U.S. patent application number 12/506355 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for convertible seat - deck arrangement for a boat.
Invention is credited to Ronald Clifford Sahr.
Application Number | 20100018451 12/506355 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41567494 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100018451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sahr; Ronald Clifford |
January 28, 2010 |
Convertible Seat - Deck Arrangement for a Boat
Abstract
A convertible deck arrangement is provided for a boat including
a passenger area having a periphery and an interior region within
the periphery. A portion of the passenger area includes a deck
arrangement area bounded in part by the periphery of the passenger
area. The convertible deck arrangement includes: horizontal seating
surfaces, positioned at the periphery of the passenger area and
within the deck arrangement area; deck elements; and pivot mounts,
for allowing the deck elements to be pivoted relative to the
horizontal seating surfaces. The deck elements can be pivoted
between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the
deck elements are in the first configuration, the deck elements are
vertically positioned adjacent to a vertical wall below the
horizontal seating surfaces and seats are formed within the deck
arrangement area. When the deck elements are in the second
configuration, the deck elements are horizontally positioned
adjacent to the horizontal seating surfaces and to each other and
form a deck bounded by the deck arrangement area.
Inventors: |
Sahr; Ronald Clifford;
(Little Falls, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
41567494 |
Appl. No.: |
12/506355 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61082395 |
Jul 21, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/363 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 29/04 20130101;
B63B 2029/043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/363 |
International
Class: |
B63B 17/00 20060101
B63B017/00 |
Claims
1. A convertible deck arrangement for a boat, the boat including a
passenger area having a periphery and a deck arrangement area
bounded in part by the periphery of the passenger area, the
convertible deck arrangement comprising: at least one substantially
horizontal seating surface positioned at the periphery of the
passenger area and within the deck arrangement area; at least two
deck elements; and rotatable mounts, for allowing the deck elements
to be rotated and positioned relative to the at least one
horizontal seating surface between a first position and a second
position; wherein when the deck elements are in the first position,
the deck elements are positioned below the at least one horizontal
seating surface and seats are formed within the deck arrangement
area; and wherein when the deck elements are in the second
position, the deck elements are substantially horizontally
positioned adjacent to the at least one horizontal seating surface
and to each other and form a deck together with the at least one
horizontal seating surface.
2. The convertible deck arrangement of claim 1, wherein the deck is
bounded by the deck arrangement area.
3. The convertible deck arrangement of claim 1, further comprising
at least one substantially vertical wall below the at least one
horizontal seating surface, wherein when the deck elements are in
the first position, at least one of the deck elements are
substantially vertically positioned adjacent to the vertical
wall.
4. The convertible deck arrangement of claim 1, further comprising
at least one deployable leg rotatably mounted to at least one of
the deck elements, the deployable leg supporting at least part of
the deck elements when the deck elements are in the second
position.
5. The convertible deck arrangement of claim 4, further comprising
a pocket within at least one of the deck elements, wherein the
deployable leg is stored within the pocket when the deck elements
are in the first position.
6. The convertible deck arrangement of claim 3, further comprising
at least one deployable leg and a pocket within the vertical wall,
the deployable leg rotatably mounted to at least one of the deck
elements, the deployable leg supporting at least part of the deck
elements when the deck elements are in the second position, and
wherein the deployable leg is stored within the pocket of the
vertical wall when the deck elements are in the first position.
7. A convertible seat-deck arrangement for a bow of a boat, the
convertible seat-deck arrangement comprising: a port seat including
a port seating surface that extends from a first edge to a second
edge, the first edge of the port seating surface generally
positioned along a portion of a perimeter of a bow passenger area
adjacent a port side of the boat, the second edge of the port
seating surface spaced in a generally starboard facing direction
from the first edge of the port seating surface; a reconfigurable
port seat skirt having a first configuration and a second
configuration, the port seat skirt including a port skirt surface
that extends from a first edge to a second edge, the first edge of
the port skirt surface positioned generally parallel with the
second edge of the port seating surface; a starboard seat including
a starboard seating surface that extends from a first edge to a
second edge, the first edge of the starboard seating surface
generally positioned along a portion of the perimeter of the bow
passenger area adjacent a starboard side of the boat, the second
edge of the starboard seating surface spaced in a generally port
facing direction from the first edge of the starboard seating
surface; a reconfigurable starboard seat skirt having a first
configuration and a second configuration, the starboard seat skirt
including a starboard skirt surface that extends from a first edge
to a second edge, the first edge of the starboard skirt surface
positioned generally parallel with the second edge of the starboard
seating surface; and a footwell bounded at least in part by the
second edge of the port seating surface, the second edge of the
starboard seating surface, and a floor of the bow passenger area;
wherein the port seat includes the port seat skirt when the port
seat skirt is in its first configuration; wherein the first edge of
the port skirt surface is positioned below the second edge of the
port seating surface and the second edge of the port skirt surface
is positioned below the first edge of the port skirt surface when
the port seat skirt is in its first configuration; wherein the
starboard seat includes the starboard seat skirt when the starboard
seat skirt is in its first configuration; wherein the first edge of
the starboard skirt surface is positioned below the second edge of
the starboard seating surface and the second edge of the starboard
skirt surface is positioned below the first edge of the starboard
skirt surface when the starboard seat skirt is in its first
configuration; and wherein the port seating surface, the starboard
seating surface, the port skirt surface, and the starboard skirt
surface are collectively transformed into at least a portion of a
substantially horizontal deck when the port seat skirt and the
starboard seat skirt are in their second configurations.
8. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 7, further
comprising a bow seat including a bow seating surface that extends
from a first edge to a second edge, the first edge of the bow
seating surface generally positioned along a portion of the
perimeter of the bow passenger area adjacent the bow of the boat,
the second edge of the bow seating surface spaced in a generally
aft direction from the first edge of the bow seating surface.
9. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 8, wherein the
bow seating surface of the bow seat is also collectively
transformed into the substantially horizontal deck when the port
seat skirt and the starboard seat skirt are in their second
configurations.
10. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 7, wherein the
port skirt surface and the starboard skirt surface are oriented
substantially vertically when the port seat skirt and the starboard
seat skirt are in their first configurations.
11. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 9, wherein the
port skirt surface and the starboard skirt surface are oriented
substantially vertically and the second edge of the port skirt
surface and the second edge of the starboard skirt surface are
generally parallel to the floor of the bow passenger area when the
port seat skirt and the starboard seat skirt are in their first
configurations.
12. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 11, further
comprising a bow seat skirt including a bow skirt surface, the bow
skirt surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, the
first edge of the bow skirt surface positioned generally parallel
with the second edge of the bow seating surface.
13. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 12, wherein the
footwell is further bounded by the port seat skirt, the bow seat
skirt, and the starboard seat skirt when the port seat skirt and
the starboard seat skirt are in their first configurations.
14. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 7, wherein the
footwell is substantially covered by the port seat skirt and the
starboard seat skirt when the port seat skirt and the starboard
seat skirt are in their second configurations.
15. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 13, wherein the
port skirt surface, the bow skirt surface, and the starboard skirt
surface together form a wraparound that wraps around a port side, a
bow side, and a starboard side of the footwell, the first edges of
the port skirt surface, the bow skirt surface, and the starboard
skirt surface blending together to form a first edge of the
wraparound, and the second edges of the port skirt surface, the bow
skirt surface, and the starboard skirt surface blending together to
form a second edge of the wraparound when the port seat skirt and
the starboard seat skirt are in their first configurations.
16. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 15, wherein an
aft side of the footwell is open and the floor of the bow passenger
area transitions to a walkway of the boat at or near the aft side
of the footwell.
17. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 7, wherein the
port seat skirt and the starboard seat skirt are each rotatably
mounted to the boat and pivot with respect to the boat between
their first and second configurations.
18. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 17, wherein
foldable supports support the port seat skirt and/or the starboard
seat skirt when the port seat skirt and the starboard seat skirt
are in their second configurations.
19. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 7, wherein the
port seating surface, the starboard seating surface, the port skirt
surface, and the starboard skirt surface are cushioned
surfaces.
20. The convertible seat-deck arrangement of claim 7, wherein the
port seat includes a port backrest and the starboard seat includes
a starboard backrest, the port backrest formed at a port portion of
a periphery of the bow passenger area, and the starboard backrest
formed at a starboard portion of the periphery of the bow passenger
area.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/082,395, filed Jul. 21,
2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to seats and seating
arrangements in a boat and to deck arrangements on a boat.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Boats have been developed with a variety of seating
arrangements and decks to accommodate the demands of the market.
The seating arrangements often reflect the size of the boat and the
intended use of the boat. The decks are often placed across areas
of the boat with no seating, such as over a closed bow, at an
elevation significantly higher than a boat floor. The decks
typically offer a relatively flat horizontal area suited for lying
down and/or sunbathing. Typically, boats have seating and deck
arrangements that are specific to a given purpose and integrated
with the design of the boat (e.g., a seating area is used for seats
and a deck area is reserved for the deck). Given a limited amount
of space on a boat, there are benefits in providing features that
serve multiple purposes. In particular, there is a need for a boat
with convertible seating arrangements and convertible deck
arrangements. The present disclosure fulfills this and other
needs.
SUMMARY
[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a
convertible deck arrangement for a boat, the deck arrangement
having deck elements that are pivotally moveable to convert the
deck arrangement between a first and a second configuration. The
deck arrangement occupies a deck arrangement area of the boat. When
the deck arrangement is in the first configuration, the deck
elements provide lower trim surfaces to seats between seating
surfaces of the seats and the boat's floor. The first configuration
opens the deck arrangement area of the boat for seating and adds
seating capacity to the boat. The second configuration of the deck
arrangement forms a deck over the deck arrangement area of the
boat.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the seating surfaces of the seats
are also used as a portion of the deck when the deck elements are
in the second configuration. The shared seating-deck surfaces
preferably extend along a portion of a periphery of a passenger
area of the boat and can form a U-shaped or a V-shaped seating
arrangement. The shared seating-deck surfaces can also extend along
the periphery of the passenger area in two or more discrete
sections. When the deck arrangement is in the second configuration,
the deck elements extend from the shared seating-deck surfaces and
form the deck between them. The shared seating-deck surfaces and
the deck elements thereby form a substantially horizontal and
substantially continuous deck surface between the portion of the
periphery of the passenger area of the boat when the deck
arrangement is in the second configuration. The deck elements can
be held horizontally by a set of one or more foldable legs
supported by the floor of the boat. The foldable legs can be stored
in pockets when the deck arrangement is in the first configuration.
The pockets can be formed within one or more of the deck elements
and/or can be formed within vertical walls underneath the shared
seating-deck surfaces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a boat showing an open bow area
including an example convertible deck arrangement in a first
configuration providing peripheral seating capacity to the open bow
area of the boat;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the boat of FIG. 1 showing the
convertible deck arrangement in a second configuration providing a
deck over the open bow area of the boat;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a right rear perspective view of another example
convertible deck arrangement in a second configuration providing a
deck; and
[0009] FIG. 4 is a right rear perspective view of the convertible
deck arrangement of FIG. 3 in a first configuration providing
seats.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The present disclosure relates to a convertible deck
arrangement for boats. Referring to FIG. 1, a boat 50 is shown
including a hull 100 with a bow 102, a stem 104, a port side 106,
and a starboard side 108. The boat 50 includes a passenger area 101
including an open bow 115. The open bow 115 includes an example
convertible deck arrangement 120 that extends across a bow portion
105 of the passenger area 101. The convertible deck arrangement 120
includes a port-side pivotal deck element 306 and a starboard-side
pivotal deck element 308 (see FIG. 2) that are each moveable
between a first configuration (shown at FIG. 1) and a second
configuration (shown at FIG. 2).
[0011] When the deck elements 306, 308 are in the first
configuration, seats 150 along a periphery of the open bow 115 are
available for seating and a floor 130 of the boat 50 continues into
the open bow 115 from a central passenger area 103 via a walkway
110. The deck elements 306, 308, in the first configuration,
provide lower trim surfaces to certain of the seats 150 between
seating surfaces of the seats 150 and the floor 130 of the boat
50.
[0012] When the deck elements 306, 308 are in the second
configuration, a deck 160 within the open bow 115 is available for
use. The deck elements 306, 308, in the second configuration,
extend horizontally between the seats 150 and meet each other. The
horizontal deck elements 306, 308 also horizontally continue
substantially horizontal seating surfaces 152 of the seats 150. In
this way, the deck elements 306, 308 and the horizontal seating
surfaces 152 of the seats 150 together provide the deck 160.
[0013] The boat 50 has a superstructure that includes the hull 100
and structures integrated with the hull 100 such as stringers,
decking, seating surfaces, flooring, bulkheads, bow and stem
platforms, and other structures. The superstructure can include a
stem wall 126, a port wall 128, a starboard wall 129, and the floor
130 that generally define a periphery of the passenger area 101. A
bow wall can also be included between the port wall 128 and the
starboard wall 129 or the port and starboard walls 128, 129 can
meet each other at the bow 102 as illustrated at FIGS. 1 and 2. In
certain embodiments, the hull 100, the stem wall 126, the port wall
128, the starboard wall 129, and the floor 130 can have a
fiberglass construction. The port wall 128 and the starboard wall
129 can extend vertically above the horizontal seating surfaces 152
of the seats 150 and function as a backrest for the seats 150. The
seats 150 can include cushions provided at the horizontal seating
surfaces 152 and the extended, backrest portion of the port and
starboard walls 128, 129 to enhance passenger seating comfort.
[0014] Within the passenger area 101, the superstructure can also
include a front sub-wall 132, a port-side sub-wall 136, and a
starboard-side sub-wall 138 that vertically extend from the floor
130 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In a preferred embodiment, illustrated at
FIG. 4, the sub-walls 132, 136, 138 provide support for the
horizontal seating surfaces 152 of the seats 150. In other
embodiments, a supporting frame or structure may support the
horizontal seating surfaces 152. A volume bounded by the horizontal
seating surfaces 152, the sub-walls 132, 136, 138, and the hull 100
can be used as storage areas 500. Access to the storage areas 500
can be gained by temporarily removing the horizontal seating
surfaces 152.
[0015] The horizontal seating surfaces 152 can include multiple
segments each with one or more cushions. In the example illustrated
at FIGS. 1 through 4, a port segment 206 and a starboard segment
208, are adjacent the port wall 128 and the starboard wall 129
respectively. An optional bow segment 202 is positioned between the
port segment 206 and the starboard segment 208 and is adjacent the
port and starboard walls 128, 129. In the depicted embodiment, the
port segment 206 includes a first cushion 216, a second cushion
246, and an interior edge 236. The first and second cushions 216,
246 meet at a trim line 226. The starboard segment 208 includes a
first cushion 218, a second cushion 248, and an interior edge 238.
The first and second cushions 218, 248 meet at a trim line 228. The
bow segment 202 includes a first cushion 212, a second cushion 242,
and an interior edge 232. The first and second cushions 212, 242
meet at a trim line 222. The segments 202, 206, 208 preferably
include a structural layer underneath the cushions 212, 216, 218,
242, 246, 248.
[0016] To provide styling and comfort, the cushions 212, 216, 218,
242, 246, 248 can have various elevations. In the depicted
embodiment, the first cushions 212, 216, 218 are at a common
elevation that is slightly higher that a common elevation of the
second cushions 242, 246, 248. In other embodiments, such cushions
are at generally the same height. The trim lines 222, 226, 228 can
be continuous with each other to provide addition styling detail
and/or to provide passenger comfort. The trim lines 222, 226, 228
and the interior edges 232, 236, 238 can be straight or can be
curved. In the depicted embodiment, the trim lines 222, 226, 228
and the interior edges 232, 236, 238 are generally parallel with
each other and also parallel with the periphery of the open bow 115
to give a coordinated overall look to the boat 50. In the depicted
embodiment, the overall styling of the horizontal seating surfaces
152 is symmetric about a mid-plane of the boat 50 from the bow 102
to the stern 104. In other embodiments, the styling is
non-symmetric.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the interior edge 236 of the port
segment 206 of the horizontal seating surfaces 152 overhangs the
port-side sub-wall 136. Likewise, the interior edge 238 of the
starboard segment 208 overhangs the starboard-side sub-wall 138,
and the interior edge 232 of the bow segment 202 overhangs the
bow-side sub-wall 132. Overhanging the horizontal seating surfaces
152 over the sub-walls 132, 136, 138 provides space underneath the
horizontal seating surfaces 152 for the deck elements 306, 308 and
a trim piece 302, attached to the bow-side sub-wall 132.
Overhanging horizontal seating surfaces 152 may also enhance
passenger seating comfort.
[0018] The example port-side pivotal deck element 306 and the
example starboard-side pivotal deck element 308 are further
illustrated at FIGS. 3 and 4. The deck element 306 preferably
includes at least one cushion 316 mounted on a structural layer
326, a forward edge 332p, and an inboard edge 346. Likewise, the
deck element 308 preferably includes at least one cushion 318
mounted on a structural layer 328, a forward edge 332s, and an
inboard edge 348. The cushion 316 shares the forward edge 332p and
the inboard edge 346 with the deck element 306 and has an inwardly
offset edge 336 opposite the inboard edge 346. Likewise, the
cushion 318 shares the forward edge 332s and the inboard edge 348
with the deck element 308 and has an inwardly offset edge 338
opposite the inboard edge 348. The trim piece 302 also preferably
includes a cushion 312 that also has an inwardly offset edge
332.
[0019] The trim piece 302, along with the deck elements 306, 308
(as mentioned above) provide lower trim surfaces to the seats 150
when the deck elements 306, 308 are in the first configuration as
illustrated at FIG. 4. In particular, the forward edges 332p and
332s are adjacent the cushion 312 of the trim piece 302, and the
offset edges 332, 336, and 338 of the cushions 312, 316, 318 and
the cushions 312, 316, 318 themselves match each other and
accentuate the boat's 50 style. A recess can be formed between the
offset edges 332, 336, and 338 of the cushions 312, 316, 318 and
the overhang of the horizontal seating surfaces 152. The recess can
serve as a styling accent to the boat 50 and can be finished to
match the cushions 312, 316, 318, the horizontal seating surfaces
152, and/or other styling details of the boat 50. The recess can
also be covered (e.g., by upholstery blending with the cushions
312, 316, 318 and/or the horizontal seating surfaces 152).
[0020] The deck elements 306, 308 can be rotatably connected to the
superstructure of the boat 50. For example, the deck element 306
can be mounted on a first hinge, with a rotational axis A.sub.1,
which in turn is mounted on the port-side sub-wall 136 (see FIG.
3). Likewise, the deck element 308 can be mounted on a second
hinge, with a rotational axis A.sub.2, which in turn is mounted on
the starboard-side sub-wall 138. In this example, the first and
second hinges guide the movement of the deck elements 306, 308 when
moved between the first configuration and the second configuration.
The offset edges 336, 338 of the cushions 316, 318 allow the
rotational axes A.sub.1, A.sub.2 of the first and second hinges to
be adjacent the sub-walls 136, 138 and also allow the horizontal
seating surfaces 152 to overhang the sub-walls 136, 138.
[0021] Alternatively, the offset edges 336, 338 of the cushions
316, 318 can be replaced with edges generally coinciding with
corresponding edges of the deck elements 306, 308. In this
embodiment, interference between the cushions 316, 318 and the
horizontal seating surfaces 152, when in the second configuration,
can be avoided by repositioning/redesigning the first and second
hinges such that their rotational axes A.sub.1, A.sub.2 are
positioned inward and/or lower than shown at FIG. 3. The first and
second hinges can be mounted to the horizontal seating surfaces 152
thereby supporting the deck elements 306, 308.
[0022] The first and second hinges in combination with gravity
and/or friction between the floor and the deck elements 306, 308
can hold/keep the deck elements stable in the first configuration.
In other embodiments, latches may hold the deck elements 306, 308
in the first configuration. In still other embodiments, a linear or
rotational powered actuator may move the deck elements 306, 308
between the first and second configurations. In yet other
embodiments, a linkage, a slot, a tether, or a combination of these
and/or other guiding elements may be used to guide the deck
elements 306, 308 between the first and second configurations. Such
linkages, slots, etc. can also be used to avoid interference
between the cushions 316, 318 and the horizontal seating surfaces
152.
[0023] In the example embodiment, when the deck elements 306, 308
are in the second configuration, the interior edge 236 of the port
segment 206 of the horizontal seating surfaces 152 is adjacent the
offset edge 336 of the cushion 316 of the deck element 306.
Likewise, the interior edge 238 of the starboard segment 208 of the
horizontal seating surfaces 152 is adjacent the offset edge 338 of
the cushion 318 of the deck element 308. In the second
configuration, the forward edges 332p, 332s of the deck elements
306, 308 are adjacent the interior edge 232 of the bow segment 202
of the horizontal seating surfaces 152. In this way, the deck
elements 306, 308 and the horizontal seating surfaces 152 of the
seats 150 together provide the deck 160 when the deck elements 306,
308 are in the second configuration.
[0024] In the example embodiment, when the deck elements 306, 308
are in the second configuration, the cushions 212, 216, 218, 242,
246, 248, 316, and 318 have various elevations. In particular, the
first cushions 212, 216, 218 of the horizontal seating surfaces 152
are at a common elevation that is slightly higher than a common
elevation of the second cushions 242, 246, 248 that is slightly
higher than a common elevation of the cushions 316, 318 of the deck
elements 306, 308. In other embodiments, such cushions are at
generally the same height.
[0025] To support and keep the deck elements 306, 308 in the second
configuration, one or more foldable legs can be used. In the
example embodiment, a first foldable leg 402 and a second foldable
leg 404 support the deck element 308 in the second configuration by
resting on the floor 130 of the boat 50. In particular, the first
foldable leg 402 is rotatably mounted to the deck element 308 about
an axis A.sub.3 and is moveable between an extended position and a
stowed position. Likewise, the second foldable leg 404 is rotatably
mounted to the deck element 308 about an axis A.sub.4 and is also
moveable between an extended position and a stowed position. In the
extended position, the foldable legs 402, 404 are generally
perpendicular to the deck element 308 as illustrated at FIG. 3.
Pockets 412.sub.C, 414.sub.C can be included within the deck
element 308 to at least partly hold the foldable legs 402, 404
respectively. The foldable legs 402, 404 are positioned along
lengths of the pockets 412.sub.C, 414.sub.C when in the stowed
position and are generally parallel to the deck element 308. In
alternative embodiments, pockets 412.sub.W, 414.sub.W can be
included within the starboard-side sub-wall 138 such that the
stowed foldable legs 402, 404 are at least partly positioned within
the pockets 412.sub.W, 414.sub.W when the deck element 308 is in
the first configuration. In still other embodiments, both sets of
pockets 412.sub.C, 414.sub.C and 412.sub.W, 414.sub.W can be used
to hold the stowed foldable legs 402, 404 when the deck element 308
is in the first configuration.
[0026] The foldable legs 402, 404 can have remote means of
actuation (e.g., a cable or lever) to move the legs 402, 404
between the extended and stowed positions. The actuation of the
foldable legs 402, 404 can be coordinated (e.g., a common linkage
can join them and cause them to move simultaneously between the
extended and stowed positions). The movement of each leg 402, 404
can be in opposite directions, similar directions, or in different
directions when the legs 402, 404 move between the extended and
stowed positions.
[0027] The deck element 306 can include similar foldable legs and
pockets as the deck element 308. Alternatively, the deck element
306 may rest on a ledge of the deck element 308 (not shown) when in
the second configuration and thereby be supported by the deck
element 308 in conjunction with the extended foldable legs 402,
404. Similarly, other embodiments of a convertible deck arrangement
may use only a single foldable leg.
[0028] Other embodiments may use various other means to hold the
deck elements 306, 308 in the second configuration. For example,
latches, removable cross-bars, the linear or rotational powered
actuator, or prop-rods can be used. The prop-rods can extend
between the deck elements 306, 308 and the sub-walls 136, 138.
[0029] In the example convertible deck arrangement 120, two deck
elements 306, 308 are included near the bow 102 of the boat 50. In
other embodiments, more than two deck elements may be included. In
other embodiments, a convertible deck arrangement 120 may be near
the stern 104 of the boat 50. In still other embodiments, without
the optional bow segment 202 positioned between the port segment
206 and the starboard segment 208, a convertible deck arrangement
can be near the center of the boat 50.
[0030] In other embodiments, seating arrangements in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure may be incorporated
into different boat styles such as pontoon boats, catamarans,
trimarans or other types of boats. In one embodiment, seating
arrangements in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure can be incorporated into a runabout style boat or other
type of boat having a passenger capacity of less than 15
people.
[0031] The above specification provides examples of how certain
inventive aspects may be put into practice. It will be appreciated
that the inventive aspects can be practiced in other ways than
those specifically shown and described herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the inventive aspects of the present
disclosure.
* * * * *