Patent Publication Number: US-6338310-B1

Title: Control console and seating arrangement for motorized watercraft

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a motorized watercraft which is an improvement over conventional watercraft having either tiller steering or remote steering arrangements. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Most motorized watercraft, particularly those used for sport fishing, have either a tiller steering system or a remote steering wheel system. Both systems have disadvantages and inefficiencies which have not been addressed to date. 
     A tiller steering system relies on human effort to maintain steering control of a motorized watercraft, or boat. This is done by pushing or pulling on a steering arm which extends into the boat from an outboard motor pivotally connected to the back, or stern, of the boat. The pushing or pulling action on the motor&#39;s steering arm pivots the motor and directs the motor&#39;s propeller thrust to change the boat&#39;s direction of travel. The operator&#39;s steering arm also controls the throttle by twisting the wrist, like on a motorcycle. 
     There are several problems which such conventional tiller steering arrangements. First, any movement of the operator&#39;s steering arm to direct the motor&#39;s thrust also effects the throttle position, which may not be desired. Simultaneous steering and throttle control can therefore be tricky, and can result in unintended and dangerous manoeuvres. Second, this arrangement typically causes arm strain, particularly on long trips, where an operator is constantly changing throttle position, such as when fishing. Third, the operator&#39;s direct contact with engine vibrations can create operator fatigue or numbness. Fourth, to change the transmission between forward and reverse, many tiller systems require an operator to either let go of the steering arm and throttle, or to turn back toward the motor, so that the operator&#39;s opposite arm can move a gear shift lever mounted on the engine block. Fifth, the operator&#39;s attention must be diverted from the bow of the boat when starting a tiller engine. Sixth, an operator must usually sit at an angle to the motor, and not squarely in his seat. This position is the only way the operator of this type of boat can exert enough arm strength and degree of lateral movement to steer the boat. The operator&#39;s free hand must often grasp another part of the boat, such as hand holds if provided, to brace himself to remain in his seat, particularly during high speed manoeuvres or rough water conditions. Hence, the allowable horsepower on tiller type systems must be limited so that the operator can properly and safely control the boat. 
     Motorized watercraft have evolved to include remote steering locations. In one conventional version the boat will have an operator console on one side, i.e. port (left side looking forward) or starboard (right side), with a steering wheel in a fixed position, an outboard motor at the stern for propulsion, and a key start system similar to an automobile. Remote steering locations are also found on watercraft utilizing an inboard type of engine for propulsion. Remote steering systems use cables, hydraulics, and electrical assists to move the engine&#39;s propulsion in a desired manner. Remote steering systems were developed for newer boat designs to provide operator comfort, and to include features such as a windshield, or a sun top, and the like, because the location of the boat operator was not a limiting factor. The remote steering location, with the mechanical advantages of cables, hydraulics and electric assists enabled boat manufacturers to build boat hulls that would utilize larger horsepower engines rated up to 225 h.p., thus enlarging their markets. However, a drawback of such new hulls and stronger engines is that they can not be interchanged with tiller systems because a tiller operator could not control the additional horsepower. The current maximum horsepower offered in a tiller outboard is 100 h.p. Although a console type watercraft can use a greater range of horse power, the console is in a fixed position, which is not always good for boat control. 
     Conventional remote steering boats suffer from further disadvantages, particularly when used for sport fishing. The wind screen on the steering console interferes with use of a fishing rod, particularly when casting. Hence, a fisherman often moves to another location of the boat when fishing, which location is remote from the console for controlling the boat. Further, the sonar and other equipment designed to locate fish is typically located at the console, and so is out of reach and sight of the fisherman. Even if the fisherman is seated at the console, he is often turned away from the console, making it difficult and inconvenient to view and operate the console equipment. 
     What is therefore desired is a novel arrangement for motorized watercraft which overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of existing boat arrangements. In particular, the novel arrangement should have certain attributes and allow an operator to do the following: 
     1) to easily steer a boat without sitting on the edge of the operator&#39;s seat and without having to turn from side to side on a seat as required in conventional tiller arrangements; 
     2) to be able to shift gears without turning back towards the engine to reach for a shift control lever; 
     3) to operate the throttle without twisting the operator&#39;s wrist and without having to maintain physical pressure on the throttle to maintain boat speed; 
     4) to operate any horsepower engine for which the boat is rated without having to physically absorb the engine&#39;s vibration; 
     5) to start and stop the engine without having to turn back towards the engine; 
     6) to view all electronic and navigational instrumentation within arm&#39;s length; 
     7) to be able to read and adjust all instrumentation from the operator&#39;s seated position; 
     8) to steer the boat from the operator&#39;s seated position on a rotating console, while maintaining the ability to perform all of the above-noted functions; 
     9) to have a compact instrumentation design, thus increasing the useable space within the boat, and to allow the operator to modify the instrumentation console if needed; 
     10) to secure the electronic, ignition, throttle, steering and shifting controls under a single small boat enclosure; 
     11) to have the operator&#39;s seat, along with the instrumentation console, placed at any desired location in the boat when manufacturing or renovating the boat; 
     12) to have the same handling capabilities of a traditional tiller boat with less operator fatigue and greater safety; 
     13) to be able to install the present console in a tiller type boat, and to customize the console as desired; 
     14) to safely operate the boat even if physically challenged; and, 
     15) to have the console set up for either right or left handed operation. 
     The invention should also allow boat manufacturers to use motors up to a conventional boat hull&#39;s maximum rating, without any further modification of the hull or motor design. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In one aspect the invention provides a novel pivotal operator&#39;s seat having an integral console with instrumentation and boat controls thereon to allow the operator to control operation of the boat from one location, and to perform other functions, such as fishing, without obstruction from the console and from the same position while retaining the ability to control the boat. 
     In another aspect the invention provides a seating arrangement for an operator of a motorized watercraft, the watercraft having a deck for supporting said seating arrangement and operator thereon, said seating arrangement comprising: a seat located on said deck for supporting said operator in an upright seated position, said seat being adapted to rotate about a generally vertical axis to allow said seated operator to selectively face any side of said watercraft while operating said watercraft from said seated position; a control console for carrying watercraft instrumentation and controls, said console being located adjacent said seat within reach and view of said operator while in said seated position, and remaining in a fixed position relative to said seat during rotation of said seat to allow said operator to operate said watercraft while fully seated. 
     In another aspect the invention provides a motorized watercraft having a deck for supporting an operator thereon, said watercraft including a seating arrangement for said operator comprising: 
     a seat for seating said operator in said watercraft, said seat being pivotally mounted to said deck for allowing said seated operator to rotate about a generally vertical axis; 
     a control console operatively engaged to said seat for rotation therewith, said console having left and right side portions located to the left and right sides, respectively, of the seated operator for carrying watercraft controls and instrumentation thereon, said left and right side portions being disposed adjacent said seat within reach and view of said seated operator without obstructing the operator&#39;s reach over said control console; 
     an engine throttle controller on one of said left and right side portions for controlling the speed of the watercraft; and 
     a steering controller located on the other one of said left and right side portions so as to allow the operator to steer the watercraft while seated squarely on said seat and regardless of the rotated position of said seat. 
     In yet another aspect the invention provides a seating arrangement for an operator of a motorized watercraft, said watercraft having a deck for supporting said seating arrangement and operator thereon, said seating arrangement comprising: 
     a generally upright pedestal fixed to said deck; 
     a platform pivotally mounted atop said pedestal; 
     a seat having a base fixed to said platform for receiving and supporting said operator in an upright seated position, said seat and platform being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of said pedestal to make available to said operator a 360 degree viewing area while operating said watercraft from said seated position; 
     a locking system operatively engaged with said pedestal for allowing the operator to control the rotation of said seat; 
     a control console for carrying watercraft instrumentation and controls, said console being connected to said platform and disposed adjacent said seat within reach and view of said operator while in said seated position, said console remaining in a fixed position relative to said seat during said rotation of said seat to allow said operator to operate said watercraft while seated; 
     said control console including a left side portion to the left side of a seated operator, and a right side portion to the right side of a seated operator, wherein said left and right side portions are located just above the height of said seat base so as to avoid interfering with the seated operator&#39;s use of hand-held equipment; 
     an engine throttle and shift controller on one of said left and right side portions, and a steering controller located on the other one of said left and right side portions, thereby allowing the operator to operate the watercraft in said seated position regardless of the rotation of said seat. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of a seat and control console arrangement mounted on a motorized boat according to one aspect of the present invention, where the seat and console are facing the bow in a standard forward position; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial view of the boat of FIG. 1 showing an operator seated on the seat and the console pivoted to another desired position; 
     FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 but showing the operator and console pivoted to yet another desired position; 
     FIG. 4 is an elevated frontal view of the seat and control console arrangement of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a detailed elevational view, partially in section, of one embodiment of a base of the seat and control console of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view cross-section of a brake assembly for the base of the seat of FIG. 5; and, 
     FIG. 7 shows the location of the brake assembly on the base of the seat. 
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
       10  boat 
       12  bow 
       14  stern 
       16  port side 
       18  starboard side 
       20  deck of  10   
       22  outboard engine 
       30  console and seat arrangement 
       32  bolts 
       34  seat  35   a,b,c  arm rests; back rest; seat base 
       36  pedestal 
       38  platform 
       39  bolts 
       40  console 
       40   a,b  left/right side portions of  40   
       42  sleeve 
       44  post 
       45  plate 
       46  Teflon bearing pads 
       48  gusset plates 
       49  gusset plates 
       50  hole 
       52  pin 
       53  aperture in  52   
       60  remote steering control 
       62  bow sonar 
       64  instrumentation 
       66  shift controller 
       68  stern sonar 
       70  GPS 
       80  braking system 
       82  sleeve of  80   
       84  brake pad 
       86  lever 
       87  shaft 
       88  handle 
       90  worm gear 
       92  bushing housing 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The figures show a control console and seating arrangement (generally designated by reference numeral  30 ) for a motorized watercraft  10 . For illustrative purposes and ease of reference, the motorized watercraft will be referred to as a “boat”, and in particular one used for sport fishing, such as a bass boat. Hence, a boat operator may also be referred to herein as a “fisherman”. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to use on boats for sport fishing, and may be used on other recreational and commercial watercraft. 
     The hull of the boat  10  has conventional features such as a bow end  12 , a stem end  14 , a port side  16 , a starboard side  18  and a generally flat base or deck  20 . An outboard motor or engine  22  is pivotally mounted to the stem  14 , although it will be apparent that the present invention may also be used for other type of engine arrangements, such as inboard engines. The console and seat  30  are mounted onto the deck  20 , as by bolts  32  shown in FIG. 5, at any desired location in the boat. The location of the console and seat  30  is not restricted to the stern  14  as with tiller type arrangements. In the FIG. 1 arrangement the seat and console are placed along a longitudinal centerline of the hull for stability when the operator twists the seat and console, and closer to the stem end  14  to provide a better ride and for other known reasons. 
     The arrangement  30  of the present invention generally comprises a seat  34  for an operator pivotally mounted on a pedestal  36  (see FIGS. 4 and 5) which is bolted to the boat&#39;s deck  20  as noted earlier. The seat  34  has arm rests  35   a , a back rest  35   b  and a base  35   c  that is fixed to a platform  38  (as by bolts  39  or equivalent means), which platform extends on either lateral side of the seat to form or hold a control console  40 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a hollow sleeve  42  extends below the platform  38  and fits over an upwardly extending post  44  to support the platform a desired height above the deck  20  and to allow the platform to rotate about a vertical axis of the post. One or more Teflon bearing pads  46  are located within the sleeve  42  above the post  44  for ease of rotation. Gusset plates  48  and  49  may be provided as shown to enhance stiffness and stability of the platform to the sleeve and of the post to the plate  45  on the deck, respectively The sleeve  42  and post  44  have an aligned hole  50  passing therethrough adapted to receive a pin  52  to fix the position of the platform  38  relative to the post  44 . An aperture  53  near the tip of the pin  52  is provided to accept a cotter pin or like means to secure the pin within the hole  50 . A number of these holes  50  may be provided about the post  44  to provide a choice of locked positions. 
     It will be appreciated that another locking means may be provided, either with or instead of the above pin arrangement, such as a braking system  80  with a control lever to provide an infinite number of locked positions for the platform, a preferred embodiment of which is shown in FIG.  6 . The braking system  80  is fixed to the seat&#39;s platform  38  and extends over a top end of the post  44 , as shown in FIG. 7, so that the system rotates with the seat  34 . The braking system  80  has a sleeve  82  which surrounds and slidingly engages the post  44 . The top end of the sleeve  82  is fixed to the platform  38  so that the sleeve and the rest of the brake assembly rotates with the platform and seat  34 . The sleeve  82  houses a brake pad  84  which can slide into and out of contact with the post  44 . The pad&#39;s contact surface should be contoured to the curvature of the post. The threaded portion of a shaft  87  of a control lever  86  extends through a worm gear assembly  90  fixed to the sleeve  82  for pushing and pulling the brake pad  84  into and out of contact with the post  44 . The shaft  87  should be long enough so that a handle  88  extends toward an edge of the platform  38  within comfortable reach of a seated fisherman. A bushing housing  92  fixed to the underside of the platform  38  may be provided to give stability and support to the long shaft  87 . In the present embodiment, the handle may be twisted clockwise (when viewed from the outside looking toward the post) to tighten the brake against the post, and thus slow or stop rotation of the seat on the post, and in the opposite direction to loosen or release the brake from the post. 
     Another important feature of this invention is the location of the console  40  on either side of the seat  34 , as indicated by left and right side portions  40   a ,  40   b , respectively. The console rotates with the seat, and so the position of the console relative to the seated operator remains the same regardless of how the seat is rotated (see FIGS.  2  and  3 ). The console may provide the seated operator with additional arm rests for both arms. Most or all of the boat&#39;s controls and instrumentation are located on the console within view and easy reach at all times of the seated operator. In the embodiment shown, the left side of the console (as viewed in FIG. 1) has a joy-stick type remote steering controller  60  for the engine  22 , a bow sonar  62  at the far end of the console, and additional instrumentation  64  closer in such as indicators for boat speed, trim, battery status, tachometer, fuel gauge, and the like. The right side of the console has sliding shift controller  66  for ignition and throttle control of the engine, a stern sonar  68  at the far end of the console, and a global positioning indicator  70 . Other desired instrumentation may be installed as well. It will be appreciated that the location of the instrumentation may be changed, for example the steering controller may be put on the right side of the console and the shift controller  66  on the left side for a right-handed operator. Whatever the position of the controls and instrumentation, it is important they be on the console and within easy reach and view of the operator when seated, regardless of how the operator has rotated the seat. For sport fishing purposes, it is also important that the instrumentation and controls be located on the console so as to minimize or eliminate interference with the fisherman&#39;s use of his hand held equipment, such as a fishing rod, while seated. It is also preferred that a windscreen not be located aft of the seat to avoid interference when fishing, although one may be suitably placed for other uses. 
     The operation and many advantages of the present invention may now be better understood. The invention may be thought of as a “total control concept” for bass fishing boats, and the like. The console/seat arrangement of the present invention allows an operator of the boat to be seated in an ergonomically correct manner the seat  34 , while also allowing for a 360 degree viewing area, without his leaving the seated position. The rotating control console provides all the necessary controls to have total control of the watercraft at all times, when under power. There is a manual braking system incorporated for restricting the movement of the platform and console, and a positive pin type locking device to fix the console and seat in one position, if so desired. This concept is a major improvement from conventional fixed position console boat models, and from the angled operator seating position in tiller type boats. 
     The position of the steering system  60 ,  66  in the total control concept of the present invention allows the operator to steer the boat, regardless of the position of the operator&#39;s seat. This is very important when a boat is being manoeuvred in tight quarters, or in reverse (for example, when docking), or in backtrolling when fishing. Further, by locating the steering arm  60  by the operator but remote from the engine  22 , such design should not limit boat manufacturers to lesser horse power offerings for their customers, as is the case with tiller type boats. 
     In tiller outboard engines throttle control is provided via a cable assembly located at the operator&#39;s hand hold position. To activate the throttle, the operator must twist his wrist, towards himself or away, to increase or decease the engine speed. The throttle control on an outboard motor must be controlled at all times by the watercraft operator&#39;s steering hand. This can be a very painful experience if one is boating all day, or using the throttle continuously. There are engine throttles as simple as a sliding bar on the front of an engine. Other throttle designs use a cable/twist method on the end of the tiller arm. Still others are designed to be positioned in a remote location. In contrast, the total control concept of the present invention locates the throttle and shift controller  66  at the operator&#39;s side at all times while seated. The throttle and steering  60 , and all other components that make up the total control concept, are interchangeable between each side of the console and are user friendly. The total control concept has the steering arm  60  on the port side of the console and the throttle/shift lever  66  on the starboard side. This allows the operator to use both hands correctly, and simultaneously. This equipment positioning allows for proper boat control, without compromising safety. 
     Further, all navigational equipment, sonars and engine instrumentation is mounted on the console within arms length. Hence, all relevant boat information is available to the operator, whenever he is seated at the console. The instrumentation is below eye level, with an unobstructed view. This makes an activity such as fishing a pleasant experience, because the fishing rod is not encumbered by the instruments, throttle or steering. All the instrumentation rotates on the same axis as the steering and throttle, etc., so that the instrumentation and controls are always available to the operator. In contrast, an operator of a tiller boat is bound to one seated position only, if he wants to see all his instruments. An operator of a remote steering boat has a limited view of instrumentation and a less than ideal grasp of controls when he twists on his seat to fish or manoeuvre the boat in reverse or a sideways direction. This is not ergonomically correct nor safe since there are many times when one is manoeuvring the boat in shallow water, or when fishing or docking, that a proper view of vital information from instrumentation is needed without unnecessary delay, The total control concept also incorporates engine ignition, trim and tilt on the rotating console for optimum efficiency. 
     In sum, an operator of a boat incorporating the present invention will be able to perform all the items mentioned above in total comfort and safety. The total control concept is adaptable for both the novice and the professional boater, and offers more amenities to those who are physically challenged. This concept is adaptable to virtually all watercraft users, and to all boat manufacturers, who wish to improve on their current model designs and sales options. This concept will enable existing watercraft owners to upgrade their boats to this system, with a minimum of cost and effort. 
     The above description is intended in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and variations to the specific configurations described may be apparent to skilled persons in adapting the present invention to other specific applications. Such variations are intended to form part of the present invention insofar as they are within the spirit and scope of the claims below.