Abstract:
An under deck mid cabin entry system for a mono hull boat including an entry console and exposed top and front surfaces. Front and top openings extend to the top edge of the front surface and collectively define a generally L shaped entryway. The entry console is disposed to the side of a center console and provides access to steps extending beneath the main deck. A top step is within the entry console proximate to the front surface and the steps curve towards a central beam of the boat and descend into the mid cabin such that a bottom step proximate to a floor of the mid cabin directs a user into a central area of the mid cabin and terminates to avoid obstructing movement in the central area.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an underdeck mid-cabin entry system for a mono hull boat which preserves and maximizes the largest amount of underdeck cabin space possible, while still providing convenient access to the mid-cabin. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the field of art related to the design of cabins under the main deck of mid-sized mono hull boats, usable cabin space is typically at a premium, especially given the limited distance from the underside of the main deck to the boat hull. Mono hull type boats can include v-hull and step hull boats, and typically will be in the range of twenty or less feet in beam or width. As a result, the depth of the hull in a mono hull boat is generally limited based upon an acceptable slope of the hull itself. A predominant feature of mono hull boats is also the inclusion of a center console. Specifically, in order to maintain balance and symmetry a large center console is provided as part of the main deck, the center console being the location where the controls, gages and steering of the boat are achieved by an operator on the open deck. Moreover, as such mono hull boats typically have seating areas both in front of and behind the center console, passages are traditionally provided on both sides of the center console so as to achieve a 360 degree walk around possibility, a significant requirement in the fishing environment for which the traditional center console boat was designed. Therefore, in order to maximize the functionality of the mid cabin, the center console has traditionally included an entry hatch, in either a side or the front end opposite the controls, through which stairs descending into the mid cabin are accessed. In this way added head room is provided as the user is descending into the mid cabin and a central area of the mid cabin is given the maximum headroom by the center console. Of course, once in the mid cabin a variety of internal configurations are presented so as to maximize the use of the space including often positioning compact lavatories and other storage areas, with the space beneath the stairs that descend down from the center console providing a further storage location and/or a cramped functional area. 
     As can be appreciated, the maximum height of the mid-cabin is located at the central area, and therefore the requirement of the access stairs extending into and through a portion of that central area significantly diminishes and detracts from the usable, maximum height area, requiring that the less comfortable side spaces be the primary areas that define the mid cabin. As a result it would be highly beneficial to provide an improved entry system that allows the maximum preservation of the central cabin area as usable space for a variety of functional purposes including the installation of a full or max height lavatory and/or greater ease of movement and maneuvering within the mid-cabin. Further, such a system should still provide entry ease to a user and should allow a generally upright entry into the main central cabin areas. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an under deck mid-cabin entry system. In particular the under deck mid-cabin entry system is specifically designed for use and installation on a mono hull boat which has a main deck with opposite edges that engage an interior of the hull. Furthermore, the mono hull boat is preferably of a mid size, such as less than approximately 50-55 feet in length. 
     The entry system of the present invention includes an entry console. This entry console preferably has at least an exposed top surface and an exposed front surface. Moreover, the entry console preferably extends upward from an upper surface of the main deck, thereby being confrontable by a user walking on the main deck of the boat. 
     Defined in the exposed front surface of the entry console is a front opening. This front opening preferably extends up to a top edge of the front surface of the entry console, and can preferably occupy a majority of the width of the front surface. Also defined in the entry console, and in particular in the top surface of the entry console is a top opening. This top opening extends through the top surface of the entry console and continues to the top edge of the front surface. In this manner, both the top opening and front opening collectively define a continuous generally L-shaped entry way when not covered or obstructed. 
     The entry console is preferably defined by an elevated generally squared or cube type of configuration, and is positioned on the main deck in close proximity to one of the opposite edges of the main deck. As a result, the entry console overlies generally the upper sloped portion of the bottom area of the boat hull, and in the preferred embodiments is to the side of the center console. 
     Secured in generally adjacent and/or proximate position relative to the L-shaped entry way are a plurality of steps. The plurality of steps preferably extend beneath the main deck commencing with a top step disposed in close proximity to the main deck within an interior of the entry console that is generally proximate to the front surface of the console. As a result, the front surface of the entry console and a top of the steps generally define a threshold for a user desiring to access and descend the plurality of steps. 
     The plurality of steps extend downwardly from the top step and preferably somewhat gradually curve towards a central beam of the mono hull boat as they descend into the main cabin. In this regard a bottom one of the steps is disposed in generally proximate relation to a floor of the mid-cabin so that a user can step off of the bottom step onto the floor of the mid-cabin. Moreover, the bottom one of the steps is preferably oriented towards the central beam so as to direct the user of the steps into the central area of the mid-cabin. Further, the bottom step preferably does not enter the central area of the mid-cabin itself, thereby avoiding obstructing movement within the central area of the mid-cabin and ensuring that the plurality of steps do not occupy the central area of the mid cabin. In this manner, the functionality and height of the central area is preserved and not diminished by the steps, enabling its use for a variety of purposes including, for example, a centrally positioned, maximum height lavatory beneath the main deck. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a mono hull boat embodying the entry system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the entry system of the present invention illustrating the entry console in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the entry system of the present invention illustrating the entry console in a closed orientation 
         FIG. 4  is a partial, close up view of the entry console of the present invention in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a lateral cross section of the mono hull boat illustrating an interior view of the entry system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross section of the mono hull boat illustrating the mid-cabin and the inter-relation between the entry system and the mid-cabin. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As referenced in the attached Figures the present invention generally relates to an underdeck mid-cabin entry system, generally indicated as  10 . In particular, the entry system  10  is especially configured for use on mono hull boats  75  which include a main deck  76  and an underdeck mid-cabin  80 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the entry system  10  is configured for mid to smaller sized mono hull boats having a beam or width of less than 17 to 20 feet, such as, for example, as what might facilitate transport on a trailer if necessary, and of an overall length of typically less than 50-55 feet, and in a preferred embodiment at 42 feet. Naturally trailer transport is not a requirement of the boat type on which the present entry system  10  will be utilized. 
     Furthermore, the mono hull boat  10  preferably includes one of a plurality of traditional style mono hulls  90 , such as a step hull, or a v-hull. This type of mono hull  90  is generally formed of a single piece of material and naturally has at its lowest point a central beam  91  that slopes upwardly to opposite perimeter edges  92  of a lower portion of the hull  90  which are generally at the highest point and/or at a minimum a higher point than the central lowest point  91 . In some embodiments, hull  90  can also extend upward from the sloped bottom portion until it engages what is typically a single piece main deck  76 . Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the mono hull boat  75  also includes a center console  78 . In particular, the center console  78  is preferably at least partially integrally formed with the main deck  76  and includes the navigation and control equipment for the boat  75 . As such, the center console  78  generally defines an elevated central structure that extends above the main deck  76 , and is preferably aligned above a central area  82  of the mid-cabin  80 . As a result, the center console  78  helps to define a maximum height area of the mid-cabin  80 . 
     Looking to the mid-cabin  80 , it is configured to achieve a functional covered space for users of the boat, and as a result, can include sleeping accommodations, lounge, eating, and/or sitting accommodations, storage and/or entertainment facilities, and/or a lavatory  86 . In connection with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lavatory  86  is preferably located in the central area  82  of the mid cabin  80  beneath the center console  78  so as to take advantage of the maximum height area for comfortable and convenient lavatory  86  usage. Likewise, having a maximum height central area  82  provides users maneuverability while they are using and/or moving into the various accommodations and facilities located within the mid cabin. 
     Turning to the entry system  10  of the present invention, it preferably includes an entry console  20 . In particular the entry console  20  preferably includes an elevated and/or cubed configuration that extends above the main deck  76  of the boat  75 . In this regard, in a preferred embodiment the entry console  20  may have a matched height relative to the center console  78  of the boat so as to achieve uniformity in style and height. Moreover, similar to the main console, the entry console  20  may be integrally formed with the main deck  76  and/or may be continuous with the center console. Along these lines, the entry console  20  is disposed on the main deck  76  in a generally close proximity to one of the opposite side edges  77 ,  77 ′ of the main deck  76 . Further, in a preferred embodiment wherein the beam or width of the boat at a position of the entry console  20  is less than approximately 17 feet, the entry console  20  is preferably disposed flush with an interior side wall of the boat, or at a minimum within approximately 2½ feet of the side edge  77  of the main deck  76  along which it is positioned. In this regard and as illustrated in the Figures, the entry console  20  preferably, but not necessarily, occupies the entire gap between the center console  78  of the boat  75  and the corresponding side edge  77  or  77 ′ of the main deck  76  and the boat itself  75 . 
     Looking in further detail to the entry console  20 , it includes a front surface  22 , and a top surface, generally  30 . The front surface  22  includes a front opening  24  defined therein, the front opening  24  preferably extending from at or slightly above the walking surface of the main deck  76  up to the top edge  26  of the front surface  22 . As a result, the front opening  24  defines a complete opening up through the top of the entry console  20 . Similarly, in order to facilitate passage of a user therethrough, the front opening  24  preferably has a width sufficient to accommodate passage of a person, that width optimally occupying all or a majority of the front surface  22 . 
     Similarly the top surface  30  of the entry console  20  includes a top opening  32 . The top opening  32  extends through the top surface  30 , also to the top edge  26  of the front surface  22 . As a result, the top opening  32  and front opening  24  cooperatively define a generally L-shaped entry way as seen in the Figures. As also seen in the figures, the width of the top opening  32  preferably corresponds to the width of the front opening  24 , and the overall length of the top opening  32  can vary. In the preferred embodiment, however, the top opening  32  extends from the front surface  22  approximately two to four feet so as to define an open area to allow for ease of passage by a user into the entry console  20  as will be described. 
     Disposed just beyond the front surface  22  of the entry console  20  are a plurality of steps, generally  50 . These steps  50  descend into the mid-cabin  80  of the boat  75  to provide access thereto. As seen in  FIG. 5 , a top step  52  of the plurality of steps  50  is preferably disposed in substantially close proximity to the main deck  76  and the front surface  22  of the entry console  20 . As a result, the front surface  22  of the entry console  20  effectively defines a threshold beyond which a user will step in order to engage the top step  52 . Along these lines, the top step  52  may be directly even with the main deck  76  and/or may be slightly above or below the main deck  76  so as to provide more convenient access by a user. Further, because of the open configuration of the top opening  32  defined in the top surface  30  of the entry console  20 , when a user stands on the top most step  52  there head will generally protrude through the top opening  32  allowing some descending onto lower steps before their head goes below the top surface  30  of the entry console  20 , and ultimately the top surface of the center console  78  of the boat  75 . 
     As indicated in the Figures a plurality of steps  50  are shown, the exact number of the steps varying depending upon the needs and/or desired configuration and depth of the mid cabin. Nevertheless, as illustrated, the plurality of steps  50  preferably commence being oriented along a length of the boat  75  and subsequently curve toward a central beam  91  of the boat  75  as they descend into the mid-cabin  80 . In a preferred embodiment at least a front edge of the steps  50  curve 30 to 45 degrees from parallel with said front surface  22 , with a front edge of the bottom step possibly rotating closer to ninety degrees. As a result of this curving of the steps  50 , when a user reaches a bottom step  54  they are generally directed toward a central beam  91  of the boat  70  and into the central area  82  of the mid-cabin  80  where the greatest height and maneuverability is achieved. Furthermore, the plurality of stairs  50  do not extend into the central area  82  of the mid-cabin  80  such that the underdeck volume occupied by the plurality of steps  50  remains to the side of the central area  82  and does not detract from the functionality of the maximum height central area  82  of the mid-deck  80 . In this regard a convenience feature such as a lavatory  86  can be included more effectively in the central area  82  of the mid-cabin  80  without compromising height and/or detracting from other usable space of the central area  82  such as in a bedroom or relaxation area usage of the mid-cabin  80 , and the functional standing area of the central area  82  is maximized. 
     Looking in further detail to the bottom step  54  of the plurality of steps  50 , it may define a bottom landing which in some embodiments may be larger than the remaining of the plurality of steps  50 . This bottom landing  54  type of configuration provides an area where a user is able to stand prior to their final step into the central area  82  of the mid-cabin  80 . In this regard, in some embodiments a tall individual standing on the landing  54  may still be partially protruding through the top opening  32  in the entry console  20 . Additionally, this landing  54  may extend into the mid-cabin  80  as it may provide a region where a user sitting within the mid-cabin  80  can position their feet and indeed may extend along the length of the mid-cabin  80  either at the same level as the central area  82  or in a preferred embodiment at slightly above the central area  82  of the mid-cabin  80  so as to provide the ability to position the central area  82  at the lower most portion possible relative to the configuration of the hull  90 . Accordingly, it is preferred that the landing  54  terminate prior to an entry of the lavatory  86  so as to allow the lavatory  86  to achieve maximum height, however, it also being noted that in addition to allowing for the provision of a full height lavatory  86  by maintaining the landing out from the central area  82  of the mid-cabin  80  a substantial usable area, as best illustrated in  FIG. 6 , can be maintained where users of the mid-cabin  80  are able to walk around comfortably and only side storage, utility and/or seating areas are compromised by decreasing height capacity that is necessitated by the curvature of the hull  90 . 
     As noted, the entry console  20  is preferably somewhat uniform and/or continuous from the central console  78  of the boat  75 . Along these lines, as noted, the entry console  20  may be integrally formed with the main deck  76 . Additionally, one or more entry covers  40 ,  42  may also be provided. In particular, a front entry cover  40  is preferably provided to cover the front surface  22  of the entry console  20  thereby concealing and closing the front opening  24 . In one preferred embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 4 , the front entry cover  40  slides laterally out from in front of the front opening  24 . Alternately, the front entry cover  40  can retract downwardly towards the main deck  76  of the boat  75 . This downward retraction of the front entry cover  40 , and even the lateral retraction if desired, can be achieved by a rolling configuration if the front entry cover  40  has an at least partially flexible or rollable construction and/or may simply be achieved by sliding the front entry cover  40  into a storage compartment. As yet another embodiment the front entry cover  40  can pivot down towards a rear of the boat onto the main deck  76  so as to define a step platform onto which a user may stand. Likewise the top entry cover  22  is preferably provided to retract from its covering position over the top opening  32 , which in the preferred embodiment retracts towards a front  79  of the boat  75 , such as by rolling or sliding into or onto a remaining portion of the top surface  30  of the entry console  20 . In this regard, and as seen in  FIG. 3 , the top surface of the entry console  20  preferably extends well beyond the top opening  32  and can also provide functional areas for users on the main deck  76  of the boat as well as beneath the main deck. 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,