Patent Publication Number: US-2023144175-A1

Title: Reversible seating system for a waterborne vessels

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/272,160 filed Oct. 26, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Waterborne vessels, such as small and medium-sized boats used for recreational purposes, typically are equipped with seating for multiple passengers. The passengers often prefer to sit facing different directions, depending on the manner in which the vessel is being operated. For example, passengers may prefer to sit in a forward-facing direction while the vessel is moving. The passengers may prefer to sit in a rearward-facing direction at other times. For example, passengers may prefer to sit facing rearward, toward a swim platform located at the stem of the vessel, when the vessel is anchored and swimmers are entering and exiting the water via the swim platform. 
     Space within waterborne vessels often is limited. Thus, it be challenging for the vessel manufacturer to provide sufficient passenger seating, and to provide seating arrangements that satisfy passenger preferences under all of the various conditions in which such vessels normally operate. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the disclosed technology, a seating system for a vessel includes a first platform, and a second platform coupled to the first platform and configured to rotate in relation to the first platform. The seating system is configured to move between a first and a second position. The second platform has a substantially horizontal orientation and the first platform is substantially upright when the seating system is in the first position. The first platform has a substantially horizontal orientation and the second platform is substantially upright when the seating system is in the second position. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system further includes a mount configured to be mounted on the waterborne vessel; and a hinge. The hinge includes a first arm mounted on the first platform, and a second arm mounted on the second platform. The second arm is coupled to the first arm and is configured to rotate in relation to the first arm. The second arm is configured to engage and rotate in relation to the mount when the seating system is in the first position. The first arm is configured to engage and rotate in relation to the mount when the seating system is in the second position. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first arm is further configured to be disengaged from the mount when the seating system is in the first position; and the second arm is further configured to be disengaged from the mount when the seating system is in the second position. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system further includes a first pin mounted on the first arm and configured to be received in a first groove formed in the mount when the seating system is in the second position; and a second pin mounted on the second arm and configured to be received in a second groove formed in the mount when the seating system is in the first position. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first arm is further configured to engage and rotate in relation to the mount by way of the first pin; and the second arm is further configured to engage and rotate in relation to the mount by way of the second pin. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the seating system is further configured to move between the first position, the second position, and a third position; and the first and second platforms each have a substantially vertical orientation when the seating system is in the third position. The first pin is further configured to be received in the first groove when the seating system is in the third position; and the second pin is further configured to be received in the second groove when the seating system is in the third position. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system further incudes a third bracket coupled to the first and second brackets and the mount. The third bracket is configured to rotate in relation the first and second brackets and the mount, and is further configured to limit a range of rotation of the first and second brackets in relation to the mount. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the third bracket includes a first member, and a second member coupled to the first member and configured to translate linearly in relation to the first member. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system further includes a third pin mounted on the first arm and configured to be received in the first groove when the seating system is in the second position; and a fourth pin mounted on the second arm and configured to be received in the second groove when the seating system is in the first position. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first platform is configured to form a backrest and the second platform is configured to form a seating area when the seating system is in the first position; and the second platform is configured to form another backrest and the first platform is configured to form another seating area when the seating system is in the second position. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the backrest formed by the first platform faces a first direction, and the backrest formed by the second platform faces a second direction substantially opposite the second direction. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first and second platforms each includes a frame, and padding mounted on the frame. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first pin is located proximate a first end of the first arm; and the second pin is located proximate a first end of the second arm. The second arm is coupled to the first arm at a location on the second arm proximate a second end of the second arm, and at a location on the first arm proximate a second end of the first arm. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system further includes a restraint having a flexible member configured to carry a tension force. A first end of the flexible member is securely attached to the first platform; a second end of the flexible member is securely attached to the second platform; and the flexible member is configured to limit a range of rotation of the second platform in relation to the first platform. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the restraint further incudes a rigid member configured to support the flexible member, and to further limit the range of rotation of the second platform in relation to the first platform when the seating system is in the first and second positions of the seating system. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the hinge is a first hinge; and the system further incudes a second hinge. The first arm of the first hinge is mounted on a first side of the first platform; and the second arm of the first hinge is mounted on a first side of the second platform. The first arm of the second hinge is mounted on a second side of the first platform; and the second arm of the second hinge is mounted on a second side of the second platform. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first and second arms has a slot formed therein; and at least one of the first and second arms includes a pin configured to be received in the slot of the other of the first and second arms. The pin is further configured to guide the first and second arms during relative movement of the first and second arms, and to limit a range of rotation of the first and second arms in relation to each other. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, a method for deploying a reversible seating system for a vessel includes providing a first platform, and a second platform coupled to and configured to rotate in relation to the first platform. The method also includes providing a hinge having a first arm connected to the first platform, and a second arm connected to the second platform. The second arm is coupled to and is configured to rotate in relation to the first arm. 
     The method also includes providing a mount configured to be mounted on the vessel; and engaging the first and second arms with the mount while the first and second platforms are in a substantially vertical orientation so that the mount restrains the first and second arms and the first and second platforms from rotating in relation to the mount. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the method further includes lifting the first platform to disengage the first arm from the mount; and rotating the first and second platforms in relation to the mount in a first angular direction while the second arm remains engaged with the mount, so that the first and second platforms each assume a substantially horizontal orientation. The method also includes rotating the first platform in relation to the second platform so that the first platform assumes an upright orientation and faces a first direction. 
     In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the method further includes lifting the second platform to disengage the second arm from the mount; and rotating the first and second platforms in relation to the mount in a second angular direction opposite the first angular direction while the first arm remains engaged with the mount, so that the first and second platforms each assume a substantially horizontal orientation. The method further incudes rotating the second platform in relation to the first platform so that the second platform assumes an upright orientation and faces a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. 
         FIG.  1    is a top view of a seating system installed on a waterborne vessel, depicting the seating system in a second, or rearward-facing position. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional side view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIG.  1   , taken through the line “A-A” if  FIG.  1   , depicting the system in the rearward-facing position. 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , depicting the seating system in a first, or forward-facing position. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional side view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , taken through the line “B-B” if  FIG.  3   , depicting the system in the forward-facing position. 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , depicting the seating system in a stored position. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional side view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , taken through the line “C-C” if  FIG.  5   , depicting the system in the stored position. 
         FIG.  7    is a top-side perspective view of a hinge of the seating system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , with the hinge in a configuration corresponding the forward-facing position of the seating system. 
         FIG.  8    is a top-side perspective view of a hinge shown in  FIG.  7   , with the hinge in a configuration corresponding the stored position of the seating system. 
         FIG.  9    is a top-rear perspective view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , depicting the seating system in the stored position. 
         FIG.  10    is a top-rear perspective view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , depicting the seating system in an intermediate position between the stored position and forward-facing position.  FIG.  11    is a top-rear perspective view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6  and  10   , depicting the seating system the forward-facing position. 
         FIG.  12    is a top-rear perspective view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6 ,  10 , and  11   , depicting the seating system in an intermediate position between the stored position and rearward-facing position. 
         FIG.  13    is a top-rear perspective view of the seating system and the waterborne vessel shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6  and  10 - 12   , depicting the seating system in the rearward-facing position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following discussion omits or only briefly describes conventional features of the disclosed technology that are apparent to those skilled in the art. It is noted that various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. 
     The figures depict a seating system  10  for a waterborne vessel  12 . In the illustrative embodiment disclosed herein, the seating system  10  is located along the transom  13  of the vessel  12 . The installation of the seating system  10  at this location on the vessel  12  is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. The seating system  10  can be installed at other locations on the vessel  12 , e.g., on the bridge of the vessel  12 . Also, the seating system  10  can be installed in orientations other than the front-to-back orientation disclosed herein. For example, the seating system  10  can be installed in a sideways-facing direction. 
     The seating system  10  is configured to open, or deploy, in two ways, e.g., in a first or forward-facing position, shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  11   ; and a second or rearward-facing direction, shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  13   . Also, the seating system  10  can be configured in a third or stored position, shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  6 , and  9   . The seating system  10  has a relatively small footprint when in the stored position. For example, in the illustrative embodiment disclosed herein, the seating system  10  requires only about eight inches of floor space on the vessel  12  when the seating system  10  is in its stored position. 
     The seating system  10  comprises a first elongated member or platform  20 , and a second elongated member or platform  22 . When the seating system  10  is configured in the first or forward-facing position, the second platform  22  has a substantially horizontal orientation, and the first platform  20  has an upright, slightly inclined orientation. In this configuration of the seating system  10 , the second platform  22  provides the surface on which the user sits; and the first platform  20  acts as a back support against which the user can recline. As can be seen in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the second platform  22  is located forward of the first platform  20 , the second platform  22  extends into the cockpit of the vessel  12  and the user faces forward, i.e., toward the cockpit and the bow of the vessel  12 , when seated. 
     When the seating system  10  is configured in the second or rearward-facing position, the second platform  22  has an upright, slightly inclined orientation and the first platform  20  has a substantially horizontal orientation. In this configuration of the seating system  10 , the first platform  20  provides the surface on which the user sits; and the second platform  22  acts as the back support against which the user can recline. As can be seen in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , because the first platform  20  is located rearward of the second platform  22  when the seating system  10  is configured in this manner, the first platform  20  extends over the transom  13  of the vessel  12  and the user faces rearward, i.e., toward the swim platform and the stem of the vessel  10 , when seated. 
     The first and second platforms  20 ,  22  each include a rigid frame  30 , and padding  32  mounted on the frame  30 . The seating system  10  is configured so that the user sits on the padding  32  of the second platform  20 , and rests his or her back on the padding  32  of the first platform  20 , when the seating system  10  is in the forward-facing position. The seating system  10  is configured so that the user sits on the padding of the first platform  20 , and rests his or her back on the padding of the second platform  22 , when the seating system  10  is in the rearward-facing position. The frames  30  are coupled to each other by a hinge bracket  36  that facilitates relative rotation between the first and second platforms  20 ,  22 . The hinge bracket  36  is denoted in  FIG.  2   . 
     The seating system  10  also includes two hinges  40  that facilitate movement of the seating system  10  between the forward-facing, rearward-facing, and stored positions. The hinges  40  are mounted on opposite sides of the first and second platforms  20 ,  22 . One of the hinges  40  is depicted in  FIGS.  7  and  8   .  FIG.  7    shows the hinge  40  when the seating system  10  is in the rearward-facing configuration.  FIG.  8    shows the hinge  40  when the seating system  10  is in the stored configuration. 
     The system  10  also include two mounts  42 , depicted in  FIGS.  7  and  8   . The mounts  42  are securely mounted on opposite sides of the transom  13  of the vessel  12 , so that the mounts  42  face inward, toward each other. 
     Each hinge  40  includes an elongated first bracket  44 , and an elongated second bracket  46 . A first end of the first bracket  44  is coupled to a first end of the second bracket  46  by a first pin  48  or other suitable means that permits relative rotation between the first bracket  44  and the second bracket  46 . 
     A second pin  50  is securely mounted on the first bracket  44 , proximate the first pin  48 . The second pin  50  is received in a slot  52  in the second bracket  46 . The second pin  50  acts as a stop that limits the rotation of the second bracket  46  in relation to the first bracket  44 . 
     The first bracket  44  of each hinge  40  is securely connected to an associated side of the frame  30  of the first platform  20 . The second bracket  46  of each hinge  40  is securely connected to an associated side of the frame  30  of the second platform  22 . The first and second brackets  44 ,  46  thus rotate in relation to each other about the first pin  48  as the first platform  20  rotates in relation to the second platform  22  about the hinge bracket  36 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , two pins  54   a  are securely mounted on a second end of the first bracket  44 . Two pins  54   b  likewise are securely mounted on a second end of the second bracket  46 . The pins  54   a ,  54   b  are removably received in respective slots  56   a ,  56   b  in the mount  42 . More specifically, the pins  54   a  are disposed in the slot  56   a  when the seating system  10  is in its stored and rearward-facing positions. The pins  54   b  are disposed in the slot  56   b  when the seating system  10  is in its stored and forward-facing positions. 
     Each hinge  40  also includes a third bracket in the form of an extension bracket  58 . The extension bracket  58  comprises an elongated first member  60  and an elongated second member  62 . The first and second members  60 ,  62  are coupled to each other by a pin  64  or other suitable means that facilitates relative rotation between the first and second members  60 ,  62 . The pin  64  is securely mounted on a first end of the second member  62 , and slides within a slot  66  in the first member  60  so that the first and second members  60 ,  62  can translate linearly in relation to each other. The pin  64  also acts as a stop that limits the linear movement of the second member  62  in relation to the first member  60 . A second end of the second member  62  is coupled to the respective first ends of the first and second brackets  44 ,  46 , by the first pin  48 . 
     An end of the first member  60  is coupled to the transom  13  of the vessel  12  by a pin  68  or other suitable means that permits the first member  60  to rotate in relation to the transom  13 . 
     When the seating system  10  is in its stored position, the pins  54   a  located on the second end of the first bracket  44  of each hinge  40  are disposed in the slot  56   a  of the corresponding mount  42 ; and the pins  54   b  located on the second end of the second bracket  46  of each hinge  40  are disposed in the slot  56   b  of the corresponding mount  42 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . Also, the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  are folded and have a substantially vertical orientation, so that the padding  32  of the first platform  20  faces and abuts the padding  32  of the second platform  22 , as depicted in  FIG.  6   . The pins  54   a ,  54   b , which are captured within the respective slots  56   a ,  56   b  of the mount  42 , are supporting the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  and are restraining the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  from substantial movement in the forward and rearward directions, i.e., toward and away from the bow of the waterborne vessel. The interaction of the first and second pins  54   a ,  54   b  and the mount  42  also prevents the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  from rotating in relation to the transom  13 , or in relation to each other. Also, the extension brackets  58  are not extended, i.e., the first and second members  60 ,  62  of each extension bracket  58  completely overlap, when the seating system  10  is in its stored position. 
     To place the seating system  10  in its forward-facing position from its stored position, the user lifts the first platform  20  so that the pins  54   a  rise out of their associated slots  56   a . Once the pins  54   a  clear the slots  54   a , the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  can rotate counterclockwise, from the perspective of  FIG.  4   , about the pins  54   b , which remain in their associated slots  56   b . Because the second end of the second member  62  of the extension bracket  58  of each hinge  40  is coupled to the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  by way of the first and second brackets  44 ,  46 , the rotation of the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  draws the second member  62  away from the first member  60 , causing the extension bracket  58  to extend. 
     The first and second platforms  20 ,  22  can be equipped with handles  59  through which the user can apply force to move the first and second platforms  20 ,  22 . The handles  59  are visible  FIGS.  9 - 12   . 
     The continued counterclockwise rotation of the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  eventually causes the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  to undergo an angular displacement slightly over 90 degrees, to an orientation slightly inclined from the horizontal. At approximately this point, the pin  64  in the second member  62  of the extension bracket  58  reaches the end of its travel within the slot  66  of the first member  60 , which in turn causes the extension bracket  58  to limit further counterclockwise rotation of the first and second platform  20 ,  22 . 
     Once the second platform  22  has reach the end of its angular travel, the first platform  20  can be rotated in relation of the second platform  22  in the counterclockwise direction, from the perspective of  FIG.  4   , about the hinge bracket  36 . 
     The seating system  10  further includes two restraints  70  located on opposite sides of the seating system  10 . Each restraint  70  includes a flexible member configured to carry a tension force. The flexible member can be, for example, a cable or strap  72 . Each restraint  70  also includes a rigid member in the form of, for example, a pole  74 . A first end of each strap  72  is securely attached to the first platform  20 , and a second end of each strap  72  is securely attached to the second platform  22 . A first end of the pole  74  is secured to the hinge bracket  36 . The strap  72  is attached to a second end of the pole  74 , at the approximate mid-point of the strap  72 . Each restraint  70  is configured so that its respective strap  72  becomes fully tensioned as the first platform  20  undergoes an angular displacement of slightly over 90 degrees in relation of the second platform  22 , to an upright orientation slightly inclined from the vertical. The tensioned strap  72 , supported at its midpoint by the corresponding pole  74 , acts as a stop that prevents further counterclockwise rotation of the first platform  20  in relation to the second platform  22 . 
     At this point, the seating system  10  is configured in its forward-facing configuration. The seating area is facing toward the cockpit of the vessel  12 , with the second platform  22  providing a seating area for the user and the first platform  20  providing back support. 
     To place the seating system  10  in its rearward-facing configuration from the stored position, the user lifts the second platform  22  so that the pins  54   b  rise out of their associated slots  56   b . Once the pins  54   b  clear the slots  54   b , the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  can rotate clockwise, from the perspective of  FIG.  2   , about the pins  54   a , which remain in their associated slots  56   a . Because the second end of the second member  62  of the extension bracket  58  of each hinge  40  is coupled to the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  by way of the first and second brackets  44 ,  46 , the rotation of the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  draws the second member  62  away from the first member  60 , causing the extension brackets  58  to extend. 
     The continued clockwise rotation of the first and second platforms  20 ,  22  eventually causes the first and second platforms to undergo an angular displacement slightly over 90 degrees, to an upright orientation slightly inclined from the horizontal. At approximately this point, the pin  64  in the second member  62  of the extension bracket  58  reaches the end of its travel within the slot  66  of the first member  60 , which in turn causes the extension bracket  58  to limit further counterclockwise rotation of the first and second platforms  20 ,  22 . 
     Once the first platform  20  has reach the end of its angular travel, the second platform  22  can be rotated in relation of the first platform  20  in the clockwise direction, from the perspective of  FIG.  2   , about the hinge bracket  36 . 
     Each restraint  70  is configured so that its respective strap  72  becomes fully tensioned as the second member  22  undergoes an angular displacement of slightly over 90 degrees in relation of the first member  20 , to an orientation slightly inclined from the vertical. The tensioned strap  72 , supported at its midpoint by the corresponding pole  74 , acts as a stop that prevents further counterclockwise rotation of the second member  22  in relation to the first member  20 . 
     At this point, the seating system  10  is configured in its rearward-facing configuration. The seating area is facing away from the cockpit of the vessel  12  and toward the swimming platform, with the first platform  20  providing a seating area for the user and the second platform  22  providing back support. 
     By opening both ways from the same starting point, the seating system  10  helps to maximize both the cockpit space and swim platform space of the vessel  10 , without compromising the usable cockpit. 
     The seating system  10  extends out away from the vertical stored position either forward or aft, allowing use of the entire cockpit or transom platform of the vessel  10  when the seating system  10  is in the stored position. Current seats in the market fold out from a fixed bulkhead; open into the space that the user is occupying and extend into that space by about 20 inches; and open in only one direction. The seating system  10  thus can provide the overall advantage of space savings in both directions, i.e., when deployed in both the forward and rearward facing positions. 
     Also, it is believed that many current seats cannot face aft in applications with stern-mounted engines, because the seats would be would be too close to the engines. 
     Because the seating system  10  does not significantly consume cockpit space when open in the forward position, the aft bulkhead can be positioned more aft than otherwise would be possible, which in turn helps maximize the interior space. Thus, more features can provided in the cockpit than otherwise would be possible, while maintaining the same usable floor space. 
     The seating system  10  can be equipped with features such as fishing rod holders that can be used when the seat is in the stored position; and a cockpit table that can be used when the seating system  10  is in the open position. 
     The seating system  10  is described herein in connection with a waterborne vessel  12  for illustrative purposes only. The seating system  10  can be used in other applications, such as recreational vehicles and other ground-based motorized vessels or vehicles, and in applications that do not involve a moving vessel or vehicle.