U.S. patent application number 10/369685 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for personal watercraft having a removable pedestal.
Invention is credited to Cassell, Shannon, Dupont, Real, Duval, Dany, Pelletier, Martin.
Application Number | 20030213419 10/369685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29423383 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030213419 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duval, Dany ; et
al. |
November 20, 2003 |
Personal watercraft having a removable pedestal
Abstract
A personal watercraft is described having a hull, an engine
disposed in the hull, a propulsion unit driven by the engine, and a
steering unit to steer the propulsion unit. A deck is supported
above the hull. The deck includes an opening therethrough to
provide access to the engine. A pedestal is disposed on the deck
and releasably fastened to the deck. The pedestal includes an
opening therethrough. The pedestal opening is disposed at a
position vertically above the deck opening. A seat is supported by
the pedestal and releasably fastened thereto. The seat is moveable
from a first position where the seat covers the pedestal opening to
at least a second position where the seat does not cover the
pedestal opening.
Inventors: |
Duval, Dany; (Cantou
d'Orford, CA) ; Cassell, Shannon; (Palm Bay, FL)
; Pelletier, Martin; (Granby, CA) ; Dupont,
Real; (St-Elic D'Orford, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP, LLP
P.O. BOX 10500
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
29423383 |
Appl. No.: |
10/369685 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60357852 |
Feb 21, 2002 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/55.55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 34/10 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/55.55 |
International
Class: |
B63B 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A personal watercraft comprising: a hull; a deck supported on
the hull; an engine disposed between the hull and the deck; a
propulsion unit driven by the engine; the deck including a deck
opening therethrough to provide access to the engine; a removable
pedestal disposed on the deck; the pedestal including a pedestal
opening therethrough, the pedestal opening being disposed at a
position vertically above the deck opening; and a seat supported by
the pedestal and releasably attached to the pedestal, the seat
being moveable from a first position where the seat covers the
pedestal opening to at least a second position where the seat does
not cover the pedestal opening.
2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the removable pedestal is
releasably fastened to the deck.
3. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the deck includes a raised
portion that extends upwardly therefrom to receive the pedestal
thereon.
4. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a seal disposed
between the deck and the pedestal.
5. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein: the deck includes a pedestal
support surface disposed proximate to the deck opening, and the
pedestal includes a deck contact surface arranged to mate with the
pedestal support surface.
6. The watercraft of claim 5, further comprising a seal disposed
between the pedestal support surface and the deck contact
surface.
7. The watercraft of claim 6, further comprising a skirt that
extends downwardly vertically below the deck contact surface and
the seal, the skirt being disposed in an overlapping relationship
with at least a portion of the deck.
8. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a latch assembly
releasably connecting the seat to the pedestal.
9. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises at least
first and second seat sections.
10. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the deck opening is large
enough to allow the removal of the engine as a unit
therethrough.
11. The watercraft of claim 10, wherein the pedestal opening is
smaller than the deck opening.
12. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the pedestal comprises a
first removable horizontal section disposed on the deck and a
second removable horizontal section disposed on the first removable
horizontal section.
13. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the pedestal comprises at
least two vertical sections connected together.
14. The watercraft of claim 13, wherein at least one of the
vertical sections includes a rear wall of the pedestal.
15. The watercraft of claim 5, wherein the pedestal support surface
is lower than a top portion of the engine.
16. A personal watercraft comprising: a hull; a deck supported on
the hull; an engine disposed between the hull and the deck; a
propulsion unit driven by the engine; the deck including a deck
opening therethrough to provide access to the engine; a pedestal
disposed on the deck; the pedestal having port, starboard, and rear
walls, and first and second pedestal sections; at least the second
pedestal section being removable and including a portion of the
rear wall.
17. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein: the first and second
pedestal sections are horizontal sections; and the second pedestal
section is disposed on top of the first pedestal section.
18. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the first and second
pedestal sections are vertical sections.
19. The watercraft of claim 18, wherein the first pedestal section
is integral with the deck.
20. The watercraft of claim 16, further comprising a seat supported
by the pedestal and releasably attached to the pedestal.
Description
[0001] This application relies for priority on U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/357,852, entitled "PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT HAVING A REMOVABLE PEDESTAL," filed on Feb. 21, 2002,
the entirety of which is hereby incorporated into the present
application by reference.
FIELD THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to personal watercraft
(otherwise referred to as "PWCs"). More specifically, the present
invention concerns the construction of the pedestal that supports
the seat on a PWC.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] PWCs are a type of recreational vehicle having a hull and a
deck with a straddle-type seat disposed on the deck. The seat is
typically configured to hold one or more riders.
[0004] The seat on a PWC is supported by a pedestal portion of a
deck. The pedestal portion of the deck is elevated with respect to
a lower portion of the deck upon which the driver (or rider) places
his or her feet. The seat is removable from the pedestal portion of
the deck.
[0005] When the seat is removed, an opening is exposed into the
interior of the PWC. Since the engine is typically located beneath
the seat, after the seat has been removed, the engine is accessible
through the opening to allow routine maintenance and repairs.
[0006] To allow the driver and rider(s) to comfortably straddle the
seat in either a seated or a standing position, the pedestal
portion of the deck typically narrows from the base portion (where
it extends from the deck) to the seat.
[0007] Because the pedestal portion of the deck narrows
progressively toward the top, the opening within the pedestal
beneath the seat is too small for certain types of maintenance to
easily performed on the engine. Additionally, if the engine needs
to be removed entirely from the PWC, some of the engine components
must be partially removed from the engine while it is still in the
personal watercraft before it can be removed through the opening in
the pedestal. This procedure can be complex, time consuming, and
expensive.
[0008] A need, therefore, has developed for a PWC design that
allows a wide variety of different types of routine maintenance to
be performed easily on the engine.
[0009] There is an additional need for a personal watercraft that
allows the engine to be removed from the watercraft as a unit,
without requiring substantial removal of the engine components.
[0010] As indicated, these needs are not addressed by the designs
of PWCs in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is, therefore, an aspect of the present invention to
provide a personal watercraft that allows a wide variety of
different types of routine maintenance to be performed easily on
the engine.
[0012] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
personal watercraft that allows the engine to be removed from the
watercraft as a unit, without requiring substantial dismantling of
the engine.
[0013] Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention provides
a personal watercraft comprising a hull, an engine disposed in the
hull, a propulsion unit driven by the engine, and a steering unit
to steer the watercraft. A deck is supported on the hull. The deck
includes an opening therethrough to provide access to the engine. A
pedestal is disposed on the deck and at least a portion of the
pedestal is releasably fastened to the deck. The pedestal includes
an opening therethrough. The pedestal opening is disposed at a
position vertically above the deck opening. A seat is supported by
the pedestal and releasably fastened to the pedestal. The seat is
moveable from a first position where the seat covers the pedestal
opening to at least a second position where the seat does not cover
the pedestal opening.
[0014] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
personal watercraft comprising a hull, an engine disposed in the
hull, a propulsion unit driven by the engine, and a steering unit
to steer the watercraft. A deck is supported on the hull. The deck
includes an opening therethrough to provide access to the engine.
The deck has a port and starboard portions adjacent to the opening.
A pedestal is disposed on the deck and at least a portion of the
pedestal is releasably fastened to the deck. The pedestal includes
a port portion and a starboard portion, the pedestal port portion
being disposed vertically above the deck port portion, the pedestal
starboard portion being disposed vertically above the deck
starboard portion. At least a portion of the port portion is
disposed at a spaced apart distance from the starboard portion. The
pedestal further includes a connecting element connecting the
pedestal port portion to the pedestal starboard portion. A seat is
supported by the pedestal and releasably fastened to the pedestal.
A latch assembly releasably connects the seat to the pedestal.
[0015] Other objects of the present invention will become apparent
from the discussion that follows, the drawings, and the claims
appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Reference will be made hereinafter to the accompanying
drawings, which illustrate various embodiments of the present
invention discussed herein below, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view, from the stem of the
deck and hull, of one embodiment of the personal watercraft of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial, perspective view, from one side of the
deck and hull, of the embodiment of the personal watercraft of the
present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment for a pedestal for
use with the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pedestal shown in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a partial, perspective view of the embodiment of
the personal watercraft shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the perspective
illustrating the pedestal shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 after it has been
installed on the deck;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the personal
watercraft of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, showing one
embodiment of a seat arrangement;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the personal watercraft of
the present invention shown in FIG. 6, showing a portion of the
deck broken away to reveal details of a portion of the seat
arrangement;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of the personal
watercraft of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, showing a
second embodiment of a seat arrangement;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective, bottom view of the second
embodiment of the seat arrangement or the personal watercraft
illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the deck of
the embodiment of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIGS.
1-5;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pedestal disposed on
the deck of the embodiment of the personal watercraft of the
present invention shown in FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 11A is a partial sectional view taken along line
11A-11A in FIG. 6 showing an alternative embodiment of a
pedestal;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the pedestal illustrated in
FIG. 11, showing a grab handle attached to the pedestal
portion;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a side view of a portion of another embodiment of
a pedestal and seat arrangement for the personal watercraft of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of the personal
watercraft of the present invention shown in FIG. 13, showing a
pedestal pivoted rearwardly;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a side view of the embodiment of the personal
watercraft of the present invention shown in FIG. 13, showing the
seat removed from the pedestal;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a side view illustration of an alternative
embodiment of the pedestal portion of the watercraft of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a further alternative embodiment
of the pedestal portion of the watercraft of the present invention;
and
[0035] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of yet another alternative
embodiment of the pedestal portion of the watercraft of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a partially assembled personal watercraft 10
having a hull 11, an engine 12 disposed in the hull 11, and a
propulsion unit 14 driven by the engine 12. A deck 20 is supported
by the hull 11 at a position above the hull 11.
[0037] The deck 20 includes an opening 22 therethrough to provide
access to the engine 12. The deck opening 22 includes a perimeter
lip 23. Disposed around the perimeter lip 23 of the opening 22 are
first and second side edges 24 and 26, the distance therebetween
defining the width of the opening 22. The perimeter lip 23 of the
opening 22 further includes a forward edge 28 and a rearward edge
30, the distance therebetween defining the length of the opening
22. The width and length of the opening are sized so that the
engine 12 may be inserted into the hull 11 or removed from the hull
11 in its entirety without the necessity of removing engine
components or at least without the necessity of removing a
significant number of engine components. For example, the engine
12, air intake manifold, exhaust manifold and the throttle body
(not shown) could be removed as a unit through the opening 22. The
opening 22 also allows for maintenance to be performed on the
engine 12 and the engine components more easily and/or without
having to remove the engine 12 and the engine components from the
hull. The perimeter lip 23 that surrounds the opening 22 is adapted
to function as a pedestal support surface. It should be noted that
perimeter lip 23 is vertically lower relative to the engine 12 than
in prior art watercraft, in which it corresponds to the pedestal's
perimeter lip. In a preferred embodiment, the perimeter lip 23 is
lower than a top portion of the engine 12. Also shown in FIG. 1 are
fastener openings 32 and a tow loop 34.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows the personal watercraft of FIG. 1 from a side
view. The large size of the opening 22 is easily seen in FIG. 2. As
discussed, the opening 22 is sized, both in width and length, so
that the engine 12 may be removed from the hull 11 without
significant disassembly. "Without significant disassembly" is a
term that would be understood by those skilled in the art. While
not limited to a specific number of components, the term is meant
to mean that only a few components need to be removed from (or
disconnected from) the engine so that it will pass through the
opening 22.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a pedestal 40, which is
configured to be used with the personal watercraft 10 shown in FIG.
1. The pedestal 40 is configured to be releasably fastened to the
deck 20 at a position vertically above the deck opening 22. The
pedestal 40 includes an opening 41 therethrough. The pedestal 40 is
arranged such that the pedestal opening 41, as is shown in FIG. 5,
is positioned above the deck opening 22.
[0040] The pedestal 40 includes a perimeter lip 42 disposed around
the opening 41. The perimeter lip 42 includes first and second side
edges 44 and 46, the distance therebetween defining the width of
the opening 41. The perimeter lip 42 of the opening 41 further
includes a forward edge 48 and a rearward edge 50, the distance
therebetween defining the length of the opening 41.
[0041] The pedestal further includes a port side wall 52 which
extends downwardly from the side edge 46 and a starboard side wall
54 which extends downwardly from the side edge 44. A bottom edge 58
forms the bottom of the pedestal 40.
[0042] Also shown in FIG. 3 is a grab handle assembly 66. The grab
handle assembly 66 is manufactured separately from the pedestal 40
and is attached through the use of suitable fasteners such as
threaded fasteners. The grab handle 66 preferably is manufactured
from molded plastic. However, as would be apparent to one skilled
in the art, the grab handle 66 alternatively may be manufactured
integrally with the pedestal. A pin 68, which is part of a latch
assembly for securing a seat to the pedestal 40, is disposed on the
pedestal 40 proximate to or on the grab handle 66.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pedestal 40. This view shows
a deck contact surface 60. The deck contact surface 60 is sized to
mate with the perimeter lip 23 that surrounds the opening 22 in the
deck 20. A seal 62 is disposed within the deck contact surface 60.
Alternatively, the seal 62 could also be disposed within the
perimeter lip 23 or be a part completely separate from the deck
contact surface 60 and the perimeter lip 23. The seal 62 is
operatively adapted to form a waterproof connection between the
deck contact surface 60 and the perimeter lip 23 that surrounds the
deck opening 22. The seal 62 preferably is constructed from a
waterproof material such as neoprene or silicon. However, any other
suitable material may be used instead.
[0044] FIG. 4 also shows a rear wall portion 56. The rear wall
portion 56, like the port side wall 52 and the starboard side wall
54, extends upwardly from the deck 20 when the pedestal 40 is
disposed thereon. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a skirt 64 extends
downwardly from the perimeter lip 42 to the pedestal bottom edge
58. The skirt 64 extends from the port side wall 52, the starboard
side wall 54, and the rear wall portion 56 in such a way as to
overlap a portion of the deck 20 proximate to the deck opening 23.
Accordingly, the deck contact surface 60 and the seal 62 are both
hidden beneath the skirt 64 when the pedestal 40 is coupled to the
deck 20.
[0045] The purpose of the skirt 64 is mainly decorative. However,
as the skirt 64 covers the seal 62 that separates the deck 20 from
the pedestal 40, the skirt also assists in preventing water from
penetrating between the deck 20 and the pedestal 40 by presenting a
convoluted path from the exterior to the interior of the watercraft
10.
[0046] The portion of the skirt 64 that extends from the rear wall
portion 56 includes fastener openings 65 which are configured to
mate with the fastener openings 32 disposed on the deck 20.
Threaded fasteners (or other fasteners known in the art) engage the
openings 65 and 32 to releasably secure the pedestal 40 to the deck
20.
[0047] Adjacent to the fastener openings 65 is a hole 67 through
which the tow loop 34 extends when the pedestal 40 is disposed on
the deck 20. The tow loop 34 may be provided to tow a water skier
behind the personal watercraft.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the opening 41 within the pedestal 40 is
considerably shorter and narrower than the deck opening 22, the
size of which is defined by the seal 62. While these proportions
are illustrated in the figures, it is contemplated that the
proportions are merely exemplary of the invention and are not meant
to limit the scope thereof.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the pedestal opening 41 is covered by a
seat assembly 70. Accordingly, the pedestal 40 is interposed
between the seat 70 and the deck 20.
[0050] FIG. 5 shows the pedestal 40 disposed on the deck 20. The
pedestal bottom edge 58 marks the location on the deck 20 where the
pedestal skirt 64 overlaps the deck 20. The deck contact surface 60
and the seal 62 are hidden behind the skirt 64. FIG. 5 also shows
how the rear wall portion 56 of the pedestal 40 serves to
considerably elevate the rearward edge 50 of the perimeter lip 42
relative to the forward edge 48. The grab handle 66 is shown in
FIG. 5 extending from the rearward portion of the pedestal 40 in a
manner where the grab handle 66 is cantilevered above the rear wall
portion 56.
[0051] Unlike the deck opening 22, the pedestal opening 41 is too
small to allow the removal of the engine 12 as a unit therethrough
without first removing a significant number of engine components.
Additionally, working on the engine 12 through the pedestal opening
41 may be more difficult than working on the engine 12 through the
deck opening 22 due to the more restricted access provided
thereby.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows the personal watercraft of FIGS. 1 through 5 in
a fully assembled condition. FIG. 6 shows a steering unit 16, which
is operatively arranged to steer the propulsion unit 14. Also
shown, is a sponson 600, which improves the handling of the
watercraft, a similar sponson 600 is provided on the opposite side
of the watercraft 10. A reverse gate 602 is provided to redirect
the thrust provided by propulsion unit 14 to allow watercraft 10 to
move in reverse. The reverse gate 602 can be activated by a driver
of the personal watercraft 10 through the use of reverse gate
handle 604. A seat 70 is supported by the pedestal 40 and is
releasably fastened to the pedestal 40 at an elevated position
relative thereto.
[0053] The seat 70 is moveable from a first position where the seat
70 covers the pedestal opening 41 (the pedestal opening 41 is shown
in FIGS. 3-5) to at least a second position where the seat 70 does
not cover the pedestal opening 41. The seat 70 includes a top
surface 72 that is suitable for one or more riders. The seat 70
includes a latch 74 that is used to secure the seat 70 to the
pedestal 40. The latch 74 is operatively adapted to releasably
engage the latch pin 68 that is disposed on the grab handle 66 on
the pedestal 40. Accordingly the latch 74 and the latch pin 68
comprise a latch assembly. A lever 76 serves to operate the latch
74.
[0054] In FIG. 6, the seat 70 is shown in a position where the
latch 74 has been released from the pin 68 and the rear portion of
the seat 70 has been elevated slightly in relation to the pedestal
40 in the direction of the arrow. It is understood that the latch
assembly comprising the latch 74 and the pin 68 is one of many
possible locking mechanisms that may be used to releasably secure
the seat 70 to the personal watercraft 10 and that the present
invention is not limited solely thereto.
[0055] FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the forward portion of the
seat 70, which is secured to the deck 20 during operation of the
watercraft 10. Specifically, the seat 70 includes a forward
extending tab 78 that is retained within a ventilation opening 36.
Upon the releasing the latch 74 from the pin 68 (as shown in FIG.
6), the seat can be moved rearwardly to release the tab 78 from the
ventilation opening 36 this allows the seat 70 to be removed from
the pedestal 40.
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates a port side view of a watercraft 100,
which is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment, the seat 80 comprises a first seat section 82 and
a second seat section 84. The first seat section 82 is disposed
behind the second seat section 84. The first seat section 82 and
second seat section 84 are both supported by the pedestal 40 at a
vertical position above the deck 20.
[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates one possible configuration contemplated
to secure the first and second seat sections 82, 84 together. As
shown, the first seat section 82 includes forward extending tabs
86a, 86b. A bridge element 88, disposed between side edges 44 and
46, includes loops 92a, 92b within which the tabs 86a, 86b can be
retained. The bridge element 88 also includes a latch pin 94. The
second seat section 84 includes a latch 96, operated by a lever 98,
which mates with the latch pin 94 to secure the second seat section
84.
[0058] FIGS. 10-12 provide additional details for the personal
watercraft 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the
deck 20 includes a bridge element 105 which is disposed at the
rearward portion of the deck opening 22. The bridge element 105 is
supported by the deck 20 and spans across the opening 22 between
the first side edge 24 and the second side edge 26. The bridge
element 105 includes a number of fastener openings 101, 102, 103,
and 104.
[0059] Among other advantages, the bridge element 105 provides
structural support for the pedestal 40 at the rear end. This is
particularly advantageous when the watercraft 10 includes a seat 70
specifically designed to accommodate two or more riders thereon. Of
course, the bridge element 105 may be incorporated into the
watercraft 10 even if it is designed to accommodate only a single
rider (i.e., the driver). It should also be understood that bridge
element 105 could be supported within the pedestal 40 to provide it
with structural support even when it is removed from the deck 20.
In this case, the bridge element 105 could be integral with the
pedestal 40.
[0060] The bridge element 105 can also be used to attach various
components of the watercraft. For example, the bridge element 105
could have openings and support ventilation tubes (not shown) or it
could support a coolant reservoir (not shown).
[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates the position of the pedestal 40 on the
deck 20. The pedestal 40 includes first and second forward
attachment flanges 162 and 164, which extend in a forward direction
from the forward edge 48. First and second threaded fasteners 166
and 168 are shown elevated above the attachment flanges 162 and
164. The fasteners 166 and 168 extend through openings 165, 167
(see FIGS. 3 and 4, for example) within each of the attachment
flanges 162 and 164 to secure the forward portion of the pedestal
40 to the deck 20. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art,
the fasteners 166, 168 could be secured within a threaded insert
disposed within the deck 20, or could be used in association with a
nut and washer. Alternatively, it would be apparent to one skilled
in the art to attach the forward portion of the pedestal 40 to the
deck 20 through the use of other types of fasteners, such as quick
release fasteners or quarter-turn screws, or to provide an
interlocking structure which interlocks the forward portion of the
pedestal 40 to the deck 20 without the use of fasteners.
[0062] Also shown in FIG. 11 is a grab handle support surface 170
disposed at the rearward portion of the pedestal 40. The grab
handle support surface 170 is disposed behind the rearward edge 50.
Two fastener openings 172 and 173 are disposed on the port side of
the grab handle support surface 170, and two fastener openings 176
and 177 are disposed on the starboard side of the grab handle
support surface 170. Fasteners 174, 175, 178, and 179 are shown
elevated above the fasteners openings 172, 173, 176, and 177. The
fasteners 174, 175, 178, and 179 pass through the fastener openings
172, 173, 176, and 177 and are secured within the fastener openings
101, 102, 103, and 104 within the bridge element 100 shown in FIG.
10. Fastener openings 180 and 181 are also disposed within the grab
handle support surface 170. Fastener openings 180 and 181 are used
to secure the grab handle assembly 66 onto the pedestal 40. It
should be understood that more or less fasteners may be used.
[0063] FIG. 11A shows an alternative embodiment of pedestal 40. In
this embodiment, pedestal 40 is made of two members, the pedestal
structure member 40A and the pedestal cover member 40B. The
pedestal structures member 40A provides the structural support of
pedestal 40. It includes the pedestal perimeter lip 42 and the deck
contact surface 60 on which seal 62 is provided. The pedestal cover
member 40B is fastened, using rivets or any other suitable
fasteners, or is bonded to the outer surface of the pedestal
structure member 40A and serves an aesthetic function by covering
reinforcing ribs 622. The pedestal cover member could be extended
over the deck 20 to provide a skirt such as skirt 64.
[0064] FIG. 11A also shows an alternative method of securing the
pedestal 40 to the deck 20. The forward portion of the pedestal 40
is secured to the deck 20 with attachment flanges 162, 164 as
described above. The pedestal 40 is also secured near its
longitudinal center by deck links on either side. For simplicity,
only the port side will be described but it should be understood
that the starboard side functions the same way. The pedestal
structure member 40A has a tab 614 extending towards the center of
the watercraft 10. Deck link 618 is placed such as the deck link
retaining portion is under deck perimeter lip 23. Deck link 618 is
then secured to tab 614 by using a threaded fastener 616 or any
other suitable type of fastener. In this way, the deck perimeter
lip 23 is clamped by the deck link 618, securing the pedestal 40 to
the deck 20. A cushioning member 620, made of a pliable material
such as neoprene, can be placed between the retaining portion 624
of the deck link 618 and the deck perimeter lip 23 to provided a
better contact surface and reduce the transfer of vibrations
between the deck 20 and the pedestal 40.
[0065] FIG. 12 shows the grab handle assembly 66 secured to the
pedestal 40 in a preferred configuration. As would be apparent to
one skilled in the art, the grab handle assembly 66 may include
fastener openings 182, 183 (see FIG. 3) through which fasteners
(also not shown) may pass. The fasteners may be disposed within the
fastener openings 180 and 181 within the rearward portion of the
pedestal 40. The seat (not shown in FIG. 12) attaches to the
pedestal 40 in the manner previously described with respect to
FIGS. 6 through 9 (or through other known methods, as would be
apparent to one of skill in the art).
[0066] FIGS. 13-15 show yet another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the pedestal 240 includes a
starboard side wall 242, a rearward side wall 244, and a port side
wall (not shown) that attaches to the starboard side wall 242
through the rearward side wall 244. The pedestal 240 is attached to
the deck 20 through the use of a hinge element 246 disposed at the
rearward portion of the pedestal 240 at a position beneath a grab
handle 244. A seat 250 is detachably secured to the pedestal 240.
The seat 250 may be secured to the pedestal 240 in the manner
previously described with respect to FIGS. 6 through 9 or through
other known methods as would be apparent to one of skill in the
art. FIG. 15 shows seat 250 removed from the pedestal 240.
[0067] As has been previously described, the seat 250 includes a
latch mechanism (not shown) to secure the seat 250 to pedestal 240.
FIGS. 13 and 14 show a hinge 246 which pivotally attaches the
pedestal 240 to the deck 20. The hinge 246 is disposed at a bottom
rear portion of the pedestal 240. FIG. 14 shows the pedestal 240
pivoted rearwardly with respect to the deck 20. As would be
apparent to one skilled in the art, the hinge 246 shown in this
embodiment could also have been used in the previously described
embodiments of the invention. As would also be apparent to one
skilled in the art, the pedestal 240 may be separated entirely from
the deck 20 at the hinge 246.
[0068] Other embodiments of the invention are also contemplated. In
particular, as illustrated in FIG. 16 the watercraft 10 may be
provided with a pedestal 340 that comprises one or more stacked,
horizontal sections 342, 344. The first horizontal section 342
rests on the deck 22, just as with the pedestal 40. The second
horizontal section 344 is stacked onto the first horizontal section
342. The first and second horizontal sections meet one another at a
seam line 346 that extends from the front to the rear of the
pedestal 340. A seal (not shown), such as neoprene, may be disposed
between the first and second horizontal sections 342, 344 to
discourage water from entering the pedestal 340. A skirt (not
shown) may be provided on the second horizontal section 344 to
cover the seal disposed between the first and second horizontal
sections 342, 344. The skirt would assist in preventing water from
penetrating between the first and second horizontal sections 342,
344 by presenting a convoluted path from the exterior to the
interior of the watercraft 10.
[0069] As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
present invention is not limited solely to first and second
horizontal sections 342, 344. It is contemplated that the pedestal
340 may comprise more than two horizontal sections stacked one on
top of the other beneath the seat 70.
[0070] As this embodiment illustrates, the pedestal 340 need not be
a unitary member. Instead, the pedestal 340 may be removable from
the watercraft 10 in sections. One advantage of such a construction
lies in the fact that the entire pedestal need not be removed for
access to the engine 12 in every instance. It is contemplated that
removal of the upper pedestal layer 344 may provide sufficient
access to the engine 12 for maintenance and repair. Of course, if
it becomes necessary to remove the engine 12 altogether, both
pedestal layers 342, 344 would have to be removed to expose the
deck opening 22.
[0071] It is also contemplated with the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 16 that the height of the seat 70 may be adjusted by removing
a pedestal layer 344 of one height and replacing it with a pedestal
layer 344 of a different height. In this manner, it is possible
that the watercraft 10 may be adjusted to accommodate
differently-sized purchasers and/or riders.
[0072] FIG. 17 illustrates one further embodiment of a pedestal 440
contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention. In
particular, it is contemplated that the pedestal 440 is divided
vertically. In other words, it is contemplated that the pedestal
has removable sections that connect vertically with one another. In
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the pedestal 440 is divided
into two sections, a first section 442 and a second section 444.
The two sections 442, 444 meet one another at seams 446, 448. First
section 442 may need to be provided with at least one additional
opening 606, for additional fasteners (not shown), in order to
attach first section 442 more rigidly to the deck 20. Also,
releasable connecting elements 608, such as latches, may be
desirable to ensure that first and second sections 442, 444 meet as
required.
[0073] As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the sections
442, 444 may be provided with seals (not shown) made of a material
such as neoprene so that water is discouraged from entering the
pedestal 440 through the seams 446, 448. One of sections 442, and
444 may be provided with extensions (not shown) to cover the seals
disposed between the first and second sections 442, 444. The
extensions, in a manner similar to the previously mentioned skirt
64, would assist in preventing water from penetrating between the
first and second sections 442, 444 by presenting a convoluted path
from the exterior to the interior of the watercraft 10. Also, it is
contemplated that the pedestal 440 may comprise more than two
sections 442, 444.
[0074] As FIG. 17 illustrates, it is preferred that the second
section 444 of the pedestal 440 include the rear end 450 of the
pedestal 440. One advantage to this construction is that the second
section 444 includes the rear portion 450 that could be supported
by a structure such as the bridge 105. As a result, it is
contemplated that the second section 444 will offer a greater
degree of vertical stability and strength than a pedestal 440 that
is subdivided into multiple vertical sections.
[0075] One advantage to the construction of the pedestal 440 is the
fact that the entire pedestal 440 need not be removed for
maintenance of the engine 12. In particular, the second section 444
may be removed, leaving the first section 442 attached to the deck
20. In this manner, certain of the components may be accessed
without requiring the additional labor involved with removing all
of the sections 442, 444. As a result, the cost of maintenance may
be reduced. For this reason, it is contemplated that the second
section 444 could be made to be integral with the deck 20. Of
course, if the engine 12 must be removed as a unit, it is
contemplated that both of the sections 442, 444 of the pedestal 440
will have to be removed to gain access to the deck opening 22.
[0076] FIG. 18 illustrates a variation of the pedestal 440 shown in
FIG. 17. Here, a pedestal 540 is divided into a port portion 552
and a starboard portion 554. The port and starboard portions 552,
554 are connected to one another via a connecting portion 556. The
rear portion 558 is a separate section that mates with the port and
starboard portions 552, 554 at the seams 560, 562. Seals (not
shown) can be provided at seams 560, 562 so that water is
discouraged from entering the pedestal 540 through the seams 560,
562. Port and starboard sections 552, 554 may need to be provided
with additional openings 610, for additional fasteners (not shown),
in order to attach port and starboard sections 552, 554 more
rigidly to the deck 20. Also, releasable connecting elements 612,
such as latches, may be desirable to ensure that port and starboard
sections 552, 554 meet rear portion 558 as required. In this
embodiment, the port, starboard, and connecting portions 552, 554,
556 may be removed to gain access to the engine 12 while the rear
portion 558 remains connected to the deck 20. Extensions (not
shown) of port, starboard and rear portions 552, 554, 558 may be
provided to cover the seals disposed at seams 560, 562. The
extensions, in a manner similar to the previously mentioned skirt
64, would assist in preventing water from penetrating at seams 560,
562, by presenting a convoluted path from the exterior to the
interior of the watercraft 10. One advantage to this construction
is that the rear portion 558 need not be separated from the bridge
105 before maintenance may be performed. In this embodiment, it is
possible that the deck opening 22 may be may large enough so that
the engine 12 may be removed from the watercraft 10 without having
to remove the rear portion 558.
[0077] Alternatively, the port and starboard portions 552, 554 may
be connected via the rear portion 558. In this embodiment, which is
not illustrated, the rear portion 558 of the pedestal 540 acts as
the connecting portion between the port and starboard portions 552,
554. This embodiment offers an advantage that the front portion of
the pedestal 540 would remain attached to the deck 20 during
maintenance of the engine 12. As a result, the components at the
rear end of the engine 12 would be more readily accessible.
[0078] In still another embodiment of the present invention, which
is not illustrated, it is contemplated that a hybrid between the
pedestal 340 and the pedestal 440 (and, alternatively, the pedestal
540) may be employed. In this hybrid approach, the pedestal may
comprise a number of horizontal and vertical pedestal sections that
may be removed, like a puzzle to gain access to various components
of the engine 12.
[0079] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications
may be made to adapt a particular situation, component, or material
to the teachings of the present invention without departing from
its teachings as claimed.
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