Abstract:
An adjustable boat platform is provided that attaches to a conventional boat and transforms it into a fishing platform typically found on a bass boat. The invention attaches to the perimeter of just about any “V”-bottom boat using special slots and locking pins.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention contains subject matter that was first described in Disclosure Document Registration 528,486 filed on Mar. 24, 2003 under 35 U.S.C. §122 and 37 C.F.R. §1.14. As such, it is respectfully requested that said Disclosure Document is incorporated herein by reference as if fully rewritten and remain a permanent part of the file history of the present application and be relied upon during the pending prosecution, and for any other matters that may arise. 
   There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to boat accessories, and, more particularly, to an adjustable boat platform insert that transforms a conventional v-hull or flat bottom boat into a bass boat. The present invention can be used in other manners than the preferred embodiment as said invention may be adapted to meet other needs. Such needs are envisioned to include being mounted on various footings to provide a means of transporting the invention. Other uses as a floating platform, ice shack, small boat, or general storage. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Fishing is a hobbyist type sport that enjoyed around the world, by the young and old alike. After the fishing rod and tackle box, the fishing boat is the next most common piece of apparatus used in fishing. And, as with most apparatus, the fishing boat can be a very specialized piece of equipment. Many fishermen and applications prefer the size and maneuverability of a conventional “V” shaped hull boat, while others prefer the large area, elevated platform and comfort of a bass-style boat. While some people own multiple boats to ideally fit any fishing situation, others cannot enjoy such luxury due to cost constraints, storage limitations or usage requirements. 
   A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
   
     
       
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 
               Description 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               6,405,985 
               Universal platform with horizontal mounting surface 
             
             
               5,092,263 
               Boat utility platform and mounting clamp therefor 
             
             
               6,101,966 
               Multipurpose utility station for boat with adjustable 
             
             
                 
               mount 
             
             
               4,671,009 
               Boat fishing organizer formed as basket-like structure 
             
             
                 
               with attachment means for fishing accessories 
             
             
               5,209,178 
               Dual position boat seat 
             
             
               4,738,217 
               Stern conversion seat and raised casting platform 
             
             
               5,868,096 
               Boat seat 
             
             
               5,826,532 
               Boat seat 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   Consequently, there exists a need for a means by which a conventional “V” shaped hull boat can be easily adapted to provide the comforts and conveniences of a bass-type boat without the disadvantages as listed above. 
   
     
       
             
           
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               10 
               adjustable boat platform insert 
             
             
                 
               15 
               conventional V-bottom boat 
             
             
                 
               20 
               forward seat 
             
             
                 
               25 
               aft seat 
             
             
                 
               30 
               captive pin set 
             
             
                 
               35 
               platform 
             
             
                 
               40 
               frame 
             
             
                 
               45 
               central seat 
             
             
                 
               50 
               seat support stand 
             
             
                 
               55 
               storage compartments 
             
             
                 
               60 
               forward access hatch 
             
             
                 
               65 
               rear access hatch 
             
             
                 
               70 
               anchor access hatch 
             
             
                 
               75 
               forward direction arrow 
             
             
                 
               80 
               forward seat arm 
             
             
                 
               85 
               forward brace arms 
             
             
                 
               90 
               lower first brace 
             
             
                 
               95 
               first adjustable pins 
             
             
                 
               100 
               rear seat arm 
             
             
                 
               105 
               rear brace arms 
             
             
                 
               110 
               lower second brace 
             
             
                 
               115 
               second adjustable pins 
             
             
                 
               120 
               third adjustable pins 
             
             
                 
               125 
               intermediate support brackets 
             
             
                 
               130 
               intermediate support 
             
             
                 
               132 
               first extension member 
             
             
                 
               134 
               seat support mount 
             
             
                 
               136 
               fourth adjustable pins 
             
             
                 
               137 
               second extension member 
             
             
                 
               138 
               fifth adjustable pin 
             
             
                 
               140 
               compartment hinges 
             
             
                 
               145 
               storage compartment lid 
             
             
                 
               150 
               hatch hinges 
             
             
                 
               152 
               elongated holes 
             
             
                 
               155 
               below deck storage space 
             
             
                 
               160 
               container wall 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the adjustable boat platform insert  10  shown in an installed state on a conventional v-bottom boat, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the frame  40  as used with the adjustable boat platform insert  10 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the frame  40  as used with the adjustable boat platform insert  10 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of the platform  35  as used with the adjustable boat platform insert  10 , and, 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the adjustable boat platform insert  10  as seen along a line I-I as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
   1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , an isometric view of the adjustable boat platform insert  10  installed upon a conventional V-bottom boat  15  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A forward seat  20  and a aft seat  25  are provided in their normally expected locations. The forward seat  20  and the aft seat  25  are envisioned to be of a normal bench type and can be made of aluminum, steel, wood, fiberglass or other commonly available material. A captive pin set  30  secures a platform  35  to a frame  40  (not shown in this FIG.) at six locations, two at the forward corners, two at the middle, and two at the aft corners. The platform  35  provides a flat, level, stable and elevated surface from which to perform fishing operations from. The overall function provided by said platform  35  is similar to that afforded by other types of fishing vessels such as a bass boat. A central seat  45  is provided in a central location affixed to a seat support stand  50  which is mounted to the frame  40  (not visible in this view). A plurality of storage compartments  55  are provided around the platform  35 . A forward access hatch  60  is provided at the forward part of the platform  35 , and a similar rear access hatch  65  is provided at the rear part of the platform  35 . The rear access hatch  65  allows the use of the v-hull boat in a conventional manner by opening the hatches that allow the operator to operate the boat as they would normally operate without a platform. Finally, an anchor access hatch  70  is located at the rear part of the platform  35  near the outboard side. The anchor access hatch  70  is to allow the operator to access a anchor winch or a anchor. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a top view of the frame  40  is depicted. This FIG. more clearly depicts the underlying structure of the adjustable boat platform insert  10 . A forward seat arm  80  is provided with a set of two affixed forward brace arms  85  which are connected to a lower first brace  90  via a set of first adjustable pins  95 . The first adjustable pins  95  provides an adjustment point to allow the frame  40  to fit the conventional V-bottom boat  15  (not shown in this FIG.) of varying sizes. In a similar manner, a rear seat arm  100  is provided with a set of two affixed rear brace arms  105  which are connected to a lower second brace  110  via a set of second adjustable pins  115 . It is envisioned that the forward brace arms  85 , the lower first brace  90 , the rear brace arms  105  and the lower second brace  110  is manufactured of tubular aluminum or other lightweight and strong material, thus allowing the components to fit inside one of another and allow for expansion as necessary. While the forward brace arms  85  and the rear brace arms  105  allow for adjustment to suit seats of varying heights, a set of third adjustable pins  120  allow the lower first brace  90  and the lower second brace  110  to adjust in overall length to suit the distance between the forward seat  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and aft seat  25  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Each lower second brace  110  is affixed in its position from the other by a set of intermediate support brackets  125 , which provide for structural stability and provide a base for the seat support stand  50 . The seat support mount  134  would slide into the seat support stand  50  being adjusted by the fifth adjustable pin  138 . An intermediate support  130  provides additional support for the platform  35  (not shown in this FIG.) Intermediate support  130  has the second extension member  137  that would slide in the same manner as the other adjustable parts into the first extension member  132  that extends off the lower second brace  110 . Said supports are adjusted with fourth adjustable pins  136 . 
   Referring next to  FIG. 3 , a side view of the frame  40  is disclosed. This FIG. more clearly shows the relationship of the frame  40  and the manner which it provides support for the platform  35 . The set of six captive pins set  30  (of which only three are visible in this view) are clearly visible atop the forward seat arm  80 , the intermediate support  130  and the rear seat arm  100 . The forward brace arms  85  adjusts in and out of the lower first brace  90  as adjusted by the first adjustable pins  95 . The rear brace arms  105  adjusts in and out of the lower second brace  110  as adjusted by the second adjustable pins  115 . The intermediate support  130  is positioned by a fourth adjustable pins  136  that go through a second extension member and first extension member  132  that extend off of the intermediate support  130  and the lower second brace  110 . These extensions extend upward with the intermediate support  130  sliding into the first extension member  132  as the other adjustable parts. The seat support stand  50  extends upward through the intermediate support  130  with the intermediate support encircling the seat support stand  50  at it center with the seat support mount  134  sliding into the seat support stand  50  the fifth adjustable pin  138  passing through them above the intermediate support  130 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a top view of the platform  35  is disclosed. The storage compartments  55 , of which four are provided in this embodiment, provide access to individual compartments such as storage lockers, thermally insulated coolers, live bait containers, fish storage coolers and the like. Their proximity to the outward portion of the platform  35  provide for easy access. A pair of compartment hinges  140  on each storage compartment lid  145  holds it captive and prevents the storage compartment lid  145  from being lost overboard. The forward access hatch  60  and the rear access hatch  65  serve as points to allow access to the underside of the platform  35  as bordered by the hull of the conventional V-bottom boat  15  (not shown in this FIG.) The forward access hatch  60  and the rear access hatch  65  are bifold type hatches, and are held captive by sets of hatch hinges  150 . Finally, the anchor access hatch  70  provides storage for an anchor if so used, as aforementioned described. Finally, a set of elongated holes  152  are provided to secure the platform  35  to the captive pin set  30  (not shown in this FIG.) upon the forward seat arm  80 , (not shown in this FIG.) the rear seat arm  100 , (not shown in this FIG.) and the intermediate support  130  (not shown in this FIG.) The elongated nature of the elongated holes  152  allows for the varying nature of the captive pin set  30  (not shown in this FIG.) with respect to their spacing. 
   Referring finally to  FIG. 5 , a sectional view of the adjustable boat platform insert  10  as taken along a line I-I as seen in  FIG. 3  is disclosed. This FIG. more clearly shows a below deck storage space  155  as aforementioned described. The forward access hatch  60 , as hinged by their hatch hinges  150  are shown in a partially open state. In a likewise manner, the port and starboard storage compartment lid  145  are shown in a partially open state as provided by their compartment hinges  140 . The storage compartment lid  145  provide access to a space contained by container walls  160 . It is envisioned that the container walls  160  could be thermally insulated in the case of a cooler, or solid in nature, or of a mesh material to allow for drainage. 
   It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After purchase of the adjustable boat platform insert  10 , the typical user would install it upon their conventional V-bottom boat  15 . Such installation would consist of adjusting the frame  40  to fit the specific conventional V-bottom boat  15 . Such adjustment would be accomplished by inserting or withdrawing the lower first brace  90  into and out of the lower second brace  110  and securing it with a third adjustable pins  120 . In a similar manner, the forward brace arms  85  would be adjusted with respect to the lower first brace  90  and secured with the first adjustable pins  95 , and the rear brace arms  105  would be adjusted with respect the lower second brace  110  and secured with the second adjustable pins  115 . At this point the frame  40  is ready to be secured to the forward seat  20  and aft seat  25  of the conventional V-bottom boat  15 . It is also envisioned that adhesive foam should be shock absorbant adhereing to the lower first brace  90  and lower second brace  110  as well as other points of contact to the boat to cushion the platform from the boat. The forward seat arm  80  would connect to the forward seat  20  by the use of adhesive, mechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts, or other well-known fastening techniques. The fourth adjustable pins  136  are used to set the height of the intermediate support to support the center of the platform with respect to the height of the forward seat  20  and the aft seat  25 . 
   The platform  35  can be installed upon the frame  40  at this point in the installation or construction process. The platform  35  is set upon the forward seat arm  80 , the rear seat arm  100  and the intermediate support  130  using the elongated holes  152  and the captive pin set  30 . The corresponding captive pin set  30  then protrude up through the elongated holes  152  and are thus secured. At this point the seat support mount  134  would be put in place sliding inside the seat support stand  50  and adjusted to desired height with the fifth adjustable pin  138 . The centeral seat  45  would then be mounted to the seat support mount  134 . At this point the adjustable boat platform insert  10  is ready for use. 
   During actual use of the conventional V-bottom boat  15  equipped with the adjustable boat platform insert  10 , the user can enjoy access to the storage compartments  55  which could be equipped with storage lockers, thermally insulated coolers, live bait containers, fish storage coolers and the like. In a similar manner, the user can access the below deck storage space  155  via the forward access hatch  60  and the rear access hatch  65 . Rear access hatch  65  allows normal operation of the boat without having to remove the platform, once removed it has other possible uses. 
   It is also envisioned that the platform  35  can be removed from the frame  40  to allow use of the conventional V-bottom boat  15  in a conventional manner where the functionality of a V-bottom boat would be needed, as the presence of the frame  40  would not affect functionality. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.