U.S. patent application number 12/425117 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-18 for sundeck with self-stowing rumble seat for a boat.
Invention is credited to Steve Gilman, Ronald Clifford Sahr, Dave Wille.
Application Number | 20100037814 12/425117 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41680369 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100037814 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sahr; Ronald Clifford ; et
al. |
February 18, 2010 |
Sundeck with Self-Stowing Rumble Seat for a Boat
Abstract
A convertible seating arrangement for a sundeck of a boat
includes a seating element that is pivotally moveable between a
stowed configuration and a seating configuration. The seating
element provides a backrest and, in part, forms a seat when in the
seating configuration. The seating element lies flush with the
sundeck when in the stowed configuration. A sitting surface is
positioned under and hidden by the seating element when the seating
element is in the stowed configuration. The sitting surface is
exposed and, in part, forms the seat when the seating element is
moved to the seating configuration.
Inventors: |
Sahr; Ronald Clifford;
(Little Falls, MN) ; Wille; Dave; (Cushing,
MN) ; Gilman; Steve; (Little Falls, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
41680369 |
Appl. No.: |
12/425117 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61045839 |
Apr 17, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/363 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 29/04 20130101;
B63B 2029/043 20130101; B63B 29/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/363 |
International
Class: |
B63B 17/00 20060101
B63B017/00 |
Claims
1. A convertible sundeck for a boat comprising: a seating element
having a stowed configuration and a seating configuration, the
seating element having a first cushioned side and a second
cushioned side that face in opposite directions; a pivot mount
pivotally mounting the seating element to the boat, the pivot mount
allowing the seating element to be pivoted between the stowed
configuration and the seating configuration; a sitting surface
positioned below and at least partially hidden by the seating
element when the seating element is in the stowed configuration;
and a cushioned deck surface; wherein the sitting surface and the
first cushioned side of the seating element form a seat when the
seating element is in the seating configuration; wherein the second
cushioned side of the seating element is flush with the cushioned
deck surface when the seating element is in the stowed
configuration; and wherein the sitting surface is recessed relative
to the cushioned deck surface.
2. The convertible sundeck of claim 1, wherein the seating element
fits in a recess in the convertible sundeck when the seating
element is in the stowed configuration, the recess defines a
perimeter that substantially surrounds the seating element on four
sides when the seating element is in the stowed configuration.
3. The convertible sundeck of claim 1, wherein the first cushioned
side of the seating element forms a backrest when the seating
element is in the seating configuration.
4. The convertible sundeck of claim 1, wherein the second cushioned
side of the seating element forms a portion of the cushioned deck
surface when the seating element is in the stowed
configuration.
5. The convertible sundeck of claim 1, wherein the cushioned deck
surface includes a starboard region, an aft region, and a port
region, and wherein a first edge of the seating element is adjacent
the starboard region, a second edge of the seating element is
adjacent the aft region, and a third edge of the seating element is
adjacent the port region when the seating element is in the stowed
configuration.
6. The convertible sundeck of claim 5, wherein one or more of the
starboard region, the aft region, and/or the port region of the
cushioned deck surface is a cover that covers an under-deck storage
area.
7. The convertible sundeck of claim 6, wherein the cover is a
flip-up panel mounted on a hinge-line.
8. The convertible sundeck of claim 7, wherein the flip-up panel
can be opened by a person sitting on the seat when the seating
element is in the seating configuration.
9. The convertible sundeck of claim 7, wherein the flip-up panel
can be closed by a person sitting on the seat when the seating
element is in the seating configuration.
10. The convertible sundeck of claim 8, wherein the under-deck
storage area is reachable by a person sitting on the seat when the
seating element is in the seating configuration and the flip-up
panel is in an open configuration.
11. The convertible sundeck of claim 5, wherein a starboard edge of
the aft region of the cushioned deck surface generally aligns with
the first edge of the seating element and a port edge of the aft
region of the cushioned deck surface generally aligns with the
third edge of the seating element, wherein an aft edge of the aft
region of the cushioned deck surface is spaced by a distance from
the second edge of the seating element when the seating element is
in the stowed configuration, and wherein the distance by which the
aft edge is spaced is sufficient to allow the aft region of the
cushioned deck surface to form a footrest for the seat when the
seating element is in the seating configuration.
12. The convertible sundeck of claim 1, wherein the cushioned deck
surface is located at an aft region of the boat, and wherein the
first cushioned side of the seating element faces in an aft
direction when the seating element is in the seating
configuration.
13. The convertible sundeck of claim 12, wherein at least a portion
of the second cushioned side of the seating element rests on a
portion of stem seating of the boat when the seating element is in
the seating configuration, and wherein the stem seating is located
forward of the seating element.
14. The convertible sundeck of claim 13, wherein the stem seating
of the boat includes a backrest and the second cushioned side or
the portion of the second cushioned side of the seating element
rests on the backrest of the stem seating.
15. The convertible sundeck of claim 1, further comprising a
beverage holder positioned on the cushioned deck surface.
16. A convertible sundeck for a boat aft of a stem seating area,
the convertible sundeck comprising: a seating element having a
stowed configuration and a seating configuration, the seating
element having a first side and a second side that face in opposite
directions, the seating element being moveable relative to the boat
between the stowed configuration and the seating configuration; a
sitting surface positioned below and at least partially hidden by
the seating element when the seating element is in the stowed
configuration; and a deck platform having a first portion that at
least partially surrounds the sitting surface; wherein the sitting
surface is recessed relative to the first portion of the deck
platform; wherein the sitting surface and the first side of the
seating element form an aft facing seat when the seating element is
in the seating configuration; and wherein the second side of the
seating element forms a second portion of the deck platform when
the seating element is in the stowed configuration.
17. The convertible sundeck of claim 16, wherein the first portion
of the deck platform includes a starboard portion located starboard
of the seating element, a port portion located port of the seating
element, and an aft portion, located aft of the seating element
when the seating element is in the stowed configuration.
18. The convertible sundeck of claim 16, wherein the first portion
of the deck platform is a cushioned deck surface.
19. The convertible sundeck of claim 16, wherein the first side of
the seating element is a cushioned surface.
20. The convertible sundeck of claim 16, wherein the second side of
the seating element is a cushioned surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/045,839, filed Apr. 17, 2008, which
application is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to seats and seating
arrangements in a boat. The present disclosure also relates to
sundecks on a boat.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Boats have been developed with a variety of seating
arrangements and sundecks 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 sundecks are often placed across
areas of the boat with no seating, such as over an engine
compartment, at an elevation significantly higher than a boat
floor. The sundecks typically offer a relatively flat horizontal
area suited for lying down and/or sunbathing. Typically, boats have
seating and sundeck 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 sundeck area is reserved for the
sundeck). 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. The present disclosure fulfills this and other
needs.
SUMMARY
[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a
convertible seating arrangement for a boat, the seating arrangement
having a seating element that is pivotally moveable to stow and
convert the seating arrangement from a seating configuration to a
stowed configuration. When the seating arrangement is in the
seating configuration, the seating element provides a backrest for
a seat that is formed on a sundeck of the boat. When the seating
arrangement is in the stowed configuration, the seating element is
flush with the sundeck. A sitting surface is positioned under and
hidden by the seating element when the seating arrangement is in
the stowed configuration. The sitting surface forms part of the
seat when the seating arrangement is in the seating
configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a boat having an aft sundeck, the
sundeck including a self-stowing rumble seat shown in a stowed
configuration;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a rear, right, and top partial perspective view of
the sundeck of FIG. 1 with the self-stowing rumble seat shown in
the stowed configuration;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a rear, right, and top partial perspective view of
the sundeck of FIG. 1 with the self-stowing rumble seat shown in a
seating configuration; and
[0008] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional right elevation view of
the sundeck of FIG. 1 with the self-stowing rumble seat shown in
the seating configuration and also shown in phantom line in the
stowed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] The present disclosure relates to convertible seating
arrangements for boats. In particular, a self-stowing seating
arrangement is disclosed that is integrated with a sundeck of a
boat. Referring to FIG. 1, an example 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 also includes stem seating 120
including a bench seating portion 124 and a backrest portion 126. A
sundeck 200, positioned aft of the stem seating 120, and a stem
platform 111, positioned aft of the sundeck 200, are further
included on the boat 50.
[0010] As illustrated at FIG. 4, the example boat 50 is configured
with the sundeck 200 positioned above an engine compartment 150
thereby elevating the sundeck 200 above the stern platform 111 and
the bench seating portion 124 of the stern seating 120. As shown at
FIGS. 1 and 2, the sundeck 200 is substantially flat and horizontal
and extends from the port side 106 to the starboard side 108 of the
boat 50. The sundeck 200 can include cushions, providing a
comfortable surface to lie down on. The elevated position of the
sundeck 200 provides exposure to the sun and therefore a preferred
location to sunbath.
[0011] In addition to providing a horizontal surface, the sundeck
200 includes a self-contained seating arrangement. The seating
arrangement has a stowed configuration, substantially flush with a
remainder of the sundeck 200. The seating arrangement also has a
seating configuration providing a seat 218 on the sundeck 200. In
particular, the sundeck 200 includes a seating element 220 that is
pivotally connected to the boat 50 about a pivot 226 (see FIG. 4).
The seating element 220 can be rotated between the stowed
configuration (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and the seating configuration
(see FIGS. 3 and 4). A recess 205 is formed in the sundeck 200 when
the seating element 220 is in the seating configuration. The recess
205 is substantially filled by the seating element 220 when the
seating element 220 is in the stowed configuration. The recess 205
is thus fully enclosed within the sundeck 200 when the seating
element 220 is in the seating configuration.
[0012] A deck surface 224 is provided on the seating element 220.
When the seating arrangement is in the stowed configuration, the
deck surface 224 of the seating element 220 faces upwards and is
substantially flush with a port portion 201, an aft portion 202,
and a starboard portion 203 of the sundeck 200. When the seating
arrangement is in the seating configuration, the deck surface 224
of the seating element 220 faces forward and can optionally rest
against the backrest portion 126 of the stern seating 120. The deck
surface 224 of the seating element 220 can optionally include
cushions that match the cushions of the other portions 201, 202,
203 of the sundeck 200.
[0013] A backrest surface 222 is provided opposite the deck surface
224 on the seating element 220. When the seating arrangement is in
the seating configuration, the backrest surface 222 faces in an aft
direction and provides a backrest for the seat 218. When the
seating arrangement is in the stowed configuration, the backrest
surface 222 faces downward, fitting within the recess 205, and is
not outwardly visible. The backrest surface 222 can optionally
include seating cushions.
[0014] The sundeck 200 further includes a sitting surface 230,
located at the bottom of the recess 205 for providing buttocks
support when the seating arrangement is in the seating
configuration. The sitting surface 230 is positioned below the
seating element 220 when the seating arrangement is in the stowed
configuration. The sitting surface 230 is substantially hidden by
the seating element 220 when the seating arrangement is in the
stowed configuration. When the seating arrangement is in the
seating configuration, the sitting surface 230 and the backrest
surface 222 of the seating element 220 form the seat 218. In
certain embodiments, the sitting surface 230 includes a cushion
such as a neoprene pad or other cushion.
[0015] As illustrated at FIG. 3, when the seating arrangement is in
the seating configuration, the recess 205 is upwardly open. A
perimeter of the recess 205 is bounded by the port portion 201, the
aft portion 202, and the starboard portion 203 of the sundeck 200
and the backrest portion 126 of the stem seating 120. In other
embodiments, the perimeter of the recess 205 is bounded by the port
portion 201, the aft portion 202, the starboard portion 203, and a
forward portion of a sundeck.
[0016] As illustrated at FIGS. 3 and 4, in certain embodiments, the
sundeck 200 includes an extended portion 204 configured to align
with the seat 218 and thereby provide the seat 218 with a
footrest.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the seat 218 is centrally located
between the port side 106 and the starboard side 108 of the boat 50
and faces aft. In a more preferred embodiment, the seat 218 is
centered between the port side 106 and the starboard side 108 of
the boat 50.
[0018] As illustrated at FIGS. 2 and 3, in certain embodiments, the
sundeck 200 includes one or more flip-up panels 210 that cover a
storage area under the sundeck 200. For example, a beverage cooler
may be located below the sundeck 200 in the storage area. A person
sitting in the seat 218 can easily open one of the flip-up panels
210 and access the beverage cooler. The flip-up panels 210
preferably are rotatably mounted about a hinge-line 212.
[0019] As illustrated at FIGS. 2 and 3, in certain embodiments, the
sundeck 200 includes one or more beverage holders 240 that are
adapted for holding a container containing a beverage. The beverage
holder 240 is preferably easily accessible by a person sitting on
the seat 218 and by a person on the sundeck 200. The beverage
holder 240 can also be accessible by a person sitting on the stern
seating 120. The beverage holder 240 can include insulation for
limiting heat transfer to or from the beverage. The beverage holder
240 can include a heating and/or a cooling element for
heating/cooling the beverage.
[0020] In certain embodiments, 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. 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.
[0021] 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.
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