Patent Publication Number: US-6701863-B2

Title: Watercraft with collapsible privacy compartment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 09/635,262, filed on Aug. 9, 2000, now pending, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/168,676, filed Dec. 3, 1999, and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,279,804, filed Aug. 9, 1999, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. The parent application relies on these two applications for priority. In addition, this application relies for priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/308,099, filed on Jul. 30, 2001, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to watercraft and more particularly to a collapsible privacy compartment located on the deck of a watercraft. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of watercraft exist, each being suited for different types of activities. Watercraft range from the smallest type, which include personal watercraft and row boats, to the largest type including cruise ships and yachts. Within this wide range of boats, there is a specific class that is large enough to accommodate multiple passengers but is too small to include an enclosed cabin or compartment capable of accommodating a fully grown adult. This class of watercraft encompasses boats more commonly referred to as sport boats and pontoon boats, for example. 
     For ease of the discussion that follows, watercraft without an enclosed cabin or compartment will be referred to as “open deck” boats. As the name suggests, open deck boats share a common design feature: the entire deck space of open deck boats is completely visible from the exterior of the watercraft. With the exception of storage lockers and cabinets that may be incorporated into the deck design in locations under seats and in the floor of the deck, open deck boats lack a privacy compartment. 
     Conventional wisdom suggests that open deck boats simply have no room to accommodate a privacy compartment. If a privacy compartment is desired, the owner may purchase a tent-like enclosure that could be erected on the deck of the boat when needed. Alternatively, the owner may purchase and install a convertible top, bimini, or other canopy system to provide some privacy to the boat&#39;s passengers. However, such canopy systems also enclose at least a portion of the deck space and stalls do not enclose a privacy compartment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,917 is illustrative of at least one privacy enclosure designed for use on a pontoon boat. As shown, a ledge  38 , which may lie in a horizontal arrangement or may be pivoted upwardly to provide access to the door  36 , is disposed at one end of the pontoon boat  10 . A curtain rod  56  is pivotally positioned beneath the ledge  38 . When deployed, a curtain  64  extends downwardly from the curtain rod  56 . Due to this arrangement, a person utilizes the head  54  in a seated position, and can expect to have his or her head exposed above the top of the curtain  64 . Accordingly, while the curtain  64  does afford at least minimal privacy, a need still exists for a greater amount of privacy, such as provided by a privacy compartment, on boats such as deck boats. U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,016 discloses a similar privacy compartment for a pontoon boat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,348 illustrates another privacy enclosure that is designed for use on a pontoon boat. A privacy compartment  3  is disposed within a housing  1  that is disposed on top of the deck of a pontoon boat. A hinged lid  7  covers the closed compartment  3  and can be pivoted upwardly to deploy the compartment  3  into an open position. A foldable frame provides support for a flexible curtain  21  that forms the sides, front, and top of the deployed compartment  3 . The hinged lid  7  is connected to rear edges of curtain  21  to form part of the back side of the compartment  3 . While the bulky housing  1  and compartment  3  of the &#39;348 patent may work on the open flat deck of a pontoon boat, a need still exists for a privacy compartment that more attractively fits into the general decor of a boat and more efficiently utilizes the limited space on boats other than large, flat-decked pontoon boats. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, an objective of the present invention to provide a watercraft which combines the features of a small boat with some amenities normally associated with large boats. 
     The present invention provides a watercraft with a powered hull and a deck disposed on the hull. A collapsible privacy compartment is disposed in the deck and has a closed position and an open position that accommodates an adult therein. A cover is adapted to (1) mate with at least a portion of the deck when in the closed position, (2) conceal at least a portion of the privacy compartment when in the closed position, and (3) provide at least partial support for the privacy compartment when deployed in the open position. 
     The watercraft may further include an engine mounted to the powered hull to provide propulsion to the watercraft. The privacy compartment is positioned next to (i.e., beside, in front of, behind, above, etc.) the engine and the cover forms an engine cover that covers both the engine and the privacy compartment when the privacy compartment is in the closed position. 
     According to an alternative aspect of the present invention, the watercraft may include an engine cover having first and second independently movable pieces, the first piece being adapted to selectively cover the engine and the second piece comprising the cover such that when both pieces are closed, exterior surfaces of the first and second pieces are adjacent to and generally flush with each other. 
     In yet another aspect, the watercraft further includes a steering console disposed on the deck with the privacy compartment positioned forward of the steering console. Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the invention that follows. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the figures: 
     FIG. 1 is a port side perspective view of the watercraft of the present invention with the privacy compartment in the fully deployed position; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the rear of the watercraft of the present invention with the privacy compartment in the fully deployed position; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the rear of the watercraft of the present invention with an alternative engine cover; 
     FIG. 4 is a port side perspective view of the watercraft of the present invention with the privacy compartment in the fully retracted position; 
     FIG. 5 is a view of a first alternative scheme for the privacy compartment; 
     FIG. 6 is a view of a second alternative scheme for the privacy compartment; 
     FIG. 7 is a view of a third alternative scheme for the privacy compartment; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of additional alternative embodiment of watercraft of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the closed privacy compartment of the additional alternative embodiment; and 
     FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the partially opened privacy compartment of the additional alternative embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Throughout the description of the several embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to various elements, the construction of which is readily known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, instead of providing an exhaustive description of each and every component, only a description of those elements required for an understanding of the present invention is provided. 
     FIG. 1 is a port side perspective view of a watercraft  1  of the present invention. The watercraft  1  illustrated in FIG. 1 is a sport boat with a powered hull  2 . Many of the details of the sport boat have been omitted because they are not relevant to the present invention. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate after reading the description set forth below, the present invention may be employed on any watercraft, regardless of style or size. 
     In the watercraft  1 , the hull  2  includes a bow  3  and a stern  4 . As shown in FIG. 2, an engine  5  is disposed at the stern  4  of the watercraft  1 . The engine  5  is connected to a propulsion unit (not shown) and provides the motive force for the watercraft  1 . Preferably, the engine  5  is either a two or four stroke internal combustion engine. However, other engine types may be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the propulsion unit preferably is a jet pump arranged at the stern  4  of the watercraft  1 . As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, alternative propulsion units, such as a propeller, may be substituted therefor without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
     A deck  6  is disposed on the powered hull  2  and comprises the upper exterior portion of the watercraft  1 . Components such as the sides and floor of the passenger area, seat sections, and other structures may be incorporated into the deck  6 . For sport boats of the type contemplated for the present invention, the hull  2  and the deck  6  are separate portions forming the body of the watercraft  1 . As is known to those skilled in the art, the hull  2  and the deck  6  are molded as separate sections of the watercraft  1  and are assembled together during manufacture. Once assembled (or during assembly), elements such as the captain&#39;s chair, console, windshield, etc. are added to the deck  6 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a privacy compartment  10  is located at a predetermined position relative to the engine  5 . According to this embodiment, the privacy compartment  10  is preferably located within about a few feet of the engine  5 . More preferably, the privacy compartment  10  is located next to (i.e., beside, in front of, behind, above, etc.) the engine  5 . Most preferably, the privacy compartment  10  is located next to the engine  5  in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft  1 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     In this embodiment, an engine cover  15  is used to cover the engine  5  and the privacy compartment  10 . The engine cover  15  forms the rearward end of the deck  6 . The engine cover  15  may be a single piece that is sized such that it covers both the engine  5  and the privacy compartment  10 , as shown in FIG.  2 . Alternatively, the engine cover  15  may comprise more than one piece, wherein one piece  16  covers the engine  5  and another, independently movable piece  17  covers the privacy compartment  10 , as shown in FIG.  3 . If a multiple piece engine cover  15  is used, it is preferable that adjacent surfaces of the individual pieces  16 ,  17  be generally flush with each other to create a streamlined appearance when both pieces  16 ,  17  are in their closed positions. 
     The engine cover  15  may be attached to the hull  2  of the watercraft  1  in any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one example, the engine cover  15  may be hingedly attached to the hull  2  along its rearward edge. Also, the sides of the engine cover  15  may be attached to the hull  2  by means of hydraulic shocks  30 , which are similar to those used on an automobile&#39;s hood. The shocks  30  provide support for the engine cover  15  when opened, as shown in FIG.  2 . Alternatively, the engine cover  15  may be held open by a prop rod (not shown) or other similar device. In this embodiment, the engine cover  15  is a rigid member that is connected to the hull  2  and adapted for concealing the privacy compartment  10  in the closed position and supporting the deployment of the privacy compartment  10  in the open position. 
     In its closed, compressed or retracted position, as shown in FIG. 4, the privacy compartment  10  is not useable. Instead, the privacy compartment  10  is at least partially concealed by the engine cover  15 , and preferably, is fully concealed by the engine cover  15 . In this closed position, the outside edges of the engine cover  15  are preferably generally flush with the adjacent mating surface of the deck  6 . 
     In this embodiment, the engine cover  15  is partially L-shaped when viewed from the side. When the privacy compartment  15  is in the closed position, a first edge of the “L” forms a top side of the engine cover  15  while the second edge of the “L” forms a back rest for a seat that is incorporated into the deck  6 . As a result, the engine cover  15  blends into the rest of the deck  6  to appealingly conceal the closed privacy compartment  10 . 
     To further conceal the closed privacy compartment  10 , it is preferred that at least a portion of the exterior surface of the engine cover  15  and a portion of the exterior surface of the deck  6  have the same surface finish. For example, both exterior surfaces could include gel-coated fiberglass sections. Alternatively or additionally, both surfaces could have a cloth, vinyl, or fabric cover (e.g., some variety of upholstery) with matching color schemes. Consequently, the engine cover  15  blends into the general decor of the remaining deck  6 . In addition, it is preferred that the engine cover  15  mate with at least a portion of the deck  6  to complement the boat&#39;s appearance when closed. 
     The privacy compartment  10  may be opened by lifting the engine cover  15  until it is upright. When the privacy compartment  10  is in the open position, the second edge of the engine cover  15  functions as the top of the privacy compartment  10  while the first edge of the engine cover  15  functions as a supporting side for the open privacy compartment  10 . 
     The hydraulic shocks  30  may be designed such that when they are extended a certain distance, they allow the privacy compartment  10  to self-deploy. That is, once the engine cover  15  is lifted a certain distance, the engine cover  15  will continue to open even without further human intervention. 
     While the engine cover  15  can be opened manually, it is also possible that the engine cover  15  could be motorized so that it can be opened by a mechanical and/or electrical switch (not shown). The exemplary engine cover  15  makes the compartment easily deployable. 
     The privacy compartment  10  could be, for example, a toilet, shower, or changing area. When opened, the interior area of the privacy compartment  10  is tall enough that a person of average height can stand-up. Preferably, the privacy compartment  10 , when fully deployed, has an interior height of at least about 5 feet, 8 inches so that the privacy compartment  10  is not overly restrictive to the occupant. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the interior height may be greater than 5 feet, 8 inches. For example, the interior height may reach 6 feet, 2 inches or more. Of course, the interior height need not be so great to accommodate a standing adult. All that is required is enough height for an adult to sit comfortably therein, especially in cases where the privacy compartment  10  encloses a toilet. 
     In this embodiment, the bottom of the privacy compartment  10  is integrally formed with the deck  6  and/or the hull  2 . Alternatively, the bottom of the privacy compartment  10  may be a separate piece (not shown) that is placed on top of the hull  2  in such a way that it may be anchored to the hull  2 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the privacy compartment  10  also includes a flexible curtain  40 . The flexible curtain  40  is a tent-like structure that, once deployed, permits entry into the privacy compartment  10 . One end of the flexible curtain  40  is secured to the bottom of the privacy compartment  10  in any suitable way known to one skilled in the art. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of snaps, rivets, and the like. 
     The other end of the flexible curtain  40  is connected to the engine cover  15  in any suitable way known to one skilled in the art. Preferably, the flexible curtain  40  is connected to the engine cover  15  in such a way that it can be detached without substantial effort. 
     In this embodiment, the privacy compartment  10 , once deployed, can be accessed through an opening in the flexible curtain  40 . The opening can then be closed by means of a zipper, snaps, or any other suitable closure means. Preferably, the opening is closed by means of a zipper  41 , as illustrated in FIG.  2 . When the opening is closed, the cover  15  and curtain  40  combine to fully enclose the privacy compartment  10 . In this embodiment, the flexible curtain  40  is constructed of fabric. An acceptable fabric could be, for example, a canvas-type material. 
     FIG. 2 also shows the position of battens  42 , which are preferably rigid cylindrical rods that are sewn into the flexible curtain  40 . The battens  42  help give the flexible curtain  40  form once the privacy compartment  10  is deployed. Also, the battens  42  help prevent billowing of the flexible curtain  40  when the privacy compartment  10  is collapsed. The battens  42  permit the canvas fabric to fold easily without becoming caught between the engine cover  15  and the deck  6 , while the engine cover  15  is being closed. 
     In addition, a mesh fabric is preferably provided at the rear of the privacy compartment  10 . The mesh fabric permits air to escape from the flexible curtain  40  when the privacy compartment  10  is collapsed. The mesh fabric also provides ventilation for the privacy compartment  10  while the privacy compartment  10  is deployed. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 5, the sides  53   a  of the cover  53  of the privacy compartment  10  telescope upwardly from the deck  6  to create the compartment  10  as illustrated. When the privacy compartment  10  is in the closed position, the sides  53   a  are preferably at least partially concealed by the cover  53 . When the privacy compartment  10  is in the open position, the cover  53  forms the top of the privacy compartment  10  and is structurally supported by the telescoping sides  53   a . A curtain having a zippered door could be attached to the cover  53  and side supports  53   a  to provide a front wall and entrance to the privacy compartment  10 . 
     In yet another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6, the cover  55  could be provided with a singular constructed portion like a bucket that extends upwardly from the deck  6  to deploy the privacy compartment into the open position. When the privacy compartment is in the closed position, the sides  55   a  of the cover  55  are at least partially concealed by the cover  55 . When the privacy compartment is extended into the open position, the sides  55   a  form the side of the privacy compartment  10  and support the top of the cover  55 . A curtain having a zippered door could be attached to the cover  55  to provide a front wall and entrance to the privacy compartment  10 . 
     In a third possible embodiment, the cover  60  of the privacy compartment  10  could include a curved (or triangular) front wall that is pivotally articulated at a left or right side of the privacy compartment  10  to form the privacy area, as shown in FIG.  7 . When the privacy compartment  10  is in the closed position, the cover  60  may lay flat across the top of the side supports  62  or may extend downwardly into the space between the side supports  62 . At least a portion of the privacy compartment  10  is thereby concealed underneath the closed cover  60 . To deploy the privacy compartment  10  into its open position, a user pivots the top  60  upwardly in the direction of the arrow until the top  60  is angled upwardly above the side supports  62 . As with the previous embodiments, hydraulic shocks or a prop rod (not shown) could be used to keep the privacy compartment  10  open. A curtain having a zippered door could be attached to the cover  60  and side supports  62  to provide a front wall and entrance. 
     FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an additional alternative embodiment in which the privacy compartment is disposed forward of a steering console rather than near the rear end of a watercraft as in the previously described embodiments. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 8, the watercraft  101  is a deck boat. A deck  106  is disposed on a powered hull  105 . In this embodiment, a variety of walkways, walls, seats, and other equipment are disposed in and on the deck  106 . A steering console  103  for controlling the watercraft  101  is centrally disposed on the deck  106 . A privacy compartment  110  is disposed forward of the steering console  103  along a starboard side of the watercraft  101 . 
     A cover  112  of the privacy compartment is hingedly attached to an upper side portion of the deck  106 . While the cover  112  in this embodiment is hingedly attached to the deck  106 , any other mechanism such as those shown in FIGS. 5-7 could also be used to connect the cover  112  to the watercraft  101 . 
     FIG. 9 shows the privacy compartment  110  in its closed position. In the closed position, the cover  112  blends into the decor of the watercraft  101  such that an exterior surface  112   a  of the cover  112  is generally flush with an adjacent exterior surface  106   a  of the deck  106 . At a minimum the cover  112  at least partially mates with the deck  106  to complement the overall appearance of the watercraft  101 . In the closed position, the privacy compartment  110  is not useable, but a driver, who is positioned behind the privacy compartment  110  at the steering console  103 , can see easily over the privacy compartment  110 . The cover  112  is L-shaped to match the corresponding surface shape of the adjacent surface  106   a  of the deck  106  when the privacy compartment  110  is in the closed position. As with the previous embodiments, at least a portion of the exterior surfaces  106   a ,  112   a  of the deck  106  and cover  112  are preferably finished in the same manner (i.e. gel-coated fiberglass, matching fabric covering or color scheme, etc.) such that the closed privacy compartment  110  blends in with the decor of the deck  106 . 
     FIG. 10 illustrates the privacy compartment  110  in a partially opened position. The L-shape of the cover  112  enables the cover  112  to function as both a back side and a rigid top of the opened privacy compartment  110 . As in the previous embodiments, the privacy compartment  110  preferably includes hydraulic shocks  130  that facilitate the opening and closing of the cover  112  and a flexible curtain  140  that is connected to the cover  112  to form the sides of the privacy compartment  110 . Other features of the previous embodiments (such as battens, motorized deployment means, zippered doors, etc.) may also be incorporated into this embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Although the privacy compartments  10 ,  110  illustrated herein are shown to be disposed either in the rear of the watercraft  1  (as illustrated in the previous embodiments) or in the side of the watercraft  101  (as illustrated in this embodiment), a privacy compartment according to the present invention may be disposed in a variety of other positions on the watercraft. An appropriate position for the privacy department depends on the specific watercraft and accompanying design requirements, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. For example, the privacy compartment could be disposed in the deck at the bow of a watercraft. The privacy compartment could also be disposed in a central portion of the deck that is spaced away from the sides, bow, and stem of the watercraft. 
     From the invention thus described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention may be varied in many ways. For example, components illustrated in separate embodiments can be combined where appropriate. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended for inclusion within the scope of the following claims.