Abstract:
A hatch assembly for a boat including a body pivotally attached to a boat deck, whereby the body can pivot between an open position and closed position to provide access to an power source within a boat hull. The body includes an audio device and a compartment for storage. A cover pivotally attaches to the body, whereby the cover can pivot from an open position to a closed position to provide access to the storage bin and partially cover the audio device. A seating area extends across an interior portion of the body and has a removeable portion that removes to create an entryway to the deck of the boat.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates in general to boats and boat decks, and more particularly, to boat deck hatches. Most modern boats include numerous conveniences that make boating a pleasurable experience. Among these conveniences are flexible seating arrangements, large storage bins, and various accessories, such as audio equipment. However, due to the limited space available on boats, including these conveniences can take away valuable deck space from other more necessary boat components, such as a boat hatch that allows access to an inboard motor. Therefore, it is important to configure all boating components, necessary and convenient, in a configuration that maximizes deck and storage space. 
         [0004]    Some accessories, such as audio equipment, are susceptible to damage from exposure to the outdoor elements and, in particular, exposure to water. Therefore, it is also important that boat deck configurations provide some protection from the elements to vulnerable components, while still allowing the components to be easily accessible and function properly. 
     
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a boat with a hatch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is an overhead perspective view of the stern of the boat with the hatch assembly in the closed position; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is an overhead perspective view of the stern of the boat with the hatch assembly in the open position and the removable portion of a seating area removed; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the stern of the boat with hatch assembly with cover members in the open position; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is an overhead plan view of the hatch assembly; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the hatch assembly; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the hatch assembly; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of the hatch assembly; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is an overhead plan view of an alternate embodiment of the hatch assembly. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , an embodiment of the present invention, referred to generally as a hatch assembly  10  for a boat A, includes a body  12  pivotally attached to a boat deck B with hinges  14 . The body  12  can pivot from a closed position ( FIG. 2 ), which forms a contiguous seating area  16  across the stern of the boat A, to an open position ( FIG. 3 ), which provides access to an inboard motor C mounted within the boat hull D at the stern of the boat A. A posterior portion  18  of the body  12  includes a pair of storage compartments  20  ( FIG. 4 ) with a corresponding pair of cover members  22 , which are pivotally attached to the body  12  with hinges  24 . The cover members  22  can pivot from a closed position ( FIG. 1 ), which defines an opening  26  into the storage compartment between the cover members  22  and the body  12 , to an open position, which provides access to the storage compartments  20  ( FIG. 4 ). An audio device, such as a loudspeaker  28 , is positioned within each storage compartment  20  to emit sound outwardly through the opening  26 . The loudspeaker  28  is operatively connected to an electrical device, such as a stereo receiver, CD player, iPod®, microphone, and the like to provide sound signals. While the illustrated embodiment shows a pair of compartments, it is understood that any number of compartments can be used, including one. 
         [0018]    From an overhead plan view ( FIG. 5 ), the body  12  is generally rectangular shaped to correspond with the shape of an opening  30  defined by the deck B ( FIG. 3 ). A recessed edge  32  along the opening  30  seats with the body  12  and defines a channel  34  that works as a drip rail to prevent water from dripping into the hull D. Recessed edge  32  collects water and routes or directs water away from the deck opening  30 . From a side elevation view ( FIG. 7 ), the body  12  includes a generally L-shaped anterior portion  36 , which corresponds to a step-up area  38  in the boat deck B. The body  12  also includes the arcuately shaped posterior portion  18 , which corresponds to the upper stern  42  of the boat A. A generally horizontal planar section  44  extends transversely through the midsection of the posterior portion  18 . 
         [0019]    For additional comfort to passengers, the anterior portion  36  supports padded side seat members  46 , side backrests  48 , and a removable center seat member  50 . The side seat members  46 , side backrests  48  are attached by any appropriate means, such as fasteners or adhesive. The center seat member  50  can be secured between the side seat members  46  with a friction fit. However, any appropriate means can be used for securing the center seat member  50 , such as Velcro®. Alternatively, the center seat member can be fixedly attached to the anterior portion  36  with an appropriate means, such as adhesive or fasteners. A removable padded center backrest  52  has brackets  54  extending from the bottom that engage with holes  56  in the planar section  44  of the body  12  ( FIG. 4 ). The brackets  54  include engagement members  58  at the ends, such as spring-loaded detents, that provide positive engagement with holes  56 . However, other engagement members  58  can be used, which includes but is not limited to the detachable backrest brackets manufactured by GG Schmitt &amp; Sons. When assembled, the center seat member  50  and center backrest  52  are aligned with the side seat members  46  and side backrests  48  to form the contiguous seating area  16  ( FIG. 2 ). Alternatively, the center seat member  50  and center backrest  52  can be removed to form an entryway to the boat deck B ( FIG. 4 ). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the body  12  can be other shapes and sizes. An additional removable seat member  53  ( FIG. 2 ) can be secured along the seating area  16  with any appropriate means, such as a friction fit, brackets, or fasteners. 
         [0020]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , each storage compartment  20  includes a generally rectangular main storage area  60 , which is sized to receive and store boat accessories, such as rope. The main storage area  60  also has a storage tube  62  extending inwardly toward the hull and sized to receive and store conventional boat fenders  63 , such as 6½″ in diameter by 24″ deep. However, the main storage area  60  and storage tube  62  can be any shape and size to accommodate other storage items. Each storage compartment  60  also includes a generally truncated cylindrical recess  64  adjacent to the main storage area  60 . The recess  64  has a hole  66  for mounting the loudspeaker  28  in a position aligned with the opening  26  defined by the cover member  22  and the body  12 . In alternate embodiments, the loudspeaker  28  can be surface mounted within the recess  64  without the hole  66 . As previously mentioned, this arrangement allows the sound from the loudspeaker  28  to project clearly through the opening  26  for enjoyment by the passengers when the cover member  22  is in the closed position. In addition, the cover member  22  provides adequate protection from the elements to the loudspeaker  28 . This arrangement facilitates easier use of the loudspeakers  28  to the passengers because no adjustment of the cover member  22  is needed to enjoy the emitting sound. In addition, the storage compartment  20  can remain secured while the loudspeakers  28  are in use. 
         [0021]      FIG. 9  depicts an alternate embodiment of the hatch assembly  10  having cover members  22  that each include a frame member  80  extending from the proximal end of the cover member  22  to the distal end of the cover member  22 , thereby defining the opening  26 . A guard member  82  extends across the opening  26  and secures to the cover member  22 , such as with a friction fit or with a fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the guard member  82  is a speaker grill, preferably make of plastic or other weather-proof material. In addition, the guard member  82  can also comprise other structures which are generally acoustically transparent, such as speaker grill cloth or cell polyurethane foam. Similar to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the cover members  22  can pivot from a closed position to an open position, which provides access to the storage compartments  20 . The opening  26  and guard member  82  are positioned generally aligned with each storage compartment  20  so that the loudspeaker  28  can emit sound outwardly through the opening  26  and guard member  82 . While the illustrated embodiment shows a cover member  22  having a single opening  26  with a single guard member  82 , it is understood that any number of openings and guard members or combination thereof can be used which allow the loudspeaker  28  to emit sound therethrough. 
         [0022]    An air strut  68  operatively connects each cover member  22  with the body  12  with appropriate fasteners  70  so that the cover member  22  pivots between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the struts  68  extend, thereby pivoting the cover member  22  upwards, preferably to about 45° above the horizon, and providing access to the storage compartment  20 . The struts  68  are biased to hold the cover member  22  in an open position. In the closed position, the struts  68  retract, thereby pivoting the cover member  22  downwards and seating the cover member  22  on the body  12 . For security purposes, each cover member  22  includes a latch  72  to secure the cover member  22  to the body  12 . While the illustrated embodiment shows air struts  68 , it is understood that any other apparatus that can be employed to connect the cover member  22  with the body  12  so that the covers pivot between an open and closed position is encompassed by the scope of the invention. These apparatus could include, but are not limited to, hydraulic struts, hinge assemblies, a power actuated lift, a telescoping rod, and so forth. Hence, the term strut is intended to include any such apparatus that can perform the intended function. 
         [0023]    An electric lift  74  is operatively connected between the body  12  and a power source  76 , such as an inboard motor or a battery ( FIG. 3 ). In operation, the electric lift  74  extends and retracts to pivot the body  12  between an open and closed position. In the open position, the electric lift  74  extends, thereby pivoting the hatch assembly  10  upwards and providing access to the power source  76  within the boat hull D. In the closed position, the electric lift  74  retracts, thereby, pivoting the hatch assembly  10  downwards seating the body  12  on the recessed edge  32  so that the body  12  is flush with the deck B. For ease of use, the electric lift  74  is also operatively connected to a switch on an instrument panel to allow the operator to remotely open and close the hatch assembly  10 . In addition, the lift  74  can be powered independently of the power source  76 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of lifts can be used, such as a hydraulic lift, a jack-type lift, or telescoping lift which may function manually and not connected to a power source. In any event, the term lift, particularly in the appended claims, is intended to include any apparatus that functions to raise and lower the hatch assembly  10 . 
         [0024]    While the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-7  discloses the body  12  as pivotally attached to the boat deck B with hinges  14 , alternate embodiments can include other methods of attaching the body  12  to the deck B. For example, the body  12  can be removably attached to the deck B. In an alternate embodiment, the body  12  seats in the recessed edge  32  of the deck opening  26  and can be raised and lowered, either manually or with an appropriate lift  74 , from an open position to a closed position. Likewise, the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-7  disclose the cover member  22  as pivotally attached to the body  12  with hinge  24 . However, alternate embodiments can include other methods of attaching the cover member  22  to the body  12 . For example, the cover member  22  can be removably attached to the body  12 . 
         [0025]    Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.