Patent Publication Number: US-2022227461-A1

Title: Barrier accessory device for a watercraft and watercraft having same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/138,624, filed Jan. 18, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The present technology relates to watercraft having barrier structures, and in particular to accessory devices configured to be secured thereto. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some recreational watercraft such as pontoon boats include a barrier structure (or “wall”) that surrounds the periphery of the deck of the watercraft. On other types of recreational watercraft, for example deck boats, bowriders, fishing boats and center consoles, the barrier structure is known as a gunwale or gunnel. These structures act as rails that can be held onto by users aboard the watercraft, in addition to preventing users and objects from inadvertently falling off the deck. 
     In some cases, the barrier structure of a watercraft is used to secure certain accessories to a handrail thereof such as a wakeboard or paddle board, a fishing rod, a barbecue, a small table, storage or other accessories. However, connection devices for securing these accessories to the barrier structure can take time to secure to the barrier structure, namely requiring the use of one or more tools. In other cases, the connection devices may only allow small and/or light accessories to be connected to the barrier structure. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a barrier accessory device for a watercraft that addresses at least some of these drawbacks. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art. 
     According to an aspect of the present technology, there is provided a barrier accessory device for a watercraft. The watercraft has a deck and a barrier structure connected to the deck. The barrier structure has upper and lower rails. The barrier accessory device comprises: an accessory connection base configured for having at least one accessory removably connected thereto; a first rail connector connected to the accessory connection base at a first end portion thereof, the first rail connector comprising a slot-engaging member configured to be inserted into a slot defined in one of the upper rail and the lower rail; and a second rail connector connected to the accessory connection base at a second end portion thereof opposite the first end portion, the second rail connector comprising a locking assembly configured to be selectively locked onto an other one of the upper rail and the lower rail. 
     In some embodiments, the one of the upper rail and the lower rail is the lower rail; the first rail connector is a lower rail connector configured to engage the lower rail; and the second rail connector is an upper rail connector configured to engage the upper rail. 
     In some embodiments, the locking assembly comprises: a fixed member connected to the accessory connection base; and a locking member operatively connected to the fixed member. The locking member is movable relative to the fixed member between: a locked position for the locking assembly to lock onto the other one of the upper rail and the lower rail; and an unlocked position for the locking assembly to release the other one of the upper rail and the lower rail. 
     In some embodiments, the locking assembly further comprises a pivot member pivotably connecting the locking member to the fixed member; and the locking member is pivotable between the locked and unlocked positions about a pivot axis defined by the pivot member. 
     In some embodiments, in use, the pivot axis extends in a direction generally parallel to the other one of the upper rail and the lower rail at a portion thereof to which the locking assembly is locked onto. 
     In some embodiments, the locking member pivots from the locked position to the unlocked position inwardly in a direction away from the accessory connection base. 
     In some embodiments, the pivot axis is a first pivot axis; the locking member is pivotable relative to the fixed member about a second pivot axis defined by the pivot member; and the first pivot axis is generally parallel to the second pivot axis. 
     In some embodiments, the pivot member comprises a first pivot feature and a second pivot feature defining the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis respectively; the first pivot feature is pivotably connected to the fixed member; and the second pivot feature is pivotably connected to the locking member. 
     In some embodiments, one of the fixed member and the locking member comprises a latch; an other one of the fixed member and the locking member defines a latch-receiving recess; in the locked position of the locking member, the latch is received and retained in the latch-receiving recess; and in the unlocked position of the locking member, the latch is removed from the latch-receiving recess. 
     In some embodiments, the fixed member comprises the latch and the locking member defines the latch-receiving recess. 
     In some embodiments, the latch is integrally made with a remainder of the fixed member. 
     In some embodiments, in the locked position of the locking member, the fixed member and the locking member are configured to, together, form a shape that interlocks with a shape of a cross-sectional profile of the other one of the upper rail and the lower rail. 
     In some embodiments, the cross-sectional profile is generally I-shaped and has: a wide upper portion; a wide lower portion; and a narrow intermediate portion extending between the wide upper and lower portions. In the locked position of the locking member, the shape formed by the fixed member and the locking member interlocks with at least part of the generally I-shaped cross-sectional profile. 
     In some embodiments, the fixed member comprises a protruding portion configured to extend into a recess on one side of the cross-sectional profile, the recess being defined by the wide upper portion, the wide lower portion and the narrow intermediate portion. 
     In some embodiments, the locking member comprises a hook portion configured to extend into a recess on one side of the cross-sectional profile, the recess being defined by the wide upper portion, the wide lower portion and the narrow intermediate portion. 
     In some embodiments, in use, in the locked position of the locking member, the fixed member and the locking member together surround at least a majority of the wide upper portion of the cross-sectional profile. 
     In some embodiments, the slot-engaging member is generally hook-shaped. 
     In some embodiments, the slot of the lower rail faces upwardly; and the slot-engaging member of the lower rail connector is insertable into the slot. 
     In some embodiments, a position of at least one of the first and second rail connectors is adjustable relative to the accessory connection base. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one of the first and second rail connectors is translatable relative to the accessory connection base towards and away from the other of the first and second rail connectors. 
     In some embodiments, the accessory connection base comprises at least one accessory attachment feature configured to removably connect the accessory thereto. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one accessory attachment feature is an opening defined by the accessory connection base, the opening having a shape corresponding to a shape of an accessory attachment feature connected to the accessory. 
     In some embodiments, the opening has a generally hexagonal shape. 
     In some embodiments, the opening has an elongated hexagonal shape. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one accessory attachment feature includes: a first anchor fixture disposed at the first end portion of the accessory connection base, the first anchor fixture defining a fastener aperture configured to receive a tongue connected to the accessory; and a second anchor fixture disposed at the second end portion of the accessory connection base, the second anchor fixture defining an anchor aperture configured to receive an anchor connected to the accessory, the first anchor fixture and the second anchor fixture collaboratively retaining the accessory to the accessory connection base. 
     In some embodiments, a watercraft comprises: a deck; a hull supporting the deck; a barrier structure connected to the deck, the barrier structure comprising an upper rail and a lower rail extending below the upper rail; and the barrier accessory device mounted to the barrier structure. 
     In some embodiments, the watercraft further comprises an accessory mounted to the accessory connection base of the barrier accessory device. 
     Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein. 
     Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, left side, of a pontoon boat configured to be equipped with a barrier accessory device; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the pontoon boat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left side elevation view of the pontoon boat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the pontoon boat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, left side, of a barrier structure for the pontoon boat of  FIG. 1  in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, left side, of part of an upper rail of a left lateral portion of the barrier structure of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, left side, of part of a lower rail of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of lower rail of  FIG. 7  taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, left side, of the barrier accessory device according to an embodiment of the present technology; 
         FIG. 10  is a left side elevation view of the barrier accessory device of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a right side elevation view of the barrier accessory device of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear elevation view of the barrier accessory device of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the barrier accessory device of  FIG. 9 , taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed view of the cross-section of  FIG. 13 , showing an upper rail connector of the barrier accessory device; 
         FIG. 15  is a detailed view of another part of the cross-section of  FIG. 13 , showing a lower rail connector of the barrier accessory device; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view, taken from a bottom, front, right side, of the upper rail connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, left side, of part of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure and the barrier accessory device, showing the lower rail connector engaged with the lower rail of the barrier structure; 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of part of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure and the barrier accessory device showing the lower rail connector engaged with the lower rail of the barrier structure; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the lower rail connector of the barrier accessory device of  FIG. 17 , showing the lower rail connector engaged with the lower rail of the barrier structure; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, left side, of part of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure and the barrier accessory device, showing the upper rail connector engaged with the upper rail of the barrier structure in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of part of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure and the barrier accessory device, showing the upper rail connector engaged with the upper rail of the barrier structure in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 22A  is a detailed view of part of  FIG. 21 , showing the upper rail connector of the barrier accessory device; 
         FIG. 22B  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, right side, of a cross-section of the upper rail connector of the barrier accessory device, showing the upper rail connector in the unlocked position; 
         FIG. 23  is a detailed view of part of  FIG. 21 , showing the lower rail connector of the barrier accessory device; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view, taken from a front, left side, of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure and the barrier accessory device, showing the barrier accessory device locked onto the barrier structure; 
         FIG. 25  is a left side elevation view of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure and the barrier accessory device of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a top plan view of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure and the barrier accessory device of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a detailed view of part of  FIG. 25 , showing the barrier accessory device; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the barrier accessory device and part of the left lateral portion of the barrier structure taken along line  28 - 28  in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a detailed view of part of the cross-section of  FIG. 28 , showing a connection between the upper rail and the upper rail connector of the barrier accessory device; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, left side, of an accessory secured, via the barrier accessory device, to the left lateral portion of the barrier structure; 
         FIG. 31  is a left side elevation view of the accessory, the barrier accessory device and the left lateral portion of the barrier structure of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a top plan view of the accessory, the barrier accessory device and the left lateral portion of the barrier structure of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded view of an accessory and an accessory base configured to be connected to the barrier accessory device; 
         FIG. 34  is a bottom plan view of the accessory and the accessory base of  FIG. 33 ; and 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of an anchor of the accessory base of  FIG. 33 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A watercraft  10  configured to be equipped with an accessory device  200  ( FIG. 9 ) according to one embodiment of the present technology is shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 . In this embodiment, the watercraft  10  is a pontoon boat  10 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are other known types of watercraft incorporating different designs that could also be configured to be equipped with the accessory device  200 . The accessory device  200 , shown in detail in  FIGS. 9 to 16 , is configured to be secured to a barrier structure  50  of the boat  10  and therefore may be referred to as the barrier accessory device  200 . As will be explained in greater detail below and shown in  FIGS. 30 to 32 , the barrier accessory device  200  functions as an interface for attaching accessories such as a jerry can (i.e., a fuel container), a cargo box, a cargo bag, a board holder, other types of storage containers and/or any other suitable equipment to the barrier structure  50  of the boat  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the boat  10  has a deck  20  and a hull  32  supporting the deck  20 . In this embodiment, the hull  32  includes three separate laterally-adjacent portions that are connected to one another to form the hull  32 . Notably, the hull  32  has a central portion  33  and left and right lateral portions  40 . These different hull portions could be considered separate hulls in some cases and thus the boat  10  may be referred to as a multihull watercraft in some cases. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the hull  32  may constitute a single integral portion in other embodiments and/or be differently sized and shaped. 
     The deck  20  extends above the hull  32  and is supported thereby. The deck  20  has an upper surface  24  for supporting occupants, as well as accessories and accommodations of the boat  10  (e.g., seating, command console, etc.). In this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the deck  20  includes a plurality of tiles  22  which are configured for attachment of accessories thereto. The tiles  22  form a portion of the upper surface  24  of the deck  20 . A more detailed description of the configuration of the tiles  22  and the manner in which they are used for attachment of accessories can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/887,481, filed May 29, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference. It is contemplated that the deck  20  could have a different construction than that provided by the tiles  22 . For instance, the deck  20  could have a more conventional construction such as including a metallic frame and an overlying flooring layer, such as wooden panels or plywood. It is further contemplated that the deck  20  could include multiple levels and/or seating or other accessories integrated therein. 
     In this embodiment, the hull  32  and the deck  20  of the boat  10  have a modular construction. Notably, the hull  32  includes various modular units that are connected to one another to form the hull  32 . In particular, the modular units of the hull  32  are longitudinally-adjacent to one another and therefore hulls of different sizes can be assembled depending on how many modular units are connected to one another. Similarly, the deck  20  is modular due to its construction by the tiles  22 . Therefore, as will be understood, the boat  10  can have different lengths depending on the modular construction the deck  20  and the hull  32 . A detailed description of the modular construction of the central portion  33  and the left and right lateral portions  40  of the hull  32  is provided, respectively, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/039,625, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/038,662, both filed on Sep. 30, 2020, the entirety of each of which is incorporated by reference herein. It is contemplated that the hull  32  and the deck  20  could be non-modular in other embodiments. 
     The boat  10  is propelled by a jet propulsion system  52  (shown in part in  FIG. 3 ) powered by a motor (not shown). The jet propulsion system  52  has a steering nozzle  53  used for steering the boat  10 . A handlebar (not shown) is operatively connected to the steering nozzle  53 . A throttle lever (not shown) is operatively connected to the motor for controlling operation of the motor. The handlebar and the throttle lever are located on a command console provided on the deck  20 . The command console is not shown in the figures in order to properly show the upper surface  24  of the deck  20 . It is contemplated that other propulsion systems, such as a stern drive or a marine outboard engine, may be used to propel the boat  10 . It is also contemplated that the handlebar could be replaced by a steering wheel and that the steering nozzle  53  could be replaced by an outdrive or one or more rudders. 
     A powerpack  45  (schematically illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) of the boat  10 , including the jet propulsion system  52  and the motor, is enclosed in part by the hull  32 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a central hull cover  34  overlies the powerpack  45  to partly enclose the powerpack  45  between the hull  32  and the hull cover  34 . An upper surface  35  of the central hull cover  34  is contiguous with the upper surface  24  of the deck  20  (i.e., flush therewith). 
     Returning now to  FIG. 1 , the barrier structure  50  surrounds at least part of the deck  20  and extends upwardly therefrom. In particular, the barrier structure  50  is located along a periphery of the boat  10  (as defined by the deck  20 ) to prevent occupants or objects on the deck  20  from accidentally falling off the boat  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , in this embodiment, the barrier structure  50  generally surrounds the entirety of the deck  20 . Notably, the barrier structure  50  includes a front end portion  54 , left and right lateral portions  56 , left and right rear corner portions  58 , and a rear end portion  60 . It is contemplated that the barrier structure  50  could only partially surround the deck  20 . For example, one or more of the portions  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  could be omitted. A more detailed description of the construction of the barrier structure  50  can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/968,303, filed Jan. 31, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. A brief description of the barrier structure  50  will be provided herein to provide context regarding the installation of the barrier accessory device  200 . 
     In this embodiment, the barrier structure  50  is adaptable to the different possible lengths of the boat  10  mentioned above with regard to the modular construction of the deck  20  and the hull  32 . In other words, depending on the modular construction of the deck  20  and the hull  32 , the barrier structure  50  can be made longer or shorter accordingly. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the lateral portions  56  of the barrier structure  50  can be made longer by including additional frame members thereof. As the left and right lateral portions  56  are mirror images of one another about a longitudinal centerplane CP ( FIG. 4 ) of the boat  10 , only the left lateral portion  56  will be described in detail herein. It is to be understood that the same description applies to the right lateral portion  56 . Moreover, the front end portion  54  and the rear end portion  60  of the barrier structure  50  have a similar construction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the lateral portion  56  of the barrier structure  50  has a frame  62  and a pliable sheet wall  64  connected thereto. The frame  62  connects the lateral portion  56  to the hull  32  of the boat  10 . The frame  62  extends generally longitudinally from a front end  66  to a rear end  68 . The frame  62  has an upper portion  70  and a lower portion  72  connected to one another. Notably, a front end member  73 , a rear end member  75  and a plurality of support members  77  (shown for the right lateral portion  56  of the barrier structure in  FIG. 5 ) extend between the upper and lower portions  70 ,  72  of the frame  62 . The front and rear end members  73 ,  75  are connected to the hull  32 . 
     The upper portion  70  of the frame  62  includes an upper rail  74  configured for grabbing by a user&#39;s hand. The upper rail  74  is thus also commonly referred to as a “hand rail” or a “grab rail”. Notably, the upper rail  74  can be defined as a structure that can be grabbed by a user&#39;s hand and extends at the minimum 24 inches above the deck  20 , in compliance with American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) H-41 regulations on “Reboarding Means, Ladders, Handholds, Rails and Lifelines”. The upper rail  74  includes a plurality of upper rail members  76  that are connected to one another by interconnectors  78  extending between consecutive ones of the upper rail members  76 . Notably, each interconnector  78  is fastened to two of the upper rail members  76 . The interconnectors  78  are also used for connecting the support members  77  between the upper and lower portions  70 ,  72  of the frame  62 . 
     As will be understood from comparing the barrier structures  50  of  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the length of the lateral portion  56  of the barrier structure  50  can be changed simply by adding or removing upper rail members  76  to make the rail  74  longer or shorter. This allows adapting the barrier structure  50  in accordance with the size of the boat  10  that it is intended to be installed on. 
     In this embodiment, each upper rail member  76  has the cross-sectional profile shown in  FIG. 6 . Therefore, only one of the upper rail members  76  will be described herein. As can be seen, the cross-sectional profile of the upper rail member  76  is generally I-shaped, notably including a wide upper portion  79 , a wide lower portion  81  and a narrow intermediate portion  83  extending between the wide upper and lower portions  79 ,  81 . In this embodiment, the upper rail member  76  is an extruded component and defines an interior hollow space  85  therein. In this embodiment, in order to connect the pliable sheet wall  64  to the upper rail  74 , the rail member  76  defines a channel  80  extending along a length of the upper rail member  76 , namely between its opposite ends  65 ,  67 . The channel  80  is configured to receive an interlocking member  88  (shown in  FIG. 22A ) of the pliable sheet wall  64  for connecting the pliable sheet wall  64  to the upper rail  74 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the channel  80  is defined by the wide lower portion  83  of the upper rail member  76  on a laterally-outward side thereof such that the channel  80  extends along a laterally-outward side of the upper rail member  76  and thus of the upper rail  74 . 
     Turning now to the lower portion  72  of the frame  62 , the lower portion  72  includes a lower rail  102  that extends below the upper rail  74 . The lower rail  102  extends generally parallel to the upper surface  24  of the deck  20 . The lower rail  102  has a plurality of lower rail members  104  that are interconnected to one another by lower frame connectors  106  ( FIG. 5 ). The lower frame connectors  106  also connect the lower rail  102  to the hull  32 . Notably, the lower frame connectors  106  extend downwardly from the lower rail  102  into a recess defined between the hull  32  and the deck  20  to connect to a member of the hull  32  therein. 
     In this embodiment, each lower rail member  104  has the cross-sectional profile shown in  FIG. 8 . Therefore, only one of the lower railing members  104  will be described in detail herein. As can be seen, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the lower rail member  104  is generally oval with two truncated ends. In this embodiment, the lower rail member  104  is an extruded component having an outer wall  105  defining an interior hollow space  112  therein. An upper portion  114  of the outer wall  105 , facing upwardly toward the upper portion  70  of the frame  62 , defines a slot  108  configured to receive therein one or more lower anchors (not shown) which are configured to connect the lower edge of the pliable sheet wall  64  to the lower rail  102 . The slot  108  thus faces upwardly toward the upper rail  74 . The anchor mounting slot  108  has a narrow section  116  and an enlarged section  118  that is wider than the narrow section  116 . The narrow section  116  of the slot  108  is defined by two rounded upper ends  120  disposed opposite one another. An interior wall  119  defines the enlarged section  118  of the slot  108 . The interior wall  119  extends downwardly from the upper ends  120  to form two curved lateral ends  122  of the enlarged section  118  of the slot  108 , and extends horizontally between the two lateral ends  122 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , the end portions  109  of the lower rail member  104  have two spaced opposite walls corresponding to the ends of the oval shaped cross-sectional profile shown in  FIG. 9 . Each of the two walls of the end portions  109  of the lower railing member  104  defines a respective opening  115  to fasten the lower railing member  104  to the lower frame connectors  106 . 
     In this embodiment, the wall  64  is a pliable sheet wall including a pliable sheet panel  160 . The pliable sheet panel  160  is made of a pliable material such that, when the pliable sheet panel  160  is not stretched and secured to the frame  62 , the pliable sheet panel  160  can be folded by hand without undue force. In this embodiment, the pliable sheet panel  160  is made of fabric. With more specificity, in this embodiment, the pliable sheet panel  160  is made of woven polyester. Other types of fabrics are contemplated for use as the material of the pliable sheet panel  160 . Moreover, it is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the pliable sheet panel  160  could be made of a different pliable material. For instance, in some embodiments, the pliable sheet panel  160  is made of a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Notably, the pliable sheet panels  160  of certain other portions  54 ,  58 ,  60  of the barrier structure  50  could be made of polymeric material. It is further contemplated that the barrier structure  50  be constructed differently, for example including a wall formed from molded fiberglass-reinforced composite material or the like. 
     The barrier accessory device  200  will now be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 9 to 16 . The barrier accessory device  200  has an accessory connection base  202  configured for having one or more accessories  400  ( FIGS. 30 to 34 ) removably connected thereto, and an upper rail connector  204  and a lower rail connector  206  configured to engage the upper rail  74  and the lower rail  102  of the barrier structure  50  of the boat  10  respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 24 to 29 . 
     The accessory connection base  202  has a base body  208  that is generally flat and has a left side  210  and a right side  212 . The accessory connection base  202  has a plurality of accessory attachment features  214  configured to removably connect the accessories  400  thereto. Two of the accessory attachment features  214  are anchor fixtures  218  which are connected to the base body  208 . In particular, in this embodiment, the two anchor fixtures  218  are connected to opposite end portions  220 ,  222  of the base body  202 . In particular, an upper anchor fixture  218  is disposed at the upper end portion  220  of the base body  208  (which corresponds to the upper end portion of the accessory connection base  202 ) and a lower anchor fixture  218  is disposed at the lower end portion  222  of the base body  208  (which corresponds to the lower end portion of the accessory connection base  202 ). The lower end portion  222  is opposite the upper end portion  220 . 
     The upper and lower anchor fixtures  218  are complementary with respective accessory attachment features that are connected to the accessory  400 . Notably, with reference to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the anchor fixtures  218  are configured to receive therein a tongue  310  and/or an anchor  414  connected to the accessory  400 . In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , which illustrated another embodiment of the jerry can  400 , in this embodiment, an accessory base  300  is connected to a bottom surface of the accessory  400  (which is a jerry can in this embodiment), and the accessory base  300  comprises the tongue  310  and the anchor  414  on opposite sides  304 ,  307  thereof ( FIG. 34 ). The accessory  400  is mounted on a side surface  312  of a frame  302  of the accessory base  300  and fastened thereto with fasteners  322  inserted through holes  320  defined by the frame  302 . A more detailed description of the accessory base  300 , as well as the tongue  310  and the anchor  414  thereof, can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,751,592, issued on Sep. 5, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The upper and lower anchor fixtures  218  and the anchor  414  will therefore be briefly described herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 35 , the anchor  414  has an anchor base  420  and an anchor lock  422  extending from the anchor base  420 . The anchor lock  422  is pivotable relative to the anchor base  420  about an axis  426  between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the anchor lock  422  is disposed parallel to the anchor base  420 , and in the locked position, the anchor lock  422  is disposed perpendicular to the anchor base  420 . The anchor lock  422  extends from a stem  428  extending along and defining the axis  426 . A lever  430  is connected to a portion  432  of the anchor  414  that extends above the anchor base  420 . The portion  432  is connected to the accessory  400  via the accessory base  300  ( FIG. 33 ). The lever  430  is rotatable about the axis  426  and is connected to the stem  428  (and thereby operatively connected to the anchor lock  422 ) to move the anchor lock  422  between the locked and unlocked positions. The locked and unlocked positions of the anchor  414  correspond to the anchor lock  422  being rotated by 90 degrees relative to the anchor base  420 , and to the lever  430  being correspondingly turned by 90 degrees. It is contemplated that the anchor lock  422  could be turned by more or less than 90 degrees to move the anchor lock  422  between the locked and unlocked positions. U.S. Pat. No. 9,751,592 describes the anchor  414  in greater detail. International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2012/002959 A1, published on 5 Jan. 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, also provides additional details regarding anchors similar in construction to the anchor  414 . The anchor  414  will therefore not be described in greater detail herein. 
     As can be seen, the upper and lower anchor fixtures  218  can receive either one of the tongue  310  and the anchor  414  therein. In this embodiment, in order for the outlet of the jerry can  400  to be oriented upward, the tongue  310  is received in the lower anchor fixture  218  while the anchor  414  is received in the upper anchor fixture  218 . Each anchor fixture  218  defines two apertures  215 ,  217  which are configured to receive the tongue  310  and the anchor  414  respectively to secure the accessory  400  to the accessory connection base  202 . As such, the apertures  215 ,  217  are shaped to receive the respective ones of the tongue  310  and the anchor  414 . Notably, in this embodiment, the aperture  217  has a generally elongated hexagonal shape to receive the elongated hexagonal shape of the anchor lock  422  of the anchor  414 . A more detailed description of the anchor fixtures  218  can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,751,592. 
     Returning now to  FIG. 9 , some of the accessory attachment features  214  of the accessory connection base  202  are openings  216  defined by the flat base body  208 . In this embodiment, four openings  216  are provided and they are configured to receive therein a corresponding anchor  414  ( FIG. 35 ) that is connected to a corresponding accessory  400 . For instance, this may be used to attach smaller accessories  400  to the accessory connection base  202 . The openings  216  have a same generally elongated hexagonal shape as the anchor lock  422  of the anchor  414 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 12, 13 and 15 , the lower rail connector  206  is connected to the accessory connection base  202  at the lower end portion thereof. Notably, the lower rail connector  206  has a fixed member  240  that is connected to the accessory connection base  202  via three fasteners  242  ( FIGS. 11, 15 ), and a movable member  244  ( FIG. 15 ) that is operatively connected to the fixed member  240  and movable relative thereto. In particular, the fixed member  240  has a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile and is received in part within a recess  246  defined by the movable member  244 . The recess  246  has a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the rectangular cross-sectional profile of the fixed member  240 . In particular, the recess  246  is dimensioned such that the fixed member  240  is in a running or sliding fit with the recess  246 . As such, the movable member  244  is slidable along at least a portion of a length of the fixed member  240  via the recess  246  such that the position of the lower rail connector  206  is adjustable relative to the accessory connection base  202 . This allows a user to modify the distance between upper and lower rail connectors  204 ,  206  which can be useful to adapt the barrier accessory device  200  to different positions along the barrier structure  50  and/or to different boats where the distance between the upper and lower rails  74 ,  102  thereof may be different. In order to keep the movable member  244  from disengaging the fixed member  240 , the movable member  244  has an inner shoulder (not shown) that, at a lowermost position of the movable member  244  relative to the fixed member  240 , abuts a lip (not shown) at the lowermost end of the fixed member  240 . 
     It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, the position of the upper rail connector  204  relative to the accessory connection base  202  could be adjustable instead of the lower rail connector  206 . In other embodiments, both positions of the upper and lower rail connector  204 ,  206  relative to the accessory connection base  202  could be adjustable. 
     As will be explained in detail below, the movable member  244  is configured to engage the slot  208  defined by the lower rail  102  of the barrier structure  50 . The movable member  244  may thus alternatively be referred to as a slot-engaging member  244 . In particular, the slot-engaging member  244  has a tip portion  248  at its end furthest from the fixed member  240  that is configured to engage the slot  208  of the lower rail  102 . The tip portion  248  is hook-shaped to fix the slot-engaging member  244  within the slot  108  of the lower rail  102 . In particular, the tip portion  248  has an interior curved surface  254  that defines a cavity  249  that forms the hook-shape of the tip portion  248 . The tip portion  248  has a tip  250  and a cam surface  252  extending from the tip  250 . The cam surface  252  defines part of the exterior section of the tip portion  248 . The cam surface  252  is configured for securing the tip portion  248  to the corresponding lower rail  102 . As will be described in greater detail further below, the tip portion  248  allows the slot-engaging member  244  to be secured to the lower rail  102 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 14 , the upper rail connector  204  is connected to the accessory connection base  202  at the upper end portion thereof. The upper rail connector  204  includes a locking assembly  260  configured to be selectively locked onto the upper rail  74  of the barrier structure  50 . That is, as will be explained in detail further below, the locking assembly  260  is operable by the user to lock the barrier accessory device  200  to the upper rail  74 . The locking assembly  260  includes a fixed member  262  connected to the accessory connection base  202 , a locking member  264  movable relative to the fixed member  262 , and a pivot member  266  operatively connecting the locking member  264  to the fixed member  262 . 
     The fixed member  262  is fastened to the upper end portion  220  of the base body  208  by three fasteners  263  ( FIGS. 11, 14 ). The fixed member  262  extends from the upper end portion  220  of the base body  208  in a direction away from the lower end portion  222  (i.e., upwardly in the frame of reference of the barrier accessory device  200 ). In this embodiment, the fixed member  262  is generally F-shaped, namely having a main portion  270  (extending generally vertically when the barrier accessory device  200  is locked onto the upper rail  74 ) and two protruding portions  272 ,  274  extending from the main portion  270  generally transversally thereto. The protruding portions  272 ,  274  include a lower protruding portion  272  and an upper protruding portion  274  extending generally parallel to one another and toward a same direction from the main portion  270 . A distance between the upper protruding portion  274  and the upper end portion of the accessory connection base  202  is greater than a distance between the lower protruding portion  272  and the upper end portion of the accessory connection base  202 . As will be discussed below, the lower protruding portion  272  is configured to be received in a recess defined by the upper rail  74 . It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, the lower protruding portion  272  could be omitted. The fixed member  262  may therefore not be F-shaped, for instance being L-shaped instead. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 14 , in this embodiment, the fixed member  262  also has a latch  276  extending upward from the upper end of the main portion  270 . The latch  276  is dimensioned to be narrower than the main portion  270 . While the latch  276  is integrally made with a remainder of the fixed member  262 , a connection between the latch  276  and the main portion  270  (i.e., the material connecting the latch  276  to the main portion  270 ) is dimensioned so that the latch  276  is elastically movable relative to the main portion  270 . That is, the latch  276  can be moved relative to the main portion  270  and elastically returns to its original position. The latch  276  has a lower latching surface  277  extending on a lower side of the latch  276 , and a curved outer surface  279 . As will be described further below, the latch  276  allows the locking member  264  to be retained by the fixed member  262 . 
     The locking member  264  is movable relative to the fixed member  262  between a locked position for the locking assembly  260  to lock onto the upper rail  74  and an unlocked position for the locking assembly  260  to release the upper rail  74 . In  FIGS. 9 to 14 and 16 , the locking member  264  is shown in its locked position. The unlocked position of the locking member  264  is illustrated in  FIGS. 20 to 22B . The locking member  264  is pivotable between the locked and unlocked positions about two pivot axes  280 ,  282  ( FIG. 14 ) which are defined by pivots formed between the fixed member  262  and the pivot member  266  and between the locking member  264  and the pivot member  266 . The pivot axes  280 ,  282  are generally parallel to one another. The manner in which the locking member  264  pivots between the locked and unlocked positions will be described in more detail further below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 to 14 , the locking member  264  has an outer end portion  284 , an inner end portion  286  and a middle portion  285  extending therebetween. In the locked position of the locking member  264 , the outer end portion  284  is closer to the accessory connection base  202  than the inner end portion  286  (i.e., the distance between the outer end portion  284  and the accessory connection base  202  is less than the distance between the inner end portion  286  and the accessory connection base  202 ). As can be seen, in this embodiment, the inner end portion  286  is generally hook-shaped and therefore may be referred to as a hook portion  286  of the locking member  264 . The hook portion  286  has a hook tip  288  that, in the locked position of the locking member  264 , is vertically offset from the middle portion  285 . Notably, in this embodiment, in the locked position of the locking member  264 , the hook tip  288  is disposed vertically lower than the middle portion  285 . As will be described in detail further below, the hook portion  286  of the locking member  264  is configured to extend into a recess of the upper rail  74 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the locking member  264  defines a latch-receiving recess  291  disposed at the outer end portion  284  configured to receive the latch  276  of the fixed member  262  when the locking member  264  is in the locked position. In the unlocked position of the locking member  264 , the latch  276  is removed from the latch-receiving recess  291 . The latch-receiving recess  291  is thus shaped and dimensioned to receive and retain the latch  276  therein. Notably, in the locked position of the locking member  264 , the lower latching surface  277  of the latch  276  interacts with a surface defining the latch-receiving recess  291  to prevent the locking member  264  from moving to the unlocked position. Moreover, as can be seen in  FIG. 9 , when the latch  276  is received in the latch-receiving recess  291 , the outer surface  279  of the latch  276  is generally contiguous with a surface of the locking member  264 . 
     It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the fixed member  262  could define the latch-receiving recess while the locking member  264  comprises the latch  276 . It is further contemplated that the latch  276  could be omitted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16 , the pivot member  266  extends between two opposite pivot features  290 ,  292  thereof which define the pivot axes  280 ,  282  respectively. In particular, the pivot member  266  is pivotally connected to the fixed member  262  via the pivot feature  290  and to the locking member  264  via the pivot feature  292 . In this embodiment, the pivot features  290 ,  292  are respective shafts of the pivot member  266 . As best seen in  FIG. 22B , the shaft  290  is received in a corresponding recess  278  of the locking member  264 . The shaft  292  extends between two prongs  275  (best shown in  FIG. 16 ) of the upper protruding portion  274  of the fixed member  262 . A pin  281  extends within the shaft  292  and is rotatably connected to each of the prongs  275 . As such, the shaft  292  is rotatably connected to the fixed member  262  via the pin  281 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , in the locked position of the locking member  264 , the pivot member  266  is received in a recess defined by the middle portion  285  of the locking member  264 , on an underside thereof. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 16 , in the locked position of the locking member  264 , the pivot member  266  is disposed between the two prongs  275  of the upper protruding portion  274  of the fixed member  262 . The pivot member  266  is thus hidden from view when the locking member  264  is in the locked position, particularly when the locking assembly  260  is locked onto the upper rail  74  ( FIGS. 24 to 29 ). 
     The manner in which the barrier accessory device  200  is attached to the barrier structure  50 , notably one of the lateral portions  56  thereof in this embodiment, will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 29 . 
     First, as shown in  FIGS. 17 to 19 , the lower rail connector  206  is engaged with the lower rail  102 . Notably, the barrier accessory device  200  is inclined and part of the lower rail connector  206 , namely the slot-engaging member  244  thereof, is inserted through one of a plurality of openings  95  (also shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 ) defined by the wall  64  of the barrier structure  50 . The tip portion  248  of the slot-engaging member  244  is then inserted into the upwardly-facing slot  108  of the lower rail  102 . In particular, as best shown in  FIG. 19 , the tip  250  is inserted into the slot  108  such that the interior curved surface  254  of the tip portion  248  comes into contact with the outermost one of the upper ends  120  of the lower rail  102  and the tip  250  contacts the interior wall  119 . 
     Next, with reference to  FIGS. 20 to 23 , the barrier accessory device  200  is pivoted about the lower rail connector  206  to an upright position, with the upper rail connector  204  engaging the upper rail  72 . Notably, as shown in  FIG. 23 , when the barrier accessory device  200  is placed in its upright position, the cam surface  252  of the tip portion  248  slides against the interior wall  119  of the lower rail  102  to a position in which the engagement between the cam surface  252  and the interior wall  119 , as well as between the interior curved surface  254  and the outermost one of the upper ends  120  of the lower rail  102 , retains the lower rail connector  206  to the lower rail  102 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20 to 22B , when the upper rail connector  204  engages the upper rail  74 , the locking member  264  of the locking assembly  260  is in its unlocked position and the latch  276  is not received in the latch-receiving recess  291 . As can be seen in  FIG. 22A , the lower protruding portion  272  of the fixed member  262  is received in a recess  87  formed on the outer side of the upper rail  74 . Notably, the recess  87  is defined by the wide upper portion  79 , the wide lower portion  81  and the narrow intermediate portion  83  of the upper rail  74 . The lower protruding portion  272  is shaped and dimensioned so that a close fit exists between the lower protruding portion  272  and the surfaces defining the recess  87 . This can help provide a better interlock between the upper rail connector  204  and the upper rail  74 . Moreover, at this stage, the wide upper portion  79  of the upper rail  74  is disposed between the lower and upper protruding portions  272 ,  274  of the fixed member  262 . The pivot member  266  is thus disposed above the wide upper portion  79  of the upper rail  74 . 
     In order to lock the locking assembly  260  to the upper rail  74 , the locking member  264  is first placed in the position shown in  FIGS. 20 to 22B . In this position, the locking member  264  is inclined with the pivot member  266  extending upwardly, and the hook tip  288  of the hook portion  286  is disposed in a recess  89  formed on the inner side of the upper rail  74  (opposite the recess  87  on the outer side). Notably, the recess  89  is defined by the wide upper portion  79 , the wide lower portion  81  and the narrow intermediate portion  83  of the upper rail  74 . As such, the hook tip  288  and the lower protruding portion  272  are disposed on opposite sides of the upper rail  74 . At this point, the locking assembly  260  is ready to be locked onto the rail  74 . 
     The locking member  264  is then pivoted downward (about the axes  280 ,  282 ) to its locked position so that the locking assembly  260  locks onto the rail  74 , as shown in  FIGS. 24 to 29 . As the locking member  264  is pivoted downward, a lower edge of the locking member  264  at the outer end portion  284  slips over the curved outer surface  279  of the latch  276  and the locking member  264  moves the latch  276  inwardly until the latch  276  is received in the latch-receiving recess  291  of the locking member  264 . At this point, the latch  276  is permitted to move back to its original position, where it prevents the locking member  264  from moving back to the unlocked position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 29 , in the locked position of the locking member  264 , the fixed member  262  and the locking members  264 , together, form a shape that interlocks with a shape of the cross-sectional profile of the upper rail  74 . In particular, the fixed member  262  and the locking member  264  together define a recess  295  (best shown in  FIG. 14 ) that has generally the same shape as the cross-sectional profile of the wide upper portion  79  of the upper rail  102 . As such, in the locked position of the locking member  264 , the fixed member  262  and the locking member  264  together surround a majority of the wide upper portion  79  of the cross-sectional profile of the upper rail  102  (at the portion of the upper rail  102  to which the locking assembly  260  is locked onto). Notably, the shape formed by the fixed member  262  and the locking member  264  interlocks with the wide upper portion  79  and thus securely retains the barrier accessory device  200  with the barrier structure  50 . 
     It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the shape formed by the fixed member  262  and the locking member  264  when the locking member  264  is in the locked position could be different. Notably, in other embodiments, either one of the fixed member  262  and the locking member  264  could not extend into the recesses  87 ,  89  respectively and instead present a flat surface that only abuts the wide upper portion  79  of the cross-sectional profile of the upper rail  74 . 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 29 , in this embodiment, the locking assembly  260  includes two gripping members  265  to improve a grip of the locking assembly  260  on the upper rail  74 . The gripping members  265  are fixed (e.g., glued) to respective inner surfaces of the fixed member  262  and the locking member  264 . One of the gripping member  265  is fixed to the fixed member  262  at an inner surface thereof, between the lower and upper protruding portions  272 ,  274 . The other gripping member  265  is fixed to the locking member  264  at an inner surface thereof, between the hook tip  288  and the middle portion  285  of the locking member  264 . The grip members  265  are made of an anti-slip material. More specifically, in this embodiment, the gripping members  265  are made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The gripping members  265  may be omitted in other embodiments. 
     In order to remove the barrier accessory device  200  from the barrier structure  50 , the locking member  264  is moved to the unlocked position. To do this, in this embodiment, the latch  276  is pushed inwardly by the user into the latch-receiving recess  291  until the lower latching surface  277  no longer prevents the locking member  264  from pivoting upwardly about the axes  280 ,  282 . As can be seen, when the upper rail connector  204  engages the upper rail  74 , the pivot axes  280 ,  282  extend in a direction generally parallel to the upper rail  74  at a portion thereof to which the locking assembly  260  is locked onto. Thus when the locking member  264  pivots from the locked position to the unlocked position, the locking member  264  pivots inwardly in a direction away from the accessory connection base  202 , as permitted by the two pivot axes  280 ,  282 . 
     As can be understood from the above description, the barrier accessory device  200  allows the user to quickly and toollessly secure/remove the accessory  400  to/from the barrier structure  50 . Notably, unlike some conventional storage solutions that are mountable to a barrier structure of a boat and require a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) for doing so, neither of the upper and lower rail connectors  204 ,  206  requires a tool to be secured to the barrier structure  50 . It will also be appreciated that the barrier accessory deice  200  can be disposed at various positions along the barrier structure. In addition, when the barrier accessory device  200  is disposed on the outer side of the barrier structure  50 , the accessory  400  that is secured thereto does not occupy any place on the deck  20 , thus allowing a greater surface area of the deck  20  to be used for other purposes. 
     While in this embodiment the barrier accessory device  200  is positioned on an outer side of the barrier structure  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 30 to 32 , it is contemplated that the barrier accessory device  200  could be positioned on the inner side of the barrier structure  50 . Similarly, while in this embodiment the rail connector  204  is engaged with the upper rail  74  and the rail connector  206  is engaged with the lower rail  102 , this may be the opposite in other embodiments. Notably, it is contemplated that the rail connector  204  could be engaged with the lower rail  102  and the rail connector  206  could be engaged with the upper rail  74 . Therefore, it should be understood that the terms “outer”, “inner”, “upper” and “lower” and other words used in reference to the different components of the barrier accessory device  200  are used to facilitate the description thereof and should not be understood as limiting the potential orientation of the barrier accessory device  200  relative to the barrier structure  50 . 
     Furthermore, the lower rail  102  of the barrier structure  50  could be configured otherwise. For instance, in some embodiments, the lower rail  102  of the barrier structure  50  could be comprised by the deck  20 . Notably, a molded part of the deck  20  could be generally rail-shaped and define a slot such as the slot  108 . Similarly, in some cases, the lower rail  102  may be comprised by the wall  64 , namely in embodiments in which the wall  64  is rigid (e.g., a molded wall) forming the slot  108  accessible for installation of the barrier accessory device  200  positioned on the inner and/or outer side of the wall  64 . That is, the wall  64  could define the slot  108  to which the lower rail connector  206  is engaged. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upper rail  74  may be comprised by the wall  64 , namely in embodiments in which the wall  64  is rigid (e.g., a molded wall), thereby allowing the barrier accessory device  200  to be secured thereto as described above. For instance, in some embodiments, a boat&#39;s gunwale may define the structure of the upper rail  74  and a molded portion of the boat&#39;s wall extending beneath the gunwale may define the slot  108  such that the barrier accessory device  200  can be installed thereon. 
     In addition to the position shown in  FIGS. 24 to 26 , the barrier accessory device  200  could be connected at a plurality of other positions along the left and right lateral portions  56  of the barrier structure  50  of the boat  10 . In addition, the barrier accessory device  200  could be connected to a portion of the barrier structure  50  other than one of the left and right lateral portions  56 . For instance, in other embodiments, the barrier accessory device  200  could be connected to the front portion  54  or the rear portion  60  of the barrier structure  50 . 
     Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.