruding portions and the spacers 142 can include the other of the depressed portions and the protruding portions that correspond to the one of the depressed portions and the protruding portions of the deck 20. With this configuration, the spacers 142 can be properly positioned relative to the deck 20.
[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the spacers 142 has a stiffness less than that of the support frame 66. In particular, the spacers 142 are made of polystyrene foam or other cushioning materials, while the support frame 66 is made of hard plastic materials.
[0089] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term comprising and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, including, having and their derivatives. Thus, as used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the terms part, section, portion, member or element when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which illustrative embodiments of the inventive concepts belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly-used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0090] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being connected or coupled to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly connected or directly coupled to another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, similar words used to describe the relationship between elements or layers should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, above versus directly above, below versus directly below, adjacent versus directly adjacent, on versus directly on). Thus, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them unless specified otherwise.
[0091] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, positions and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, positions and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, position or section from another element, component, region, layer, position or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, position or section discussed above could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, position or section without departing from the teachings of illustrative embodiments.
[0092] Spatially relative terms, such as forward, rearward, above, below, beneath, downward, vertical, horizontal, and transverse as well as any other similar spatial terms may be used herein for the ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) of the above embodiments. These terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a watercraft floating in calm water.
[0093] The terms of degree such as substantially, about and approximately as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.
[0094] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
