Patent ID: 12246801

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not necessarily intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only example embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering may represent like elements. Furthermore, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments provide a submersible seat for use on a watercraft, such as a boat. The seat is attached to a movable arm mechanism that allows the seat to be moved between a lowered position and a raised position. In embodiments, the movable arm mechanism attaches to a watercraft, such as the stern of a boat. The movable arm mechanism is attached to the watercraft such that the lowered position is below the waterline (or approximate waterline), and can be used as a swim-up seat. Furthermore, the movable arm mechanism is attached to the watercraft such that the raised position is above the waterline (or approximate waterline), and can be used as a table in that configuration. Furthermore, a tension member, such as a hydraulic cylinder is attached to portions of the movable arm mechanism to enable the seat to be easily raised when it is not being used as a seat.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in some embodiments”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Moreover, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined (“mixed and matched”) in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope and purpose of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, etc., do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term “set” is intended to mean a quantity of at least one. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including”, or “has” and/or “having”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, and/or elements. For the purposes of disclosure, the word, “substantially” is defined as “for the most part”. It means “to a great extent,” but having some room for some minor variation.

FIG.1shows a side view of an assembly100in a lowered configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Assembly100is a movable arm. Assembly100includes a mounting spar112. The mounting spar112is configured and disposed to couple with a receiver tube mounted on a watercraft such as a boat. The mounting spar includes a first mounting spar opening113and a second mounting spar opening114that can be used to receive a hitch pin to secure the mounting spar112to the receiver tube.

The assembly includes an intermediate spar116. A first end of the intermediate spar116is rotatably attached to the mounting spar112. A second end of the intermediate spar116is rotatably attached to seat bracket108. Seat bracket108includes a seat attachment opening120that is used to attach a seat to the seat bracket108.

A torque link118is rotatably attached the mounting spar112at a first end of the torque link118. The torque link118is rotatably attached to the seat backet108at a second end of the torque link118(seeFIGS.9A and9B). In embodiments, the mounting spar112, seat bracket108, and torque link118may be comprised of a metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or other suitable material.

FIG.2shows a side view of an assembly101(similar to assembly100) including a seat130in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in a lowered configuration. In embodiments, seat130may be comprised of a plastic such as polycarbonate or other suitable material.

FIG.3shows a side view of assembly101including seat130in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in a lowered configuration as installed on a watercraft132. In embodiments, watercraft132is a boat.FIG.3shows a stern portion of watercraft132in water, having a water level corresponding to height WL (waterline or approximate waterline). Preferably, the apparatus is installed behind the stern of the watercraft132. Watercraft132includes a receiver tube134disposed at the stern of the watercraft132. The mounting spar112is inserted into the receiver tube134to secure the assembly101to the watercraft132. The receiver tube134may include a side opening135to allow insertion of a hitch pin to further secure the assembly101to the watercraft132.

As shown inFIG.3, the assembly101is in a lowered configuration, and the seat130is below the water level at height WL. This allows a person swimming in the water to “swim up” to the seat130and sit. In the lowered configuration, the seat130has a seat depth167. In embodiments, the seat depth ranges from about 25 centimeters to about 80 centimeters. This allows the lower portion of a user to be submerged, while an upper portion including shoulders and head to be above the water level at height WL.

FIG.4Ashows a side view of assembly100in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in a raised configuration. In this configuration, the seat bracket108is moved such that it is above the mounting spar112. As can be seen inFIG.4A, a tension member, such as hydraulic cylinder144may be rotatably attached to the mounting spar112and seat bracket108. The hydraulic cylinder144provides an upward force indicated by arrow405. The upward force, represented as arrow405, is less than the downward force, represented as arrow407, typically exerted by a person when sitting on the seat in the water. The upward force405is selected such that the assembly100may move with little or no manual intervention to the raised configuration when not in use as a seat. To use the apparatus in the lowered position, a user can swim up to the seat and press the seat downward to sit on it.

FIG.4Bshows a perspective view of assembly100in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in a raised configuration. In this view, it can be seen that there are two intermediate spars, indicated as116and117, and two torque links, indicated as118and119. The hydraulic cylinder144is disposed between the two torque links and the two intermediate spars. In embodiments, intermediate spar116is similar to intermediate spar117. In embodiments, torque link118is similar to torque link119.

The mounting spar112includes a central flange151, a first side flange152, and a second side flange153. The central flange151is disposed between the first side flange152and the second side flange153. One end of the hydraulic cylinder144is attached to the central flange151, and the other end of the hydraulic cylinder144is attached to the intermediate spars116and117.

Thus, embodiments can include a second intermediate spar rotatably connected to the mounting spar at a first end of the second intermediate spar, where the second intermediate spar is rotatably connected to the seat bracket at a second end of the second intermediate spar. Embodiments can include a first torque link rotatably connected to the mounting spar at a first end of the first torque link, where the first torque link is rotatably connected to the seat bracket at a second end of the first torque link. Embodiments can further include a second torque link rotatably connected to the mounting spar at a first end of the second torque link, where the second torque link is rotatably connected to the seat bracket at a second end of the second torque link.

FIG.5shows a side view of assembly101including a seat130in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in a raised configuration as installed on a watercraft. In the raised configuration shown inFIG.5, the seat130is raised above the water level WL. In this configuration, the seat130can serve as a table for people on the watercraft132. Thus, embodiments can serve as a seat or a table, depending on the configuration used. The configuration can be changed from a seat (lowered configuration) to a table (raised configuration) without needing to remove the assembly101from the receiver tube134, making it convenient to switch between the two configurations.

FIG.6shows a top-down view of assembly100in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen in this view, the hydraulic cylinder144is disposed between the first intermediate spar116and the second intermediate spar117. One end of the hydraulic cylinder144is attached to the central flange151, and the other end of the hydraulic cylinder144is attached to the pin609that connects to intermediate spars116and117. Embodiments can include a tension member disposed between the mounting spar and the intermediate spar. In embodiments, the tension member comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

FIG.7shows a top-down view of an assembly200in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. Assembly200is similar to assembly100, with the major difference being the use of elastic band244used as the tension member in place of the hydraulic cylinder144shown inFIG.6. In other embodiments, one or more elastic bands, springs, or cords may be used instead of, or in conjunction with, a hydraulic cylinder. As shown inFIG.7, one end of the elastic band244is attached to the central flange151(in this case, via a connecting member159, but not required in all embodiments), and the other end of the elastic band244is attached to the pin609that connects to intermediate spars116and117. In embodiments, the tension member comprises an elastic band. Other embodiments may include a rubber band or metal spring as the tension member.

FIG.8Ashows a top-down view of assembly101including a seat130in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.FIG.8Bis a front view of a seat130in accordance with embodiments of the present invention as viewed along line A-A′ ofFIG.8A. Referring toFIG.8A, it can be seen that the seat130may have a generally rectangular or square seating area. Other shapes are possible with embodiments of the present invention. A portion, indicated as137, of the assembly101is inserted into receiver tube134to install it behind the stern of watercraft132.

As can be seen inFIG.8B, seat130comprises seat panel260that includes seat top surface268. Seat top surface268serves as a seating surface when the seat is in the lowered configuration. Seat top surface268can serve as a table when the seat is in the raised configuration. The seat panel260includes a seat underside266that includes a seat underside cutout264. A seat mounting tube262is affixed to the seat underside266. To assemble an apparatus in accordance with disclosed embodiments, the seat bracket108is inserted in the seat mounting tube262. A bolt818(FIG.8A), is then passed through an opening in the seat mounting tube262and the opening120(FIG.1) within the seat bracket, in order to fasten the seat130to the seat bracket108. It should be recognized that the seat can be attached to the assembly100in other suitable manners within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.9Ashows a perspective view of a torque link118in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Torque link118comprises a first torque link mounting opening160at a first end, and a second torque link mounting opening162at a second end. The torque link has a bend in it at an intermediate location indicated at905. The torque link118comprises a major segment156and a minor segment158. The major segment156includes the first torque link mounting opening160, and extends to the bend at location905. The minor segment includes the second torque link mounting opening162, and extends to the bend at location905. In embodiments, the ratio of the length L1of the major segment156to the length L2of minor segment158may range from 3 to 5.

FIG.9Bshows a side view of torque link118in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this view, the angle164between the major segment156and minor segment158is shown. In embodiments, the angle164has a value ranging from 110 degrees to 130 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle164has a value ranging from 118 degrees to 122 degrees. Thus, in embodiments, the torque link comprises an angle formed at an intermediate location within the torque link.

FIG.10shows a perspective view of an intermediate spar116in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Intermediate spar116comprises first intermediate spar mounting opening168, tension member attachment opening170, and second intermediate spar mounting opening166. The tension member (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, elastic band) is attached via tension member attachment opening170.

FIG.11Ashows a side view of a seat bracket108in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.FIG.11Bshows a perspective view of seat bracket108in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Seat bracket108comprises bracket block173, and torque link mounting lip172adjoined to the bracket block173. Torque link attachment opening174is formed within torque link mounting lip172. Seat attachment opening120is formed within the bracket block173of the seat bracket108and is used for attaching a seat (e.g.,130ofFIG.5) thereto. Intermediate spar mounting opening176is formed on the end of the bracket block173that adjoins the torque link mounting lip172.

FIG.12shows a perspective view of a mounting spar112in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Mounting spar112comprises a central flange151which is bounded by a first slide flange152and a second side flange153. In embodiments, the first slide flange152is similar to the second side flange153. Side flange152comprises first mounting spar opening113and second mounting spar opening114. These openings may be used to secure the apparatus to a receiver tube via hitch pins. Second side flange153has similar openings aligned such that a pin may be passed through the mounting spar112. Some embodiments may use other mounting mechanisms instead of, or in addition to, those shown inFIG.11A,FIG.11B, andFIG.12.

FIG.13Ashows a perspective view of a central flange151in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Central flange151includes bracket block177. A first central flange opening193is positioned to align with first mounting spar opening113shown inFIG.12. A second central flange opening194is positioned to align with second mounting spar opening114shown inFIG.12. Intermediate spar mounting opening178is formed in the bracket block, allowing connection of intermediate spars (e.g.,116and117ofFIG.4B). Torque link mounting lip182is adjoined to bracket block177. Tension member lip184is adjoined to torque link mounting lip182. The torque links (e.g.,118and119ofFIG.4B) are rotatably fastened to the central flange151via torque link attachment opening180. The tension member (e.g., hydraulic cylinder144ofFIG.4B, elastic band244ofFIG.7) are rotatably fastened to the central flange151via tension member attachment opening186.

FIG.13Bshows a side view of a central flange251in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Central flange251is similar to central flange151ofFIG.13A, with the addition of a tether loop253. The tether loop253can be used to provide an additional connection to a watercraft via a rope, cable, chain or similar item, to provide additional security if the apparatus is disconnected from the receiver tube.

FIG.13Cshows a perspective view of a side flange152in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Side flange152includes main body1317, having a first mounting spar opening113and a second mounting spar opening114formed therein. The openings113and114can be used to receive a hitch pin to secure the mounting spar to the receiver tube. Side flange152further includes lower lip1319which adjoins main body1317.

FIG.14shows a side view of an assembly201including a seat with a hydrofoil cup holder196in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention in a lowered configuration. Assembly201is similar to assembly101shown inFIG.2, with the addition of hydrofoil cup holder196. Hydrofoil cup holder196is affixed to seat230. When the attached watercraft moves forward, water exerts a lateral force indicated by arrow234, which causes the hydrofoil cup holder196to move upwards in the direction indicated by arrow236, causing the seat230to raise. In this way, as a watercraft moves forward, unoccupied seat230moves in the direction indicated by arrow236automatically, without manual intervention, thereby automatically moving the apparatus into a raised configuration in response to forward motion of the watercraft. Embodiments can include a hydrofoil affixed to the seat. In some embodiments, the hydrofoil includes an integrated cup holder.

FIG.15shows a top-down view of assembly201including a seat with a hydrofoil cup holder in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen in this view, hydrofoil cup holder196is affixed to a side of seat230. A recess198is formed within the hydrofoil cup holder196. In embodiments, the recess198is circular and sized as to accommodate typical-sized beverage containers such as bottles, cups, and cans.

FIG.16Ashows a perspective view of a hydrofoil cup holder196in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention.FIG.16Bshows a top-down view of the hydrofoil cup holder196ofFIG.16A. Hydrofoil cup holder196comprises a front-facing surface210and a top surface211. A top opening212is formed in the top surface211of the hydrofoil cup holder196. A bottom opening214is formed in the front facing surface210. Referring specifically toFIG.16B, the top opening212has diameter216, and the bottom opening214has diameter218. The top opening212has a larger diameter than bottom opening214. Thus, a beverage container that can fit through the top opening212but cannot fit through the bottom opening214is held in place within the hydrofoil cup holder196.

FIG.16Cshows a perspective view of a hydrofoil cup holder224in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention.FIG.16Dshows a top-down view of the hydrofoil cup holder224ofFIG.16C.

Hydrofoil cup holder224comprises a front-facing surface226and a top surface227. An opening228is formed in the top surface227of the hydrofoil cup holder224. Unlike the hydrofoil cup holder196shown inFIG.16AandFIG.16B, there is no bottom opening in hydrofoil cup holder224. Referring specifically toFIG.16D, there is a bottom surface237formed in the opening228such that a beverage container can rest on bottom surface237and be held in place by the hydrofoil cup holder224.

Hydrofoil cup holders196and224can serve as hydrofoils when the apparatus is in a lowered configuration, urging the seat upwards as the attached watercraft moves forward. Hydrofoil cup holders196and224can serve as cup holders when the apparatus is in a raised configuration, securing a beverage container while the seat is being used as a table.

FIG.17shows a side view of an assembly201including a seat with a hydrofoil cup holder196in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention in a raised configuration. A beverage container232is shown stored within hydrofoil cup holder196.

FIG.18shows a side view of an assembly288including a protective sleeve238in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention in a raised configuration. Protective sleeve238may be comprised of a flexible material such as neoprene, rubber, or other suitable material. The sleeve238covers the moving parts including the intermediate spars and tension members, in order to keep debris and appendages such as fingers away from moving parts within the assembly, such as the intermediate spars. Thus, embodiments can include a sleeve disposed around the first intermediate spar and second intermediate spar.

FIG.19shows a side view of an assembly388illustrating use of a tether hook in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Assembly388is similar to assembly288ofFIG.18, with the main difference being the use of central flange251, which includes tether loop253. During use, a rope246may be secured to the tether loop253and also to an attachment point242, such as a cleat, on the watercraft132. Additionally, a hitch pin240may be inserted through lateral opening135, and through a mounting spar opening (e.g.,113or114onFIG.12), to provide additional security for the assembly388to ensure it remains attached to the watercraft132.

FIG.20shows a side view of an assembly488illustrating use of a submerged safety indicator in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Assembly488is similar to assembly388, with a main difference being the incorporation of a submerged safety indicator489. In embodiments, the submerged safety indicator489includes a pole248affixed to seat330via bracket250. A visible indicator such as a pennant252or colored tip is affixed to the upper end of the pole248. This serves as an alert that the seat330is submerged below the water level WL. In embodiments, the submerged safety indicator comprises a pole affixed to the seat in a substantially perpendicular orientation to a seat top surface268(see also,268ofFIG.8B). Embodiments can further include a pennant affixed to one end of the pole.

While a variety of embodiments are disclosed and shown, other embodiments can include other combinations of features, such as a hydrofoil cup holder, submerged safety indicator, tether loop, and others. Some embodiments may include multiple hydrofoil cup holders, submerged safety indicators, and/or tether hooks.

As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus that includes a submersible seating surface attached to a watercraft. The submersible seating surface may be raised to serve as a table when not in use as a seat. A tension member such as a hydraulic cylinder is used to provide upward force on the seat to allow it to be easily raised from a lowered position where it is submerged in water, to a raised position, where it is out of the water. In embodiments, the lower position is used as a seat. This allows a person to sit in the water with the seat secured to the watercraft. In embodiments, the upper position is used as a table. In some embodiments, a tether is used to provide additional security for the apparatus in the event it becomes disconnected from the watercraft. In some embodiments, a hydrofoil cup holder is affixed to the seating surface to provide additional lift when a watercraft is moving forward, such that the hydrofoil urges the seat upward and out of the water. The hydrofoil cup holder further includes an opening in a top surface of the cup holder to secure an item such as a beverage container when the apparatus is used as a table. Embodiments may further include a submerged safety indicator to alert nearby swimmers and/or people on the watercraft of the submerged seat. Thus, disclosed embodiments provide additional capability for a watercraft such as a boat to enhance enjoyment while using a watercraft.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, although the illustrative embodiments are described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of such acts or events unless specifically stated. Some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein, in accordance with the invention. In addition, not all illustrated steps may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, the methods according to the present invention may be implemented in association with the formation and/or processing of structures illustrated and described herein as well as in association with other structures not illustrated. Moreover, in particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.