U.S. patent application number 10/619319 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-20 for accessories for boats and systems and methods for installation and removal of such accessories.
Invention is credited to Fleming, Timothy.
Application Number | 20050011429 10/619319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34062551 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050011429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fleming, Timothy |
January 20, 2005 |
Accessories for boats and systems and methods for installation and
removal of such accessories
Abstract
Accessories for boats, and in particular folding inflatable
boats, are described. The accessories may be installed and removed
from the boats rapidly and easily, hence not impeding folding of
the boats for transport or storage.
Inventors: |
Fleming, Timothy;
(Chambourcy, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN S. PRATT, ESQ
KILPATRICK STOCKTON, LLP
1100 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Family ID: |
34062551 |
Appl. No.: |
10/619319 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 7/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/345 |
International
Class: |
B63B 007/00 |
Claims
1. A boat comprising: a. a deck including a receptacle; and b. an
accessory firmly connected to the deck but removable therefrom, the
accessory (i) being fitted into the receptacle in use and (ii)
including a quick-release fastener received by the receptacle in
use.
2. A boat according to claim 1 further comprising at least one
buoyancy tube.
3. A boat according to claim 2 further comprising a transom to
which an outboard motor may be mounted and in which the accessory
is a console.
4. A boat according to claim 3 further comprising means for
connecting the console to any outboard motor mounted to the
transom.
5-6. cancelled
7. A boat according to claim 61 in which the receptacle is included
in a plate incorporated into the deck.
8. A boat according to claim 7 in which the deck is removable and
comprises multiple foldable sections.
9. A boat according to claim 1 in which the accessory comprises a
seat structure.
10. A boat according to claim 9 in which the seat structure
comprises: a. a seat; and b. a container.
11. A boat according to claim 10 in which the container is a fuel
tank.
12. A method of making an inflatable boat having a length more
compact for storage or transport, comprising: a. deflating an
inflatable element; b. disconnecting at least one accessory from a
deck spanning substantially the length of the boat; and c. removing
the deck.
13-20. cancelled
21. A boat according to claim 1 further comprising at least one
D-ring, connected directly or indirectly to the deck, for
connecting the accessory thereto.
22. A boat according to claim 21 in which the D-ring is moveable
and projects only slightly above the deck when not in use.
23. A boat according to claim 21 further comprising: a. a plate to
which the D-ring is attached; b. a bottom plate positioned
underneath the deck; and c. a fastener connecting the plate and the
bottom plate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to accessories for boats and more
particularly (although not exclusively) to accessories for
inflatable boats and to systems and methods for installing and
removing such accessories rapidly and easily.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Purchasers of boats sometimes customize the boats prior to
use. Consequently, many boats currently are sold without
accessories such as seats, steering mechanisms, and controls.
Purchasers then outfit their boats as desired, often adding these
accessories as well as, for example, storage compartments, fuel
tanks, radios, and lights.
[0003] Consoles frequently added to boats often incorporate remote
steering mechanisms (i.e. steering wheels) and engine speed and
gear controls. These consoles typically contain storage batteries
for engine-starting purposes. The batteries may as well power
radios, lights, and other electrical equipment.
[0004] Consoles of this sort, together with seats, usually are
bolted--or otherwise permanently attached--to the decks of their
associated boats. Such permanent attachment is logical when the
decks are rigid and adapted to receive bolts securely as, for
example, when the boats are RIBs (rigid inflatable boats).
Likewise, permanent attachment of outboard engines to transoms of
RIBs is not disadvantageous, as these boats are not intended to be
dismantled for transport or storage.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,348 to Roy, hereby incorporated herein
in its entirety by this reference, illustrates an exemplary RIB
having a console formed into its deck. Included as part of the
console are a jockey seat and a block forming a piloting post, both
of whose upper portions may be raised or removed to allow access to
drive mechanisms underneath the console. Otherwise, however, the
console is not intended to be removed; indeed, an advantage of
incorporating the console into the deck is to increase the strength
of the assembly, particularly when the RIB is piloted at high
speeds at sea.
[0006] By contrast, permanent attachment of various accessories to
certain other inflatable boats is problematic. Folding inflatable
boats, for example, are marketed as adapted to be dismantled,
deflated, and folded (or rolled) for transport and storage,
sometimes in compact bags. These boats often include removable deck
sections and use air as their sole means of providing rigidity and
buoyancy. Permanently attaching accessories such as consoles,
seats, and engines to these boats would inhibit, if not completely
thwart, their dismantling and folding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention accordingly provides boating
accessories that may be installed and removed rapidly and easily.
As a result, the accessories may be utilized advantageously in
folding inflatable boats, as they need not be permanently connected
thereto. These accessories, together with their installation and
removal systems and methods, likewise may be used with other boats
(including RIBs). As well some or all of the accessories, systems,
and methods of the invention may be used in connection with
vehicles other than boats.
[0008] Certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate
including plates, tracks, D-rings (or eyes), or other receptacles
prepositioned and fitted onto a deck. The plates, rings, and
receptacles will provide anchor points for accessories and be
adapted to receive quick-release hooks or similar devices. When the
accessories are installed, the hooks will be received by
complementary mechanisms of the plates so as firmly to latch the
accessories in position. By contrast, the quick-release action of
the hooks permits rapid removal of the accessories when desired. If
such rapidity is undesirable (e.g. to minimize possibility of theft
of the removable accessories), the hooks may be fitted with a
locking system.
[0009] Various embodiments of the invention additionally may
include a self-contained steering control console. Adapted for
connection to an engine via appropriate electrical and mechanical
cables, the console also may include a steering wheel and mechanism
and incorporate engine gear and throttle levers and an instrument
panel. As well, within the console may be included a starting
battery. By fitting it with quick-release hooks (or similar
devices), the console may be rapidly installed and removed from the
deck.
[0010] The invention further may include one or more seats likewise
adapted for connection to and removal from the deck. In some
embodiments the seats are molded and form part of a module also
including storage space, a fuel tank, or both. Alternatively, other
types of seats attachable to plates positioned in the deck may be
used.
[0011] Yet additionally, the invention may comprise a mechanism for
mounting an outboard motor in a manner permitting its ready removal
from the boat. A quick-release motor bracket intermediate the motor
and transom would be acceptable for this purpose. If cables connect
the engine to a remote steering device (such as a steering wheel on
the console), they too either may be equipped with quick-release
devices or, in some cases, simply allowed to remain in
position.
[0012] It thus is an optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide boats with removable accessories.
[0013] It is also an optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide accessories for folding inflatable boats that
may be rapidly and easily installed and removed.
[0014] It is another optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide systems and methods for such rapid and facile
installation of accessories.
[0015] It is a further optional, non-exclusive object of the
present invention to provide consoles or other components that may
be fitted to receptacles within decks of boats.
[0016] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant field
with reference to the remaining text and the drawings of this
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary inflatable boat
having a deck consistent with the present invention.
[0018] FIGS. 2A-B are perspective views of an exemplary seat
structure consistent with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the boat of FIG. 1 including
a console and seat attached to the deck.
[0020] FIGS. 4-5 are side elevational views of exemplary fastening
mechanisms useful in connection with the present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 6A-B are views of an alternate fastening mechanism
useful in connection with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a depiction of an exemplary mechanism for mounting
an outbound motor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an exemplary boat 10. Boat 10 may
(but need not necessarily) be inflatable and comprise one or more
buoyancy tubes 14. Also depicted in FIG. 1 is transom 18, to which
an outboard motor or other engine may be attached.
[0024] Included as part of boat 10 may be deck 22, which as shown
in FIG. 1 may be made of multiple sections 26. Deck 22 may be
removable, with sections 26 folding upon each other for
compactness. With deck 22 (and transom 18) removed, tubes 14 may be
deflated and boat 10 rolled, folded, or otherwise decreased in size
for transport or storage. Deck 22 need not be removable, however,
nor need it include foldable sections 26.
[0025] Formed in or on deck 22 are receptacles 30. Such receptacles
30 may be included in plates positioned within deck 22 or as part
of tracks either formed therein or positioned thereon.
Alternatively, other types of receptacles may be employed. In
particular, receptacles 30 may, if desired, comprise rings
(preferably D-rings) bolted or otherwise attached to the plates or
directly to deck 22. Such rings, if present, further may be
foldable so that rest flat (or almost so) against the plates or
deck when not in use. Preferably, however, the presence of
receptacles 30 does not impede either removal of deck 22 from boat
10 or folding of sections 26 upon each other (if the deck 22 is
removable or has foldable sections 26).
[0026] FIGS. 2A-B show an exemplary structure 34 adapted for
placement into one of more receptacles 30. Depicted as a seating
module, structure 34 may include seat 38 and container 42. In some
embodiments of the invention, seat 38 is molded and mounted onto
container 42. Those skilled in the art will, however, recognize
that structure 34 may consist of components other than seat 38.
Likewise, although container 42 may provide storage space for
liquids (such as engine fuel) or solid items, it need not do so,
nor need it necessarily be present as part of structure 34.
[0027] FIG. 2A details structure 34 fitted into receptacles 30 of
plate 44 of deck 22. Conventional quick-release hooks 46 and
receivers may be employed to accomplish such fitting. Typically,
although not necessarily, the quick-release hooks 46 (FIG. 2B) will
be included on base 50 of structure 34, while the receivers will be
incorporated into receptacles 30. If desired to latch structure 34
to deck 22 more permanently, a suitable locking mechanism also may
be employed.
[0028] Illustrated in FIG. 3 is console 54 together with an
alternative seat structure 58. Both console 54 and structure 58 may
be temporarily connected to deck 22, as described above, using
quick-release fasteners or other appropriate devices. Console 54
may include steering wheel 62 and, if desired, engine gear or
throttle levers as well. Likewise, console 54 may include optional
instrument panels, an engine starting mechanism, and a storage
battery. Any necessary cables (whether electrical, mechanical, or
otherwise) connecting console 54 to an outboard or other motor may
themselves be adapted readily to be disconnected from either or
both of console 54 and the motor. Consequently, merely by
disconnecting the cables and releasing the fasteners, console 54
may be removed from boat 10.
[0029] FIGS. 4-5 show examples of quick-release mechanisms useful
in connection with the invention. Such mechanisms are available
from Southco, 210 North Brinton Lake Road, Concordville, Pa.,
although other mechanisms may be employed instead. In FIG. 4,
mechanism 66 includes hook 70 designed to engage keeper 74 when
handle 78 is rotated downward (toward keeper 74). Rotating handle
78 upward, by contrast, may release engagement of hook 70 and
keeper 74. Either hook 70 or keeper 74 typically would attach to
structure 34 or 58, with the other of hook 70 or keeper 74 being
connected directly or indirectly to deck 22.
[0030] Illustrated in FIG. 5 is an alternative mechanism 82
comprising lever 86 and rod 90. Depressing lever 86 engages hook 94
(present at an end of rod 90) and keeper 98. Raising lever 86
releases hook 94 from keeper 98.
[0031] FIGS. 6A-B detail another alternative mechanism 100 for use
in connection with the invention. Mechanism 100 may include one or
more D-rings 200, each connected to a corresponding plate 204. In
use, D-rings 200 receive hooks or other portions of equipment (or
connectors) to be attached to deck 22. When not in use, by
contrast, D-rings 200 may rest flat against their corresponding
plates 204 to minimize their projection above deck 22. Although the
D-ring depicted in FIG. 6A is shaped similar to the letter "D," it
may have some other shape instead.
[0032] Preferred versions of mechanism 100 may include bottom
plates 208, sleeves 212, and bolts 216 (or similar fasteners). Each
of bolts 216, adapted to engage both a plate 204 and an associated
bottom plate 208, may function to secure the position of a D-ring
200 relative to deck 22. To avoid bolts 216 damaging interior 220
of deck 22, sleeves 212 spanning the interior depth of deck 22 may
be used to receive bolts 216 and isolate them from interior
220.
[0033] FIG. 7 depicts an outboard motor M being mounted to transom
18. Shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary mounting assembly 102
permitting ready removal of motor M when necessary or desired. In
the illustrated embodiment, assembly 102 comprises plate 106 and
receptacle 110, one element connected to motor M and the other to
transom 18. Preferably, plate 106 is attached to motor M, and
receptacle 110 is attached to transom 18. Similarly preferred is
that receptacle 110 include rails, into which edges of plate 106
are fitted, and a terminal stop or other feature designed to
prevent further downward movement of plate 106 when the plate 106
is appropriately positioned within receptacle 110. Assembly 102 may
also include, if desired, an indicator informing (audibly, visibly,
or otherwise) a user that plate 106 is correctly and completely
inserted into receptacle 110.
[0034] When assembly 102 is in use, motor M is mounted to transom
18 by sliding plate 106 downward into receptacle 110. Although
gravitational forces assist in maintaining plate 106 within
receptacle 110, a suitable clamping or latching mechanism may be
used as well to secure the position of motor M. Hence, to remove
motor M, one need merely disengage the clamping or latching
mechanism and lift plate 106 from receptacle 110, providing a quick
release of motor M without need for fasteners (e.g. bolts, screws,
etc.) to connect the motor to transom 18.
[0035] By utilizing accessories, methods, and systems such as those
disclosed herein, boat 10 may be outfitted or customized with
desirable accessories. If boat 10 is designed to be deflated and
folded or rolled for transport of storage, the removable nature of
the accessories permits removal of deck 22 and facilitates
compacting boat 10. Thus, although the foregoing is provided for
purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing exemplary
embodiments and certain benefits of the present invention,
modifications and adaptations to the illustrated and described
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art
and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *