Platform and system for boat

The present disclosure provides a platform system for a boat, including a wake tow tower, a platform supported on the wake tow tower, a safety rail above the platform, and a stabilizing fin supported at least partially below a waterline adjacent a major side of the hull to resist uncontrolled movement of the boat during usage of the platform by a person.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to provisional application Nos. 62/476,042 filed Mar. 24, 2017, 62/527,700 filed Jun. 30, 2017, and 62/583,657 filed Nov. 9, 2017, (the “Parent Provisionals”) the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in entirety. This application claims priority to the Parent Provisionals and hereby claims benefit of the filing dates thereof pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to recreational boats and wake tow towers for installation on recreational boats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people enjoy recreational watersports and boating activities. Boats used for towing wakeboarders and water-skiers may include a wake tow tower installed on the boat to provide a rope tow connection point. Need exists for improvements of wake tow towers to expand the uses and functions of boats equipped with such wake tow towers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed subject matter includes a platform system (hereinafter “system” or “platform system”), and platform apparatus (hereinafter “platform” or “platform apparatus”), for a recreational boat. Embodiments may include a platform system, including a wake tow tower, configured for installation on a recreational boat. Embodiments may include a boat having an installed platform system including a wake tow tower.

A platform system as disclosed herein may provide additional space above the main deck, where people may stand, sit, or lie when aboard a recreational boat. A boat having a platform system as disclosed may have more passenger area than an identical boat lacking such a platform system. A platform system may provide an elevated tanning deck. A platform system may provide shade to areas in the passenger compartment of the boat, which may be desirable for those who would like to reduce sun exposure. A platform system may provide an elevated, stable, position from which individuals may jump or dive into the water surrounding the boat on which the platform is installed. A platform system may provide an elevated springboard for diving or jumping. A platform system may provide seating area and standing area above the main deck. A platform system may provide deployable stabilizing keel assemblies for reducing uncontrolled motion of the boat, such as resisting displacement of the boat at rest on the water, and reducing rocking of the boat at rest. Such uncontrolled motion of the boat may occur, for example, when individuals use the elevated platform, jump or dive from the elevated platform, or move about the boat, or when waves and wind exert forces that tend to cause uncontrolled motion or excessive rocking of the boat. A platform system may provide stabilizing keel assemblies that may be removed from the water and placed in a stored, raised position, or stowed, when the boat is operated to run across a body of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components.

FIGS. 1-12andFIGS. 25-29illustrate a recreational boat10having a platform system100. Boat10includes a hull12having a front14, and rear18. Boat10includes oppositely disposed elongated left side22and right side26each extending in parallel relationship from front14to rear18. Boat10includes a propulsion unit13such as, for example, an inboard-outboard motor and propeller combination at rear18. Boat10includes an open passenger compartment30having a main deck34. Boat10has an elongated front-rear centerline C-C extending from front to rear along a longitudinal central axis. Boat10has a resting center of gravity (not shown) when at rest in water, and a moving center of gravity (not shown) when moving under power in the forward direction in water. It will be appreciated that locations of the resting center of gravity and moving center of gravity may change, for example, in relation to distribution and number of passengers in the passenger compartment30and on platform system100.

Platform system100may include a platform support structure105mounted in fixed relationship relative to hull12. As shown in the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-6, the platform support structure105may include a wake tow tower110mounted in fixed relationship relative to hull12. Wake tow tower110may have an elevated rope connection point115configured to pull a tow rope (not shown). Platform support structure105may include a lower structure120connected to hull12, and an upper structure125supported by lower structure120. Lower structure120may be joined in integral fixed relationship with upper structure125. Platform support structure105, including lower structure120and upper structure125, may include a plurality of interconnected elongated structural members130forming an open lattice structure135.

Platform system100may include first load distribution assembly140joining lower structure120with hull12. First load distribution assembly140may include first mounting hardware145joining lower structure120and hull12. First load distribution assembly140is configured to distribute loads from platform support structure105across hull12to prevent damage or failure of hull12. As shown inFIGS. 30-31, first load distribution assembly140may include at each of the left side22and right side26a set of mounting plates220, such as a pair of mounting plates including both an internal mounting plate224and external mounting plate228(seeFIG. 31) joined through the sidewall232of hull12by a plurality of spaced threaded bolt and nut connectors236each extending through a respective bolt hole238, and configured to distribute weight and forces of the platform system100through lower structure120thereof and through the set of mounting plates220across a large area of the hull12, such as, for example, a large area of the sidewall232of hull12on both the left side22and right side26. It will be understood that the load distribution assembly140may include components (not shown) such as a plate and frame members, or a structural frame, configured to be joined with portions of the hull12other than the sidewalls232, such as the floor or internal structural members between the floor and bottom of the hull12, to distribute forces across the other portions of the hull12and thus reduce forces on the sidewall232of the hull12.

Platform system100may include elevated platform150supported above the hull12and above main deck34. Platform150may be supported by upper structure125of platform support structure105. Platform150may be supported in fixed relationship relative to platform support structure105and hull12. Platform150, when supported by upper structure125, may be configured to have structural strength properties sufficient to support at least one individual (not shown) resting, residing upon, or making use of a deck surface155of platform150. In an embodiment, a combination of platform150with upper structure125may have structural strength properties sufficient to support at least one individual (not shown) resting, residing upon, or making use of deck surface155. Platform150may include a bottom surface160disposed in opposition to deck surface155. Platform150may have a perimeter165. Perimeter165may be any suitable shape and, in the particular embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-6is rectangular. Perimeter165, as shown in the particular embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-6, may be rectangular and may include elongated front side170, elongated rear side175disposed in opposite, spaced parallel relationship to front side170, and oppositely disposed elongated left end180and right end185intersecting front side170and rear side175at respective corners of the rectangular perimeter. Platform150may be of any suitable construction. In the particular embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-6, platform150has a unitary construction formed of material providing essential structural strength properties in the illustrated dimensions, such as fiberglass material, composite material, or structural plastic material. In an embodiment (not shown), at least a portion of the platform150may be formed of transparent material.

Platform system100may include an elevated springboard system190supported by at least one of upper structure125and platform150. Springboard system190may include an elongated springboard member192supported by springboard supporting assembly (not shown). The springboard supporting assembly may be configured to support springboard member192in cantilevered relationship with the springboard supporting assembly and platform150to enable flexure of the springboard member192under load created by an individual diving therefrom, such that the springboard member192may spring back upward following flexure and accompanying downward displacement at the outer end195of the springboard member192. The springboard supporting assembly may be configured to support springboard member192in cantilevered relationship with at least one of upper structure125and platform150. Springboard member192may be located in a springboard pocket193of platform150. Springboard member192may have a top side193located in common vertical alignment with deck surface155of adjacent platform150, to function in mating relationship with deck surface155when springboard member192is not in use for diving.

Platform system100may include a pair of stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R. Each of the stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R may be supported for deployment to a lower deployed position shown inFIGS. 1-6. Each of the stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R may be supported for storage in an upper stored position shown inFIGS. 7-12. Each of the stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R may include at least one stabilizing fin197and an elongated fin-supporting member198. Referring toFIG. 25, fin-supporting member198may include an upper end202spaced above a lower end204. Fin-supporting member198may be supported at the upper end202thereof by being mounted in supported relationship with at least one of lower structure120and hull12. Fin-supporting member198may be selectively moveable between a lower deployed position (shown inFIGS. 1-6, 25, 26 and 29) and a raised or upper stored position (shown inFIGS. 7-12, 27 and 28). In the particular embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-12 and 25-29, fin-supporting member198is selectively moveable in pivoting relationship with lower structure120about a pivot joint206between the upper stored position and lower deployed position. In the particular embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-12 and 25-29, pivot joint206may be a locking hinge or locking hinged joint, which may be releasably locked in the upper stored position or lower deployed position. In the lower deployed position (shown inFIGS. 1-6, 25, 26 and 29), the at least one stabilizing fin197is located at least partially below the waterline208(shown inFIG. 29) and at least partially submerged in water adjacent to the hull12. The at least one stabilizing fin197may have a pair of opposed major vertical surfaces199oriented to engage the water to oppose uncontrolled horizontal displacement of the hull12across the water in the lateral direction. The at least one stabilizing fin197may have a pair of opposed major horizontal surfaces201oriented to oppose vertical displacement of the hull12in the water in the downward and upward directions. When each of the stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R is deployed with each of the at least one stabilizing fin197located in the water adjacent hull12in the lower deployed position shown inFIGS. 1-6, proximate the opposite left side22and right side26, cooperation of the stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R with the at least one of the lower structure120and hull12, causes the water to exert upon the major surface199force resisting uncontrolled movements. As used herein, “uncontrolled movements” may include, without limitation, rocking, rolling, wobbling, pivoting, sliding, turning, side-to-side, lateral displacement, vertical displacement, and horizontal displacement of the hull12from an initial position, orientation, attitude and location in the body of water. In an embodiment (not shown), any of the following: the stabilizing keel assemblies, at least one stabilizing fin, and the fin supporting member may be selectively may be selectively positionable in a lower deployed position as described and illustrated, or removed and stored in the vessel. In an embodiment (not shown), the at least one stabilizing fin may be selectively affixed directly to the hull in the lower deployed position, or removed and stored in the vessel. In such embodiments, for example, the stabilizing fin may be affixed with hook and loop fastener combination or other suitable fastener combination.

As best shown inFIG. 25, in an embodiment each of the stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R may include a complex stabilizing fin197having both a first vertical major surface199and opposed second vertical major surface199′, and both a first horizontal major surface201and opposed second horizontal major surface201′. It will be understood that each one of such major surfaces may be disposed for engagement in opposition with the water, to oppose uncontrolled horizontal displacement of the hull12across the water in both the left direction and in the opposite right direction, and also to oppose uncontrolled vertical displacement of the hull12in the water in both the downward direction and in the opposite upward direction.

In the particular embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-6, the left and right stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R in the lower deployed position may have stabilizing fins197located at least partially submerged below waterline208in direct contact and engagement with the water when the boat is floating in a body of water in an initial position or location, and occupies an initial attitude relative to the body of water, when a person is using the elevated platform. The portions of the stabilizing fins197that extend below the surface of the water may assist in reducing uncontrolled motion of the boat such as, for example, uncontrolled rocking from the initial attitude of the boat relative to the body of water or uncontrolled lateral displacement of the boat from the initial position or location on the body of water, that may occur when one or more persons occupies the platform150or when a person departs the platform150such as by diving of jumping off the deck surface155of the platform150or from the springboard member192into the body of water.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-6, left and right stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R having stabilizing fins197may be located and supported to be deployed proximate each of the two major, opposite left and right sides22,26of the hull12. In embodiments, each stabilizing keel assembly196L,196R may be may be moveable to be raised, or may be removable, to be stored or stowed out of the water in a secured, raised position during operation or running of the boat10across the body of water under power. In embodiments, in order for the stabilizer fins to oppose and reduce lateral motion while minimally impacting the normal forward travel during running of the boat, each stabilizer fin may be shaped to present a large surface area that is aligned in parallel with the longitudinal axis and centerline C-C (best shown inFIG. 2) of the boat12, and a small surface area that is aligned perpendicular to same. It will be understood that having the small surface area aligned perpendicular to the centerline C-C may enable running operation of the boat, for example at low speeds, in the forward or backward directions, will limit water drag on the stabilizing fin197and thus limit corresponding twisting forces exerted on the extension member and tower supporting the stabilizing fin197.

In embodiments, such stabilizing fins197may have a multi-surface or complex cross sectional profile for also drawing the boat downward into the water during use of the platform150by a person, and such as during use of the platform150and springboard member192for diving or jumping into the body of water. It will be understood that the stabilizing fins197may be shaped and positioned to engage the water for the water to exert force against at least one portion or surfaces of the stabilizing fins197for the stabilizing fins197to resist movement relative to the water in at least one direction. It will be understood that the stabilizing fins197may include, for example, an enlarged head portion or enlarged foot portion to provide effective horizontal surface area engaged with the water in a horizontal plane, in addition to the stabilizing fin having an effective vertical surface area when in floating, submerged relationship with the water. In embodiments, the stabilizing fin197may have both effective vertical surface area portions to resist movement of the stabilizing fin197relative to the water in at least one horizontal direction and effective horizontal surface area portions to resist movement of the stabilizing fin197relative to the water in at least one vertical direction. It will be understood that, in an embodiment (not shown) a stabilizing fin197may be deployed below the waterline280directly beneath the hull12of the boat10, such as directly below the centerline, and may be supported by an extension member extending under the hull12from the platform supporting structure105or hull12. In embodiments (not show), a stabilizing fin197also may have at least one inflatable portion (not shown).

In embodiments (not shown), the platform system100may have an airfoil cross sectional shape along the front side170defining a forward edge, for shedding airflow around the platform system100from the front side170to the rear side175of the platform150, and preventing such airflow from catching against the underside of the platform system100and exerting undesirable forces on the platform system100, such as exerting an undesirable lifting force against bottom160of platform150, so as to impede operation or running of the boat under power.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-12 and 25-29, platform system100may include a moveable ladder220. Moveable ladder220may be installed in any of multiple locations to enable individuals to climb up and down between the platform150and passenger compartment30or hull12. Moveable ladder220may be installed in any of multiple locations to enable individuals to climb up and down between the platform150and the body of water at the left side22or right side26of the boat10.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-12 and 25-29, platform system100may include a safety structure240configured to be mounted on one of the platform support structure105including wake tow tower110, and the platform150. The safety structure240may have a safety rail244located at a safety rail vertical position spaced above the platform150and corresponding platform vertical position. The safety structure240may be configured to retain a person on the deck surface155in relation to the perimeter165of the platform150and to stop a person from falling off platform150. Safety rail244may be oriented and proportioned to be manually grasped by a person on the deck surface155. A shown inFIG. 27, safety rail244may be removable to be stowed away, or moveable to a stored position, during running operation of the boat12across the body of water.

In embodiments, platform system100may include the stabilizing keel assemblies196L,196R each having elongated fin-supporting member198that provides or defines a selected lever arm distance between the platform support structure105, or hull12, and stabilizing fin197, wherein the lever arm distance is selected or determined to increase or cause desired stabilizing forces to be exerted on the platform support structure105, or hull12, from the elongated fin-supporting member198supporting the stabilizing fins197, where such forces are exerted through the stabilizing fins197engaged with the body of water.

Apparatus and systems in exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated. Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purposes can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments and disclosure. For example, although described in terminology and terms common to the field of art, exemplary embodiments, systems, methods and apparatus described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that implementations can be made for other fields of art, systems, apparatus or methods that provide the required functions.

In particular, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limit embodiments or the disclosure. Furthermore, additional methods, steps, and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in embodiments can be introduced without departing from the scope of embodiments and the disclosure. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that embodiments are applicable to future systems, future apparatus, future methods, and different materials.

Terminology used in the present disclosure is intended to include all environments and alternate technologies that provide the same functionality described herein.