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.

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&#39;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  332   p,  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  332   s,  and an inboard edge  348 . The cushion  316  shares the forward edge  332   p  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  332   s  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  332   p  and  332   s  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&#39;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 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 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 1 , A 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 1 , A 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  332   p,    332   s  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 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 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   C ,  414   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   C ,  414   C  when in the stowed position and are generally parallel to the deck element  308 . In alternative embodiments, pockets  412   W ,  414   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   W ,  414   W  when the deck element  308  is in the first configuration. In still other embodiments, both sets of pockets  412   C ,  414   C  and  412   W ,  414   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.