Abstract:
A multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels having a pair of independent bunks sections, and guide mechanisms for controlling the physical movement of the bunks from one configuration to another. Included is automatic actuation and electronic controls for activating movement of the bunks from one configuration to another in conjunction with the guide mechanism. The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system is convertible between a V-berth configuration and an island bed configuration, eliminates manual operation, and includes automatic deployment and retraction of a table.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/114,960, filed on Feb. 11, 2015. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention generally relates to cabins for marine vessels and more particularly to an automated and convertible V-berth having multiple positions and features. 
         [0005]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0006]    Marine vessel and watercraft designs have included a variety of cabin eating, seating, and sleeping arrangements and designs for the boaters. Specifically, there are many different designs for master and quest berths pleasure crafts, luxury sport boats and yachts. Many berths provide the user with a V-berth as known in the industry, which commonly includes two separated sections of sleep beds, cushions or couches in a “V” configuration, and an open central area for accommodating individuals in the berth. They also typically have a removable table and support arms for use within the open area, along with optional insert(s) to complete a larger bed enclosing the open area, or manually movable sections to create a bed. However, many conventional berths require an operator to manually remove and reposition bed, support, table and/or furniture pieces, as well as store these units. The same is true when reconfiguring the units. This proves to be laborious, cumbersome, inefficient and frustrating, especially when required on a daily basis. 
         [0007]    Other conventional designs include power operated devices which control movement of certain pieces or units to aid in different elevations or configurations, however, none address the inventive subject matter herein. 
         [0008]    A further problem is that berths do not provide both a fixed island bed and a V-berth within the same interior section of the boat. The fixed island bed provides a superior sleeping quarters that is easy to access from a side; alternatively, the V-berth provides the open space for dining and entertainment. 
         [0009]    Although prior designs have sought to improve the features, ergonomics and utility of V-berth and alternative bed/berth configurations and furniture, and may include certain power operated components to assist with movement or operation, these designs have failed to adequately maximize space, convertibility, or automation, and do not address or solve the problems mentioned above. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0018451 issued to Sahr, entitled Convertible Seat-Deck Arrangement for a Boat, describes a convertible seat/deck arrangement for a boat, having a generally open U-shaped or V-shaped seating arrangement, for example in a bow rider. In a first conventional configuration the deck arrangement provides horizontal seating around its periphery with an open central area; in a second configuration lower vertical deck elements are pivoted from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position which essentially completes an upright continuous horizontal surface for occupants. This reference describes pivotal legs to support the central deck elements in the horizontal position, as well as optional use of linear or rotational powered actuators to move the elements, and a linkage, slot or mechanical guide system to guide the deck elements as well. However, this reference does not describe specifics or particular means of accomplishing these options. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,043, issued to Sheppard, entitled Powered V-Berth Platform illustrates a powered V-berth platform in which a cushioned platform fills the “gap” in a V-berth for sleeping, and in its lowered position the platform acts as a chair or stool in the open area. By use of a control switch, a motorized vertical column with a power screw assembly is coupled to the platform such that it can be raised to a horizontal position within the open area of the V-berth. The platform thus fills the cutaway area of the V-berth to provide a continuous sleep area. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,798, issued to Lathers, entitled Recreational Boat Dinette/Sleeper relates to a convertible seat/dinette/sleeper system for boats, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,466, issued to Wizorek et al., describes a convertible boat seat which transforms a standard bench seat to a lounge/sleeper. 
         [0012]    While these designs provide some optional features and units for convertible configurations for berths, dinettes and beds, they require particular structural mechanisms that are relatively limited in purpose and application, and do not address the need for an automated convertible bed of multiple configurations, which also accommodates seating and entertainment needs. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a better designed, more efficient multiple position, automated, convertible V-berth for boats which is selectively configured for an island bed or V-berth, provides for and accommodates a seating, dining and entertain configuration, and a system for marine vessels that provides optimum comfort and a variety of positions while maintaining simple operation and a unified appearance. 
         [0014]    It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed. However, in view of the marine vessel berth, seating and sleeping systems in existence at the time of the present invention, it was not obvious to those persons of ordinary skill in the pertinent art as to how the identified needs could be fulfilled in an advantageous manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention provides various embodiments of a configurable V-berth seating and sleeping system designed for use on marine vessels. The instant unique designs for a marine vessel relate to automated convertible V-berths, which convert from a common V-berth configuration with a table placed between two (2) separated sofas, seats, or bunk sections, to a larger island bed at the push of a button. Starting in the V-berth configuration, when a switch is pressed the table begins to lower until it reaches a lower limit switch which then triggers the V-berth bunk sections to begin to pivot inwardly until they reach the centerline of the boat. The table is accommodated beneath the bunk sections by way of a slot or opening in the frame of the opposing bunks. Once the bunks are in the center they reveal steps up either side of the island bed configuration. Pressing the switch in the other direction, the bunks begin to separate until they reach an outboard limit switch which then triggers the table to rise until it reaches its highest extent. 
         [0016]    The convertible sleep/seating system is automated by simple switch controls and accommodates multiple positions between the V-berth seating and table configurations, and island bed configurations for sleeping or lounging. This system also automatically accommodates selective seating and entertainment configurations aside from the different bed types. It eliminates having to lower or remove tables to convert a berth, and the use of separate cushions and support members fill V-berth open areas. It also eliminates the need to manually move separate bunks together, and also automatically provides an island bed with stepped side-bed access. Finally, and most significantly, it eliminates the need to choose a boat with either a V-berth or an island bed, as both are provided with the instant invention at the selection of the occupants. 
         [0017]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple position, automatic convertible V-berth seating, sleeping and dining system. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to accomplish the multiple position, automatic convertible V-berth seating, sleeping and dining system configurations with an operationally efficient and cost effective mechanical and electrical design. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a completely automated convertible berth configuration system which easily converts from a V-berth arrangement to an island bed arrangement and eliminates the need for manual operation or accessory furniture pieces. 
         [0020]    Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple position, automatic convertible V-berth seating, sleeping and dining system having all of the above features and objects. 
         [0021]    In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention in an open V-berth configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention in a closed island bed configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention in an intermediate position between the open V-berth configuration and the closed island bed configuration. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention in an open seating configuration. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention in a closed seating configuration. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A  is a bottom plan drawing view of one embodiment of the convertible berth system of the present invention in an open V-berth configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3B  is an exploded partial drawing view taken along line B of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention in a closed island bed configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention in an open seating configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention in a closed seating configuration. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the convertible V-berth system of the present invention illustrating an open configuration for seating in conjunction with a central hub providing utility features. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 1A , shown is a perspective view of the multiple position automated and convertible V-berth system  10  of the present invention in an opened configuration. The v-berth system includes a left bunk section  12  and a right bunk section  13  which form a V-shaped configuration toward the center hub  11 . In some embodiments, the V-berth system is designed within the bow area of the vessel, such that the left and right sections  12  and  13  converge toward the center hub  11 . Also shown are bunk section bases  112  and  113  which form the support structure for the respective bunk section  112  and  113 . In some embodiments, each bunk section base  112  and  113  includes an elongated slot  19  that is configured to contain retractable table  14  when the system is operated. As such, disposed between the left and right sections  12  and  14  is a retractable table  14 . Table  14  is supported by a telescoping support column  15 . It can be seen that in this open configuration occupants can be seated upon the bunks  12  and  13  with sufficient leg area above deck  16  and beneath table  14 . This configuration is a typical configuration for utilizing the vessel during cruising or entertaining, dining and the like. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the convertible berth system  10  in a closed, sleeping position. It can be seen that left and right sections  12  and  13  have automatically moved into position such that they are now aligned with one another in direct contact in the center of the berth area forming a bed. Table  14  is no longer visible, as it has been retracted beneath the left and right sections  12  and  13 . In some embodiments, the left and right sections  12  and  13  articulate about central hub  11  to reach the full closed, sleeping position shown. In this position, around the perimeter of the bed can be seen left and right steps  17  and  18  which are now accessible such that one can access the now-formed bed easily from either side, as well as from the front. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the V-berth system  10  shown in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Starting in the open position, the system is activated by way of a remote switch which begins operation by retracting the table  14  downward. In some embodiments, the table  14  retracts to its lowest position such that the table  14  itself is at an elevation matching that of the elongated slot  19  of each bunk section  12  and  13 . Once the table  14  reaches its lowest position, a limit switch engages such that the left and right bunk section  12  and  13  begin to move inward by rotating about central hub  11 . The slots  19  of the respective bunk sections  12  and  13  are aligned with the table such that they receive at least a portion of the table  14  on either side. Accordingly, the table  14  remains protected and concealed from view once the system  10  reaches the closed position shown in  FIG. 1B . When the system is activated again to move from the closed position to the open position, the bunk sections  12  and  13  separate to their widest, open position and then a limit switch is engaged such that the table  14  to moves upward to its tallest position. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of the open configuration shown in  FIG. 1A , and  FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 1B . From here it can be seen how left and right bunk sections  12  and  13  articulate towards each other about central hub  11  to operate from the open position to the closed position. Also, steps  17  and  18  can be seen more clearly, each disposed on either side of the bed formed by left and right bunk sections  12  and  13 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3A  is a partial bottom plan view of the view shown in  FIG. 2A , depicting one embodiment of the mechanism by which left and right bunk sections  12  and  13  operate about central hub  11 . In some embodiments, left and right bunk sections  12  and  13  include respective bunk frames  12 ′ and  13 ′. Left and right bunk guides  31  and  32  are attached to the respective sides of central hub  11  and provide arcuate action for the bunk sections  12  and  13 . Actuators  33  and  34  are attached to the respective bunk sections  12  and  13 , and in some embodiments, directly to left and right bunk frames  12 ′ and  13 ′. The detail of this engagement is shown in close-up  FIG. 3B . When actuated, the actuators lengthen so as to move the respective bunk sections  12  and  13  along the respective bunk guides  31  and  32  in arcuate fashion. In some embodiments, the actuators  33  and  34  comprise electronic linear actuators. In other embodiments, the actuators  33  and  34  can comprise gas or hydraulic struts that are electronically activated by a remote switch. Also shown is table control mechanism  35  which assists the retracting action of the table  14  when the system is activated. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates the convertible berth system in a closed island bed configuration. The V-berth system  10  pivots together such that left and right bunk sections  12  and  13  form a bed. Also provided in some embodiments are wing cushions  40  and  42  which can pop up from the sides of the respective bunk sections  12  and  13  to complete the island bed with additional shoulder room. In this embodiment, step  17  and  18  become accessible such that an occupant can approach the island bed from either side. Optional lighting can be incorporated within the steps, about the lower section of the island bed, within the sides of the bow area, or the like. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a plurality of V-berth systems  50 ,  51  and  12  are provided inside the cabin of a marine vessel. These are illustrated each in an open configuration providing various seating positions and options.  FIG. 4B  is a top plan view in correlation to  FIG. 4A  depicting the systems  50 ,  51 , and  52  in closed configuration such that each system provides a bed.  FIG. 4C  shows one V-berth system  53  consisting of left and right seat sections  55  and  56  in an open configuration about central hub  54 . Central hub  54  is, in some embodiments, a utility piece including a cabinet  57 , sink  58  and compartments  59 . 
         [0040]    The automation of the system  10  provides a single step operation of the entire system. With the push of a button, the table  14  lowers and bunk sections converge on the center line of the boat creating an island bed. With a push of the button again the bunks separate and the table rises for a dining configuration. The actuation of the berth allows for a conversion between a dinette and an island bed. When a limit switch or other electronic switch is triggered, the electric actuators move the bunk sections along the curved guides until the section meet. In some embodiments, there is an over current switch that limits the actuator and stops the bunk sections at the center of the boat. When reversed, the bunk sections articulate outboard until they reach an outer limit and then the table  14  telescopes up by means of an electric table control mechanism  35 , such as a ram or strut or piston. 
         [0041]    It is appreciated and understood that the present invention is designed to be modular for a wide variety of applications on a marine vessel without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the bunk sections  12  and  13  may comprised a flat planar members for use as a bed when in the closed position. Alternatively, the sections  12  and  13  may be configured as chairs and/or sofas as depicted in other figures, while still being to be closed together to form sleeping or lounging furniture. Surrounding structure may also be provided, such as bulkhead padding shown in the figures or seat backs that enhance versatility and functionality. The materials selected need not be considered limiting, although various combinations of fiberglass, wood, resins, plastics, and the like can be incorporated in the final structure. 
         [0042]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.