Patent Publication Number: US-4319534-A

Title: Dinghy cockpit

Description:
SUMMARY 
     The dinghy of this invention serves as a cockpit while the boat is underway by fitting into a hatch opening in the deck of the boat; the interior of the dinghy seating the crew. The dinghy of this invention also serves as a cabin top while the boat is moored by fitting inverted over the same hatch opening in the deck of the boat; the interior of the dinghy providing head-room. In prior art, allowances for the storage of a dinghy can not be made on small boats. Hence many dinghys are lashed precariously on deck, towed, or left on the dock. By utilising the dingy as a cockpit this invention solves this problem. Also in prior art the space below the cockpit is wasted, used only for storage. By utilising the dingy as a cabin top this invention solves this problem. 
    
    
     DRAWING 
     The drawing shows a cross-section through the beam of the dinghy and the boat. The dinghy&#39;s position as a cockpit and the outline of a person utilising it are shown in solid lines. The dinghy&#39;s position as a cabin top and the outline of a person utilising it are shown in phantom lines. 
    
    
     EMBODIMENT 
     The dinghy has a female flange (1) which fits over the male flange (2) around the deck opening. The central area of the dinghy (3) serves as leg-room when the dinghy is used as a cockpit and as head room when the dinghy is used as a cabin top. Sealed tanks on the side of the dinghy (4) serve as seats when the dinghy is used as a cockpit, as flotation tanks when the dinghy is used as a dinghy, and as cabinets (access is through sealed inspection plates (5)) when the dinghy is used as a cabin top.